Moving to a new metropolis comes with a long list of challenges, but for parents, the greatest pressure is finding the right educational environment. If you have a 10-year-old child who does not speak Romanian, Bucharest offers a surprisingly vast network of elite international schools. We aren't just talking about simple educational institutions, but global communities where English is the norm, not the exception.

Breathe a sigh of relief! Bucharest is home to over 20 top-tier institutions following British, American, or International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula. We have selected the most relevant options for a 10-year-old, taking into account costs, diversity, and the learning environment.

Elite Options with Tradition and Diversity

When it comes to prestige and a truly multicultural community, the American International School of Bucharest (AISB) is often the first choice on expatriates' lists. Founded in 1962, the school is a genuine "melting pot" with 950 students from 60 nationalities. While Romanians comprise 30% of the population, the rest of the student body consists of North Americans (14%), Turks, Israelis, and Germans. However, it is also the most expensive option, with annual fees of 133,186 lei for the 2025/2026 school year.

If you prefer the rigor of the British system, the British School of Bucharest (BSB) and the International British School of Bucharest (IBSB) are fundamental landmarks. BSB places a particular emphasis on child-centered learning and the STEAM program, with fees of 105,990 lei. In contrast, IBSB promotes itself as a smaller, friendly community where creativity flourishes, with an annual cost of 87,150 lei.

Another solid variant, accredited by CIS and COBIS, is the International School of Bucharest (ISB). With over 750 students from 40 countries and native English-speaking teachers, ISB offers a complete path from ages 2 to 18 at a price of 80,961 lei per year.

Affordable Alternatives and Schools with Exclusive English Instruction

Live the moment and carefully analyze the family budget, as there are excellent options available at more competitive prices without sacrificing international standards. For a 10-year-old, Maria International School offers a relaxed environment in a historic villa in the city center, with fees of 48,366 lei. Additionally, Maarif International School follows the British curriculum at a cost of 42,494 lei.

Here is a quick list of schools offering exclusive instruction in English and their public fees for 2025/2026:

Schools with Mixed Systems or Confidential Fees

There are also renowned institutions that do not make their fees public but are worth visiting for their educational programs. Olga Gudynn International School (OGIS) and Genesis College are both IB authorized and offer a mix of nationalities, making them ideal for integration into a global system. Also in the northern area, Questfield International College and Avenor College are highly appreciated for their flexibility between Romanian and international study lines.

For families seeking an education based on specific values, Bucharest Christian Academy offers a holistic American system, while Acton Academy proposes an innovative model focused on self-led decision-making and character building.

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The choice of school depends heavily on where you will live—most of these schools are concentrated in the Northern area (Pipera, Voluntari, Herăstrău) or in Sector 3. Regardless of your choice, Bucharest offers your child the chance to study in an English-speaking environment that allows for a smooth transition and academic performance at global standards.