Indian Schools in USA: What They Are and How They Work

When families from India move to the United States, they don’t always want their kids to lose touch with the education system they grew up with. That’s where Indian schools in USA, private institutions that follow Indian curricula like CBSE and ICSE to serve Non-Resident Indian (NRI) families. Also known as Indian international schools, they help students stay ready for entrance exams like JEE and NEET if they plan to return to India for college. These aren’t just tutoring centers—they’re full-time schools with teachers from India, textbooks from Delhi or Mumbai, and exams that mirror those back home.

Most of these schools follow either CBSE, the Central Board of Secondary Education, which is the most widely recognized board in India for engineering and medical entrance exams or ICSE, the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education, known for its deeper focus on English and critical thinking. While CBSE is more common because it aligns directly with JEE and NEET, ICSE schools attract families who value strong language skills and project-based learning. Some even offer both streams, letting parents choose based on their child’s goals.

These schools don’t just teach math and science—they also keep cultural traditions alive. Students celebrate Diwali, learn Hindi or regional languages, and often take part in Indian Olympiads or national-level competitions hosted online from India. Many parents say this helps their kids maintain identity and confidence, especially in environments where they might feel culturally isolated. For students who plan to return to India after high school, these schools remove the shock of switching systems. They don’t have to relearn how to solve problems or write answers the Indian way.

But they’re not for everyone. These schools often charge higher fees than public or even some private U.S. schools. They’re mostly found in cities with large Indian communities—like Houston, New Jersey, Chicago, and the Bay Area. If you’re not planning to go back to India for college, a U.S. curriculum might give your child better access to American universities. Still, for families who see India as their long-term home, these schools are a bridge, not a detour.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real stories and facts about how these schools operate, how they compare to Indian boards back home, and what options exist for families who want their kids to stay connected to India’s education system while living abroad. You’ll see how CBSE and ICSE work overseas, what challenges students face, and how some families manage to balance U.S. and Indian expectations. No fluff. Just what matters if you’re trying to make the right call for your child’s future.