Choosing the right school for your child can be an overwhelming and time-consuming process. In a city like Doha, with plenty of great educational options, it can be challenging to narrow down your choices.

Schools in Doha offer a variety of different curricula, language options, and facilities. Whether you’re a new resident or a local parent looking to switch schools, this step-by-step guide will help you make the best choices for your child’s needs.

The first step to choosing the best school for your child is being clear about the type of education your child needs. Then, choose from the multitude of educational systems Doha offers. Here are the most common ones:

• Qatari curriculum: The Qatari Curriculum is primarily offered in public, government-funded schools, such as Abdulla Bin Turky Model Independent School for Boys. They are often referred to as Independent schools. This curriculum is divided into three levels: Primary, Preparatory, and Secondary. Commonly, the Qatari Curriculum is taught in Arabic and embraces Islamic Studies

• IB schools: An option for those looking for a globally recognized program. The International Baccalaureate is considered to be the international educational standard. It offers a demanding academic curriculum focused on developing critical thinking and global citizenship. Swiss International School and The International School of London are well-known schools in Doha that offer the IB program

• American schools: Many International schools in Doha follow the American system, which is divided into Elementary, Middle, and High School departments. This system is similar to that applied in the U.S., with a curriculum that typically includes a wide range of extracurricular activities and a focus on autonomous education. Highly-rated American System schools in Doha include The American School of Doha and Hamilton International School

• British schools: The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is an English-language-based secondary school system similar to that of the United Kingdom. This system includes IGCSE exams and A-levels taken during the final four years of schooling. These exams are widely recognized by prestigious universities across the world, including Harvard, Oxford, and Yale. Doha's best British Curriculum schools include Park House English School and Qatar International School

• Other international systems: Since Qatar is home to a variety of nationalities, many national schools exist that accommodate expats who want their children to study in accordance with their home country’s educational values. There are Pakistani schools, French schools, Indian schools, German ones, and many more

Tuition fees are a critical factor when choosing the right school, as they can vary significantly by school type and grade level. 

It’s important to consider how much you’re willing and able to pay for your child’s education. Significant differences in fees often depend on the schooling system. 

Public schools in Qatar are free for Qatari citizens. While public schools are primarily reserved for Qatari nationals, expatriates may be able to attend them under exceptional circumstances.

Fees in Qatar’s private schools can vary depending on factors such as grade level, curriculum, and reputation. Average annual fees for private schools usually range from QAR 20,000 to QAR 80,000. Average yearly fees based on international school systems: 

It’s important to note that many schools offer opportunities for financial aid and scholarships. Many international schools within Doha offer discounts and financial assistance based on factors such as academic merit and income levels. It’s always a good idea to check your child’s eligibility for such opportunities when deciding on a school. 

When choosing a school in Doha, it’s important to consider a few practical aspects beyond curriculum and fees: 

Location and transport: Think about how far the school is from your home or work, and how long the daily commute will take. Some schools offer transportation services (for an additional fee), but spaces are limited.

Facilities: For many parents, facilities such as science labs, sports fields, and libraries are crucial to a good education. Taking a school tour is the best way to see these for yourself — most schools offer tours or open days, giving you the chance to meet staff and ask any questions you need to. 

Reputation and accreditation: Public schools in Qatar are regulated by the Supreme Education Council (SEC) and the Qatar National School Accreditation (QNSA). International schools should be accredited by recognized international organizations, such as the Council of International Schools (CIS), British Schools Overseas (BSO), the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), and, most recently in Qatar, the International Association for Quality Assurance in Pre-Tertiary & Higher Education (QAHE). 

To get a sense of each school’s reputation, read online reviews on platforms such as The Good Schools Guide, The International Schools Review Forum, and Edarabia — they provide valuable insights from students, parents, and professionals alike. Moreover, talk with other parents and get their feedback.

Enrollment: Each school has its own application process, often including admission tests, interviews, and paperwork like QIDs, report cards, and vaccination records.

If your child is moving between different educational systems or countries, you may also need a language proficiency test to assess your child’s language abilities and a school certificate equivalency. You can also do this through the Ministry of Education’s website. Visit the school’s website or admissions office for exact requirements. 

When registering for public school in Qatar, you need to access the Ministry of Education’s Maaref Portal for Public Services, then select the registration services for public schools.