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Office of Overseas Schools

Our Mission

The mission of the Office of Overseas Schools is to promote quality educational opportunities at the elementary and secondary level for dependents of American citizens carrying out the programs of the U.S. Government abroad. The office assists U.S. sponsored overseas schools in the operation and expansion of programs that embody the best educational practices employed in the United States and promotes a mutual understanding among peoples through education.

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Fact Sheets

The U.S. Department of State provides assistance to overseas schools through direct and indirect support programs designed to promote an American-style program. Each year assisted schools are asked to update short Fact Sheets to provide an overview of the school. You can peruse the Fact Sheets by country or by post. Each Fact Sheet includes: demographic breakdowns of faculty and students, curriculum, governance, and facility descriptions, and an overview of finances.

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Bidding and Best Fit

Using schools as a key priority when anticipating your next post assignment, there are several factors to consider. Does your child have special needs? Will they be entering high school? What type of curriculum is available? How will the child be able to transition to the next post? The Office of Overseas Schools can help parents think through these elements as they consider where their next assignment may be.

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Gifted and Talented

While formal Gifted and Talented programs are rare in international schools, there are many creative ways for parents to help their children who may need more challenging course work. The Office of Overseas Schools has resources for parents to find support for their children with exceptional learning needs.

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Child Protection and Mental Health

The safety and security of young people in overseas schools is paramount. Through partnership with leading experts, the Office of Overseas Schools has developed resources on child protection, social emotional learning, and mental health.

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Special Needs Profiles

Annually, the Office of Overseas Schools gathers information from assisted schools on their ability to serve children with exceptional learning needs. This data is compiled into a profile that can be used as a basis for your discussions with a Regional Education Officer on where may be the optimal match for your family's needs.

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U.S. Department of State

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