San Diego, United States



Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in San Diego

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: If you're moving to San Diego with kids, choosing a school if often your first decisions and impacts where you'll live. Here are some popular bilingual and international schools in San Diego

San Diego, California, is a vibrant city that attracts expats and digital nomads from all over the world. While it may not have the sheer volume of international or bilingual schools found in some of the world's largest cities, there are still several reputable institutions to choose from. Among the most popular are the International School of San Diego and the San Diego French-American School, both known for their rigorous curricula and multicultural environments. Here's a list of international and bilingual schools that cater to expat children in and around San Diego, ensuring a smooth transition and a high-quality education.

International School of San Diego

Grades: Preschool through Grade 8
Location(s): San Diego
Website: www.internationalschoolsandiego.com

The International School of San Diego offers a bilingual French-American curriculum accredited by the French Ministry of Education and the State of California. With a focus on developing multilingual, open-minded students, the school provides a diverse learning environment with state-of-the-art facilities and a wide range of extracurricular activities.

San Diego French-American School

Grades: Preschool through Grade 8
Location(s): La Jolla, San Diego
Website: www.sdfrenchschool.org

San Diego French-American School is committed to excellence in bilingual education, offering a French immersion program that prepares students for a global future. The school boasts a rigorous academic program, a nurturing environment, and a variety of extracurricular activities, including arts, sports, and cultural events.

German Pacific School San Diego

Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Multiple locations in San Diego
Website: www.gpssd.org

German Pacific School San Diego provides a German-English bilingual education with an emphasis on cultural understanding. The school offers classes on Saturdays and serves the needs of German-speaking families as well as those interested in the German language and culture, with a curriculum that aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

The Language Academy

Grades: K through Grade 8
Location(s): San Diego
Website: www.sandiegounified.org/schools/language-academy

The Language Academy is a public school that offers Spanish and French immersion programs. With a focus on language acquisition and cultural proficiency, the school provides a supportive learning environment and a curriculum that meets the California State Standards, enriched with global perspectives.

Chula Vista Learning Community Charter School

Grades: K through Grade 12
Location(s): Chula Vista
Website: www.cvlc.org

Located just a short drive from San Diego, Chula Vista Learning Community Charter School offers a trilingual immersion program in English, Spanish, and Mandarin. The school's innovative approach to education includes project-based learning and a commitment to fostering a community of lifelong learners.

Notre Dame Academy

Grades: Preschool through Grade 8
Location(s): Carmel Valley, San Diego
Website: www.ndasd.org

Notre Dame Academy is a private Catholic school that offers a comprehensive bilingual education in English and Spanish. With a focus on academic excellence, faith development, and global citizenship, the school provides a well-rounded education with a variety of extracurricular activities and advanced technology integration.

Francis Parker School

Grades: JK through Grade 12
Location(s): San Diego
Website: www.francisparker.org

While not exclusively a bilingual school, Francis Parker School offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with opportunities for language study in Spanish, French, Latin, and Mandarin. The school is known for its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, with a wide range of extracurricular programs and a strong emphasis on global education.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


First Published: May 31, 2024

Lamares, Capela & Associados
Lamares, Capela & Associados

Portuguese lawyers Ana Sofia Lamares and Diogo Capela are the founding partners of the law firm. After deepening their expertise and gaining experience, primarily in the fields of Immigration and Citizenship, both decided to found LACA and pursue their mission. The team brings together lawyers internationally renowned for their expertise, as well as professionals from other areas meticulously and carefully chosen, to ensure that the team is in line with a rigorous personal and professional ethos.
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Lamares, Capela & AssociadosLamares, Capela & Associados

Portuguese lawyers Ana Sofia Lamares and Diogo Capela are the founding partners of the law firm. After deepening their expertise and gaining experience, primarily in the fields of Immigration and Citizenship, both decided to found LACA and pursue their mission. The team brings together lawyers internationally renowned for their expertise, as well as professionals from other areas meticulously and carefully chosen, to ensure that the team is in line with a rigorous personal and professional ethos.
Learn More

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