Quick answer: International schools are not U.S. institutions, but many are tied to the United States through grants, contracts, U.S. government families or U.S. nonprofit foundations. When U.S. policy changes, those ties can bring new conditions. The safest response is a calm process: map your exposure, read the actual terms, check host-country law with local counsel, review policies by purpose, brief your board and communicate clearly with staff and families.
Many international schools feel connected to the United States. They teach an American curriculum, hold U.S. accreditation, hire American teachers or enroll children of embassy staff. So when Washington changes a rule, school leaders around the world start asking the same question: "Does this apply to us?"
Sometimes the answer is no. Sometimes it is yes, through a contract or grant the school signed years ago. In my work with schools across Asia, Africa and Europe, I have seen leaders lose weeks to rumors that a clear process could have settled in days. This guide gives you that process. It applies whatever the specific policy is.
This article is general guidance, not legal advice. Always confirm your obligations with qualified counsel.
A recent example
In January 2025, Executive Order 14173 directed U.S. federal agencies to require contractors and grant recipients to certify that they do not operate programs promoting diversity, equity and inclusion that violate federal anti-discrimination laws. The order targeted U.S. federal funding, but some international schools that receive U.S. grants or hold contracts with U.S. missions were asked to sign certifications too.
Leaders in Southeast Asia and elsewhere had to answer hard questions quickly. What exactly were they certifying? Did it conflict with host-country law? Would it change how they admit students or hire staff? Policies like this can change again, be challenged in court or be replaced. The steps below help you respond to any of them.
Which international schools are exposed to U.S. policy?
Exposure comes from specific ties, not from being "American style." Check whether your school has any of these:
- U.S. government grants. Some overseas schools receive grants from the U.S. Department of State, for example as Department-assisted schools. Grants usually come with terms and certifications.
- Contracts with U.S. missions or agencies. Tuition agreements for embassy families, service contracts and facility agreements may include compliance clauses.
- Other U.S. funding. Grants or donations routed through U.S. agencies, programs or partners can carry conditions.
- A U.S. nonprofit foundation. If your school raises funds through a U.S. 501(c)(3), that entity follows U.S. law.
- A large share of U.S. government families. Policy changes can affect their postings, benefits and how long they stay. Our guide to enrollment shock planning explains how to prepare if many leave at once.
What usually does not create legal exposure on its own: teaching an American curriculum, using U.S. textbooks or holding accreditation from a U.S.-based agency. Accreditation agencies are private organizations, not government regulators. Still, check their standards and any guidance they publish when the policy landscape shifts. Our guide on choosing the right school accreditation path explains how these bodies work.
Step 1: map your exposure
Build a simple register. List every grant, contract, agreement and funding source tied to the United States. For each one, note the counterparty, the amount, the renewal date, who signed it and where the document is kept. Many schools find agreements that no current leader has read.
Step 2: read the actual terms
Do not rely on news summaries or messages forwarded between schools. Read the clause itself. Ask: What exactly are we asked to certify? Does it apply to the whole school or only the funded program? What happens if we decline? Is there a deadline? If the language is unclear, ask the counterparty in writing and keep the answer.
Step 3: check host-country law
Your school operates under the laws of the country where it sits. That includes anti-discrimination rules, employment law, data protection and education ministry regulations. Sometimes a U.S. condition and a local law point in different directions. Get advice from a local lawyer, and from U.S. counsel where the agreement requires it. Never sign a certification you cannot honor in both places.
Step 4: review policies and programs by purpose
When a policy debate centers on labels, focus on purpose. For each policy or program, ask what it is for. Most will fall into categories every school needs and every stakeholder can support:
- Protecting every student from discrimination, harassment and bullying.
- Safeguarding and child protection.
- Learning support and language support for students who need it.
- Fair, merit-based admissions and hiring.
- Student wellbeing and a sense of belonging.
Then check the wording. Make sure each policy describes what the school does and why, in plain language, consistent with local law and your agreements. Our guides to essential school policies and school policy development can help you structure the review. For a practical view of student wellbeing, see our guide to belonging in international schools.
Step 5: align hiring and onboarding
Review job ads, interview questions and contracts. Make sure hiring is fair, documented and lawful in the host country. Remember that many teachers come from systems where inclusion training is standard. Explain your school's approach clearly during recruitment and onboarding so expectations match. Our teacher recruitment guide and expat teacher onboarding plan cover both stages.
Step 6: brief your board
Policy changes that touch funding or legal risk are board matters. Give the board your exposure register, legal advice and options. Agree who signs what and who speaks for the school. A clear school governance structure makes these decisions faster and safer.
Step 7: communicate clearly
Silence fuels rumors. Brief staff first so they can answer questions. Then send families a short, calm update. Say what has changed, what has not changed and how the school continues to protect every student. Avoid political commentary. Keep the focus on students, the law and your mission. Our school communication plan shows how to structure messages for different audiences.
Step 8: monitor and review
Assign one leader to track developments. Useful sources include your counterparties, your accreditation agency, regional school associations such as the East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS) and legal advisers who work with international schools. Review your exposure register at least once a year and whenever a major agreement renews.
A note for schools in Southeast Asia
Schools in Southeast Asia often sit at the meeting point of several systems. They may follow an American curriculum, answer to a local education ministry, hire teachers from many countries and serve families from dozens of nationalities. Local rules on licensing, foreign staff, student data and curriculum content still come first.
That mix makes a written exposure register and local legal advice even more important. It also makes clear communication essential. Families in the region come from many legal and cultural backgrounds. A short, factual message in plain language serves all of them better than a long statement about U.S. politics.
What to avoid
- Overreacting. Do not cut student support programs before you know what applies to you.
- Signing blind. Do not sign any certification you have not read, understood and checked against local law.
- Going it alone. Leaders who act without board approval or legal advice carry risk personally and for the school.
- Public statements without a plan. Agree messages with the board before speaking to media or posting online.
Need help reviewing your school's exposure?
EduVision helps international schools review policies, map compliance risk and prepare clear plans for boards and families. Learn more about our ongoing compliance support and governance and policy development services, or contact EduVision to talk about your school. EduVision is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Do U.S. laws apply to international schools?
Generally, international schools follow the laws of their host country. U.S. rules can apply through contracts, grants, U.S. entities the school controls or other agreements. Check each tie with legal counsel.
Does an American curriculum make a school subject to U.S. policy?
Not by itself. Exposure usually comes from funding, contracts or U.S. legal entities, not from the curriculum or accreditation.
What should a school do if a certification conflicts with local law?
Do not sign it until you have legal advice. Ask the counterparty for clarification in writing and brief your board on the options and risks.
How should schools talk to families about policy changes?
Keep it short and calm. Explain what has changed, what has not and how the school continues to protect every student. Avoid political commentary.
