Compare 5 international schools in Dallas, United States. Filter by curriculum, fees (average USD 19,585), location, and more to find the right international school now.
About international schools in Dallas, United States
Dallas’s international-school scene mixes a long-standing bilingual private school offering French - English immersion and international diplomas with a wider set of independent and public options that run International Baccalaureate programmes, Montessori/IB combinations and Spanish or other language-immersion preschools. Families will commonly see IB (PYP/MYP/DP) alongside the French national curriculum and local US curricula, and many schools add Spanish, Mandarin or German as taught or immersion languages. Annual fees vary widely by age and school: early-years and small immersion preschools are often under $20,000 a year while established K - 12 international and independent schools commonly charge mid-$20,000s up to around $30,000 for upper grades. Admissions typically begin in the autumn for entry the following fall, with priority application windows and deposits in winter or early spring and final tuition instalments due in late spring or early summer, so relocating families should prepare transcripts, language-support needs and travel/commuting logistics well before move-in dates.
What curricula do international schools in Dallas usually offer?
You will most often encounter the International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP and/or DP) in both private and some public schools, alongside the French national curriculum (with the French Baccalauréat pathway) at the city’s French - English bilingual school and a range of American independent-school programmes; some schools combine Montessori methods with IB frameworks. Check each school’s accreditation and which specific IB programmes it is authorised to teach, since offerings vary by campus and grade.
Which languages are taught and when does language immersion begin?
Full immersion or bilingual tracks in Dallas commonly start in the early-years: the local French - English bilingual school begins immersion around age two and introduces a third language (for example Spanish, Mandarin or German) later in primary grades, while several private preschools offer Spanish immersion from nursery and toddler levels. Verify each school’s language policy and whether additional language lessons or true immersion are part of the daily timetable, because ‘Spanish class’ and ‘Spanish immersion’ are very different models.
How much should we budget for tuition and extra costs?
Tuition varies by type of school and pupil age: published rates for established international and independent schools in the Dallas area show early-years/full-time preschool fees around $19,000 and K - 12 annual tuition commonly in the mid-$20,000s up to roughly $30,000 for upper grades; independent preschools and smaller immersion centres can be lower. Always budget extra for application/enrolment fees, uniforms, after-school care, school trips, examination fees and healthcare/insurance where required, and check whether the school publishes multi-child discounts or payment plans.
When should we apply if we are relocating to Dallas?
Most independent and international schools open applications for the next academic year in the autumn and run priority deadlines through winter, with deposits and early-rate contracts often due in late winter or early spring and final tuition instalments required before the school year begins. If you are moving mid-year, contact admissions directly about transfer or mid-year entry; start the process as soon as you know your moving dates because places in specific grades or language tracks fill quickly.
Are there public alternatives with international or bilingual programmes?
Yes - Dallas Independent School District operates magnet and dual-language programmes and several public schools run authorised IB programmes or bilingual tracks, so families who prefer a neighbourhood or public option can still access internationally framed curricula or strong language immersion without private tuition. Check the district’s list of dual-language and IB campuses and the enrolment rules for magnet programmes or transfer options in the district.
