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HomeOffice of Overseas Schools...Resources – Office of Overseas Schools

# 									Resources							

Office of Overseas Schools

## 								Index							

        -            - Regional Associations
          - American Accreditation Agencies
          - Teaching in Overseas Schools
          - Summer Programs for Assisted Schools
          - World Digital School Project
          - For Teachers and Administrators
          - For Parents
          - U.S. Government Links
          - Contact 

### Regional Education Associations

The American-sponsored overseas schools play a significant role in the international endeavors of the United States. They not only serve the educational needs of U.S. children overseas, but also enroll children from host and third countries. One of the most serious difficulties overseas schools face is their isolation from current trends in education in the United States. To help overcome the obstacles caused by distance from the United States, the Office of Overseas Schools has long encouraged and supported the development of regional associations to provide American-sponsored overseas schools with a variety of educational services. 

Learn more.

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### American Accreditation Agencies

Department of State assisted schools must be accredited by one of the following K-12 United States-based accreditation agencies:
        - Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges
        - Cognia Accreditation and Certification
        - New England Association of Schools and Colleges
        - Western Association of Schools and Colleges

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### Teaching in Overseas Schools

The Office of Overseas Schools is always glad for qualified American education professionals interested in working in international schools. While OS supports American-style education through an annual grants program with a limited number of assisted schools across the globe, the Department of State does not own or operate any of these schools. Therefore, OS provides guidance and best practices but is not involved in the day-to-day policies or decisions at these independent institutions.

Please review our resources on working in overseas schools for more details.

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### Summer Programs for Assisted Schools

The Office of Overseas Schools invites assisted schools to consider joining our professional development programs each summer. Programs focused on leadership, curriculum development, school counselors, and understanding the assisted school grants process are available.

Learn more.

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### World Digital School Project

Formerly know as World Virtual School, World Digital School Project was launched in 2002 as the NESA Virtual School Project, because newly created learning management platforms offered schools the possibility of providing continuity of study, virtually, when local or global events would force schools to close. The World Virtual School Project has been an ongoing effort in international schools for over 20 years, helping schools maintain continuity of learning during moments of crisis. The resources developed proved useful during the COVID-19 pandemic, as schools shifted to virtual learning. In June 2023, the project leaders convened to adjust the project’s goals. While pandemics, natural disasters, and military action remain relevant threats, there are also new risks emerging. School leaders are facing cyber security threats, a growing concern about the impact of technology on adolescent mental health, and the impact of artificial intelligence on schools and society.

Read the WDS White Paper for more information World Digital School Project – August 2023 – Continuity of Innovation [876 KB].

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### For Teachers and Administrators

        - For Teachers and Counselors  – General Information, Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Professional Organizations.
        - Education Associations  – International Schools Associations, Regional Accrediting Associations, and Professional Associations.

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### For Parents

        - Homeschooling Information  – Information on homeschooling programs.
        - Boarding School Options  – Information on boarding schools provided by the Global Community Liaison Office.
        - Living Abroad and Returning Home
        - Advanced Placement (AP), AP Capstone, and International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs in Schools at post – Please email  OverseasSchools@state.gov  for a starter list of posts to consider.
        - For Parents  – Guide to State Residency; Public Schools in the Washington, DC, Area; Distance Learning; Foreign Educational Systems; Relocation and TCKs; and Miscellaneous Links.
        - Preparing for College  – General, Financial Aid, and Scholarship Information.

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### U.S. Government Links

        - U.S. Department of State, Global Community Liaison Office, Educational Services
        - U.S. Department of State, Office of Allowances
        - U.S. Department of Defense Schools
        - U.S. Department of Education

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### Regional Education Officers (REOs) Contact

School situations can change quickly, particularly as schools face cutbacks to learning support programs due to the pandemic, unrest, and economic uncertainty. For the most current information, work with the REO and school. The website information is intended as a jumping off point for a conversation with the REO and school to understand the best fit for your child. Definitions may vary school to school. 

For information about overseas schools, you are encouraged to contact any of the following REOs via OverseasSchools@state.gov. Expertise related questions will be directed to the appropriate REO and the Overseas Schools Team will endeavor to respond within one business day.