You will find below a list of the most popular international and bilingual schools for expats in Tonga with fee information. The list includes nursery schools, primary and secondary (high) schools for you to find the right school to prepare for the International Baccalaureate and other accreditation in Tonga. Most of the international schools may follow the American or British curriculums with English speaking programs.

Education in Tonga

The primary language of the country is Tongan, a dialect of Polynesian. However, English is also spoken as a secondary language and is taught as such in schools.

Since 1876, the first eight years of education in Tonga have been compulsory for all Tongan children beginning at age 6 until they turn 14 years old. Tonga has divided its education system to include six years at the primary level, three at the junior and three at the senior secondary level.

Following the conclusion of their secondary school education, many young scholars from Tonga seek their tertiary education abroad at universities in Australia or New Zealand. Upon completion of their degrees at university, most Tongan scholars remain in Australia or New Zealand to live and work and do not return to their homes in Tonga.

Primary and secondary schools for students from ages 6 to 14 who attend government-sponsored schools for free. 

International Schools

International schools can be the perfect solution for an expat student (multinational corporation executives, children of diplomats, NGO staff) in Tonga. Many schools provide similar standards of schooling around the globe, providing for an easy transition between schools whether they are in France or Vietnam. There may be some local population, but the schools are usually geared for an international student body. Schools may follow a curriculum model from the US, UK, France, etc. Primary instruction may be any language (and multiple languages are usually taught), but it is usually in English, French, Spanish, German, or Japanese. Schools also provide internationally accepted accreditation such as the international baccalaureate.

Admission and enrolment procedures vary from school to school. Space is often limited and preference may be given to students based on nationality. Tuition tends to be expensive based on local standards, but offers high standards of learning, boast smaller class sizes, first-rate facilities, and extracurricular. Boarding facilities are available at some schools, but most only provide day classes.

Accreditation & Membership

• The CoIS (Council of International Schools) is a non-profit association of international schools and post-secondary institutions which provides educational accreditation, teacher and leadership recruitment services, links to higher education, governance assistance and help with founding new schools.
• European Council of International Schools (ECIS) is a collaborative network promoting the ideals and best practice of international education, complemented by grants and awards.
• Council of British International Schools (COBIS) is a responsive organisation that serves, supports and represents its member schools.
• New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC) is a regional accrediting association which establishes standards for all levels of education, from pre-K to doctoral.
• Agency for French Education Abroad (Agence pour l'enseignement français à l'étranger, AEFE) is a national public agency under the administration of the French government that assures the quality of schools teaching the French national curriculum outside France.
• National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) represents over 1100 independent schools and associations in the United States and abroad.

International schools in Nuku'alofa

Ocean Of Light International School of Tonga
Hihifo Road, P.O. Box 2878,
Nuku'alofa, Tongatapu, Tonga
Tel: +676 25 332
Email: ocean@oceanoflight.to
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Ocean Of Light International School of Tonga offers educational programs for students aged 3 – 18. Nowadays, it uses the highly respected international curriculum from Cambridge University in the United Kingdom (Cambridge International Examination Program). The Ocean of Light International Schools is directly administered by a Board of Education nominated by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Tonga. The Bahá'í Faith is the newest of the World Religions.