The opening of the first military dependents' schools occurred in 1946. In addition to these schools, many missionary schools were established around the world whose student populations included both children of missionaries and nationals of the host country. Changing political and economic factors, the expansion of multi-national corporations, and the predominance of the U.S. university system have all played an important role in the growth of American international schools. The world truly seems to be getting smaller. The curricula in these schools vary, reflecting the specific needs of individual school enrollments, but one usually finds a very typical U.S. public school curriculum.
Instruction is primarily in English.
Many offer an International Baccalaureate program for talented, university-bound students. The curriculum is usually vigorous and highly academic, and extracurricular activity is a vital part of most school programs. A wide variety of schools offer these programs and opportunities. Started as schools to serve American families working abroad, many now serve students from the host country and other countries as well. Varying governance structures can be found, but most are privately governed by boards made up of parents.