The concept of public relations is a wide-ranging one and local community contact is usually a key area of activity. This activity with regard to international schools has generally drawn criticism from writers. It is a complex and ever-changing relationship, yet is arguably central to the founding ethos of many schools. This paper reports on the surveying of 34 schools in 22 different countries, which revealed that they undertook little formal contact with the local community. Several possible political and moral reasons for this are discussed and outlined alongside a number of possible management and organizational factors.