Aga Khan Academy Dhaka vs Springdale International School Senior Campus

	A Aga Khan Academy Dhaka Dhaka, Bangladesh	S Springdale International School Senior Campus Dhaka, Bangladesh
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year BDT 719,780 - 2,011,770	Fees / year BDT 653,000 - 1,005,000
Age range	Age range 6 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 600	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2022	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The Aga Khan Academy Dhaka sits on a 17-acre site in Bashundara, Dhaka, at Ka-65/1, Kuratoli, Dhaka-1229, Bangladesh.	Location Senior Campus: Road 76, House 22, Gulshan 2, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh. Junior Campus: Road 55, House 11/A, Gulshan 2, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh. Both campuses are in Gulshan 2, Dhaka.
Stages	Stages Kindergarten to Grade 12; Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme (IB World School).	Stages Primary/Elementary and Secondary (Senior) with IB PYP (primary), IB MYP (middle years), IB Diploma Programme (DP) and Cambridge IGCSE.
School type	School type Private, non-profit, non-denominational, co-educational IB World School; residential programme planned to commence from Grade 6.	School type International school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix IB DP students by nationality: USA 26%; Bangladesh 26%; Canada 21%; UK 11%; Australia 9%; Other 7%.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Student Support Services provide targeted numeracy and English-language support.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Bangladesh	Country affiliation Bangladesh
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Non-denominational; AKDN programmes are conducted without regard to faith, origin or gender.	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details School bus transport is available; cancellations require two months' notice; if cancellations occur, two months' transport fees will be deducted from the deposit.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Admission and application fees - Admission fee (one-time, non-refundable): BDT 385,000 per student. Security (caution) deposit - Security deposit (one-time, refundable): BDT 85,000. Claims for refund of the caution money deposit must be made in writing within one year of the date of leaving the Academy; the Academy may set off any outstanding dues against this deposit. Tuition fees (annual) and per-term breakdown (by year group) - KG1–KG3 (Primary day school): Annual tuition BDT 719,780. - Grades 1–5 (Junior day school): Annual tuition BDT 1,064,360 - Grades 6–8 (Senior day school): Annual tuition BDT 1,465,950 - Grades 9–10 (Senior day school): Annual tuition BDT 1,528,320 - DP1–DP2 (Senior day school – Diploma Programme): Annual tuition BDT 2,011,770 Note on boarding/boarding fees - Residential facilities will not be available in the 2025–2026 academic year; therefore boarding fees are not applicable for that period. Other costs and miscellaneous fees - Transport/school-bus fees: Transport is charged where applicable and will appear on the student invoice. School bus transport cancellation must be given two months prior to the cancellation date; otherwise two months' transport fees will be deducted from the deposit. - Exam fees (MYP and DP): IB examination and related MYP/DP exam fees are billed separately based on the actual fees charged by the International Baccalaureate and associated incidental expenses. - Field trips and optional off-campus activities: Any field trips or off-campus educational experiences not included in the compulsory curriculum are charged when they are conducted and invoiced separately. - Uniforms, stationery, personal learning devices or similar consumables: not listed in the published fee schedule; such items, where required, are typically charged or purchased separately and are not included in the tuition figures above. Billing schedule and payment terms - On first joining: parents must pay the admission fee (non‑refundable), the tuition fee, and the caution money deposit (refundable) in advance and prior to the student attending the Academy.	Fee details Fee Overview for Springdale International School (Senior Campus — fee schedule by year group) Application / Placement Fees - Placement Test Fee (one-time, non-refundable): BDT 5,000. Admission Fee (one-time, non-refundable) — by year group - Pre School (Age 2+): BDT 300,000. - Nursery (Age 3+): BDT 300,000. - Pre K (Age 4+): BDT 330,000. - Kindergarten (Age 5+): BDT 330,000. - Grade 1 (Age 6+): BDT 370,000. - Grade 2 (Age 7+): BDT 370,000. - Grade 3 (Age 8+): BDT 400,000. - Grade 4 (Age 9+): BDT 400,000. - Grade 5 (Age 10+): BDT 485,000. - Grade 6 (Age 11+): BDT 430,000. - Grade 7 (Age 12+): BDT 430,000. - Grade 8 (Age 13+): BDT 470,000. - Grade 9 (Age 14+): BDT 470,000. - Grade 10 (Age 15+): BDT 500,000. Curriculum Support Fee (yearly) — by year group - Pre School: BDT 50,000. - Nursery: BDT 85,000. - Pre K: BDT 85,000. - Kindergarten: BDT 85,000. - Grades 1–10: BDT 85,000 for Grades 1–10 except Pre School which is BDT 50,000. Tuition Fees (termly) — by year group - Pre School: BDT 62,000 per term. - Nursery: BDT 68,000 per term. - Pre K: BDT 75,000 per term. - Kindergarten: BDT 79,000 per term. - Grade 1: BDT 82,000 per term. - Grade 2: BDT 83,000 per term. - Grade 3: BDT 85,000 per term. - Grade 4: BDT 87,000 per term. - Grade 5: BDT 89,000 per term. - Grade 6: BDT 91,000 per term. - Grade 7: BDT 93,000 per term. - Grade 8: BDT 95,000 per term. - Grade 9: BDT 97,000 per term. - Grade 10: BDT 100,000 per term. Note: Tuition is charged on a termly basis; an academic year consists of four terms. Security Deposit (one-time, refundable) — by year group - Pre School, Nursery, Pre K, Kindergarten: BDT 50,000. - Grades 1–5: BDT 60,000. - Grades 6–10: BDT 70,000. Security Deposit is refundable upon school transfer or graduation provided all dues are cleared. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition: payable termly; there are four terms in an academic year. - Placement Test Fee: payable at time of test (one-time, non-refundable). - Admission Fee and Security Deposit: admission fee payable within 10 days of acceptance; security deposit payable along with the admission fee. - Full-year payment: 5% discount available if the full year is paid in a single payment. - Late payment fines: a staged late-payment penalty is applied — a 5% fine for specific late-payment windows and a 10% fine for later windows; specific payment-window dates determine the percentage applied. - Admission suspension dates are set at specified points in the academic calendar. Boarding fees - No boarding fees are listed; boarding is not applicable. Other costs and fees - Uniforms (school and P.E. uniforms) are available through the admissions office for measurement and order; cost is an additional expense to be billed separately. - Curriculum Support Fee covers books, stationery, IT support, lab and library fees, and major school events for the year. - Any additional activity or optional program costs (extracurriculars, trips, examinations) would be charged separately as applicable. Refund information - Placement Test Fee and Admission Fee are non-refundable. - Security Deposit is refundable on leaving the school (transfer or graduation) after deduction of outstanding charges, provided all dues are cleared. Fee payment options - Cheque payable to Springdale International School. - Cash payment at the Admissions Office (cash counter hours provided by the school). - Card payment at the Admissions Office (a 2.5% additional bank charge applies). - Bank deposit / bank transfer to the school's account at Eastern Bank Limited (Gulshan North Branch) — Account Name: Springdale International School; Account Number: 8208030000241; Routing Number: 095261562. - Direct online card payment is available (a 2.5% additional bank charge applies) via the school's invoice/payment portal. Notes and payment-related conditions - Curriculum Support Fee is payable yearly. - Security Deposit is refundable after clearance of dues and on leaving the school. - A 5% discount applies for payment of the full academic year in a single payment. - Card/online card payments incur a 2.5% additional bank charge. - Specific late-payment windows and the corresponding fines (5% or 10%) are applied according to the school's published payment calendar; admission may be suspended on specified dates if payments are not made in the required windows.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Residential programme to commence in the future starting from Grade 6; residences will accommodate boarding students and teachers.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The Aga Khan Academy Dhaka is a private, non-profit, non-denominational, co-educational school and is part of the Aga Khan Academies network within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). The school follows a dual-language programme with instruction in English and Bengali.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school offers an education of an internationally recognised standard of excellence to prepare students to become intellectually curious, globally-minded citizens of the world. The Academy programme develops students who are committed to positive change and are able to understand and analyse complex issues of local, national and global significance. Our curriculum is rigorous and multidisciplinary, fostering intellectual curiosity, creativity, leadership development, social consciousness and a pluralistic sensibility. We prepare students for admission to the best universities in their own countries and abroad. They should have mastered at least two languages, including English. Through the Aga Khan Curricular Strands, cross-disciplinary areas of study have been developed for the network of Aga Khan Academies.	Curriculum details The school teaches an inquiry-based curriculum with STEAM learning and physical education. The school offers IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), IB Diploma Programme (DP), and Cambridge IGCSE.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates are well prepared for higher education and to pursue opportunities in an increasingly interdependent world. They are prepared for admission to the best universities in their own countries and abroad.	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 Aga Khan Academy Dhaka integrates social-emotional learning as part of its programmes. The Early Years (IB Primary Years Programme) emphasises social-emotional development and personal growth alongside academic learning, with a focus on global citizenship. The curriculum supports social-emotional development through inquiry-based learning and transdisciplinary themes. Routines at home and the home-to-school connection are emphasised to support children's social-emotional well-being. Staff have engaged in professional development focused on social-emotional learning, including a Responsive Classroom workshop that emphasises safe, engaging classrooms and a positive community. Mental well-being is illustrated by student-led initiatives and school programmes, including a Diploma Programme student who authored a booklet on adolescent mental health and school activities to raise awareness.	Social & emotional learning Springdale International School is a tight-knit community of staff, like-minded parents and students, focused on the development of each child. The inquiry-based curriculum features STEAM learning together with physical education. Units of study create links between topics so students can explore and understand the world around them. Students have ownership of their learning and are encouraged to actively participate by setting personal goals and practicing reflective self-evaluation. The school nurtures students to see themselves as people of substance—with character, passion, integrity, and high ability—so they can become tomorrow's leaders and make a positive difference to their community.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) The school provides Student Support Services to address numeracy and literacy for students who learn at different paces or require extra attention. These services are designed to provide targeted assistance and guidance. The additional classes are tailored to meet the specific challenges faced by students in these subjects and aim to foster deeper understanding and mastery of key concepts. Our highly skilled and dedicated teachers facilitate these classes, employing innovative teaching methods and resources to engage students and make learning enjoyable. By offering these support classes, the school creates a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student can thrive academically, build their confidence, and achieve their full potential, with help in Mathematics and English Language.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The Academy follows a dual-language instruction policy in Bangla and English for Dhaka. Students are expected to master at least two languages, including English. Language Week activities include readings in English, Bangla and Hindi, highlighting multilingual learning within the school community.	English as an additional language The languages of instruction are English and Bangla. Cambridge IGCSE is part of the Senior Campus curriculum, supporting English-language learning within the programme.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental well-being is a focus at AKA Dhaka, evidenced by student-led initiatives such as a Diploma Programme student authoring a booklet on adolescent mental health. The DP coordinator notes that the Aga Khan Learner Profile emphasises wellbeing and personal growth. Parent workshops address students' mental well-being and ways to support it. The school's wellbeing culture is reinforced by the Athletic Programme, which links physical activity to social and emotional development and resilience.	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safety and security are priorities at AKA Dhaka; the Transportation and Security Manager states that safety comes first and that campus protocols and disciplinary acts are followed. The campus is large and staff remain vigilant about safety-related issues to ensure a safe and secure environment.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Built on a 17-acre site near Bashundara, Dhaka, the Aga Khan Academy Dhaka offers state-of-the-art facilities on a secure, landscaped campus. The school enrols 750 students (K-12) with capacity to expand to 1,200, and residential facilities are provided for students and staff. Academic spaces include subject- and age-specific classrooms, well-equipped science and computer laboratories, a library and resource centres, and rooms for the fine arts, music and dance with individual practice booths and a music recording area. The Commons houses the dining hall and a hub for school activities, including music and drama performances and public lectures. The campus' sports facilities are extensive and, when complete, will include swimming and diving pools and fields for all sports.	Facilities overview Springdale International School has STEAM-focused learning integrated with physical education. The inquiry-based curriculum uses STEAM units that link topics and encourage exploration. Students own their learning by setting personal goals and practicing reflective self-evaluation. Small classrooms and highly trained teachers support a dynamic school community. Steam facilities and smart classrooms are part of the campus, enabling technology-enabled learning. The school aims to nurture students as leaders of tomorrow with character, passion, integrity, and high ability.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Our sports facilities are extensive and, when complete, will include swimming and diving pools and fields for all sports.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Subject- and age-specific classrooms; well-equipped science and computer laboratories; library and resource centres; rooms for the fine arts, music and dance, including individual practice booths and a music recording area.	Academic facilities The school teaches IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), IB Diploma Programme and Cambridge IGCSE. Academic work is organized around an inquiry-based STEAM curriculum. Units of study link topics to support exploration and understanding of the world. Students own their learning by setting personal goals and practicing reflective self-evaluation. The school aims to nurture students to become leaders with character, passion, integrity, and high ability.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The Commons will host a hub of student activity for music and drama performances, public lectures, and other school activities; spaces exist for arts and music, including rooms for fine arts, music and dance, with individual practice booths and a music recording area.	Extra curricular facilities The After School Program provides a robust set of extra-curricular activities alongside the academic program. Activities include basketball, football, cricket and volleyball, wall-climbing, STEM learning, computers and coding, and hobby development. Weekends offer foreign language classes (French, Arabic), Zumba, dance, and Arts & Crafts. Students from grade 3 onward are encouraged to plan school events and participate in weekly talent assemblies. Clubs include Dialogue Skills, Social Media Skills, Copywriting, Yearbook, Music & Band, Theater Arts, Student Led Conferences, Self Defense, and Entrepreneurship.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community Springdale International School Dhaka envisions itself as one of the premier 21st-century schools in the Subcontinent. It describes a tight-knit community of staff, like-minded parents and students who come together for each child's development. The inquiry-based curriculum includes STEAM learning with physical education, where units connect topics and students set personal goals and practice reflective self-evaluation. The site provides an Events Calendar and a Latest Events section for community activities, though there are currently no events listed.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The Aga Khan Curricular Strands strengthen understandings and dispositions needed by future leaders. They comprise five areas: Ethics, Pluralism, Cultures (with emphasis on Muslim civilisations), Governance and Civil Society, Economics for Development. The Strands are woven through the existing curriculum and integrated into school life via policies, co-curricular activities and daily practice, with opportunities to engage across the AK Academy network through visits and exchanges.	Academic & intellectual STEM learning and computers & coding are offered as after-school activities. The program complements the core curriculum by providing hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, and math. Students learn by exploring topics with structured activities and goals, supported by Springdale teachers and external specialists on a nominal cost. The program encourages reflective self-evaluation and personal goal setting as part of the learning process.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Expression focuses on visual and performing arts, including theatre, art, music and drama, enabling students to think creatively and express their identities. Individual and collaborative creative projects emphasise growth and the achievement of personal goals.	Arts & creative Performing arts are included as after-school activities, with clubs such as Music & Band and Theater Arts, plus Arts & Crafts. Weekend sessions feature Zumba, dance, and Arts & Crafts to broaden creative expression. Additional creative offerings include opportunities to develop artistic expression through performances and Arts & Crafts.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language An international exchanges network links students across Aga Khan Academies. The programme includes dual-language instruction with English and a national language, with English as a common medium at all Academies, and language study enhanced through immersion and intercultural contact.	Cultural & language Weekend sessions include foreign language classes such as French and Arabic. These classes provide exposure to languages as part of the after-school program.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies A broad range of clubs and programs are offered, including Dialogue Skills, Social Media Skills, Copywriting, Yearbook, Music & Band, Theater Arts, Student Led Conferences, Self Defense, and Entrepreneurship. These opportunities foster collaboration, communication, and creative expression beyond the classroom.
Community & service	Community & service Community service is a major facet of student education, integrated into life and the curriculum to extend learning beyond the classroom. Through community projects with local organisations and internships, students understand the world in which they live and work with local AKDN agencies to contribute to communities, gaining insight into human rights, dignity and autonomy.	Community & service Student leadership and service opportunities are part of the program.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Student leadership develops ethical, public-minded leaders. Through co-curricular clubs, students take leadership roles such as house leaders, student council members, team captains and dorm duties, gaining experience in cooperation, problem solving and goal setting. Leadership activities span community service, sports and expressive arts, building a sense of ownership, creativity and collaboration.	Leadership & professional Student Led Conferences and entrepreneurship opportunities are available, supported by leadership development within clubs and project work. Clubs and activities cultivate leadership, communication, and professional skills.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Physical education and competitive sports form a core part of student life. Inter-school teams compete in swimming, basketball, cricket, hockey, football and athletics, with regular training. After-school clubs offer activities in football, squash, basketball, cricket, swimming, table tennis, tennis and yoga/gym.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports include basketball, football, cricket, and volleyball, with physical education and other sport activities during and after school. Wall-climbing is offered, and weekends feature Zumba and dance. Boot camps are held annually to build teamwork and resilience.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English and Bangla are the instructional languages. The curriculum emphasises local language and culture and is taught through a bilingual approach.	Language provision English is the language of instruction for the curriculum. Bangla is compulsory in all PYP grade levels from age 4. The school is committed to multilingualism.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The Aga Khan Academy Dhaka uses a bilingual approach with English and Bangla.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Grade placement and eligibility. Entry to Nursery (Kindergarten 1) requires the child to be 3 years old by 31 July of the entry year. For Grade 1 entrants, the child must be 6 years old by 31 August and have completed at least three years of nursery education. Admission is based on a multifaceted assessment that evaluates cognitive, literacy, mathematical and leadership abilities and is competitive and merit-based. 2. Applications. Applications are submitted online through the Academy's online application service and there is no application fee. The online form requires: a completed application form; copies of the last two grade reports; birth certificate or passport; vaccination evidence for Junior School; two passport-sized photographs; and the tax return acknowledgment slip of either parent. 3. Assessments and interviews. Prospective Nursery and Kindergarten entrants participate in assessment exercises addressing communication, social and motor skills. Students entering Grades 2–5 take standard assessments in logic, English and mathematics and complete creativity tasks, followed by personal interviews with Junior School staff. Students entering Grades 6–10 take a standard assessment in logic, English, mathematics and problem-solving, plus interviews with Senior School staff. Diploma Programme (DP) applicants undertake a standardised assessment in English, mathematics and logic and an interview with DP coordinators and Senior School staff. 4. Diploma Programme specifics and merit. Applicants for the Diploma Programme must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and a proven record of civic-mindedness and community service. New students are not admitted in the year of the Diploma exam. Admission remains competitive and based on merit.	Admissions 1) Admissions Guidelines: Fill up the Springdale International School Online Admissions Form to enroll your child. Parents will be prompted at various steps in the admissions process to upload scanned documents (.jpeg, .pdf, .png) attached to the admissions form. You can save your progress and complete it later, and you should check your email inbox (including spam). Documents to upload include: one passport copy of the student, one passport copy of each parent, two passport-size photographs of the student, one passport-size photo of each parent, and one copy of National ID or equivalent for each parent. Additional documents for new transfer enrollments: a copy of the student's most recent report card. Hard copies may be requested for verification; if you are unable to complete all necessary documentation, complete as much as possible and the school will reach out for the missing documents. For assistance, email admissions@springdaledhaka.org or call +880248812022.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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