Acorns International School Kisaasi vs Vienna College Namugongo

	A Acorns International School Kisaasi Kampala, Uganda	V Vienna College Namugongo Kampala, Uganda
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year UGX 2,240 - 11,058	Fees / year UGX 4,746 - 8,850
Age range	Age range 1 - 18 years	Age range 11 - 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 (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 25
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 Namugongo Road, Kira, Wakiso District, Uganda. Vienna College Namugongo is a Cambridge International (CIE) Centre UG010. It is a private co-educational institution.
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 Cambridge International Examinations Curriculum at Junior, IGCSE and GCE “A-levels”.
School type	School type International IB Continuum World School offering PYP, MYP and DP (and associated A Levels).	School type The school is a private co-educational institution.
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 —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Interdenominational
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 Application and one‑off fees - Application fee (new students): UGX 50,000 (one‑off). - Admission fee: USD 100 (one‑off). - Caution fee (security/deposit): USD 50 (one‑off). Tuition and accommodation fees (per term) — listed by year group - Year 07: USD 1,582 per term. - Year 08: USD 1,836 per term. - Year 09: USD 2,109 per term. - Year 10: USD 2,505 per term. - Year 11: USD 2,611 per term. - Year 12 & 13 (Humanities/Arts): USD 2,837 per term. - Year 12 & 13 (Sciences): USD 2,950 per term. - Day students receive a reduction of USD 150 from the listed boarding/tuition amount per term. Tuition — annual calculation (three terms) - Annual fee is calculated as three terms. Example calculations: - Year 07 annual (3 terms): USD 4,746 (3 × USD 1,582). - Year 12 & 13 Sciences annual (3 terms): USD 8,850 (3 × USD 2,950). - Payment of fees in advance for a full academic year attracts a 5% discount on the term's fees applied to the payment. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are due on or before the start of the first week of each term. - Payment in advance for the full year qualifies for a 5% discount on the term's fees. - A sibling discount of 3% per child applies where more than one child is enrolled at the same time. - All fee‑related queries must be submitted in writing to the Head of Finance; decisions on fee matters rest with the Credit Committee. Boarding / accommodation - The listed tuition figures are published under “Tuition and Accommodation Fees,” indicating the amounts include boarding accommodation for resident students; day students pay USD 150 less per term. - The college operates multiple boarding houses for resident students. Other recurring costs and mandatory extras - Medical insurance: UGX 100,000 per annum. - Sports fee (games kit): UGX 50,000 per annum. - School meals (boarding): three compulsory meals are provided for resident students; catering is managed by the college (additional optional canteen purchases may apply). Refunds and penalties - Fees paid are non‑refundable. - Any exceptional refund or fee dispute must be raised in writing with the Head of Finance and may be considered by the Credit Committee; the Credit Committee's decision is final. Fee payment options and bank details - Bank transfer payments are accepted in multiple currencies via the college accounts: - Absa Bank of Uganda Ltd – Dollar A/c, Account Number: 0344248397, Swift: BARCUGKX. - Absa Bank of Uganda Ltd – UGX A/c, Account Number: 0341399475. - Stanbic Bank – Pound A/c, Account Number: 9030008662583, Swift: SBICUGKX. - For account enquiries use accounts@vienna.ug or the college finance office phone numbers. Administrative notes on discounts and conditions - A 5% discount applies when paying the full year in advance (applied to the term fees). - A 3% sibling discount applies per child when more than one child is enrolled concurrently. - The bursar's office may not vary fee decisions without Credit Committee consent.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The majority of Vienna College students are resident. Each student is attached to one of six boarding houses for residence and for sporting and social activities. The houses are Jaguar, Lion, Panther, Leopard, Cheetah and Tiger. The domestic department oversees boarding facilities, headed by a Senior Man with a deputy for the boys wing and a Senior Woman with a deputy for the girls wing, supported by two caretakers to ensure student welfare.
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 Students must have at least two sets of the school uniform bought from the school. Formal wear for special occasions is also required.
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 Dining serves three compulsory meals: breakfast, lunch and supper, with tea optional at break time. The on-campus canteen provides drinks and bites with a regulated selection.
House system	House system —	House system Pupils are grouped into six boarding houses—Jaguar, Lion, Panther, Leopard, Cheetah and Tiger—and these houses share in sporting and social activities as part of house life.
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 —
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 Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) curriculum for Junior, IGCSE and GCE A-levels.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results In October/November 2024, 139 students sat Cambridge GCE AS & A-level examinations; 19 attained four A's.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Guidance and counselling supports personal, social, educational and career development.
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 Guidance & Counselling is an integral part of the school mission and promotes personal, social, educational and career development for all students. A student mentoring system assigns 6-10 students to a tutor who oversees welfare and academic progress. Twice per term, parents receive tutorial reports detailing areas such as academic effort, class participation, innovation and research, self-drive, conduct, hygiene, dress code, co-curricular and sports, and goals.
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 Mental wellbeing is supported through Guidance & Counselling and the mentoring system, which monitors welfare and academic progress.
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 A code of conduct is issued and signed upon admission; discipline and social etiquette are part of all-round training. Boarding Houses are managed by a domestic department. Sick Bay is managed by a health service provider (IAA) with two resident nurses and a visiting doctor, with referrals to a major hospital.
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 Vienna College is a Cambridge International (CIE) Centre UG010, preparing students for IGCSE and GCE A-level courses. The campus has 18 modern classrooms designed for ICT-supported instruction. An Electronic Resource Centre with over 40 computers enables ICT and related subjects. A well-stocked print library seats over 80 and provides some computers for research. Science is taught in specialist laboratories for Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and Art & Design has dedicated teaching 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 Academic facilities include 18 ICT-equipped classrooms. An Electronic Resource Centre with over 40 computers supports ICT and related subjects. A print library seats over 80 and provides some computers for research. Science is taught in specialist laboratories for Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and Art & Design facilities are available.
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 Six boarding houses—Jaguar, Lion, Panther, Leopard, Cheetah and Tiger—house resident students and support sporting and social activities.
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 Vienna College Namugongo is a private co-educational institution offering the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) Curriculum at Junior, IGCSE, and GCE A-levels. It is Cambridge International Centre UG010 and focuses on student academic education in preparation and participation in IGCSE and A-level courses. The curriculum is tailored to meet the contemporary needs of society. The school has 25 years in the industry with 100% Cambridge-certified staff and over 100 candidates per sitting.
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 Vienna College hosts events that reflect cultural diversity, including the Inter-House Cultural Gala and Archbishop Janani Luwum Day activities. It lists Leadership Campaigns, Year 11 Study Tour to Botanical Gardens and UWEC, Guild Elections, and Visitation Day as part of its ongoing activities. These events foster student involvement, leadership development, and parent engagement within the Vienna College 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 offers the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) curriculum, including IGCSE and GCE A-levels. A student mentoring system assigns 6-10 students to a tutor who oversees welfare and academic progress, with termly tutorial reports covering academic effort, class participation, innovation and research, self-drive, conduct, hygiene, dress code, cocurricular activities and sports, and goals and targets. Guidance and counselling are integral to the school mission, supporting the personal, social, educational and career development of all students. The Year 11 Study Tour for Biology and Environmental Management includes trips to Botanical Gardens and UWEC.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Art & Design has its own teaching facilities. Music, Dance & Drama are part of school life through activities and performances. The school hosts Art Exhibitions and a Music, Dance & Drama program as part of its events. Inter-House Cultural Gala and Cultural Day celebrate cultural expression through the arts.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Languages Programmes include French, Kiswahili, family language and Spanish.	Cultural & language Inter-House Cultural Gala celebrates cultural diversity. Cultural Day is held as part of school activities. Arts events such as Art Exhibition and Music, Dance & Drama showcase cultural expression.
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 majority of students are resident and attached to one of six boarding houses for residence and social activities: Jaguar, Lion, Panther, Leopard, Cheetah and Tiger. The domestic department is headed by a senior teacher with deputies in charge of the boys' and girls' wings, overseeing well-being. Boarding houses support sporting and social activities and provide a community for resident students.
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 —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership is included among the after-school opportunities, alongside sports, the arts, STEM, and service.	Leadership & professional Student leadership is exercised through Guild Elections. Leadership Campaigns initiate the electoral process for student government. Professions Day presents alumni careers' insights and opportunities for career development.
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 Guidance and Counselling is integrated into the school mission, supporting personal, social, educational and career development. Sick Bay is managed by a health service provider with two resident nurses and a visiting doctor, with referrals to major hospitals when needed. The majority of students are resident and belong to one of six boarding houses that provide housing and social activities; a domestic team oversees the well‑being of boarding 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 The school teaches First Language English and Literature in English at IGCSE, and Foreign Language French at IGCSE. English and French are available as A' Level subjects.
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 null
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations null
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 —
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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