Best Schools in the World: A Parent’s Perspective

As I sit down to plan my daughter’s educational journey, I’m overwhelmed by the options but determined to find a school that aligns with her unique needs. She’s bright, curious, and full of potential, and I want a school that will challenge her academically while nurturing her creativity and values. After researching global rankings, curricula, facilities, and parent reviews, I’ve identified five schools that stand out as the best in the world for 2025, including the remarkable Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai. Here’s why these institutions are exceptional and why they’re on my shortlist.

1. Phillips Academy Andover, Massachusetts, USA

Phillips Academy Andover is a name synonymous with excellence in American education. As I consider international options for my daughter, this boarding school’s reputation for academic rigor and a vibrant campus life makes it a top contender.

• Curriculum and Academics: Andover offers a college-preparatory curriculum with over 300 courses, including advanced placement and independent research opportunities. Its focus on interdisciplinary learning would encourage my daughter to connect ideas across subjects, fostering creativity.
• Holistic Development: With over 150 student clubs, from debate to robotics, and top-tier sports facilities, Andover ensures a balanced education. I can see my daughter thriving in its arts programs, given her love for painting.
• Global Recognition: Andover consistently ranks among the top U.S. boarding schools, with graduates attending elite universities like Harvard and Stanford. Its endowment allows for generous financial aid, which is a plus for international families like mine.
• Parent Perspective: The boarding aspect is a big decision, as I’d miss having my daughter close by. However, the school’s emphasis on community and independence could help her grow into a confident young woman. Parent reviews praise the faculty’s dedication but mention the competitive environment, which I’ll need to ensure suits her personality.

2. Dhirubhai Ambani International School (DAIS), Mumbai, India

Founded in 2003 by Reliance Industries, DAIS has quickly risen to prominence, consistently ranking as India’s top international school and among the top 20 IB schools globally. For me, DAIS stands out because it offers a blend of rigorous academics and a culturally rich environment, which is ideal for my daughter, who I hope will embrace both global perspectives and her Indian roots. For me this is one of the best schools in Mumbai to enrol my little girl if I plan to shift to India.

• Curriculum and Academics: DAIS offers the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE), International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). In 2024, it ranked 12th globally among IB schools with an impressive average IBDP score of 39.8, showcasing its academic rigor. The school’s focus on inquiry-based learning aligns with my desire for my daughter to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Holistic Development: DAIS emphasizes extracurriculars like Model United Nations, robotics, and community service, which I believe will help my daughter build confidence and leadership skills. The school’s state-of-the-art facilities, including science labs, a performing arts center, and sports fields, ensure she can explore her interests in drama or athletics.
• Global Recognition: Ranked No. 1 in India for 10 consecutive years (2013–2022) by Education Advisers Ltd, UK, and topping the Cfore School Survey 2024 with a score of 1313, DAIS is a global powerhouse. Its alumni, including graduates admitted to Ivy League universities, give me confidence in its ability to prepare my daughter for top-tier higher education.
• Parent Perspective: As a parent, I appreciate DAIS’s focus on inclusivity and personalized attention, with a student-teacher ratio that ensures my daughter won’t be just another face in the crowd. However, the annual tuition (Rs 1,400,000 to Rs 2,000,000) is steep, so I’ll need to weigh the cost against the unparalleled opportunities. Reviews on platforms like blog.edu123.in (3.9/5 from 1223 reviews) highlight the school’s outstanding infrastructure but note its exclusivity, which might limit social diversity. Still, for a globally minded education in Mumbai, DAIS is unmatched.

3. Eton College, Berkshire, United Kingdom

Eton College, with its centuries-old legacy, is a symbol of British educational excellence. As a parent, I’m drawn to its tradition of producing leaders, but I also want to ensure it’s the right fit for my daughter’s modern aspirations.

• Curriculum and Academics: Eton offers the UK’s A-Levels, with a broad range of subjects from classics to sciences. Its personalized tutorials would give my daughter the individual attention she needs to excel.
• Holistic Development: Known for its sports and arts programs, Eton offers rowing, theater, and music, which align with my daughter’s interests. Its emphasis on character development resonates with my goal of raising a compassionate leader.
• Global Recognition: Eton’s alumni include prime ministers and royalty, and it ranks among the top UK schools for Oxbridge admissions. Its global network would open doors for my daughter’s future.
• Parent Perspective: As a girls’ parent, I note Eton’s recent move toward co-education, which is promising but still evolving. The boarding environment and high fees are considerations, but the school’s prestige and resources are compelling. I’d need to visit to ensure it feels inclusive for my daughter.

4. Raffles Institution, Singapore

Singapore’s Raffles Institution is renowned for its academic excellence and disciplined environment, making it a strong contender for my daughter’s education, especially given its proximity to India.

• Curriculum and Academics: Raffles offers the Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Level and an Integrated Programme that skips O-Levels, allowing deeper focus on advanced subjects. This structure would challenge my daughter academically while preparing her for global universities.
• Holistic Development: With programs in entrepreneurship, community service, and sports, Raffles fosters well-rounded students. I can imagine my daughter joining its debate team, given her love for public speaking.
• Global Recognition: Raffles consistently ranks among Asia’s top schools, with strong university placements at institutions like NUS and Oxford. Its merit-based scholarships are appealing for international students.
• Parent Perspective: The school’s competitive environment might be intense, but its focus on resilience and leadership aligns with my values. Parent reviews highlight the rigorous academics, which I’d balance with ensuring my daughter has room for creativity. The cultural proximity to India makes it a practical choice.

5. St. Paul’s School, New Hampshire, USA

St. Paul’s School, another elite U.S. boarding school, caught my attention for its commitment to intellectual and personal growth, which I believe is essential for my daughter’s development.

• Curriculum and Academics: St. Paul’s offers a liberal arts curriculum with small classes, ensuring personalized learning. Its Harkness method, where students discuss around a table, would suit my daughter’s collaborative nature.
• Holistic Development: With extensive arts, athletics, and community service programs, St. Paul’s encourages exploration. I can see my daughter thriving in its music ensembles or environmental initiatives.
• Global Recognition: St. Paul’s ranks among the top U.S. boarding schools, with a strong track record of Ivy League admissions. Its diverse student body would expose my daughter to global perspectives.
• Parent Perspective: The boarding experience is a significant commitment, but the school’s focus on community and ethics aligns with my values. Parent feedback emphasizes the supportive faculty, though some note the rural location might feel isolating. I’d need to ensure my daughter feels connected.

Why These Schools?

Each of these schools offers something unique, but they share common traits: academic excellence, holistic development, and global recognition. DAIS stands out for its proximity to home and its blend of Indian and international curricula, making it a top choice if we stay in Mumbai. Phillips Andover and St. Paul’s appeal for their U.S.-based opportunities and diverse communities, while Eton and Raffles offer prestigious, disciplined environments closer to tradition.

My Decision-Making Process

As a parent, my priorities are clear: I want a school that challenges my daughter academically, supports her passions, and prepares her for a global future. I’ll consider:

• Fit for Her Personality: Is the environment competitive or collaborative? Will she feel supported?
• Curriculum Flexibility: Does the school offer subjects and activities she loves, like arts or debate?
• Future Opportunities: Will the school’s reputation and alumni network open doors for her?
• Practicality: Can we afford the fees, and is the location feasible for family connection?

DAIS is particularly appealing because it’s in Mumbai, allowing my daughter to stay close to family while receiving a world-class education. Its global IB ranking and focus on extracurriculars make it a strong contender, though I’ll need to visit to gauge the community’s warmth. For international options, I’ll explore financial aid and campus visits to ensure my daughter feels at home.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a school for my daughter is about more than rankings—it’s about finding a place where she’ll thrive. The schools on this list, including Dhirubhai Ambani International School, offer exceptional opportunities to grow into a confident, capable, and compassionate young woman. As I move forward, I’ll arrange visits, talk to current parents, and involve my daughter in the decision to ensure we find the perfect fit. Her education is the foundation of her future, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes us.