International schools segment registers impressive five-year growth numbers

The international K-12 segment has continued its pattern of steady growth from January 2020 through January 2025. A new white paper from ISC Research provides the following top-line indicators for that five-year period.

Key five-year growth indicators for international K-12 schools. Source: ISC Research

That growth is distributed fairly evenly across the key global regions for international K-12 with Western Asia and Southeast Asia edging ahead in terms of overall growth since 2020 (each recorded overall growth of 11% over that five-year period).

The top five host countries for international K-12 schools. Source: ISC Research

ISC adds the following observations for selected growth markets for international K-12 schools.

• “Saudi Arabia [333 Schools: 3% growth in 5 years]: A steadily growing education sector driven by Vision 2030 and rising local demand – yet schools must navigate localization pressures amid a global teacher shortage.”
• “Spain [423 Schools: 10% growth in 5 years]: Schools across Madrid, Valencia, and the Costa del Sol are expanding their facilities and programs, often blending national and international curricula to widen students’ future pathways.”
• “Vietnam [359 Schools: 24% growth in 5 years]: Premium-fee schools in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are facing enrolment pressures, but those with strong reputations and established track records continue to perform competitively.”
• “Brazil [438 Schools: 32% growth in 5 years]: Investments in modern infrastructure, student wellbeing, and academic excellence is positioning Brazil’s international schools market as vibrant and future-ready on the global stage.”

In terms of curricula, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program is the most widely taught in international K-12, followed by Cambridge, and then British, and American curriculum.

Top curricula taught in international K-12. Note that many schools offer more than one curriculum so that total percentage indicated here is greater than 100%. Source: ISC Research