Acorns International School Kisaasi vs Galaxy International School Uganda

	A Acorns International School Kisaasi Kampala, Uganda	G Galaxy International School Uganda Kampala, Uganda
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year UGX 2,240 - 11,058	Fees / year UGX 6,050 - 15,000
Age range	Age range 1 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 800	Pupils 400
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1996	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Plot 328 Kisota Road, Kisasi, Kampala, Uganda (along the Northern Bypass, near Bukoto–Kisaasi). The Kisasi campus is part of Acorns International School, with other campuses in Bunga, Lubowa and Kigali.	Location GISU is located in Lubowa, along the Kampala–Entebbe Road, about 9 km from Kampala. Turn off before Roofings Ltd. and continue along the housing estate, with the school about 500 m from Quality Supermarket on the main road. The address is Plot 1077, Lubowa Estate, Entebbe Road, P.O. Box 11119 Kampala Uganda.
Stages	Stages Early Years (18 months–5 years), Primary (6–11 years), Middle Years (12–15 years), and Diploma Programme (16–18 years) within the IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, DP).	Stages Early Years, Primary, Lower Secondary, IGCSE and Cambridge AS & A Level programmes.
School type	School type International IB Continuum World School offering PYP, MYP and DP (and associated A Levels).	School type International, co-educational school offering Cambridge International Examinations (Checkpoint, IGCSE, AS & A Level) with boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix More than 50 nationalities represented among the student body.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Learner Support Services (LSS) with an Inclusion Policy to identify and address learning needs.	Additional learning support GISU takes in children with mild additional needs and supports them accordingly; learners with additional educational needs receive education through addressing their differences and including them in activities, with accommodations such as extra time for assignments or exams, use of technology, or adaptive equipment as appropriate.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Uganda	Country affiliation —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation No explicit religious affiliation; the school welcomes students of different faiths.
School day structure	School day structure School days run 7:30 am–5:00 pm; Saturday 9:00 am–4:00 pm; Sundays closed.	School day structure Regular school day runs from 08:00 to 15:30. Meals are served centrally in the dining hall.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Bus transport is available; transport costs depend on distance.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and registration fees - Registration (one‑time, non‑refundable): USD 400. Second child registration: USD 250. No registration fee for subsequent children. - Capital levy (one‑time, non‑refundable): USD 200 for the first child; USD 150 for the second child; USD 100 for subsequent children. Tuition fees (per term and annual totals, by yearband) - Crèche: Term USD 786 — Annual USD 2,240. - EYP1: Term USD 1,125 — Annual USD 3,206. - EYP2: Term USD 1,215 — Annual USD 3,463. - EYP3: Term USD 1,685 — Annual USD 4,803. - PYP1 & PYP2: Term USD 1,990 — Annual USD 5,671. - PYP3 & PYP4: Term USD 2,215 — Annual USD 6,313. - PYP5 & PYP6: Term USD 2,440 — Annual USD 6,954. - MYP1 & MYP2: Term USD 2,680 — Annual USD 7,638. - MYP3 & MYP4: Term USD 2,930 — Annual USD 8,349. - MYP5: Term USD 4,625 (two term entries listed) — Annual USD 8,788. - IB Diploma Programme: Term USD 5,820 (two term entries listed) — Annual USD 11,058. - Cambridge A Levels: Term USD 5,430 (two term entries listed) — Annual USD 10,317. Textbooks and subject charges - Textbook charges applied per programme and must be paid with tuition at enrollment or at the start of the academic year: MYP1–3 USD 220; MYP4–5 USD 380; IBDP USD 955; A Levels USD 430. Students must have required textbooks before their first class. Other recurring or optional fees - School lunches: Early Years USD 250 (term or plan as listed); Casual lunch USD 7 per meal; Primary & Secondary lunch plan USD 350. - After‑school clubs: EYP1–3 group package USD 400 (for 5 clubs); single club participation USD 100 per club. - After‑school care: EYP1–3 regular plan USD 310; Primary & Secondary plan USD 150. Casual after‑school care USD 5 per 30 minutes. Late pickup charge USD 5 per 15 minutes past regular after‑school hours. - Bus service (zone pricing): Zone 1 USD 300; Zone 2 USD 400; Zone 3 USD 500. Uniforms and school clothing costs - Secondary tie USD 8 per piece. PE kits USD 10 per piece. Primary trousers/skirts/polo T‑shirts USD 12 per piece. Secondary shirts/trousers USD 15 per piece. Sweaters USD 15 per piece. DP/A‑Levels blazer USD 45 per piece. PE uniform is compulsory for all students; full school uniform is compulsory from EYP3 onwards. Discounts and referral - Sibling discount: 7.5% discount on the tuition fee for subsequent child(ren). - Early payment discount: 5% discount on the tuition fee if the annual fee is paid before the start of the academic year. - Refer‑a‑friend: 15% reduction on one term's tuition following the introduction and admission of a new student. Billing schedule, payment terms and penalties - Billing schedule: Tuition is invoiced by term. Each term's fees are due by the end of Week 1 of that school term. - Penalties: Late payments incur a surcharge of 5%. Students with fees unpaid 30 days after the due date will be excluded from school unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Head of Finance. - Textbook charges (where applicable) must be paid with tuition at enrollment or at the start of the academic year. Refunds and non‑refundability - All one‑time charges at admission (registration and capital levy) are non‑refundable. Fees once paid are not refundable. Payment methods and currency - All fees are stated in USD. Payment in UGX is acceptable at the exchange rate indicated by the school office. Cheque payments are accepted payable to "Acorns International School." Bounced UGX cheques incur a UGX 50,000 bank fine and bounced USD cheques incur a USD 25 charge. Boarding - No boarding fees are listed; boarding is not applicable to this campus fee structure. Notes on included items and exclusions - Tuition covers classes, notebooks, stationery, basic supplies, and diaries but excludes examination fees, field trips, treks, and other specified charges.	Fee details Application / Admission fee - A one-time admission (registration) fee is payable for new students. The admission fee is USD 1,000 (non-refundable). Tuition fees (per term and annual totals, by year group) - Kindergarten (KG2 & KG3) - Term 1: USD 2,650 - Term 2: USD 1,750 - Term 3: USD 1,650 - Annual total: USD 6,050. - Reception - Term 1: USD 2,850 - Term 2: USD 1,850 - Term 3: USD 1,750 - Annual total: USD 6,450. - Key Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2) - Term 1: USD 3,450 - Term 2: USD 2,400 - Term 3: USD 2,250 - Annual total: USD 8,100. - Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6) - Term 1: USD 4,400 - Term 2: USD 3,050 - Term 3: USD 2,750 - Annual total: USD 10,200. - Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) - Term 1: USD 5,000 - Term 2: USD 3,450 - Term 3: USD 3,150 - Annual total: USD 11,600. - IGCSE (Years 10 & 11) - Term 1: USD 5,450 - Term 2: USD 3,850 - Term 3: USD 3,500 - Annual total: USD 12,800. - AS / A Level (Years 12 & 13) - Term 1: USD 6,450 - Term 2: USD 4,450 - Term 3: USD 4,100 - Annual total: USD 15,000. Book, exam and other recurring academic charges - Book fees (annual, paid at registration): - KG2 – Year 2: USD 250 - Years 3 – 9: USD 350 - Years 10 & 11: USD 450 - Years 12 & 13: USD 350. - Cambridge examination fees are charged in the relevant exam year and are payable in addition to tuition and book fees. Lunch and other facility charges are included within tuition. Transport is provided by a third-party operator with separate charges that vary by route and distance. School uniform costs vary by grade. Boarding fees (where applicable) - Boarding is offered from Year 7 to Year 13. Boarding fees per boarding student are: - Term 1: USD 2,450 - Term 2: USD 1,750 - Term 3: USD 1,600 - Total (boarding for the full year): USD 5,800. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is billed by term (three terms). Book fees are charged annually and are payable at registration. Lunch and facility charges are included in the tuition amounts. Transport and other optional services are billed separately. An upfront payment discount of 5% is offered where parents pay the full year in advance. A sibling discount of 5% applies for families with two or more children enrolled. The admission fee is payable once on registration and is non-refundable. Other costs and optional charges - Uniform: prices vary depending on grade; uniform purchase is an additional cost. - Transport: charged separately by a third-party transport provider; cost depends on route and distance. - Extracurricular activities fees (termly): - Early Years: Term 1 USD 100; Terms 2 & 3 USD 100 each. - Years 1–6: Term 1 USD 150; Terms 2 & 3 USD 150 each. - Years 7–13: Term 1 USD 150; Terms 2 & 3 USD 150 each. Refund information - The admission (registration) fee is non-refundable. Other refund or cancellation rules are governed by the school's financial agreement; full details should be confirmed with the admissions office. Fee payment options and practical note - The publicly available fee schedule and registration materials specify amounts, term billing and discounts but do not list specific payment channels (for example, specific bank account details, credit-card acceptance, mobile-money or online payment provider names) in the published fee schedule documents reviewed. Confirmed channels commonly used by schools in the region include bank transfer and school-approved electronic payment platforms, but the school's admissions or finance office should be contacted to confirm accepted methods and any transaction details or payment references to use. Contact options: +256 781 468 000 or admissions@gisu.ac.ug. Summary of the most important items for parents - Plan for a one-time, non-refundable admission fee of USD 1,000 at registration. - Budget tuition by year group on a per-term basis (three terms); annual totals are shown above. - Include book fees, examination fees and optional transport or boarding charges where applicable. Boarding fees for Years 7–13 are billed per term and total USD 5,800 for the year.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements Full, 24/7 boarding is provided in separate Boys Dormitory and Girls Dormitory. Dorm-masters and supervisors oversee the boarding houses and maintain open communication between House and parents, with students selected for leadership roles within the boarding community. Most meals are served centrally in the dining hall, and dorms have common rooms plus kitchen facilities (kettle, toaster, conventional ovens, microwave and a fridge); bed sheets and pillowcases are changed weekly, and basic provisions such as fruits, coffee, tea, sugar, milk, margarine, honey, jam, peanut butter, salt and pepper, and cups and cutlery are supplied to boarders.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement From EYP3, all students must wear the full school uniform appropriate to their department and timetable. The PE uniform is mandatory for every student (Creche onwards). Exceptions apply for special occasions; hats or caps and sunscreen are encouraged for outdoor activities; footwear must prioritise safety and flip-flops are not allowed. If a uniform is temporarily unavailable, students may wear the PE kit or neutral-colored, comfortable clothes until stock arrives; cultural and religious exemptions can be discussed with the Head of Department; for inquiries or to purchase uniforms contact the main administrative office.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options A balanced hot lunch is served to students each day. Home lunches are not allowed, and outside drop-offs or deliveries are not permitted; students may not leave campus during lunchtime. Lunch menus are shared termly and the cost of lunch is provided in the yearly Fee Structure.	Food options Most meals are served centrally in the dining hall for boarders. Dorms include kitchen facilities, and the school provides pantry items such as fruits, coffee, tea, sugar, milk, margarine, honey, jam, peanut butter, salt and pepper, plus cups and cutlery for boarders.
House system	House system —	House system Pupils are organized into dormitories: Boys Dormitory and Girls Dormitory. Each dorm has a common room, dorm meetings, and organized activities (birthdays, picnics, football, and other games) under the supervision of dorm-masters, with leadership roles for students within the boarding community.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Part of the Acorns Group of International Schools, with campuses in Kisaasi, Bunga, Kigali and Lubowa, and Gulu and BogoloBi campuses opening soon.	Governance and ownership The school is privately owned with a Board of Governors, and day-to-day operations are managed by the Principal.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details IB Continuum World School offering Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), and Cambridge A Levels. The curricula span ages 18 months to 5 years; 6–11 years; 12–15 years; and 16–18 years. Languages Programmes include French, Kiswahili, family language and Spanish.	Curriculum details GISU delivers the Cambridge International Curriculum from Early Years to Upper Secondary. Early Years uses the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. In Primary and Secondary, GISU follows Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary, Cambridge Upper Secondary, Cambridge International IGCSE, and Cambridge AS & A Levels.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Students are prepared for university study and are sent to universities and colleges in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe and South Africa.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school promotes and recognizes the importance of physical, emotional and mental health by creating a supportive environment that cultivates resilience where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to seek assistance and prioritize self-care in order to thrive. The school provides access to qualified counsellors who monitor student welfare and guide emotional development as part of a comprehensive student support approach.	Social & emotional learning The school provides School Counselling as part of School Life to support students' social and emotional development. Home Visits strengthen personal connections between staff, students and families to support wellbeing and engagement. Our teachers undergo professional development to align with curriculum standards and contemporary practices.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Enrichment and Inclusion policy outlines strategies for identifying and addressing barriers to learning, providing individualised support, promoting collaboration among stakeholders, and enabling a culture of respect and acceptance through Learner Support Services (LSS).	Special educational needs (SEN) Gifted and Talented Education is described as part of GISU's learning support.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Languages Programmes include French, Kiswahili, family language and Spanish. The language policy emphasises that learning language involves learning the language, learning about language and learning through language, supporting learners' development across education.	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Well-Being is a core value, with a focus on physical, emotional and mental health within a supportive environment. Student counselling supports welfare and addresses academic and personal/social development for all students.	Mental wellbeing School Counselling supports student mental wellbeing as part of GISU's wellbeing provision.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding All children have the right to be safe and protected. If you see something, say something; concerns are reported to Designated Safeguarding Officers and there is a Child Protection Concern reporting process. The Designated Safeguarding Officers include Ms Lieke, Ms Emma, Ms Shirin, Ms Shallon, Ms Andi, Ms Ameena and Ms Rachelle.	Safeguarding The school is committed to safe recruitment and promoting a safe environment and wellbeing of children and young people.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Acorns International School, Kisaasi offers world-class facilities designed to support IB learning. The campus features smart classrooms, well-stocked libraries and laboratories, and outdoor play areas. An auditorium and exhibition spaces support events and performances. The school provides a day care, a sick bay, and a range of spaces for art, design and technology, information technology, and science. Additional spaces include indoor and outdoor fields and a dedicated secondary student lounge to foster collaboration and wellbeing.	Facilities overview All classrooms are equipped with Smart boards and a sound-field system. Facilities include dedicated spaces for science, ICT and the arts: Science Laboratories, Chemistry Laboratory, Biology Laboratory, Physics Laboratory, ICT Laboratories, an IPAD Room, a MACBOOK Laboratory, a Design and Technology Room, a Music Room, and Libraries. The campus is located at Plot 1077 Lubowa Estate, Entebbe Road, Kampala (500 m after Quality Shopping Village). A campus video offers a virtual tour to learn more about the facilities.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Indoor and outdoor fields are available, along with a soccer field for team sports. The campus includes 25mm swimming pools and a baby pool for aquatic activities. There are facilities to support physical education, games, and intramural activities. The sports spaces are complemented by student lounges and club spaces for team preparation and recovery.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Smart classrooms support interactive teaching, paired with three libraries and multiple science labs. The campus hosts two IT labs and design & technology studios equipped with 3D printers. Art rooms provide creative spaces for visual arts, while the science labs support practical experiments across disciplines. The facilities enable a broad international curriculum including IB programmes and Cambridge A Levels, as detailed in the school's curricular offerings.	Academic facilities GISU offers Early Years, Primary, Lower Secondary, Upper Secondary, AS & A Level and IGCSE programmes. The Cambridge International Curriculum is followed in Primary and Secondary. The school provides Science Laboratories, Chemistry Laboratory, Biology Laboratory, Physics Laboratory. ICT Laboratories, IPAD Room, MACBOOK Laboratory, Design and Technology Room, Music Room, and Libraries support a broad range of learning.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities After School Clubs operate on campus, providing diverse opportunities for student involvement. Music, dance and drama rooms support performing arts and campus productions. An auditorium and exhibition areas host performances and showcases. The Design & Technology studios facilitate hands-on projects, and the well-equipped facilities enable a wide range of extracurricular activities across arts, sports, and community service.	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Acorns International School in Kisaasi is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum World School and is a 30-year-old institution. The trajectory from being The Acorns School to Acorns International Schools has been an exhilarating one. It is the second school in Uganda to offer the IB Continuum programmes. The school offers the IB Continuum with PYP, MYP and DP programmes. Visit us at Plot 328 Kisota Rd, Kisaasi.	History —
Community	Community The teaching staff are fully qualified and experienced in international education and participate in ongoing professional development. The student body represents over 30 nationalities. Students engage in an inquiry-based environment and are supported to become responsible, multilingual, and culturally literate global lifelong learners. The school embraces diverse languages, cultures and traditions and provides regular staff development.	Community GISU is located in Lubowa, 9 km from Kampala, along the Kampala-Entebbe Road. The school provides Cambridge International Education and has a Student Council – STUCO and a Parents & Teachers structure, including a PTA. Recent and upcoming community events include GISU STEAM EXPO, GISU SPORTS DAY 2026, GISU Blood Donation, and IFCD2025; an upcoming GISU Parents' Workshop is scheduled for March 7–8, 2026, and the Mathemania – National Round will take place on March 15, 2026.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The Parent Teacher Organisation (PTO) is a volunteer organisation established to support the Acorns community – students, families and staff. PTO welcomes all families in the school community, helps everyone stay connected to one another and the school. It creates a space for school staff and parents to represent the voice of the community. It supports students through involvement and creativity.	Parent teacher association The Parent Teacher Association provides a structure through which the parents, caregivers, and guardians of Galaxy International School Uganda students can work together with teaching staff. The PTA will work with the Principal and teaching staff members to build partnerships between home and school. The Parent Teacher Association undertakes a programme of activities which promotes the involvement of parents and which supports students, parents and school staff. In planning its activities, the PTA consults with the Principal and teaching staff members. Email: pta@gisu.ac.ug.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Acorns International School is an authorised IB Continuum World School offering Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). It is the second school in Uganda to offer the IB Continuum and is described as the most affordable in East Africa. Cambridge A Levels Programme is also offered, making it the only school in Uganda to provide both curricula. The school serves learners from 18 months to 18 years (ages 18m-5y; 6-11; 12-15; 16-18).	Academic & intellectual GISU hosts Mathemania – National Round. GISU hosts the GISU STEAM Expo. These events promote mathematics and STEM through competition and demonstration of projects. They provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative IFCD2025, the International Festival of Cultural Diversity, features music recitals, art exhibitions, and cultural performances. The festival includes traditional dance performances, a fashion show, and a food festival. Students, parents, and staff participate in the cultural showcases and celebrations of creative expression.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Languages Programmes include French, Kiswahili, family language and Spanish.	Cultural & language International Festival of Cultural Diversity (IFCD) highlights language, music, and culture. The festival brings together students, parents, and staff to celebrate diverse cultural heritage. The event features language displays, music performances, traditional dance, art exhibitions, and a fashion show. It demonstrates GISU's commitment to intercultural understanding.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies After-School Programmes include sports, the arts, STEM, leadership, and service, providing opportunities for social engagement beyond regular class time.	Social & hobbies The Student Council (STUCO) is the student government and provides a voice for students to influence school decisions. Boarding life includes sport, outdoor and indoor activities, and dormitory football matches. Evening and weekend activities in boarding life include group games, movie nights, and other social gatherings.
Community & service	Community & service Service is one of the after-school opportunities offered, aligning with the school's emphasis on holistic development and community involvement.	Community & service GISU Blood Donation Drive brings together students, parents, staff, partners and well-wishers to support healthcare. The event reflects GISU's commitment to community service and collective action. Participants are publicly acknowledged for their generosity and contribution.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership is included among the after-school opportunities, alongside sports, the arts, STEM, and service.	Leadership & professional STUDENT COUNCIL – STUCO is the student government and provides a voice for students to influence school decisions. The PTA (Parent Teacher Association) exists to engage families in GISU life. Parent Teacher Conferences (PTC) and Parent Workshops are part of GISU's family engagement. GISU also maintains alumni connections as part of its community.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Well-being is prioritized through the Well-Being core value, which promotes physical, emotional and mental health in a supportive environment. Outdoor play areas support active, healthy lifestyles. After-school programmes include sports to support students' well-being.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Boarding program provides an environment for personal and interpersonal development, emphasizing integrity, creativity, self-reliance, respect, empathy, leadership and service. Dorm-masters and supervisors maintain open lines of communication with parents to support student wellbeing. Boarding life features sport, outdoor and indoor activities, with evenings and weekends filled by social and recreational events such as dormitory football matches, games, and social gatherings. Most meals are served centrally in the dining hall as part of dormitory life.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language of instruction and official communications. Family languages are honoured and tracked, with Primary Family Language Lessons twice a month and representation of family languages in school events. In EYP, French is introduced through music and games; in PYP, students develop English and study French and Kiswahili; in MYP, English remains the core language with additional language acquisitions in French, Spanish, and Kiswahili; DP language learning includes Family Language integration across units.	Language provision English is taught across the curriculum. English-First Language is offered in IGCSE, English Literature and English as a Native Language are available at AS/A Level. French is taught as a Modern Foreign Language from Early Years through IGCSE and AS/A Level.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school uses English as the language of instruction and official communications. Family languages are honoured and developed through Primary Family Language Lessons (twice monthly) and by integrating Family Languages in school events. In the Early Years Programme, English is the primary language, with French introduced through music and games; in the PYP, students develop English while also exploring French and Kiswahili; in the MYP, English remains the language of instruction, with French, Spanish, and Kiswahili offered as language acquisition options, and translanguaging encouraged in the classrooms. In the DP, language learning continues with Family Language integration across units.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Step 1: Inquiry and Visiting Acorns. Families connect with the Admissions Office to schedule a personalised visit and tour of facilities. The visit provides a meaningful experience of classrooms, learning spaces, and extracurricular facilities. The Admissions Team supports families through this introductory step. Step 2: Application Process. Families review the Year Band Guide, Fees Structure, and Admissions Policy. They confirm registration by paying the non-refundable registration fee of $600, with a discount for siblings. After registration, an online application form is shared by the Admissions Department. Step 3: Placement Assessments. Applicants from PYP1 through DP1 complete placement assessments evaluating English, Mathematics, and Science to determine appropriate placement. These assessments also screen for learning readiness. For DP applicants, prior academic records and placement test scores guide placement decisions. Acorns does not admit students into MYP5 or DP2. Step 4: Admission Confirmation. Enrollment is confirmed upon submission of all admission requirements. Families receive confirmation within 7–10 days. If a class is full, applicants are placed on a waiting list and notified as soon as space becomes available. Admissions Timeline. Acorns operates rolling admissions. Applications are accepted throughout the academic year, subject to meeting admission requirements and space availability. Families may withdraw at any time during the academic year, in accordance with the withdrawal policy. Enrollment under Learner Support Services (LSS). The school outlines clear strategies for identifying and addressing barriers to learning. Families share relevant developmental and learning information during the application process. Where support needs are identified, applications are reviewed by the LSS and Programme Curriculum Coordinators. Further details are available in the Enrichment and Inclusion Policy (download).	Admissions GISU admits students from all over the world and follows the Cambridge International Curriculum in both Primary and Secondary. Placement is dependent on the child's age, with other factors considered on a case-by-case basis. The Admission Package includes the following documents and forms: Application Form; Admission Form; Student Health Record Form; Report Cards from the past two years; Placement and Enrolment Policy and Procedure; Financial Agreement; Rules and Regulations; two passport-size photographs; School Calendar; Copy of Birth Certificate; Copy of Passport (for foreign students); and Payment of Admission Fee. Vacancies are available in Early Years, Years 1–6, Years 7–13. Plot 1077, Lubowa Estate, Entebbe Road (500 m after Quality Shopping Village).
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships GISU Merit & Needs Based Scholarship Programme provides partial or full scholarships to academically and socially gifted students commencing IGCSE or AS/A Level. Scholarships are awarded for an academic year and aim to identify students who would thrive in an international setting and would not be able to attend GISU without financial support. Scholarships may cover up to 100% of school fees for self-funding or partial self-payers; boarding fees are not waived; admission and caution fees may be waived for full scholarship recipients applying from outside GISU; tuition is covered for the grade studied, while uniforms and transport/extra-curricular fees are the student's responsibility. Selection is open to all nationalities and targets students entering Grades 10–13 who are candidates for full IGCSE or AS/A Level programmes; Sports Scholarships are one example of scholarship categories with criteria including demonstrated sporting talent, leadership, and English proficiency. The applicant review process includes a Scholarship Application Pack, site assessments, interviews, and the Financial Assistance form; University placements are assisted from Grade 10, but no university scholarship is guaranteed. GISU reserves the right to withdraw scholarships or to adjust criteria and the number of scholarships awarded.
Waitlist	Waitlist Waitlist: If a class is full, applicants are placed on a waiting list and notified as space becomes available.	Waitlist —
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