Overseas Schools Program

The Office of Overseas Schools (A/GO/PST/OS) promotes high-quality educational opportunities at the elementary and secondary school levels for dependents of U.S. citizens who are personnel under Chief of Mission authority assigned abroad. The Office

The Office of Overseas Schools supports American families living and working abroad by helping provide high-quality education for their children at the elementary and secondary levels. We serve the dependents of U.S. government employees assigned to embassies and consulates around the world, as well as other U.S. citizens living overseas. Our office partners with international schools to ensure they offer an educational experience that reflects American values and teaching methods, while also fostering understanding and cooperation between cultures. What makes our work unique is our commitment to maintaining high standards-often through U.S. accreditation-and our focus on building bridges between the United States and other countries through education.

Grants are generally restricted to selected overseas elementary and secondary schools that meet specific criteria established by the Department of State. To apply, a school must first determine its eligibility under the criteria outlined in 2 FAM 614, obtain concurrence from the U.S. embassy or consulate at its location, and submit required documentation such as its constitution, bylaws, and other pertinent materials for review. The post must recommend the school for assistance, confirming its ability to meet the needs of dependent children of U.S. citizens under Chief of Mission authority. Only schools that fulfill these requirements may apply for grants.

Dependents of American citizens carrying out programs and interests of the U.S. Government abroad are the primary beneficiaries.

A/GO/PST/OS awards grant assistance to Department-assisted schools overseas. These schools meet criteria outlined in the Foreign Affairs Manual (2 FAM 600), which requires that they be non-profit, non-church related and serve American interests. Schools accepting the grants agree to admit all eligible USG dependents.

Grants must be used for approved educational purposes, including the expansion of special needs, providing professional development, as well as support of leadership and good governance.

Grants are generally 12 - 18 months in length.

Pre-application coordination is not required. Environmental impact information does not apply to this program. This program is not subject to the requirements of Executive Order 12372.

The Office of Overseas Schools, in coordination with key stakeholders, determines a school's eligibility for grant funding. Once eligibility is confirmed, the school submits a grant application to A/GO/PST/OS, who reviews the request, analyzes the anticipated impact of the grant funding, determines the grant amount and approved purposes, and prepares the necessary documentation. These documents are then sent to the school and the relevant post for execution. The school signs the documents and returns copies to both the post and A/GO/PST/OS.

If a school needs more time to complete the purposes of a grant, it may request a one-time extension of up to 12 months. The school must submit the request on Form DS-1909 before the award expires, with the post's concurrence. Global Operations must approve the extension, which becomes effective once the school official signs the form prepared by A/GO/PST/OS and sent to the post and the school.