Skip to main content

International School Placement & Curriculum Advising

A data-driven pathway to the right international school for children.
Moving abroad and unsure which school or curriculum will suit your child?
CareerPaths guides families with children ages 8 to 18 to the best international option, whether IB, Cambridge, American or local.
We handle tests, applications and relocation details, so your child walks into the right classroom confident and ready.

Schedule your free 30-minute consultation today.

Why Does Academic Advising & School Placement Matter?

Enrolling your child in an international school involves much more than filling out forms.
Each child has unique needs, and each school and curriculum offers something different.
Professional advising ensures you make informed, holistic decisions rather than costly guesswork.

Here’s why expert guidance is so important for international school placement:

1

Curriculum Matching for International Schools

We compare IB, Cambridge, US and local pathways against your child’s learning style and future study goals.

You’ll know why one curriculum fits better and how subject choices affect university options later.

2

Evidence-Based Learner Profile Assesment

Short diagnostics, an interest survey and a 1-to-1 interview give us a 360° view of strengths, challenges and passions.

(It’s surprising how many families enroll in a “top” school only to find it’s a poor fit. We make sure that doesn’t happen to you)

Decisions rely on data, not guesswork.

3

Hands-On Admissions Management

Application processes for international schools can be daunting – entrance exams, English proficiency tests, interviews, recommendation letters, and more.

Our advisors are experts in school placement logistics.

We guide you through each requirement, deadline and form, saving you countless hours and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
We even coordinate directly with schools on your behalf in many cases.

4

Relocation & Cultural Transition

If you’re moving to a new country, there’s the added challenge of adjusting to a different education system and culture.

We consider factors like language support, class size, teaching style, and community culture to find a school where your child will thrive from day one.

Our team can also advise on relocation practicalities related to schooling – from scheduling campus visits (or virtual school tours) to preparing necessary documents for a smooth transfer.

5

Long-Term Academic Planning

We plan backwards from your teen’s target university, aligning subjects, extracurriculars and application strategy in advance.
(Our service naturally complements college advising – ensuring that the path your child takes in middle and high school leads smoothly into the university application process later on.)

6

Peace of Mind

Perhaps most importantly, working with CareerPaths gives you confidence and peace of mind.

Instead of second-guessing or feeling lost, you’ll have a trusted partner by your side – an expert who has helped many families navigate similar challenges.

We bring an objective perspective, a wealth of experience with international schools worldwide, and a caring touch to support your child’s well-being throughout the transition.

By choosing professional academic advising, you’re investing in your child’s happiness and academic growth.
You don’t have to become an expert in international education overnight – let our experts guide you so you can focus on supporting your child.

Our 6 step method

Profile

We begin with short diagnostics and a relaxed conversation to understand your child’s strengths, needs, and learning style.

- Step 1

Match

We align the learner profile with the best-fit curriculum, school environment, class size, budget, and long-term goals for a perfect fit.

- Step 2

Shortlist

You receive 3–5 international schools that are a strong match. We handle introductions and help you ask the right questions early.

- Step 3

Apply

We manage everything—from forms and essays to test dates and progress tracking—so you don’t miss a single important deadline.

- Step 4

Prepare

We guide you through school relocation, academic bridging, and cultural/social orientation so the first week of school goes smoothly.

- Step 5

Mentor

We continue with check-ins throughout the first academic year, supporting academics, wellbeing and course decisions.

- Step 6

Check out our comprehensive 6-Step Method Page for a deeper dive into the process.

Our packages

Feature Orientation Comprehensive
Learner profile & report
Curriculum consultation
Shortlist of 3-5 schools
Strategy call & roadmap PDF
We liaise with schools
Full application management
Test & interview prep add-on
Pre-departure briefing add-on
Year-long mentoring
Priority response time

Still unsure which is right for you?
Don’t worry, we can discuss and decide together during your free consultation,
or you can check out our International School Advising Packages page.

Age-specific advice

Elementary (8-12)

Focus: warm welcome + predictable routines

• Small classes & buddy schemes

• Gentle EAL (English as an additional language) /language boost

Middle (12-14)

Focus: academic continuity & new electives

• Check maths track & language help

• Electives that spark curiosity such as coding, design, drama

• Advisory & anti-bullying programmes

• Start mapping subjects for future university doors

High (14-18)

Focus: subjects aligned with uni goals

• Choose HL / A-Levels, internships, leadership roles

• Compare boarding vs day – pastoral care, weekend life

• Continuous mentoring keeps grades, tests & wellbeing on track

Entrance Test Prep – Sorted

  • SSAT, ISEE, CAT4, IELTS & more – matched to each school’s list
  • Diagnostic & personalised study plan
  • Network of vetted subject & language tutors worldwide
  • Mock interviews and portfolio polishing
  • Progress reports for parents

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose between IB and Cambridge curricula?

The IB suits independent learners who prefer a broad range of subjects and critical thinking projects.
Cambridge (IGCSE/A-Levels) allows deep specialization and exam-focused assessment.
Consider your child’s learning style, university goals, and curriculum availability.
Read More: IB vs Cambridge – Making the Right Choice

When should we start planning for an international school placement?

Ideally, start planning 6–18 months ahead.
Many schools have early application deadlines, and ample preparation ensures smooth transitions. However, we also manage expedited placements effectively.
If short on time, contact us immediately for prioritized assistance.
Read More: International School Planning Timeline

What entrance tests are required and can you assist?

Common tests include SSAT, ISEE, IELTS, TOEFL Junior, and school-specific assessments.
We identify required tests and offer comprehensive preparation—practice materials, test-taking strategies, tutoring, mock interviews, and essay coaching.
Read More: Entrance Exam Prep Guide

Can you assist if we can’t visit schools in person?

Yes.
We arrange virtual tours, video calls with admissions, and connections with current families.
You’ll get an insightful view remotely.
We’ll prepare questions and join virtual visits to guide you effectively through the school selection process.
Read More: How to Evaluate Schools Remotely

Success stories

Moving our 13-year-old son mid-year seemed daunting.
CareerPaths quickly pinpointed the perfect American curriculum school in Singapore, helped with tests and interviews, and kept stress minimal. He adjusted beautifully, and we credit CareerPaths entirely.

Middle school mid-year move made easy— Lucas's parents, USA to Singapore

Moving our 13-year-old son mid-year seemed daunting.
CareerPaths quickly pinpointed the perfect American curriculum school in Singapore, helped with tests and interviews, and kept stress minimal. He adjusted beautifully, and we credit CareerPaths entirely.

Middle school mid-year move made easy— Lucas's parents, USA to Singapore

Our daughter moved from Mexico to Dubai with limited English. CareerPaths matched us with a nurturing school and English support. Within one year, her English improved dramatically, and she’s thriving academically and socially. It couldn’t have happened without their expertise!

Elementary transition, seamless and stress-free— Sofia’s parents, Mexico to Dubai

Our son switched from a Brazilian school to an IB Diploma program in the UAE. CareerPaths provided comprehensive support from subject selection to essay-writing prep. He graduated as MUN club president and gained entry to his dream university. Truly life-changing!

— Daniel’s parents, Brazil to UAEHigh school guidance toward dream university

Ready to Start? Book Your Free Consultation

Choosing the right school can be a life-changing decision for your child, and you don’t have to do it alone.
We are here to make the journey smoother, smarter, and successful.
From the first spark of “maybe we should look into other schools” to the moment your child confidently steps into their new classroom (and beyond), we’ve got you covered with expert, caring support.

Ready to give your child the best start in their new school?
Let’s talk!
We offer a free 30-minute consultation to learn about your situation, answer your initial questions, and show you how we can help.
There’s no obligation – just an opportunity to get personalized advice and see if our service is the right fit for your family.

Take the first step toward stress-free international school placement.
We look forward to partnering with you and turning what feels like a daunting challenge into an exciting opportunity for your child’s future.
Let’s find that perfect school and curriculum where your child will thrive – together!