Russian International Schools - What, Where, How and Why

Russia is a great place to get an education. At any level and at any age.

Read on and we'll tell you how IB schools in Russia are organized and why you definitely should send your child there. 

The Russian education system

Russian education is considered to be of high quality, as demonstrated by the fact that 99.6% of the population is literate. Additionally, MSU, for instance, is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities in the world, with a current ranking of 95th as of 2024.

It is important to note that schools do not stand apart. Pupils frequently excel in challenging Olympiads and can compete with children from around the globe in various disciplines, including mathematics, science, and reading. 

In Russia, education is compulsory up to and including 9th grade, but many students choose to remain in school until the end, completing 11th grade and proceeding to university after passing the USE. 

Types of international schools in Russia

You can send your child to various types of foreign schools. In the Russian Federation there are academies that operate under the programs of Great Britain, the USA, and the European countries. 

The capital stands out in this regard. It offers students from countries that are not on this list to receive education under their programs. Such countries are, for example, Italy or France.

International Primary Curriculum (IPC)

IPC is the number one choice because it provides a structured approach to learning and allows teachers to be creative.

The program is designed for children between the ages of 5 and 12. Its main feature is an introduction to multicultural communication and individual development for everyone. Among the subjects there are:

• Art;

• Geography;

• Spanish History;

• Musical arts;

• Mathematics;

• Physical education;

• Social studies;

• Technology.

International Baccalaureate (IB) 

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an educational program taught in one of three languages (English, French or Spanish).

This one is the key to preparing graduates for the best universities in the world.

The program is open to students between the ages of 3 and 19. Depending on the age, the level also changes. There are three of them:

• Primary Years Program (PYP) – ages 5 to 11

• Middle Years Program (MYP) – from 11 to 16 years old

• Diploma Program (IB) – 16-19 years old

The British International School in Moscow follows the IB curriculum. The institution has been operating for 30 years and during this time has managed to get into the TOP-50 varsity all over the world. Highly qualified staff, comprehensive programs (besides IB there is also A-level) and responsive management. 

Advanced Placement (AP)

AP is a college preparatory curriculum used extensively in the United States and Canada. It would be most appropriate for the children of American expats. In Russia, at the time of writing (March 2024), there are only two licensed places with this very program: 

• The Anglo-American School of Moscow

• Hinkson Christian Academy 

British international schools

Russia accommodates a variety of British foreign academies that meticulously adhere to the English national curriculum. These not only serve as a springboard for UK citizens, but also act as a nurturing ground for those aspiring to pursue academic life in the United Kingdom. 

The following British international academies are located in the Russian Federation: 

• British School of St. Petersburg

• Cambridge International School (CIS)

• CET International Primary School

• English International School (BIS)

In these institutions, math, science, history, and a variety of foreign languages are taught. 

The language of instruction is English, as is customary. However, some of these schools also teach in Russian. 

International GCSE (IGCSE)

IGCSE is a British qualification taught in home schools in years 10-11. English is a compulsory subject along with science here. History, geography and art are strictly optional. After receiving the qualification, the student has two options: to leave the school or to continue and then go to IB schools in Russia. 

Should you send your child to an international school in Russia?

Absolutely! But you have to keep in mind that they are still very different from traditional options. Namely by this:

• Ecumenical program – students explore the same subjects as their peers in England, USA, Canada and other countries. The content is drastically different from the standard Russian course: children study more foreign languages and can choose the subjects they are most interested in. 

• Education starts earlier – international schools accept children much earlier. At the Cambridge International School, for example, primary school starts at the age of 5.

• Admissions tests – the admissions committee needs to be sure that the child can cope with the academic program and will be comfortable in an English-speaking environment. 

Below are the main advantages of getting an international Baccalaureate Moscow education.

It's ironic. But we'll start with perhaps the most controversial point.

No, it's not that we think it's the norm to neglect security. The thing is, all international schools have heightened security requirements. Local guards thoroughly check a student's passport information and walk them through a metal detector before letting them in.

This is great, but the point is that this system is not unique to global halls. In fact, it is used in many regular ones as well. 

Foreign departments are good because they develop in all aspects without exception. They have classes in modeling, drawing, carving, wood burning, cooking, and even sewing. 

The work classes are also not segregated by gender: girls can saw and plan, and boys can cook and sew if they feel like it. 

Global schools can provide TOEFL certificates – often the exam can be taken just there.

Almost all language teachers are expats. Foreign language instruction begins in the earliest grades, and more languages are added over time. 

There are also disadvantages. Let's highlight the serious ones. 

Well, it is just high. The same as at other private academies. Nothing to add here – except that the game is still worth the candle. 

Getting into a private school is difficult, but getting into an international one is even more difficult. 

The local test includes not only a knowledge test, but also a child psychologist. He or she assesses the child's readiness to learn and ability to cope with stress.

Many don't pass. 

And although they have a chance to retry an enrollment later, they often have to wait a whole year. 

Just trust your heart!

Okay-okay, that was a joke on our part.

You should start by looking at a list of academies across the country. As soon as you find something you like and that is geolocally closer to you, pick it. Then you need to go to the official website and study the information on it in detail: get acquainted with the teaching staff and the training programs.

Then you have to go for an interview, but that's another topic. 

Conclusion

Education in Russia is really of high quality. If you want your child to be educated in advanced programs from an early age, then sending him or her to an foreign academy here is a great option.