Almaty International School vs Kazakh Elite School Zaman

	A Almaty International School Almaty, Kazakhstan	K Kazakh Elite School Zaman Almaty, Kazakhstan
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KZT 3,563,827 - 12,204,890	Fees / year KZT 5,300,000 - 6,800,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 6 - 17 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), Singapore Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 450	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 6	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language Kazakh, English
Opened	Opened 1993	Opened 2007
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Almaty International School is located at 185 Baiken Ashimov Street, Kalkaman 2 Micro-District, Nauryzbay District, Almaty, Kazakhstan 050006. The address places it in the Kalkaman area of Almaty and is accessible by road. The campus serves preschool through Secondary IV (Pre-K through 12).	Location Almaty, Kazakhstan. Address: Kargaly district, Kenesary Khan street 56/1. The school is located in Almaty and serves local families and international students.
Stages	Stages Preschool through Secondary IV (Pre-K through 12)	Stages Primary (Grades 1-4) – IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). Middle/High (Grades 5-11) – IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP).
School type	School type Private, nonprofit international school	School type —
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix The student body represents over 32 nationalities	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Zaman School has an Inclusive Education policy to support all students, including those with Special Educational Needs. The school identifies students with additional learning needs and provides learning support through an Inclusive Education Coordinator and dedicated processes. Language support is provided for Kazakh, Russian and English, including English as an Additional Language (EAL).
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Affiliated with the United States Department of State Office of Overseas Schools	Country affiliation Kazakhstan
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Delivery is paid separately; ₸60,000–₸70,000 per month.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Admission fee - No publicly posted, itemised application or one-off admission fee amount was available in the school's published 2025–2026 enrollment materials. Parents should expect that a non‑refundable application or admission charge may exist and that payment is typically required at enrollment; the school's admissions materials and student handbook describe the admissions steps but do not list a specific fee amount. Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts) - Pre‑K (half‑day): USD 7,300. - Pre‑K (full‑day): USD 8,800. - Grades K–12 (annual): USD 25,000. Note: per‑term (installment) breakdowns for these tuition figures were not published in the school materials accessible for 2025–2026; the annual figures above are the published annual amounts. Billing schedule and payment terms - Lunch program: payments are made in advance on a monthly basis; lunch payments can be made in cash or by card (Visa, MasterCard) at the school office. Company payments for lunches may be paid by wire transfer for a minimum of five months at a time. - Bus/transportation: the annual transportation fee is USD 2,200. The transportation fee may be paid for the whole year, by term, or by month (the school describes this service as flexible). - Withdrawal and outstanding balances: families are required to give written notice when withdrawing a student (two weeks' notice is requested). Final school records, transcripts and diplomas will not be released while tuition or other school charges remain outstanding. Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered. Almaty International School operates as a day school; no boarding fee schedule is published. Other costs and recurring charges - Lunch: KZT 2,400 per day (monthly payment required); snack (where offered) KZT 420 per day. Payments accepted in cash or by card (Visa, MasterCard) at the school office; company payments by wire transfer are accepted for multi‑month prepayment. - Summer camp: Intensive English Camp KZT 75,000 per week (9:00–13:00); Summer Fun Camp KZT 70,000 per week (9:00–16:00) with an optional additional weekly KZT 22,000 to include snack and lunch. - Transportation: annual fee USD 2,200 (see billing schedule entry above). - Examination fees: externally graded exams (for example AP exams) incur additional exam fees charged to students. - Items explicitly noted as not included in standard tuition: sports uniforms, books, voluntary trip fees (field trips), campus spirit shop and student centre charges, lunch (unless purchased), week‑without‑walls trips, and summer camp. - Sibling discounts or other concessions: no specific public schedule for sibling discounts or fee waivers was published in the materials reviewed. Refund information and early withdrawal - Withdrawal procedure: the school requests two weeks' written notice of withdrawal. Credit for work and issuance of records follow the school's academic and administrative policy; families with outstanding tuition or other unpaid charges will not receive final documentation until accounts are cleared. The student handbook and admissions material set out withdrawal steps but do not publish a separate, detailed refundable / prorated tuition refund table in the publicly available 2025–2026 packet. Fee payment options (methods explicitly stated) - Lunch payments: cash or card (Visa, MasterCard) in the school office; company payments by wire transfer (in KZT) are accepted for multi‑month prepayments. - Transportation payments: described as payable annually, by term, or by month; specific payment methods for the transportation fee are not itemised on the transportation page. - General tuition and other school charges: the school's publicly available admissions and student handbook materials do not publish a full list of accepted payment methods for tuition (for example, card, bank transfer details or online payment portal). For payments related to the lunch program, the school accepts Visa and MasterCard; parents should coordinate directly with the school finance office for tuition payment methods and bank details. Concise summary of findings and outstanding items - Confirmed and published items (2025–2026 materials): annual tuition headline figures (Pre‑K and K–12), the annual transportation fee (USD 2,200), lunch pricing and payment methods, summer camp weekly fees, and the list of charges that are not included in tuition. - Not published in the publicly available 2025–2026 enrollment materials reviewed: an itemised application/admission fee amount; a per‑term tuition breakdown (exact term instalment amounts derived from the annual fee); a detailed tuition payment policy listing all accepted payment channels for tuition (full bank details, online portal or card processing for tuition); and a formal, published refund/proration table for early withdrawal. These items were therefore not available to set out as fixed figures or formal policy text in this summary. If you require the specific per‑term tuition instalments, an exact application/admission fee amount, or the school's bank details and formal refund/proration table for the 2026/27 or 2025/26 year, those items will need to be obtained from the school's admissions or finance office; the school's admissions page, student‑parent handbook and service pages are the documents consulted for this summary.	Fee details Application / entry fee - Entry fee: equal to one month's tuition (one-time, non-refundable). Tuition (listed as monthly amounts) — by year group - Grades 1–4: ₸ 400,000 per month. Per 5-month term: ₸ 2,000,000. Per 10-month school year: ₸ 4,000,000. - Grades 5–7: ₸ 430,000 per month. Per 5-month term: ₸ 2,150,000. Per 10-month school year: ₸ 4,300,000. - Grades 8–9: ₸ 450,000 per month. Per 5-month term: ₸ 2,250,000. Per 10-month school year: ₸ 4,500,000. - Grades 10–11: ₸ 470,000 per month. Per 5-month term: ₸ 2,350,000. Per 10-month school year: ₸ 4,700,000. - DP (IB Diploma Programme): ₸ 500,000 per month. Per 5-month term: ₸ 2,500,000. Per 10-month school year: ₸ 5,000,000. - Advanced English (1st grade): ₸ 450,000 per month. Per 5-month term: ₸ 2,250,000. Per 10-month school year: ₸ 4,500,000. Additional recurring costs (specified separately) - Meals: ₸ 70,000 per month for full school catering (four meals per day). Per 5-month term: ₸ 350,000. Per 10-month school year: ₸ 700,000. Meals are billed separately from tuition. - Student transport (delivery): ₸ 60,000–70,000 per month depending on route. Per 5-month term: ₸ 300,000–350,000. Per 10-month school year: ₸ 600,000–700,000. Transport is billed separately from tuition. Other costs - School uniform: a required, school-branded uniform is provided/designed for students (no price listed on the uniform page). Specific uniform items and purchase/price arrangements are managed by the school. - Extracurricular activities, special courses, exam fees (e.g., AP/IB external exam fees) and optional services: charges may apply in addition to tuition; these are not itemised on the published price page. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is presented as a monthly rate. The school publishes staged payment instructions for tuition and for food (payment-stage guidance is provided). For planning, common breakdowns use school terms and the academic calendar. The school's academic calendar and payment-stage guidance set the billing periods. Per-term and per-year totals above use a 5-month term / 10-month academic year basis consistent with the school calendar presentation. - Meals and transport are billed separately from tuition and are charged on a monthly basis as shown above. - Entry fee is paid at enrolment and is one month's tuition (one-time, non-refundable). Refund information - The entry fee is one-time and non-refundable. There is no separate published tuition refund policy on the fees page. Any refund conditions for tuition or other charges would be covered by the school's contractual terms and internal policies. Fee payment options - The school provides staged payment instructions and explicitly publishes a payments page that references Kaspi payment processing (Kaspi payment guidance is available). Bank-transfer payment details are provided on the site's banking information sections. Accepted payment channels therefore include the Kaspi payment system and bank transfer (school banking details are published in the bank details section). For exactly how to submit payments (online Kaspi, bank transfer, or other channels) follow the school's payment-stage instructions. Summary (quick reference) - Monthly tuition (selected): Grades 1–4 ₸ 400,000; Grades 5–7 ₸ 430,000; Grades 8–9 ₸ 450,000; Grades 10–11 ₸ 470,000; DP ₸ 500,000. Meals ₸ 70,000/month; transport ₸ 60,000–70,000/month. Entry fee = one month's tuition (non-refundable). Per-term and per-year totals calculated above assume 5-month terms and a 10-month academic year as reflected in the school calendar.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Lunches are provided by FG Company in a buffet. 3- to 4-year-old students are served in their classrooms. The menu includes an in-house bakery, a salad bar with fresh fruits and vegetables, dietetic options and vegetarian dishes, two entree selections with sides, two soups, and beverages; Korean food is offered for older students daily. Payments for the lunch program are accepted in cash or by card at the school office and must be made in advance on a monthly basis. If lunches are funded by a company, payments can be made by wire transfer in Kazakh tenge for a minimum of five months; an invoice and closing document are provided by FG Company.	Food options Halal meals are provided as part of the school's nutrition program.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is part of Quality Schools International (QSI), a non-profit organization with 35 schools in 29 countries.	Governance and ownership The school is operated by Kazakh Elite School Zaman LLP.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school has mastery learning with an American curriculum. English is the language of instruction. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered, including the AP Capstone Diploma Program. AP Capstone requires completing AP Seminar and AP Research with a 3 or better along with four other AP exams. The curriculum includes Russian and Kazakh language and culture. After-school activities, music, and sports programs are available.	Curriculum details IB programmes across PYP, MYP, and DP. The MYP is delivered to students in grades 5–9 with an emphasis on inquiry-based, interdisciplinary learning and global perspectives. Personal Project and Community Project are key components of the MYP, with 8th-grade students undertaking the Community Project. The Diploma Programme (DP) provides six subject groups plus the DP core (TOK, EE, CAS) and is authorized to be implemented for Grades 10–11 starting in the 2025–2026 academic year; AP electives are available for students on the national curriculum track. The ZAMAN component adds proprietary, values-based, project-based learning with small class sizes and personalized support, including courses such as Family institution, Leadership, Financial literacy, Drama, News analytics, and Kazakh national traditions. A Singaporean science and mathematics pathway is also part of the curriculum.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio The school has about 400 students and 64 teachers (48 full-time foreign teachers and 16 language teachers), yielding a student-teacher ratio of about 6:1.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results In 2020-2021, 58 students were enrolled in AP courses and 87 AP exams were taken. The mean AP score was 3.1, with 73% of scores at 3 or higher. AIS offers the AP Capstone Diploma, awarded to students who complete AP Seminar and AP Research with a grade of 3 or better along with four other AP exams.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduate SAT data for 2020-2021 shows a mean composite of 1273, with Critical Reading 620 and Mathematics 671. Recent AIS graduates have gained admission to universities in the United States and abroad, including Harvard University, Northwestern University, University of California Berkeley, University of Pennsylvania, Amherst College, Brown University, Johns Hopkins University, MIT, and New York University.	Higher education progression Graduates pursue higher education at Kazakhstan-based and international universities. Notable destinations include KIMEP University, Almaty Management University, Kazakh National Medical University, and the University of Westminster in the United Kingdom. Other destinations include De Montfort University in the United Kingdom, the University of Twente in the Netherlands, and The Aldo Galli Academy in Italy.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented The school provides IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP) and AP courses, together with proprietary courses under its ZAMAN component. Small class sizes and personalized instruction support individualized learning, with project-based and values-based approaches. Proprietary courses include Family institution, Leadership, Financial literacy, Drama, News analytics, and Kazakh national traditions.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning AIS supports social and emotional learning through the QSI Success Orientations, including Kindness and Politeness, Independent Endeavor, and Concern for Others. The school provides counseling and behavioral guidance through a dedicated Counseling program with whole-school activities, class lessons, small-group sessions, and individual counseling to address academic and social-emotional needs. Counseling topics include guiding students through cultural adjustments, relationship issues, conflict resolution, problem-solving, anger/frustration management, and crisis intervention. The program emphasizes well-being as a core focus of student development and prepares students to engage as global citizens. AIS also emphasizes 21st Century Skills and project-based learning to foster collaboration and empathy.	Social & emotional learning Zaman School provides an inclusive, safe learning environment where everyone is welcomed and valued. The IB mission emphasizes developing inquisitive, caring, and globally minded learners, and the IB learner profiles guide everyday learning. The school identifies students with social, emotional, and mental health needs and offers psychological support services, including access to a psychologist and an inclusive education coordinator. Counseling, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and learning support are available through Student Support Services to address wellbeing and learning needs. The school fosters positive relationships, encourages student voice, and invites parental involvement in wellbeing and inclusion.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Quality Schools International has a special needs policy forming the learning support framework for students with mild to moderate learning challenges. The learning support program provides accommodations to help students master the curriculum, with regional Learning Support Coordinators and on-site Learning Support Teachers and paraprofessionals. AIS can develop and support appropriate academic and behavioral learning plans to meet individual student needs. For specifics on AIS learning support services, contact the school directly for details.	Special educational needs (SEN) Zaman School has an Inclusive Education policy that promotes equal opportunities and a safe, respectful environment for all students. The school identifies students with special educational needs and maintains a learning support register; admission decisions consider the needs and accommodations required. Psychological and pedagogical support is provided by psychologists and an inclusive education team, with evaluation and individualized planning to support learners. The school has an open policy for admitting students with SEN; the final admission decision is made by heads of departments and the executive director; additional information may be requested. Student Support Services include counseling, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and learning support to address specific needs.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The language of instruction is English.	English as an additional language Language of instruction is Kazakh; English and Russian are taught as main components of the curriculum; Russian is taught as a second language and English as a foreign language. In primary school, most lessons are conducted in Kazakh; Russian is taught in Russian; separate subjects such as English, Singaporean Mathematics and Singaporean Science are taught in English. In high school, the language of instruction remains Kazakh but some classes are held in Russian and English; bilingual classes in Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Computer Science are taught in Kazakh and English. All official documents are published in Kazakh, Russian and English; English plays a role in bilingual subjects and CLIL. EAL support complements the Programme of Inquiry; language needs are addressed with diagnostic testing and phase placement; English language development is supported across PYP and MYP.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The well-being of students is prioritized; counselors work with students, parents, teachers, and the administrative team through classroom lessons and individual counseling to support academic and social-emotional needs. The counseling program offers academic support and social/emotional support, including guidance on cultural adjustments, relationship issues, conflict resolution, problem-solving, anger/frustration management, and crisis intervention. Secondary counseling topics include academic planning and post-secondary planning.	Mental wellbeing The policy recognizes social and emotional difficulties and mental health concerns and provides psychological support services, including diagnostic testing and access to a teacher-psychologist. Psychologists maintain a favorable psychological climate, conduct assessments to identify learning needs and provide individual or group support, and work with families as needed. Medical workers participate in medical and pedagogical correctional work and provide medical services for students with special educational needs. Student Support Services include counseling, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and learning support to address mental health and wellbeing.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding AIS follows the CEESA Safeguarding and Child Protection Statement and Commitments. Safeguarding policies include staff training, safer recruitment, and procedures for safeguarding and reporting concerns. A comprehensive Child Protection Handbook outlines reporting protocols and a school-based Child Protection Team, and child protection instruction aligns with QSI success orientations such as concern for others, group interaction, independence, and responsibility.	Safeguarding Zaman School aims to provide a safe, inclusive environment where everyone is treated fairly and their rights are protected. The school emphasizes inclusive culture and practices to safeguard students from discrimination and to support their well‑being. The Inclusive Education team, including an Inclusive Education Coordinator, leads safeguarding efforts and coordinates with families, staff, and external partners. The school upholds values of care, fairness and responsible action as part of its safeguarding framework.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview AIS occupies over seven hectares of land in Kalkaman Micro-District, with additional land for future expansion. Several purpose-built facilities with building additions were completed in the winter of 2017. The campus includes a state-of-the-art library, two computer laboratories, portable laptop laboratories and iPad carts, three science laboratories, and elementary and secondary gymnasiums. It also features two art rooms, music rooms for choir and band, a soccer field with track, and over 65 classrooms.	Facilities overview Located in Almaty, Kargaly district, Kenesary Khan street 56/1, the school sits in a quiet, ecologically clean area at the foot of the Zailiyskiy Alatau. The campus includes a Zaman lobby and an atrium that serve as welcoming spaces for students and parents, with a coffee shop and display areas for exhibitions and performances. The first floor hosts classrooms, science labs and spaces for Chess, Art and Dance. The second floor contains classrooms and two spacious gyms with separate dressing rooms for boys and girls, plus spaces for Robotics, Computer Science, Music and Mathematics. Floors 3–4 house the library with English and Kazakh fiction and learning literature, and a Relax Learning zone used for Drama. The II Block includes a concert hall with LED screen and projector and seating, and the canteen seats about 450; outdoor football and basketball yards lie on the III Block.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The campus includes separate elementary and secondary gymnasiums and a soccer field with a track.	Sports facilities Two spacious gyms with separate dressing rooms for boys and girls accommodate a range of workouts and sporting events. The second floor gyms support training in multiple formats. Outdoor football, volleyball and basketball areas on the campus provide space for practice and matches. These facilities support physical education and sport activities as a core part of student life.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities State-of-the-art library; two computer laboratories; portable laptop laboratories and iPad carts; three science laboratories; and over 65 classrooms.	Academic facilities Primary classes are located on the first floor, with spaces for Chess, Art and Dance and a Science Lab for experiments. On the second floor, classrooms are equipped with high‑resolution interactive boards and specialized desks, and lessons in Robotics, Computer Science, Music and Mathematics are held there. Floors 3–4 host the library, which contains fiction and learning literature in English and Kazakh, and the Relax Learning zone used for Drama. The II Block houses a Concert Hall that supports language development and performance through concerts, debates and speeches, and is equipped with a LED screen, interactive desks and a projector.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Soccer, Cross Country, Basketball, Volleyball, Track and Field, and Speech and Debate.	Extra curricular facilities Chess, Art and Dance spaces on the first floor support arts and extracurricular activities. The Relax Learning zone on the 3rd floor is used for Drama lessons and performances. The Concert Hall (II Block) supports language development and performance through events such as concerts, celebrations, debates and speeches. Outdoor sports facilities include football and basketball areas that enable practical on‑site sports activities as part of school life.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Almaty International School is a nonprofit institution founded by Quality Schools International (QSI) in 1993. It offers an American college-preparatory curriculum with English as the language of instruction. The school is fully accredited through the Middle States Association (MSA) and affiliated with the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools (AOS). The student body comprises about 450 students representing 32 nationalities. AIS is part of Quality Schools International, a global network of 35 schools in 28 countries.	History The school was built as a continuation of centuries-old best traditions in the education system, the development of art and new directions. It is located in an ecologically clean area at the foot of the Zailiyskiy Alatau, in a quiet and safe place with clean air.
Community	Community Almaty International School maintains an active community through an events calendar that features activities such as Ice Cream Fridays, Spirit Shack, Literacy Week, Poetry Café, and CAFA MUN. The school supports family involvement through the Parent Support Group, which works to build a strong community at AIS.	Community The school operates a student self-government system called Qaganat, which develops group and organizational skills and allows students to participate in school governance. Each Qaganat appoints a Khan (leader) and biys, and elections are held to select leaders; Qaganats have names, mottos and symbols and participate in a range of events that foster leadership, community involvement, and school spirit. The Community Project for 8th-grade students teaches service by identifying community needs, planning, and implementing changes to benefit local or global communities. The school also offers a broad program of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and intellectual competitions.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Parent Support Group builds a strong community at QSI's Almaty International School. E-mail ais-psg@almaty.qsi.org to get involved.	Parent teacher association The Parent-Teacher Association exists to support the school in creating and maintaining a conducive learning environment and to ensure regular engagement of the parent community in school life. Functions include fostering strong relationships between parents, teachers, and the school; engaging parents in the active life of the school; organizing educational, social, and informational events (volunteering, charity, and special award ceremonies for parents and teachers); and developing an annual action plan. The Association works on safety, well-being, organization of extracurricular activities, nutrition, and charity.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Speech and Debate is a COASH activity with participation in four to five large tournaments throughout the year. The National Honor Society provides opportunities for scholarship, service, leadership, and character development. A Yearbook Club publishes the year's work and fosters collaboration among students. AIS participates in COASH, CAFA, and CEESA networks for athletic and academic competitions.	Academic & intellectual The school is a Candidate School for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme and is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. The IB framework shapes student development through learner profiles such as Inquirer, Caring, Reflective, Thinker, Open-minded, Risk-taker, Knowledgeable, Balanced, Communicator and Reflective, and through ATL skills. The school aims to foster globally competitive citizens grounded in national values, driven by curiosity and dedicated to serving society.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The school offers art, drama, and music classes. The arts cultivate creativity and expression. Clubs and community service are integrated with arts through Roots and Shoots and Helping Hands, with Service Learning Week and a Certificate of Community Service. Concert Band and various art projects illustrate student creativity.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Intercultural participation is promoted through COASH, which fosters participation, fair play and respect among member schools. AIS has a diverse student body with students from many nationalities. Cultural awareness is a focus of the program.	Cultural & language Kazakh is the language of instruction; English and Russian language classes are main components of the curriculum. In primary school most lessons are conducted in Kazakh; Russian is taught as a separate language and English is taught as well; bilingual classes use CLIL with English as part of the instruction. Official documents are published in Kazakh, Russian and English, and language support is provided to develop multilingualism. The school organizes cultural and language events, including Language Day and International Awareness Day.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Yearbook Club, Dance Squad, eSports, and Student Council are part of AIS's social and hobby opportunities. eSports includes Just Dance, Mario Kart, and Super Smash Bros, with a Eurasian division championship in 2023-2024. National Honor Society also provides student-life activities.	Social & hobbies The school fosters an inclusive culture and provides opportunities to participate in school life and extracurricular activities with peers. Cultural and language events such as Language Day and International Awareness Day promote social interaction and intercultural understanding. The school emphasizes collaboration, peer learning and community-building as part of its inclusive education approach.
Community & service	Community & service Clubs and Community Service include Roots and Shoots and Helping Hands, a Service Learning Week, and a Certificate of Community Service. These programs encourage students to engage in community service and outreach.	Community & service The mission is to foster globally competitive citizens grounded in national values and dedicated to serving society. The IB framework supports intercultural understanding and global citizenship, aligning with the school's inclusive policies and its emphasis on serving society.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Student Council is a member of the US National Organization of Student Councils and is built around four tenets: Leadership Development, Service to the Community, Amplifying Student Voice, and Promoting Active Engagement. Programs such as the National Student Council, Distinguished Student Leaders Program, and Emerging Student Leader Program develop leadership skills. National Honor Society emphasizes leadership alongside scholarship, service, and character.	Leadership & professional The school provides a University and Career Counsellor to support university admissions and career planning. The IB philosophy, holistic admission considerations and the emphasis on international-mindedness support leadership and professional development within the IB framework.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The athletics program participates in a city league and two international conferences through COASH, with sports including Soccer, Badminton, Swimming, Basketball, Volleyball, and Track and Field. Summer Camp offers Intensive English Camp and Summer FUN Camp with weekly schedules. The Fine Arts program includes performances such as Concert Band, contributing to student well-being and classroom life.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school offers psychological and pedagogical support through an inclusive education team and specialists. Inclusive Education practices include language support, diagnostic assessments and individualized planning to promote well-being, belonging and accessible learning for all students.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school offers Russian and Kazakh to native or non-native speakers as part of the regular program, and also offers Spanish and French.	Language provision Kazakh is the language of instruction; Russian is taught as a second language and English is taught as a second language. In primary, most lessons are conducted in Kazakh; Russian is taught in Russian and English is used for Singaporean Mathematics and Singaporean Science. In high school, most instruction is Kazakh with some classes in Russian and English; bilingual classes exist in Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Computer Science. The school provides English language support (EAL) and mother tongue support; library materials are available in Kazakh, Russian, English and the mother tongue.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching Kazakh is the language of instruction. Russian is taught as a second language and English is taught as a second language; English is used in a number of subjects, including Singaporean Mathematics and Singaporean Science. Bilingual classes in Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Computer Science are offered for Grades 7–11, using CLIL methods. EAL support is available for students learning English.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Some bilingual classes use CLIL (content and language integrated learning), with English used for Singaporean Mathematics and Singaporean Science. English language instruction is used in various subjects, and EAL support helps learners reach proficiency.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations Middle States Association, accredited since 1999.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions STEP 1: Schedule a School Tour. Applications are accepted throughout the year, and admission is based on space availability. To visit the campus, schedule a Tour. STEP 2: Submit Application Form. Access the application form on OpenApply. An OpenApply Tutorial is available to help families complete the form. STEP 3: Submit Documents. Documents are uploaded into OpenApply in PDF format and include a passport-sized photo, copy of Passport, copies of school records from the last two years, and copies of secondary transcripts for students 14 years old and older. You will need to bring hard copies of the following on the first day of school: Medical Form #052-2/y (Health Passport) and Medical Form #065/y (formerly 063/y). STEP 4: Take a Placement Test. Schedule a time to take the placement test and sit for an interview with the Director of Instruction. The MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) computer-based test provides placement data for Reading, Mathematics, and Language Usage, all in English. Students ages 8 and older also complete a written essay. Results from the MAP tests are one factor in determining readiness and placement. STEP 5: First Day of School. A buddy helps new students adjust during the first days. Parents receive weekly AIS newsletters to stay connected to the school community and engage in the Parent Support Group.	Admissions 1. Parents receive information about Zaman School, its programs, and the fees. The Admissions Officer provides this information and answers initial questions. The school uses Kazakh and English as the main languages of instruction and follows IB principles in its curriculum. This step establishes the groundwork for applicants and families. 2. Parents make an appointment to arrange a school visit. The Admissions Officer schedules the visit and coordinates the arrangement. The visit allows the family to experience the school environment and meet staff as needed. 3. Parents complete the Student Information Admissions Form and agree on the date of testing. The Admissions Officer oversees this step and confirms testing arrangements. The form collects essential student information for the admissions review. 4. Parent and student meet with the PS/SS Principal and/or Vice–Principal (as necessary). The meeting discusses candidacy, school expectations, and any questions about the admissions process. The Principal or Vice–Principal participates to assess fit and next steps. 5. A student sits for the admission test. The testing session covers relevant subjects to evaluate readiness. The Admissions Officer, along with the Principal or Vice–Principal, oversees the test administration. 6. Review of admission test results and student records. The admissions team examines test scores and prior school records. This review informs whether the applicant meets the program's entry requirements. 7. Assessment by the school psychologist and SEN specialist if social or learning needs identified. If any needs are identified, specialists conduct an evaluation to determine appropriate supports. The school coordinates with families about any recommended accommodations or services. 8. The final decision on enrollment or refusal is made. The PS/SS Principal or Vice–Principal, in consultation with the Head of School, renders the final enrollment decision. The decision is based on test results, records, and any specialist assessments. 9. Parents are informed of the decision within 3 working days after the test. The Admissions Officer communicates the outcome to the family. If admitted, next steps for enrollment are outlined. 10. If a child has been enrolled, parents submit a Confirmation Form and all relevant documents according to the list. The admissions process concludes with document submission and confirmation of enrollment. The school coordinates any remaining requirements for start dates and registration. 11. Parents get acquainted with school policies and regulations. Families review school policies and regulations as part of onboarding. This step helps ensure understanding of expectations and governance. 12. Parents sign the Agreement for Studies and make payment of entrance and tuition fees. The agreement formalizes enrollment, and financial arrangements are completed. Receipt of payments and the enrollment formalities finalize the admissions journey.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Waiting list: If a student meets entrance requirements but no place is available, the student can be placed on a waiting list. Entrance test results may be accepted for admission decision within one semester. If performance is lower, the student may retake the admission test no earlier than two months after the previous attempt. At the start of the academic year, families with a student on the waiting list as of October 5 will be asked whether they wish to remain on the waiting list.
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