International schools can be the perfect solution for an expat student (multinational corporation executives, children of diplomats, NGO staff) in the Cook Islands. Schools usually follow a curriculum model based on the New Zealand standard. Many schools provide similar standards of schooling around the globe, providing for an easy transition between schools whether they are in France or Vietnam. These includes internationally accepted accreditation and exams such as the international baccalaureate.
Admission and enrollment 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.
Best International Schools in Cook Islands
1. St Joseph’s School
Address: St. Joseph’s Rd
Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Tel: (00)68226111
E-mail: stjoseph@oyster.net.ck
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school
St Josephs Primary School is on the main island of Rarotonga. It was established in 1895 by catholic missionaries. The school caters for students from Early Childhood up to primary school level (Grade 6.
2. Te Uki Ou School
Address: Ngatangiia, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Tuition Rates: $25 – 40 per school week
Privately run school established in 1993, popular with both local and expatriate children (over 85% of our students are Cook Islanders). Offers pre-school and primary education, following the New Zealand system. There is a Primary (Apii Te Uki Ou) and Preschool (Te Uki Ou Apii Potiki). The school has a unique island style uniform that is compulsory for all primary school students. There is a waiting list so apply early.
3. Nukutere College
Address: PO Box 76
Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Tel: 26-110/21167/21168
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school
Nukutere College is a Roman Catholic secondary school. Nukutere means “people on a journey”, a reference to the pilgrim Church in the South Pacific contex. The school caters for students from Year 8 to Year 11.
4. Imanuela Akatemia
Address: P.O.Box 3090
Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Tel: (682) 23 668
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school
The “God with us Academy” is a Christian kindergarten to Year 13. The school uses Accelerated Christian Education (A.C.E) Curriculum and is founded on Christian principles.