International Schools Are Growing Fast. What Can US Independent Schools Learn?

List to my podcast interview on Peter Baron's show and here is his summary of our conversation

International schools are growing fast. But this episode isn’t just about numbers. It’s about what that growth reveals.

In just two decades, the number of international schools worldwide has expanded from roughly 2,000 to around 14,000. What was once a niche expat market has become a sophisticated global system of private education, complete with tiered pricing models, private equity-backed school groups, and increasingly strong pathways to top universities.

James McDonald, Director of the International School of Brussels, joins the show to unpack what this shift means for US independent schools.

We explore why families now have compelling options closer to home, how international school leaders think about margin and scale, and why business fluency is becoming essential at the head of school level.

This is not a conversation about fear. It’s a conversation about clarity. If international schools are professionalizing at scale, what should US independent schools learn?

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What You'll Learn from James McDonald:

1. The Competition Is Local and High Quality: Approximately 14,000 international schools now operate globally, giving families elite options in their home countries.

2. Private Equity Is Reshaping Education: 80% of recent international school growth comes from for-profit institutions, often managed by corporate groups with valuations in the billions.

3. The "Safety" Perception Gap: Geopolitical tensions and concerns about US visa stability have created real hesitation among families considering sending children to America.

4. Outcomes Are the Primary Currency: For wealthy international families, "return on investment" is measured by specific pathways to top-tier global universities.

5. The Professionalization of the Headship: Successful modern leaders must speak the language of business, understand P&L statements, and manage complex revenue projections.