The School Search Checklist: Everything You Need Before You Move

Moving internationally is a logistical nightmare. School choice is one small part of it. But getting that part sorted before the move prevents stress during the move and helps your child start school confidently on day one.

The Pre-Move Documents Checklist

Get official transcripts from your current school. Not informal records. Official transcripts stamped and sealed, directly from the school office. You'll need multiple copies. Some countries want originals. Some want certified copies.

Get an IQ assessment if your child has any academic concerns. Testing before you move means you have documentation and can request appropriate support at the new school. Getting testing in a new country often requires starting from scratch with new assessments.

Get a full eye exam and dental exam. Some countries are stricter about health records than others. Having current exams means you're compliant and your child has baseline health documentation.

Get vaccination records. Some countries require specific immunisations for school entry. Some international schools have strict vaccine policies. Get your child vaccinated before you move so there's no delay enrolling.

Get any medical reports if your child has ongoing medical needs. Asthma prescriptions. Allergy information. Learning support documentation. Psychological assessments if your child has anxiety or other support needs. New countries mean new doctors. Having existing documentation helps new doctors understand your child's history.

Get official birth certificate copies. Passport. Proof of residency documents. These vary by country but most international schools need proof of legal guardianship and residence.

The Academic Checklist

Know which curriculum your new school uses. Is it IB, British, American, something else? Know the year level your child will enter. Some countries call year levels differently. Your child in "Grade 4" at home might be "Year 5" in the new country. Know which is which.

Know the assessment expectations. Will your child take formal exams? When? What's the assessment calendar? Some schools do exams every term. Others only at end of year. Knowing this helps you support exam prep.

Know the languages. Is instruction in English only? Is there bilingual instruction? Will your child study languages? Some schools require multiple languages. Some offer languages as optional extras. Know what's expected.

Know the contact details for the school. Main office email. Head of admissions. Head of lower/middle/upper school depending on your child's age. Homeroom/form teacher if assigned. Have these written down somewhere accessible.

The Logistics Checklist

Confirm your start date with the school. Confirm the school calendar. When does the term start? When are holidays? Misalignment between your arrival date and school start date is stressful. Confirm the exact dates.

Confirm required uniforms and what you need to purchase before school starts. Some schools have specific uniform requirements. Some have optional uniforms. Some you can purchase from the school; others you buy independently. Knowing beforehand prevents first-day scrambling.

Confirm technology requirements. Some schools require laptops. Some provide them. Some use specific software. Some require specific models. Knowing before you buy or bring equipment prevents compatibility issues.

Confirm transportation. Does the school offer buses? Routes? Cost? Is public transportation accessible? Will you drive your child? Is parking available? Transportation logistics often get overlooked until they're suddenly urgent.

Confirm lunch. Does the school provide lunch or do you pack? If they provide, is there cost? Are there healthy options? Vegetarian options? Knowing beforehand helps you plan meals.

Confirm any required fees beyond tuition. Registration fees. Activity fees. Technology fees. Fundraising requirements. You don't want bill surprises once school starts.

Calculate total school costs. Tuition plus fees plus uniforms plus activities. Some costs you won't know exactly until you arrive, but estimate. Budget for school supplies, workbooks, sports equipment, art supplies. These add up.

Budget for language support if your child needs English as an additional language instruction or home language instruction. Some schools provide this free. Others charge additional fees.

Budget for learning support if your child needs it. Some schools include learning support in tuition. Others charge hourly rates.

Budget for extracurriculars realistically. Most international schools expect participation in at least some activities. Most cost money. Some are included in fees; others cost extra.

Budget for school events. Field trips often have costs. School camps or overnight trips happen in most international schools and aren't free. Expect periodic bills for enrichment activities.

Start contacting schools three to six months before your move if possible. This gives you time to understand requirements, complete assessments, and arrange admissions.

Confirm school acceptance and formal enrolment at least two months before school starts. This gives you time to arrange uniforms, buy supplies, and plan logistics.

Arrange any required pre-school visits or orientation. Some schools schedule these automatically. Others require you to arrange them.

Get your child's transcripts and records officially transferred one month before school starts. Don't wait until the last week.

Arrive at least one week before school starts if you can. This gives your child time to adjust to the time zone, the location, and the general disorientation of a new place. Arriving the day before school starts is brutal.

Make a checklist specific to your new country. Different countries have different requirements. Thailand requires different documentation than Singapore which requires different documentation than Australia. Know what your specific destination needs.

International moves are complicated. School choice shouldn't add stress because it's unmade. Settle this checklist thoroughly before you move.