International schools typically use curricula based on the school's country of origin. The most common international schools represent Education in the United Kingdom or Education in the United States. Many international schools use curricula specially designed for international school such as the International General Certificate of Secondary Education or the IB Diploma Programme that are all predominantly committed to the notion of internationalism and the global citizen and providing an environment for optimal learning and teaching in an international setting that fosters understanding, independence, interdependence, and cooperation. The United Nations International School (UNIS) was established in 1947 by a group of United Nations Parents to promote an international education for their children, while preserving their diverse cultural heritages. This was the very first school offering the International Baccalaureate program . The school promotes the appreciation of the diversity of persons and cultures, provides an optimal environment for learning and teaching, and offers a global curriculum that inspires in its students the spirit and ideals of the United Nations Charter. Like other schools, international schools teach the subjects such as language arts, mathematics, the sciences, humanities, the arts, physical education, information technology, and design technology. More recent developments specifically for primary school include the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the fast growing International Primary Curriculum (IPC). The International Preschool Curriculum (IPC) is increasingly being adopted by early year departments of international schools and international preschools. There are currently 3063 schools offering the international baccalaureate currlicum in the world.
For expatriate families, international schools allow some continuity in education and most prefer to stay in the same curriculum, especially for older children. Relocation services and institutions like School Choice International can help families choose the right school and curriculum for their child.