In Europe, the children and young people of the SOS Children's Villages attend local schools and make use of existing education and training facilities. However, outside of Europe and in regions where there are SOS Children's Villages, the education system is often inadequate due to a lack of state assistance and financial funds.

Thus, in some cases, educational support comprises of ensuring access to education, for instance by assisting children and families to meet school fees and the costs of school supplies and uniforms. In other cases, where school facilities are not available, SOS Children's Villages runs kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, and vocational centers. All Hermann Gmeiner Schools- often regarded as model schools in the country of their location- are state recognized and teach according to the applicable national curricula.