Education and Schools in Russia
The system of education in Russia has remained a point of contention since the end of the former Soviet period. The old 
regime passed on a collection of overcrowded, underfunded schools that couldn’t accommodate the students enrolled, and that were decaying faster by the moment.
Though reforms have since been made, expats generally attest that state schools in Russia still have lengths to travel before they’ll be on par with the standards upheld by most western nations.
It follows that most expats opt to send their children to international schools in Russia, and those who can’t afford the hefty price tag attached to these institutions, will send their children to private schools.
Public schools in Russia are plagued by a lack of finances and by underperforming staff. The teaching profession is notorious for its low salaries, and as a result many talented teachers abandon the industry in choice of other, more lucrative options.
Apart from these setbacks, the education system in Russia is still very much in a state of transformation. Curriculum was overhauled at the end of the Soviet era, and teaching methods expanded, but there still remains much debate as to what should be taught in schools, who should control curriculum, and whether learning by rote and repetition is still an acceptable form of teaching.
Furthermore, the teaching language of public schools in Russia is Russian. Two days a week are generally afforded to foreign language classes, like German or English, but many expats feel this instruction is inadequate.
The big benefit to the school system, however, is that tuition and books are free, expat parents pay only for meals and school uniforms.
Still, unless you have plans to spend time in Russia long-term, or unless your child has some previous knowledge of Russian, this type of school in generally not recommended for expats.
Expats families made up of one Russian parent and one parent of another nationality, may prefer to send their children to private schools in Russia.
Though the state of the curriculum and the teaching methods utilised still align with those of the public schools, class sizes are generally smaller, facilities much improved and extracurricular activities more numerous.
Tuition costs for these schools vary, and depend on the age of your child and the institution in which you’re interested.
Again, the teaching language of private schools is Russian, so unless your child has some language foundation or unless you plan to stay in Russia long-term, these would also not be good options.
Most expats who move to Russia with school-aged children prefer to send their children to international schools, bodies that uphold the teaching language and curriculum of select countries.
Many of the major cities have a healthy selection of these institutions, often including American, British, French, German, etc. Some of the schools also administer an International Baccalaureate curriculum alongside their home country curriculum.
The most prestigious schools do tend to have waiting lists, and in rare occasions, even close certain grade levels off to new applicants. For this reason, expats should apply as early as possible, once the details of their relocation have been solidified.
Admissions are sometimes based on priority, with the children of diplomats and certain larger companies given the first available spots. Sometimes children of a certain nationality will also be given priority.
Regardless though, be sure to bring your child’s previous transcripts with you, as well as their vaccination records, and perhaps, even a teacher recommendation.
Expats should note the location of these international schools. In the case of Moscow, for example, the international schools are outside the city centre, and thus require a fair commute from students living centrally. Expats may want to choose their accommodation to be in close proximity with their child’s school.
Lastly, expats should keep in mind that tuition costs can be astronomical. If your employer refuses to give you an education allowance, be absolutely sure that your monthly wage is high enough to cover the costs associated with these houses or learning.
regime passed on a collection of overcrowded, underfunded schools that couldn’t accommodate the students enrolled, and that were decaying faster by the moment.Though reforms have since been made, expats generally attest that state schools in Russia still have lengths to travel before they’ll be on par with the standards upheld by most western nations.
It follows that most expats opt to send their children to international schools in Russia, and those who can’t afford the hefty price tag attached to these institutions, will send their children to private schools.
Public (state) schools in Russia
Public schools in Russia are plagued by a lack of finances and by underperforming staff. The teaching profession is notorious for its low salaries, and as a result many talented teachers abandon the industry in choice of other, more lucrative options.
Apart from these setbacks, the education system in Russia is still very much in a state of transformation. Curriculum was overhauled at the end of the Soviet era, and teaching methods expanded, but there still remains much debate as to what should be taught in schools, who should control curriculum, and whether learning by rote and repetition is still an acceptable form of teaching.
Furthermore, the teaching language of public schools in Russia is Russian. Two days a week are generally afforded to foreign language classes, like German or English, but many expats feel this instruction is inadequate.
The big benefit to the school system, however, is that tuition and books are free, expat parents pay only for meals and school uniforms.
Still, unless you have plans to spend time in Russia long-term, or unless your child has some previous knowledge of Russian, this type of school in generally not recommended for expats.
Private schools in Russia
Expats families made up of one Russian parent and one parent of another nationality, may prefer to send their children to private schools in Russia.
Though the state of the curriculum and the teaching methods utilised still align with those of the public schools, class sizes are generally smaller, facilities much improved and extracurricular activities more numerous.
Tuition costs for these schools vary, and depend on the age of your child and the institution in which you’re interested.
Again, the teaching language of private schools is Russian, so unless your child has some language foundation or unless you plan to stay in Russia long-term, these would also not be good options.
International schools in Russia
Most expats who move to Russia with school-aged children prefer to send their children to international schools, bodies that uphold the teaching language and curriculum of select countries.
Many of the major cities have a healthy selection of these institutions, often including American, British, French, German, etc. Some of the schools also administer an International Baccalaureate curriculum alongside their home country curriculum.
The most prestigious schools do tend to have waiting lists, and in rare occasions, even close certain grade levels off to new applicants. For this reason, expats should apply as early as possible, once the details of their relocation have been solidified.
Admissions are sometimes based on priority, with the children of diplomats and certain larger companies given the first available spots. Sometimes children of a certain nationality will also be given priority.
Regardless though, be sure to bring your child’s previous transcripts with you, as well as their vaccination records, and perhaps, even a teacher recommendation.
Expats should note the location of these international schools. In the case of Moscow, for example, the international schools are outside the city centre, and thus require a fair commute from students living centrally. Expats may want to choose their accommodation to be in close proximity with their child’s school.
Lastly, expats should keep in mind that tuition costs can be astronomical. If your employer refuses to give you an education allowance, be absolutely sure that your monthly wage is high enough to cover the costs associated with these houses or learning.
