Difference Between International And Traditional Schools

While traditional schools continue to attract hordes of students, international schools are slowly but steadily gaining popularity, especially among those who understand the various benefits of this education system.

An international school tends to put more emphasis on enquiry-based learning, where children are taught to question, to have a good level of skepticism, to test claims, build arguments, etc. Additionally, the curriculum in international schools is more flexible, allowing students to pursue subjects that they are interested in, apart from the ones that will help them build a career in the field of their choice. 

Traditional schools are generally more rigid, and assessment is based on textbook learning and exams. However, these have a clear framework and structure, and are perfectly suited for passive learners who prefer to gain knowledge without much active participation.

So, since both types of schools have their share of advantages, how do you decide which is the best school for your child? Once you gauge the kind of learner your child is, you can pick the school that will bring out the best in him/her. Below are a few differences between the two types of schools to aid you in your decision:

1. Funding: Traditional schools are either government-funded, usually offering education free or at subsidized rates to students, or have minimum fees, while international schools are funded and administered by a private body and rely on endowments, donations and student fees, which are usually quite high. If you cannot afford the cost of education in the best international schools, drop the idea of choosing such a school. Instead, opt for a school with an Indian curriculum; there are many exceptional Indian schools out there with a great faculty. 

2.   Teachers: Traditional schools usually recruit teachers who meet all the state-mandated requirements and are proficient in their subject, while the best international schools have different criteria, depending on the school, for recruiting teachers. While teaching methods differ, teachers of both schools are equally qualified in their own right.

3.   Facilities: Although technology and other facilities vary depending on the school in question, traditional schools usually have fewer facilities than international schools. This is generally because they cater to a larger number of students on a tighter budget. On the other hand, international schools usually have better infrastructure facilities and up-to-date technology.

4.   Curriculum: The curriculum in traditional schools is decided at the state or national levels. An international school promotes international education either by adopting a curriculum such as that of the International Baccalaureate, Edexcel, or Cambridge International Examinations, or by following a national curriculum different from that of the country where the school is based.

5. Size: International schools are usually smaller in size, with smaller classes, with typically no more than 20 students. This could be an advantage as a smaller class ensures better personal attention and easier access to teachers. Traditional schools, on the other hand, can have over 200 students in a single class, making it more difficult for students to receive one-on-one time with teachers.

6. Future Prospects: If you want your child to complete his/her graduation in India, it is better to let him/her complete their higher secondary certification from an Indian board. However, if you plan to send your child abroad, then it's important to choose the best international school, making sure the best school chosen by you has a proven track record for good academic results and university placements.