Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Latvia does not immediately come to mind when families think of top educational destinations for expatriates. Yet its high‑performing education system, the dynamism of Riga, and the rapid growth of its international school offerings make it a very serious option for parents seeking a world‑class education, in English or other major European languages.
Since Latvia joined the EU in 2004, Riga has developed a network of international schools. You will find top‑tier English‑language schools, French and German schools, as well as several schools offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the British curriculum.
This article provides a detailed overview of the best international schools in Latvia, with a special focus on leading institutions around Riga and Piņķi. The goal: to give you enough concrete information to guide your schooling choice, whether you are an expatriate family, a mobile executive, or a Latvian parent looking for a demanding international education.
Latvia’s Educational Framework: A Solid Foundation for the Rise of International Schools
Before zooming in on specific schools, it is helpful to understand the overall education landscape in Latvia. The country boasts very high school attendance rates. According to UNESCO data, the net enrollment rate reaches about 93% in pre‑primary, 97% in elementary school, and 93.5% in secondary school. About 95% of young people go on to higher education, with a higher proportion of girls than boys.
Schooling is compulsory from ages 5 to 16. The path includes two years of preschool, followed by nine years of basic education. At age 16, students move on to an academic or vocational upper secondary school. Latvian public schools, which are free for Latvian and EU citizens, use Latvian as the main language and are known for their rigor.
For children of expatriate families—especially older ones—the language barrier in the public system can make integration tricky. That is where international schools come into their own: they offer schooling in English (or French/German) with globally recognized programs, while also allowing gradual immersion in the local context.
A Rapidly Structuring International Sector Around Riga
Riga is home to most of the country’s international schools. The city accounts for nearly a third of Latvia’s population and is the main economic and cultural hub of the Baltic states. Unsurprisingly, most international schools have set up here, often in sought‑after residential neighborhoods or in the small town of Piņķi, halfway between Riga and the seaside resort of Jūrmala.
The international school landscape is characterized by three major trends. First, most schools are co‑educational day schools offering a continuous path from nursery to upper secondary. Second, English is the dominant language of instruction, although there are leading schools in French and German. Third, the curriculum offering is highly international, including notably the International Baccalaureate (IB), the English national curriculum (IGCSE/A‑Levels), Cambridge programs, and sometimes American pathways.
International schools are mainly attended by children of diplomats, international company executives, NGO staff, as well as high‑income Latvian families who want to give their children an education with an international outlook. Tuition fees are high by local standards and can exceed €20,000 per year at the most prestigious schools, but they come with small class sizes, experienced teachers from around the world, and modern facilities.
The International School of Latvia: The IB Powerhouse in Latvia and the Baltics
Among the country’s international schools, the International School of Latvia holds a special place. Founded in 1994, it is not only the oldest international school in the Riga area but also the only one in the entire Baltic region to offer the full IB continuum from nursery through to the diploma.
A Unique Position: The Only Full IB Continuum in the Baltics
The International School of Latvia is located in Piņķi, on a spacious purpose‑built campus that opened in 2010 and was expanded in 2019. The school is an independent, non‑profit, co‑educational, college‑preparatory day school serving more than 400 students from ages 2 to 19, from Pre‑Kindergarten (PK) to Grade 12.
The school’s main strength lies in its curriculum offering. It is fully authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) to deliver all three flagship IB programs:
– The Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students from Pre‑Kindergarten through Grade 5 ;
– The Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6 to 10 ;
– The Diploma Programme (DP) for students in Grades 11 and 12.
This pedagogical consistency, from early childhood to the university‑entrance diploma, clearly sets the International School of Latvia apart in the Baltic landscape.
International Accreditations and University Recognition
Beyond the IB authorizations, the International School of Latvia has obtained two major international accreditations. The school is fully accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS), based in the Netherlands, and by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), a leading U.S. accrediting body. The most recent joint CIS/NEASC evaluation took place in 2018 and resulted in full renewal of accreditation.
The CIS community includes more than 1,500 educational institutions, including prestigious schools and universities.
For families, this means that an academic path taken at the International School of Latvia is easily recognized and accepted by universities worldwide.
A Truly International Environment
The composition of the school community reflects Latvia’s growing internationalization. The International School of Latvia welcomes over 400 students from more than 40–45 different nationalities, depending on the source, with an average class size of about 17–18 students. The 68 teachers come from over fifteen countries.
This cultural diversity, combined with small group sizes, creates an environment where each student is known, supported, and exposed to a wide range of perspectives. The school defines itself as an inclusive learning community, with core values emphasizing empowerment, honesty, respect, adaptability, collaboration, responsibility, and courage.
A table providing a quick overview of some important indicators related to this school
Total number of students enrolled at the school for the current year.
Average pass rate for diplomas over the last three years.
Total number of programs and diplomas offered by the school.
Percentage of former students in professional activity within 6 months of graduation.
| Indicator | International School of Latvia |
|---|---|
| Year founded | 1994 |
| School type | Private, non‑profit, co‑educational, day school |
| Location | Piņķi, near Riga |
| Age range served | 2 to 19 (PK–12) |
| Total students | ≈ 423 (over 400) |
| Nationalities represented | > 40–45 |
| Average class size | 17–18 students |
| IB programs offered | PYP, MYP, DP (full continuum) |
| Major accreditations | CIS, NEASC, IB World School |
Academic Results Above Global Averages
Performance in the International Baccalaureate is one of the best barometers of a school’s quality. On this front, the International School of Latvia posts impressive numbers. IB Diploma results regularly exceed the global average. More than 30% of Diploma candidates score at least 36 points, placing them in the high range of IB results.
In 2022, a student achieved the maximum score of 45 points, a rare feat even at the best IB schools. All candidates earned their IB Diploma, and three students received a Bilingual Diploma, a mark of high proficiency in two languages. Ten students were also honored with the Prime Minister’s Award for Academic Excellence, a national recognition of their academic distinction.
Furthermore, the school reports a 100% admission rate for its graduates into four‑year university programs. In other words, every student who completes the DP at the International School of Latvia earns a place in a higher education institution, often abroad.
Campus Facilities and Life
The International School of Latvia has invested heavily in a campus designed for modern teaching. The main building, constructed in 2010 and expanded in 2019, offers more than 8,000 m² of educational space on a nearly 15,300 m² green site. Facilities include state‑of‑the‑art science labs, design and technology rooms, a language and media center, a learning support center, an arts auditorium, a large gymnasium, a new playground, and multi‑purpose sports fields. Classrooms are equipped with digital projectors, and the school has robotics kits, 3D printers, and laser cutters to encourage hands‑on projects.
The learning environment should support the inquiry‑based approach of the IB. It encourages students to experiment, question, and create, engaging them in an active process rather than passive learning.
An HR Policy Designed to Attract Top‑Tier Teachers
The quality of the teaching staff is one of the major assets of the International School of Latvia. The school offers globally competitive working conditions: salaries indexed to degree and experience, a 3% annual raise after the first full year, a retirement contribution equivalent to 10% of annual salary, financial assistance for relocation (arrival allowance, partial temporary housing support, moving allowance), annual round‑trip flights for the teacher, spouse, and up to two children, partial tuition coverage for children, international health insurance for certain tax profiles, and more.
This package has a double effect: attracting and retaining experienced teachers from various countries, while limiting turnover, which is invaluable for pedagogical continuity.
For a family, knowing that teachers stay for several years and enjoy rewarding conditions is an indirect but important indicator of stability and quality.
The International School of Riga: A Hybrid Model Blending IB, Cambridge, and British Curricula
The International School of Riga also occupies a central place in Latvia’s international school landscape, with a slightly different profile from the International School of Latvia. Located directly in Riga, the school is a private, non‑denominational, non‑profit institution serving about 300 students from ages 2 to 18, from nursery to Grade 12.
A Hybrid Curriculum Tailored to Each Stage
One of the distinctive features of the International School of Riga (ISR) is its combination of several international curricular frameworks. The school structures its offering as follows:
– From nursery to Grade 5, it follows the IB’s Primary Years Programme (PYP) ;
– In middle school (Grades 6 to 8), it uses the International Middle Years Curriculum, developed by Fieldwork Education in the UK ;
– In Grades 9 and 10, students follow the Cambridge IGCSE program ;
– In Grades 11 and 12, they prepare for the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
This hybrid setup allows the school to capitalize on the strengths of each framework: the inquiry and meaning‑making of the PYP for younger students, the gradual structuring of knowledge through the IMYC, the disciplinary rigor of the IGCSE, and then the international recognition of the IB Diploma for university access.
ISR is also authorized by the Latvian Ministry of Education and Science and fully accredited by the Council of International Schools. It describes itself as a respectful, learning‑centered community that aims to inspire each student to reach their potential and become an ethical, confident, and globally‑minded citizen.
A Highly International School in the Heart of the Capital
The International School of Riga hosts approximately 300 students from 47 different nationalities. The language of instruction is English, but the school also offers learning of languages such as French, Spanish, or Latvian. The student‑to‑teacher ratio is around 6 to 1, ensuring a high level of individualized attention.
The school has two sites in Riga: one for preschool and elementary at Kalnciema iela 118 in Pārdaugava, and a more central secondary campus opened recently. This setup helps families minimize travel and offers students a dynamic urban environment in a human‑scale school.
A comparison table between the International School of Latvia and the International School of Riga helps situate the two schools:
| Feature | International School of Latvia | International School of Riga |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Private, non‑profit | Private, non‑profit |
| Main location | Piņķi (Riga outskirts) | Riga (center + Pārdaugava) |
| Age range | 2–19 | 2–18 |
| Number of students | > 400 | ≈ 300 |
| Nationalities represented | > 40–45 | 47 |
| Main curriculum | IB PYP, MYP, DP (full continuum) | PYP, IMYC, IGCSE, IB DP |
| Accreditations | CIS, NEASC, IB | CIS, IB (PYP, DP), national authorization |
| School type | Day school, co‑educational | Day school, co‑educational |
For a family, the decision between these two schools often comes down to practical criteria (location, schedules, availability), but also to a preference for a full IB continuum or a hybrid pathway integrating the Cambridge system.
King’s College, The British School of Latvia: The Choice for the English Curriculum
For parents attached to the British system, King’s College, The British School of Latvia, offers a strong alternative. This school, opened in September 2017, is located in Piņķi, like the International School of Latvia, at Turaidas iela 1. It is part of the King’s Group, a network of international schools following the National Curriculum of England since 1969.
A Pure British School… with an IB Diploma Option
King’s College offers a complete pathway from Pre‑Nursery to Year 13, for students aged 2 to 18. The core of its offering is the English national curriculum, with the classic milestones of IGCSEs and A‑Levels (offered in the form of the Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education – AICE). An interesting feature: the upper school combines this British foundation with the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP), offering students a dual possibility of pursuing either the A‑Level route or the IB, depending on the year and track.
Percentage of teachers who are native English speakers at the school, strengthening linguistic immersion and cultural coherence.
Highly Developed Sports and Extracurricular Facilities
King’s College also emphasizes the richness of its facilities and activity offerings. The school has two indoor swimming pools, a fitness room, a dance studio, extensive outdoor sports spaces, art and music workshops, science labs, and a computer lab. Its extracurricular program is particularly dense: competitive sports, business clubs, theater, Model United Nations (with an annual conference in Tallinn), school trips to London or The Hague, etc.
For parents who want a schooling experience very close to what you would find at a good British independent school, but often at lower costs than in the UK, King’s College School, Latvia is a very attractive option.
King’s College School, Latvia
Exupery International School: IB, Cambridge, and Boarding Between Riga and Jūrmala
Another major player in Latvia’s international school landscape: Exupery International School (EIS). Founded in 2016, the school has quickly established itself as a comprehensive institution, combining IB and IGCSE programs, boarding, and a strong international dimension.
A Residential Campus and a Pedagogy Inspired by Saint‑Exupéry
Exupery International School is located in Piņķi, between Riga and the Jūrmala coast. The school has two addresses: Jaunā iela 10 for preschool and primary, and Jaunā iela 8 for middle and high school. It welcomes students from ages 2 to 19, as a day school or boarding for older students.
The school is inspired by the work of Antoine de Saint‑Exupéry. Its pedagogy emphasizes creativity, responsibility, and cultural openness, with a strong focus on safety, sustainability, multilingual learning, and innovation.
Curriculum‑wise, EIS offers:
– the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for classes up to Grade 5 ;
– a Cambridge IGCSE program for Grades 6 to 10 ;
– the IB Diploma (DP) for Grades 11 and 12.
English is the main language of instruction, but the presence of mother‑tongue support programs (Latvian, Russian, French) highlights the commitment to maintaining students’ linguistic roots.
Multiple Accreditations and a High‑End Environment
Exupery International School is accredited for IB PYP and IB DP, as well as for the Cambridge IGCSE program. It is a member of the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA), and recognized by the Latvian Ministry of Education and the National Education Quality Service.
Number of students the school reports, within a community from over 35 nationalities.
A summary table helps place Exupery among the major schools:
| Indicator | Exupery International School |
|---|---|
| Year founded | 2016 |
| Location | Piņķi (between Riga and Jūrmala) |
| Age range | 2–19 |
| School type | Day & Boarding, co‑educational |
| Curricula | IB PYP, IGCSE, IB DP, Montessori in preschool |
| Main language of instruction | English |
| Main accreditations | IB (PYP, DP), Cambridge (IGCSE), CIS, BSA, Latvian authorities |
| Number of students | > 360 |
| Nationalities | > 35 |
For families looking for a full international boarding school in the Baltic region, with IB DP and IGCSE, EIS is clearly a leading option.
Francophone and German‑Language International Schools: Jules Verne and Deutsche Schule Riga
Latvia’s international school offering is not limited to English. Two schools stand out for families who want to maintain schooling in French or German.
Jules Verne Riga French School
The École française Jules Verne de Riga is a French‑language school whose curriculum is validated by the Agence pour l’enseignement français à l’étranger (AEFE). It welcomes students from preschool through primary and middle school, following the French national curriculum.
Annual fees for a six‑year‑old child, excluding first enrollment, amount to approximately €8,294.
Deutsche Schule Riga
Founded in 2015, the Deutsche Schule Riga, or Rīgas Starptautiskā Vācu Skola, is a German‑language international school located in the heart of Riga. It welcomes children from ages 2 to 12, with the ambition of providing a German education meeting high standards.
The school offers progressive trilingual teaching from elementary school (German, English, and a third language), with the addition of a fourth world language in middle school. Regular speech therapy support is provided, and paid extracurricular activities are also available.
Tuition fees are monthly and vary by age (e.g., approximately €1,040 per month for the youngest, €970 for preschool and higher levels, €840 for some primary levels), plus a registration fee, materials and meal costs. The school offers sibling discounts, which can lighten the load for larger families.
For German‑speaking families or those who want a strong grounding in the German education system while living in Riga, the Deutsche Schule Riga is a consistent option.
Other Specialized International Schools and IB Tracks in Public High Schools
Beyond these major names, Latvia has other international schools or schools with an international dimension.
The International School of Science and Technology in Riga, affiliated with the Riga Technical University (RTU), for example, offers an English‑language program heavily focused on science and technology, based on Cambridge International AS & A Levels, for students aged 15 to 18. It is a three‑year program, with a boarding option, designed for STEM‑oriented students headed for scientific higher education.
Since 2022, the school has been authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) program in English, for students aged 11 to 18.
Finally, some prestigious Latvian public high schools—such as Rīgas Valsts 1. ģimnāzija or Rīgas Valsts 3. ģimnāzija—have developed IB or international tracks integrated into their national offering. These remain state schools but offer students the opportunity to prepare an internationally recognized diploma, often starting from high school.
The Role of Accreditations: What Parents Should Look For
Choosing an international school is first about choosing an educational project, but also about verifying its credibility and long‑term recognition. Three types of labels deserve special attention.
First, global international accreditations such as those from the Council of International Schools (CIS) or the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). They evaluate governance, teaching quality, safety, financial management, and school culture. The International School of Latvia, for example, holds a dual CIS/NEASC accreditation, while Exupery and the International School of Riga are members or accredited by CIS.
Latvia has eight IB World Schools, six of which are authorized to teach the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
Finally, for Francophone or German‑speaking families, the AEFE network and the national education authorities of the home countries (France, Germany) provide a guarantee of alignment with national standards.
To help with comparison, here is a summary table of the main international schools discussed:
| School | Main language(s) | Main curriculum | Accreditations / key authorities |
|---|---|---|---|
| International School of Latvia | English | IB PYP, MYP, DP (full continuum) | CIS, NEASC, IBO, Latvian Ministry |
| International School of Riga | English | IB PYP, IMYC, IGCSE, IB DP | CIS, IBO (PYP, DP), Latvian Ministry |
| King’s College School, Latvia | English | National Curriculum (UK), IGCSE, A‑Levels, IBDP | Recognized by Latvian Ministry, Cambridge, IB |
| Exupery International School | English | IB PYP, IGCSE, IB DP, Montessori preschool | IB, Cambridge, CIS, BSA, Latvian authorities |
| Jules Verne Riga French School | French | French program | AEFE |
| Deutsche Schule Riga | German | German program | German / Latvian educational authorities |
How to Choose: Child Profile, Family Project, and Latvian Realities
Beyond logos and glossy brochures, choosing an international school in Latvia comes down to several very concrete questions.
First, the type of curriculum. The International Baccalaureate often suits students who are curious, independent, able to handle a relatively heavy workload, and interested in strong international mobility. The British system (IGCSE + A‑Levels) is valued for its progressive specialization and clarity for Anglo‑Saxon universities. The French and German systems offer a clear anchor for families who plan to return to their home country later.
In most international schools in Latvia, English is the main language of instruction. For a non‑English‑speaking child, it is crucial to choose a school that offers a solid English as an Additional Language (EAL) program and daily support. Schools like Exupery International School, International School of Riga, and International School of Latvia are experienced in welcoming and integrating non‑English‑speaking students.
Location also plays a role. Families living in central Riga may prefer schools like the International School of Riga, Jules Verne, or Deutsche Schule Riga, which are more accessible on a daily basis. Those who appreciate a greener, more residential environment will be more drawn to Piņķi, where the International School of Latvia, King’s College, and Exupery are located.
The total annual cost for a child in an international school in Riga, including tuition and ancillary expenses, ranges between $7,500 and $17,500.
Finally, the long‑term project matters: some families settle in Latvia for only a few years, others for an indefinite period. In the first case, the portability of the diploma (IB, A‑Levels, etc.) to other systems will be crucial. In the second, the school’s ability to offer gradual local integration (learning Latvian, community ties, local partnerships) can weigh heavily.
A Small but Ambitious Offering, Commensurate with a European Trajectory
What stands out when looking at international schools in Latvia is the contrast between the country’s modest size and the ambition of its schools. In just a few decades, Riga and its surroundings have seen the emergence of a network of schools capable of competing with well‑established institutions in larger capitals, through international accreditations, full IB programs, modern campuses, and highly internationalized teaching staff.
The International School of Latvia represents the most accomplished example with its full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) and dual CIS/NEASC accreditation. The International School of Riga offers a solid alternative with a hybrid IB‑Cambridge model and an urban base. King’s College, The British School of Latvia, provides an authentic British educational pathway. Exupery International School adds a complete residential option with its boarding and high‑end facilities. Finally, the Jules Verne and Deutsche Schule Riga schools respectively maintain quality French and German educational offerings.
For families seeking a very high‑level international education in a safe, open environment with a cost of living lower than many Western European capitals, Latvia—and particularly the international school ecosystem in Riga and Piņķi—now deserves a close look.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
