Acorns International School Kisaasi vs Orel-Vine International Academy

	A Acorns International School Kisaasi Kampala, Uganda	O Orel-Vine International Academy Kampala, Uganda
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year UGX 2,240 - 11,058	Fees / year UGX 450 - 9,900,000
Age range	Age range 1 - 18 years	Age range 1 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
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 —
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 30
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1996	Opened 2010
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 Uganda, Kampala area. Pre-school on Najjera (Kampala); Primary & Secondary on Nakasajja, Gayaza Road, Kampala.
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 Pre-school; Primary; Secondary
School type	School type International IB Continuum World School offering PYP, MYP and DP (and associated A Levels).	School type Christian international school (Cambridge International education at primary and pre-school levels)
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 —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Uganda	Country affiliation Uganda
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Christian
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 —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
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 Tuition — Cambridge curriculum (per term) - Nursery: UGX 1,200,000 per term. Lunch: UGX 200,000 per term. - KG & PP: UGX 1,200,000 per term. Lunch: UGX 200,000 per term. - Year 1–Year 2: UGX 1,500,000 per term plus US$150 per term. Lunch: UGX 300,000 per term. Annual (3 terms): UGX 4,500,000 + US$450. - Year 3–Year 6: UGX 1,500,000 per term plus US$200 per term. Lunch: UGX 300,000 per term. Annual (3 terms): UGX 4,500,000 + US$600. - Year 7–Year 8: UGX 2,000,000 per term plus US$250 per term. Lunch: UGX 300,000 per term. Annual (3 terms): UGX 6,000,000 + US$750. - Year 9–Year 11: UGX 2,200,000 per term plus US$250 per term. Lunch: UGX 300,000 per term. Annual (3 terms): UGX 6,600,000 + US$750. - Year 12–Year 13: UGX 3,000,000 per term plus US$500 per term. Lunch: UGX 300,000 per term. Annual (3 terms): UGX 9,000,000 + US$1,500. Tuition — National curriculum (per term) - P1–P7: UGX 800,000 per term. Lunch: UGX 800,000 per term (reported as the second column under National curriculum). Annual (3 terms): UGX 2,400,000 (tuition) + UGX 2,400,000 (lunch). Registration and one-time fees - Registration (national): UGX 100,000 (one-time). - Registration (international): US$50 (one-time). Family discounts - First child: full fees. - Second child: 10% discount. - Third child: 15% discount. - Fourth child: 20% discount. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are published and charged on a per-term basis; the academic year is billed in three terms (trimester), so annual totals equal per-term amounts multiplied by three. - Fees are paid via bank (bank deposit / bank transfer). Bank slips can be collected from the school office. Specific due dates per term are not listed here. Boarding - No boarding fees are listed; no boarding programme or boarding charges are indicated. Other costs and typical additional charges - Lunch is charged per term as shown above and is listed separately from tuition. - No uniform fee, development fee, exam fee, or extracurricular price schedule is specified in the published fee structure provided here. Any optional club or activity fees and any exam or subject-specific charges are not listed in this fee schedule. Refunds and adjustments - No refund policy or explicit refund terms are published in the fee schedule. Refunds or fee adjustments are not specified. Accepted currencies and payment notes - Fees appear in Ugandan shillings (UGX) and in US dollars (USD) for certain year groups; the schedule notes that payments are made at the bank. Specific electronic payment methods (credit card, online payment portal, or mobile money) are not detailed in the published fee schedule. Summary - Per-term tuition rates by year group and the separate per-term lunch charges are provided above; annual totals shown are calculated as three times the per-term amounts in line with the three-term billing structure. Registration is a one-time fee (UGX 100,000 for national registration or US$50 for international registration). Family discounts for multiple children apply as listed. Payment is made by bank deposit/transfer and bank slips can be collected from the school office.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
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 Meals are provided on campus. The Orel Vine Meals planner shows a weekly schedule for breakfast and lunch, including millet porridge with milk, soft buns, and cake for breakfast; lunches feature meat with cabbage or vegetable rice with matooke, beans with rice, and sides like fried cassava and fried plantain, with fruit such as watermelon.
House system	House system —	House system —
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 led by a Director, Priscilla Kigumba. It operates as a Christian International school offering Cambridge International Education with a pre-school campus in Najjera and primary campus on Gayaza Road.
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 The school offers Cambridge International Education at primary and pre-school 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 —
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 Student-led projects are at the heart of teaching and learning. The school pursues holistic development, fostering academic, social, emotional, and physical growth. It nurtures students' confidence and healthy self-esteem. Small class sizes ensure individual attention. The curriculum emphasizes global citizenship and community engagement through a diverse co-curricular program, including clubs such as French, public speaking, financial literacy, reading, music, dance, drama, guitar, piano, and various sports.
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) —
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 The mission is to provide a safe, caring and conducive learning environment. The school emphasizes personal and professional integrity and upholds Christian values. It encourages exploratory learning approaches and seeks excellence. A strong sense of community is fostered through relationships with students and families. Holistic education includes a diverse co-curricular program with sports, arts, and community service.
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 —
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 —
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 Orel Vine School offers Cambridge International Education at pre-school, primary and secondary levels. The dual curriculum system combines the Uganda national curriculum with Cambridge International Education. The Cambridge framework used includes the Cambridge Primary Programme, Cambridge IGCSE, and O Level preparation. The school emphasizes student-led projects, small class sizes, and a safe environment with a full-time nurse to support student 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 French club, public speaking, financial literacy, reading, music, dance, drama, guitar club, piano, jazz drums, and all forms of sport are part of the co-curricular program.
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 —
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 —
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 The school has a rigorous curriculum and dedicated educators that empower students to achieve their highest potential and excel academically. It focuses on holistic development, including academic, social, emotional, and physical growth as part of its educational approach. Cambridge International Education is offered at pre-school and primary levels, supporting a Cambridge curriculum across early and foundational years. The school emphasizes innovative learning with state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge teaching methods.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative The school has a diverse co-curricular program including arts as part of its well-rounded development.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Languages Programmes include French, Kiswahili, family language and Spanish.	Cultural & language The school fosters global citizenship through multicultural education and international collaborations, cultivating open-mindedness, empathy, and cultural awareness. The curriculum fosters cultural awareness and open-mindedness through international collaborations and cross-cultural learning opportunities.
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 school offers a robust program of sports and co-curricular activities that support leadership and teamwork development.
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 Community engagement is a cornerstone of Orel Vine School. The school believes in collaboration and service to make a positive impact in local and global communities.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership is included among the after-school opportunities, alongside sports, the arts, STEM, and service.	Leadership & professional —
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 school emphasizes holistic development including physical well-being through a diverse co-curricular program that includes sports, arts, and community service. The program supports well-rounded growth and personal health as part of daily school life. It integrates physical, social, and creative activities to promote a balanced lifestyle for students.
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 French club is offered as a co-curricular activity.
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 1. Submit Admission Form. The school considers all applicants equally deserving and evaluates every application with great care. Families should take time to fill out the Admission Form in the Admissions section to provide the information the school uses to review applications. The Admission Form collects Student Info (Admission Number, Admission Date, First Name, Middle Name, Last Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Address, State, City, Zip Code, Mobile Number, Email, Previous School), Siblings Information, and Family Information to support the review. 2. Early Action timeline. Early Action applicants apply by the November 1 deadline and hear from the school by mid-December. The admissions team reviews each application with care. The process emphasizes careful evaluation of every application. Applicants should monitor communications from the admissions office for updates.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
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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