The Best International Schools in Riga (2026 Guide)

By Sandra Steiger, TutorsPlus Education Advisor

Choosing the right school, however, is rarely straightforward, and it tends to be the question we hear most from families arriving here. Not least because its quick rise to popularity has pushed international school prices up towards some of the highest in Europe, which should be weighed up against the cheap cost of living here. While traffic is nothing like a larger capital, commute times still matter when schools sit between the city centre and suburbs like Piņķi. So many families find it worth securing a school place first before deciding exactly where to live. 

This guide is here to help you with all your questions about international schools in Riga. Whether you have just landed, are planning ahead from abroad, or are simply weighing up your options, you will find everything you need to make a confident decision.

Overview of the School System in Riga

Riga offers several distinct schooling pathways, shaped largely by Latvia’s national education structure and its growing international community. The system moves through pre-primary, primary, and secondary levels, with students in local schools working toward Latvian state qualifications recognised across the country.

In practical terms, the choices come down to three main directions: public state schools, private institutions, and established international schools. Public and most private schools teach in Latvian, while international schools operate mainly in English and offer programmes like the IB, British, and other internationally portable curricula.

Unless you’re here to stay, many families from abroad prioritise international schools for English language continuity. Your decision should reflect your child’s individual needs, your language goals, and honestly, how long you realistically expect to be in Latvia.

Best International Schools in Riga

For expat families who have moved countries before, or expect to again, international schools tend to be the most practical starting point. They understand what it means to arrive somewhere unfamiliar, and that shows in how they welcome new students and families.

What you can expect from international schools:

• English as the primary language of instruction
• Globally recognised programmes including IB, British, and American curricula
• Well suited to mobile and expatriate families
• Smoother academic continuity when moving between countries
• Dedicated support for students joining mid year or from different educational backgrounds
• Diverse, multinational school communities

Below are the most well regarded options.

*Fees vary depending on eligibility and family category

International School of Latvia (ISL)

A well established IB school with a strong sense of community

Located in Piņķi, just outside the city centre, ISL is widely regarded as one of the leading choices for expatriate families in Latvia. It offers the full International Baccalaureate continuum, from the Primary Years Programme through to the Diploma, providing a consistent and globally recognised education from early years through to graduation. The campus is spacious, with strong sports facilities, dedicated arts spaces, and a school culture that places real emphasis on student wellbeing alongside academic achievement.

As a non-profit institution, any surplus is reinvested back into the school, something many parents feel is reflected in its overall environment. ISL is accredited by the Council of International Schools, ensuring high standards across teaching and pastoral care. Families typically live in Piņķi or nearby suburbs, commuting by car or school bus, so it is worth considering your housing location early. The school is particularly well suited to families seeking a warm, established international community where children can settle in quickly.

Parent’s Perspective: “ISL felt like a proper community from the very first week. Our children found their footing quickly, and we as parents did too. It made the whole move to Riga feel far less daunting than we expected.” — Parent of two ISL students

International School of Riga (ISR)

A flexible city based option with accessible locations

ISR offers a more urban alternative to the suburban campuses, with a central primary school and a secondary campus located near the airport. That combination makes it particularly convenient for families living in central Riga who want to avoid long daily commutes.

The school offers both IB and IGCSE pathways, which gives families a degree of flexibility depending on their longer term plans. Facilities are more compact than some of the larger suburban schools, but well equipped for a quality international education.

ISR suits families who want to be close to the city, value ease of access, and are looking for a school with a friendly and personal atmosphere.

Parent’s Perspective: “The central location was a big factor for us. Our daughter walks to the primary campus, and the teachers know every child by name. It felt like the right size for our family.” — ISR parent, relocated from the Netherlands

Exupery International School

Modern facilities and an innovative approach to learning

Exupery is one of the newer additions to Riga’s international school landscape, and it has made a strong impression. Located in Piņķi, the school is known for its striking architecture, environmentally considered design, and a genuine commitment to forward thinking education.

The campus includes advanced STEM laboratories, creative arts spaces, and extensive extracurricular programmes that go well beyond the standard offering. There is a real energy to the place that families often notice on first visit.

Exupery is best suited to families who want cutting edge facilities, a focus on technology and innovation, and a school that takes a fresh approach to what international education can look like.

Student’s Perspective: “The labs and the way teachers actually encourage you to experiment rather than just follow instructions made a real difference to how I think about learning.” — Exupery student, Year 11

King’s College Latvia

British curriculum with strong academic pathways

Part of the Inspired Education group, King’s College Latvia follows the traditional British curriculum, taking students through IGCSEs and on to A Levels. Located near Piņķi, the school draws families who value a structured academic framework and are planning for university applications in the United Kingdom or further afield.

The school benefits from being part of a wider global network, which brings additional resources and a consistent standard across its international campuses. King’s College Latvia is a member of COBIS, the Council of British International Schools, providing families with confidence in the quality and consistency of the British education it delivers.

King’s College is a strong fit for families seeking academic rigour, a familiar British school culture, and a well defined pathway toward higher education.

Parent’s Perspective: “The academic preparation at King’s has been excellent. Our son sat his IGCSEs last year and felt thoroughly ready. The teachers are invested in results and in the students as people.” — King’s College parent, relocated from London

Riga French Lycée

French curriculum with global pathways and a strong sense of continuity

The Riga French Lycée follows the official French national curriculum, offering a familiar and rigorous academic pathway for francophone families relocating to Latvia. It is part of a wider network of French schools abroad, which means children who have already studied within the French system can transition without losing momentum or falling out of step with their peers.

Beyond the academic continuity, there is a genuine sense of community here that French expat families in particular tend to appreciate. The school welcomes a broader international intake as well, and suits any family seeking a structured, academically ambitious environment with strong preparation for French and international universities.

German School Riga

German curriculum with a close knit community for German speaking families

The German School Riga serves the city’s German speaking community and follows the German national curriculum through to recognised qualifications. It is a smaller school by nature, which tends to create a particularly close atmosphere, and it provides strong continuity for families already embedded in the German education system.

It is best suited to German speaking families relocating to Riga who want their children to maintain their language, stay connected to the German curriculum, and continue on a pathway toward German universities without interruption.

Curriculum Comparison: Which Is Right for Your Child?

Choosing a curriculum is often just as significant as choosing the school itself. Here is a quick overview to help you think it through.

When in doubt, speak directly to the schools. Most admissions teams are genuinely helpful and will guide you toward the programme that fits your child best rather than simply the one they happen to offer.

How to Choose the Right School in Riga

Selecting a school in Riga should be about how well it suits your child and your family’s broader plans, not reputation alone. If you anticipate moving between countries again, an international school with a globally portable qualification makes the most sense. If you are settling for the longer term, a Latvian school can provide strong language development and a more rooted experience of life here.

Key factors worth thinking through:

• Location and commute: Riga is compact, but traffic around Piņķi during school hours can add time to your morning. Check proximity to where you live or plan to live.
• Class size: Smaller schools offer more individual attention. Larger campuses often bring broader facilities and wider social circles.
• Language environment: Consider whether full English instruction or a bilingual setting suits your child better at this stage.
• Future plans: If university in the UK or elsewhere is on the horizon, align the curriculum accordingly from as early as possible.
• Accreditation: Look for schools holding recognised accreditations such as CIS or COBIS. These signal a consistent standard of teaching, pastoral care, and school management that families new to a country can rely on. 
• Community feel: Visit in person if you can. A school can look impressive on paper but feel quite different once you are actually there.

The right school in Riga is one that aligns with your child’s needs, your family’s future plans, and provides an environment where they can feel confident and grow.

Admission Process and School Fees in Riga

Admissions at international schools in Riga typically follow a clear sequence. Families begin with an online application and submit recent school reports alongside any other required documentation. For older students or competitive programmes, an assessment or interview may be part of the process. Offers are usually sent several months before the academic year begins, though some schools do fill remaining places later in the spring and summer.

Once a place is confirmed, families finalise enrolment by signing an agreement and paying a deposit to secure the spot.

Updated 2026 to 2027 Fee Ranges:

• Additional ongoing costs may include transport, lunch programmes, and extracurricular activities
• Primary level fees at international schools in Riga typically range from €15,000 to €25,000 per year
• Secondary level fees generally range from €15,000 to €32,000 per year, depending on the school and programme
• One time costs to plan for include application fees, enrolment deposits, and school materials

Pros and Cons of Studying at Schools in Riga

  Advantages

• International student environment with a welcoming and multicultural atmosphere
• Vibrant student life with cultural events, cafés, green spaces, and a growing international community
• Safe and manageable city size, making it easier for students to adapt and feel comfortable living independently
• Well-connected location for affordable travel across the Baltics and wider Europe

Challenges

• High demand for International Schools has pushed up prices surprisingly. So do your research and get on waiting lists early. 
• Long, cold, and dark winters that can take time to adjust to. Top up on your Vitamin D and get out as much as you can during daylight hours.
• Increasing difficulty in finding affordable, quality accommodation, especially in central areas
• A quieter and more reserved social culture that some international students may take time to adjust to initially. 
  
  It is important to check whether certain school-related expenses may be eligible for tax rebates in Latvia. While most international schools are private, parts of the “educational interest” fees can sometimes be claimed back during annual tax preparation, which can help offset costs over time.

Best Tutors in Riga

Moving to a new city often means adjusting to several changes at once, a new home, a new school, and sometimes a completely different curriculum or language. For many students, whether younger children or teenagers, this transition takes time and does not always feel easy at the start.

Private tutoring can make a meaningful difference during this period. TutorsPlus offers personalised support tailored to international school students, covering IB, IGCSE, A Level, American and French curricula, as well as university admissions. With flexible online sessions, lessons can easily fit around your child’s school schedule while helping them build confidence and settle in more smoothly.

Conclusion

Riga offers a compelling mix of strong educational options and an increasingly international atmosphere that many families find pleasantly surprising. Whether you are drawn to an international school for continuity and global recognition, or a local school for integration and cost, there are solid choices to suit a wide range of priorities.

The city tends to reward families who arrive with an open mind. Its smaller size and slower pace often become strengths over time, helping children settle in quickly and allowing families to enjoy a more balanced lifestyle. Planning ahead, visiting schools where possible, and choosing an environment where your child feels supported and challenged will make the biggest difference in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What are the best international schools in Riga? 
  The strongest options include ISL, ISR, Exupery, and King’s College Latvia. Each has different strengths, so the best fit will depend on your priorities, your child’s learning style, and your family’s longer term plans.
• Are public schools in Riga free for international students? 
  Public schools are generally free or very low cost, but they teach in Latvian and expect students to develop proficiency in the language. For families not yet fluent, this is an important factor to consider before enrolling.
• How much do private schools in Riga cost? 
  Fees at international schools typically range from around €10,000 to €32,000 per year, depending on the school, the year group, and the programme. Additional costs such as transport and extracurricular activities are usually separate.
• Is it difficult to get a place in a school in Riga? 
  It can be competitive, particularly at the most established international schools and at primary level. Applying six to twelve months ahead of your intended start date is strongly advisable.
• What is the language of instruction of schools in Riga? 
  International schools teach primarily in English. Public schools teach in Latvian. Some private schools offer bilingual programmes, which can be a useful middle ground for families planning a longer stay.
• Which curriculum is best for expat families in Riga? 
  The IB is often the most flexible option for families who move regularly, given how widely it is recognised around the world. The British curriculum is a strong alternative if UK universities are the goal. For families already within the French or German systems, schools offering those programmes provide the smoothest continuity.
• When should parents apply to schools in Riga?
  For international schools, aim to apply six to twelve months before your intended start date. Public school registration timelines vary, so it is worth checking with the relevant local authority as early as possible.
• What is the most affordable international school in Riga? 
  ISR tends to offer some of the more accessible fee ranges among the established international schools. Public schools remain the most affordable overall, though they come with the Latvian language requirement.
• Do international schools in Riga provide transport? 
  Most schools, particularly those in Piņķi and other suburban locations, offer organised bus services. These typically come at an additional cost and routes depend on where you live. Always confirm transport availability directly with the school during the admissions process.
• Are there waiting lists for international schools in Riga? 
  Yes, waiting lists exist at several popular schools, particularly at primary level. Starting the application process early is the most reliable way to secure a place within your preferred timeframe.

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