More Schools in the Sky

It's always morning somewhere in the world. Parents across the world are running around the house to send more than six million students to international schools, where they will spend weekdays indulging in an academic curriculum not typical of the country in which they live and learn. Asia continues to dominate the international schools market, with 7,433 schools as of January 2022, 58 percent of all international schools worldwide, and teaches 3.6 million students, according to ISC Research.

International schools conventionally have always had their niche of students expats studying largely for English or American public exams. However, since the pandemic,

there has been increased interest from more parents, who are considering international schools in preference to the local educational provision. The ISC Research, a survey of senior admissions staff in international schools distributed across Europe, the Middle East, East, and South East Asia, also revealed that the broad disruption in K-12 teaching and learning throughout the world resulted in parents' increasing interest in online learning, which is reported to be much higher post the pandemic. As many as 84 percent of admissions officers responding to the above survey revealed that their school's online provision is either 'important' or 'very important' to parents.

The edupreneurs should look at this opportunity as a prospective tailwind. India is currently home to the second most international schools after China. With parents getting increasingly involved in their children's education, the key is always satisfying that need, imparting personalized education and ensuring the overall development of students. Most importantly, modern day education is all about going the extra mile to cherish the unique qualities of every student. I will wind up with these beautiful words from Suresh Chander, Chairman, and Managing Director, Grand Columbus International School, & “The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts”.