Education in Maldives | Where Expat Children Go to School in the Paradise

Beyond the white-sand beaches and coral reefs lie a handful of world-class international schools. Local government schools follow the national syllabus in Dhivehi and may suit long-stay expat families who embrace a fully immersive experience. Yet most choose private institutions offering British, American or International Baccalaureate programs. These schools deliver small class sizes, experienced faculty drawn from Europe and Asia, and an emphasis on holistic learning.

The International School of Maldives, nestled on Hulhumalé, stands as the flagship option for British curriculum in the region. Picture spacious classrooms overlooking turquoise lagoons, where students from pre-kindergarten through IGCSE engage in project-based learning. Weekly sailing lessons and environmental studies count among signature programs, fostering both global citizenship and island stewardship. A modern STEM lab and art atelier invite creative exploration, ensuring each child’s talents are nurtured.

For those seeking an American-style education, Maldives American School offers a comprehensive program from kindergarten through grade 12. Here, Advanced Placement courses in physics and economics sit alongside community service initiatives on nearby islands. Students present at TEDx-style forums in the open-air amphitheater, and weekend soccer matches under floodlights reinforce camaraderie. The campus library, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, frames the horizon where ocean meets sky—an inspiring backdrop for debate and discovery.

Families with a commitment to the IB Diploma will find a growing network of accredited educators embracing inquiry-based learning. The Maldives International Baccalaureate Centre, located on Hulhulé, integrates cross-disciplinary projects with field trips to marine research stations. Graduates emerge not only with top-tier university offers but also with a profound understanding of climate resilience and sustainable development—qualities in high demand among forward-thinking investors.