American Cooperative School of Tunis vs Carthage Classical Academy

	A American Cooperative School of Tunis Tunis, Tunisia	C Carthage Classical Academy Tunis, Tunisia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year TND 7,934 - 26,700	Fees / year TND 5,000 - 12,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 5 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, IB (DP)	Curriculum American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 580	Pupils 96
Typical class size	Typical class size 16	Typical class size 10
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1959	Opened 2014
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Laouina, Tunis, Tunisia (BP 150 Cite Taeib M'hiri, 2045)	Location 15 Rue Ibn Taymia, Menzah 4, Tunis, Tunisia. Located in the Menzah 4 district, a residential area of the Tunisian capital.
Stages	Stages Elementary School; Middle School; High School	Stages Kindergarten (age 5) through Grade 12 (age 18). One class per grade level. The school expanded to include middle and high school in 2019.
School type	School type Private, independent school	School type Private, co-educational international day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix ACST represents a global community of cultures and languages. Families come from embassies, diplomatic missions, international businesses, and NGOs. The Elementary School has more than 200 students from about 40 countries.	Pupil nationality mix A small, diverse community of approximately 96 students in Tunis, including Tunisian and international families.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support English as an Additional Language (EAL); Learning Support; Counseling; Full-time Educational Psychologist	Additional learning support With very small class sizes of around 10 students, teachers can provide individualised attention. Contact the school for details on specific learning support.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation United States; Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools in the United States	Country affiliation United States of America (classical American curriculum).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Christian. The school is guided by Christian values and emphasises spiritual guidance alongside academic excellence. It is pursuing accreditation through ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International).
School day structure	School day structure Pre-School 8:00–3:00 (full day) or 8:00–12:00 (half-day); Elementary & Secondary 8:00–3:00; After-School Activities 3:00–4:00; Secondary Athletics 4:00–5:30	School day structure Regular school day with structured lessons and co-curricular activities. Contact the school for specific hours.
Bus service details	Bus service details ACST offers a bus service with 15 routes and more than 140 stops; registration by August 10; service starts on the first day of school; transportation@acst.net	Bus service details Contact the school for information on transportation services.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & Enrollment Fees - Application fee (new applicants only, one-time): USD 200. - Registration fee for new enrollment (Grades K–12, one-time): USD 6,000. Maximum registration fee per family: USD 12,000. - Deposit for incidentals (refundable when family leaves, replenished if balance falls below USD 50 at start of the following academic year): USD 250. Tuition fees (2025–2026) — annual and per-term detail - Tuition is charged in US dollars and is non-refundable. Annual tuition by program/grade level: - Pre-Kindergarten 1 — Half Day: USD 7,366. Per-term amounts under the standard semester schedule: First semester payment = 55% (USD 4,051.30); Second semester payment = 50% (USD 3,683.00). - Pre-Kindergarten 1 & 2 — Full Day: USD 12,270. Per-term: First semester = 55% (USD 6,748.50); Second semester = 50% (USD 6,135.00). - Elementary School (Kindergarten–Grade 5): USD 23,478. Per-term: First semester = 55% (USD 12,912.90); Second semester = 50% (USD 11,739.00). - Middle School (Grades 6–8): USD 24,952. Per-term: First semester = 55% (USD 13,723.60); Second semester = 50% (USD 12,476.00). - High School (Grades 9–12): USD 26,240. Per-term: First semester = 55% (USD 14,432.00); Second semester = 50% (USD 13,120.00). - Capital fee (Grades K–12): USD 1,150 (charged in addition to tuition). - Reservation (re-enrollment) fee for returning students (payable in May each year): USD 500 per student. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is due prior to the start of the school year. The Board sets school fees annually in April. - Standard installment option (semester payments): First semester payment (including registration fee, capital fee and incidentals deposit when applicable) is 55% of the tuition and is due on July 31. Second semester payment is 50% of the tuition and is due one week before the second semester starts. - Mid-year enrollment: Tuition is prorated based on the enrollment date; other fees (registration, capital fee, incidentals) apply in full. For students who join after the school year has started, the second semester payment is specified as 55% of the tuition. - New families must pay application, registration, incidentals deposit and applicable tuition and capital fees in accordance with the schedule above; returning families pay tuition, capital fees and the reservation fee. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable; no boarding fees are charged. Additional costs and optional fees - Lunch: Lunch for Elementary and Middle School may be charged with tuition or invoiced separately on request. No refunds are given for unconsumed lunches. - Transportation (per child): Full-time/full-year (morning pick-up AND afternoon drop-off) USD 1,600; Full-time/half-year USD 850; Half-time/full-year (morning OR afternoon only) USD 850. Athletic late bus (5:40 p.m.) for students not enrolled in afternoon service: USD 150 per season. - Other possible charges: Fees may be charged for international trips (e.g., Model United Nations, competitions, athletics travel) and for specialized extracurricular programs requiring travel or accommodations. - Uniforms and school supplies: Families should budget separately for uniforms, personal school supplies and incidental personal expenses; these are not itemized in the standard fee schedule above. Refund information - Most fees are non-refundable, including tuition and registration. The incidentals deposit is refundable when the family leaves, provided there are no outstanding charges. Fee payment options - Accepted payment methods: Bank transfer in USD; bank transfer in TND; USD checks; TND checks; local cards; international cards; cash in TND at the school cashier (cash payments limited to a maximum of 3,000 TND). Financial aid - A limited financial aid budget is available for families with exceptional, unexpected need. Typical awards are between 5–10% of the overall invoice and aid may be granted for a maximum of three years. Financial aid applications require submission of financial records and are reviewed in May, September and December.	Fee details Fees are set in US Dollars and fluctuate if paid in Tunisian Dinar based on the exchange rate. The supply fee is set in local currency. All fees are due before 1 June for the full school year. A one-time capital deposit is required for new students. Contact the school for current fee schedules.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements CCA is a day school only. No boarding facilities are available.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniforms are required. PE uniforms are sold throughout the year, and students will be required to buy the uniform.	Uniform requirement Contact the school for information on uniform or dress code requirements.
Food options	Food options The cafeteria menu is updated weekly and published every Friday for the upcoming week. Elementary students have hot lunch and salad options daily; secondary students can choose from hot lunch or a salad bar, with an all-day snack bar available. A coffee and snack shop near the parent entrance serves beverages and light items.	Food options Contact the school for details on meal arrangements.
House system	House system —	House system With only approximately 96 students, the school operates as a close-knit community rather than a traditional house system.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership ACST is a private, independent school governed by a Board of Governors. The Board has nine members elected by the ACST Association; five must be U.S. citizens, and there are two non-voting members: a teacher's representative and a representative appointed by the U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia. The Board hires the Superintendent and oversees fiscal management, leadership, policy development, and mission fulfillment.	Governance and ownership Privately owned school directed by Mrs. Jenny Brown. Founded in 2014 by a group of parents seeking quality classical American education in Tunisia. The school employs 42 staff members.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details ACST follows a comprehensive K-12 standards-based curriculum grounded in American educational standards. The K-10 curriculum is aligned to internationally benchmarked standards, while grades 11-12 engage the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The curriculum is designed using the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework, with daily learning targets and varied assessment formats including projects, products, and performances. Subject areas across the program include K-12 English/Language Arts; K-12 Mathematics; K-12 Science; K-12 Social Studies; K-12 World Languages; K-12 Visual, Media and Performing Arts; K-12 Physical Education and Health/Wellness; and K-12 Social-Emotional Learning. The school also provides Learning Support and Counseling services to support student growth, and includes Tunisian Studies Trips as part of the curriculum.	Curriculum details CCA offers a classical American education emphasising rigorous academics, critical thinking and character formation. The curriculum includes strong instruction in French and Arabic alongside the English-medium programme. The classical approach emphasises the liberal arts, logic and rhetoric. The school has one class per grade level from Kindergarten through Grade 12.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Average class size from Grade 1 to 12 is 16 students.	Student teacher ratio With 96 students and 42 staff members, the school offers an exceptionally low student-teacher ratio. Classes have approximately 7-10 students per grade.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results As an American curriculum school, CCA prepares students for US-style assessments. The school is pursuing accreditation through the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Contact the school for details on standardised testing.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression The American curriculum and upcoming Middle States accreditation prepare graduates for university applications in the US, Europe and worldwide.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented Small class sizes allow for personalised instruction and enrichment for advanced students within the classical education framework.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning School counselors work with students to address and support their social and emotional needs. A full-time school psychologist supports the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of all students. Student Support Services include English as an Additional Language (EAL), Learning Support, Counseling, and a full-time Educational Psychologist. These departments collaborate with homeroom and content-area teachers to reinforce the curriculum and differentiated instruction while supporting students' well-being. ACST fosters a diverse and inclusive community that supports social and emotional growth for every student.	Social & emotional learning The school prioritises social development alongside academics. A grace-based culture and purposeful relationships are core values.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Learning Support is for students who demonstrate a need for additional support in order to be successful with their core academic subjects. ACST values inclusion, diversity, and equity and access for all students. The Student Support Services team collaborates with families and teachers to tailor supports for each learner.	Special educational needs (SEN) Very small class sizes allow for individualised attention. Contact the school for specific SEN provision details.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The EAL department provides English language support for multilingual learners whose home language(s) is/are not English. EAL is part of ACST's Student Support Services, which also include Learning Support, Counseling, and the full-time Educational Psychologist.	English as an additional language The school welcomes students who are developing English proficiency. Small classes allow teachers to provide individual language support.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing School counselors address and support students' social and emotional needs. A full-time school psychologist supports the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of all students. The Student Support Services team includes EAL, Learning Support, Counseling, and the full-time psychologist. All four departments collaborate with teachers to promote well-being and differentiated instruction. The program aims to help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally within a diverse and inclusive community.	Mental wellbeing The school's focus on character development, spiritual guidance and purposeful relationships supports student mental wellbeing.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding ACST is committed to safeguarding all children by ensuring they are protected from harm, abuse, and neglect. Safe Recruitment includes background checks and regular child protection training for staff. Our Common Agreement and the Conduct with Children provide safeguarding guidelines and require annual signing by faculty, staff, employees, and volunteers. ACST's Child and Youth Protection Policy aligns with international law and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (Articles 19 and 34). Staff and any adult associated with ACST are mandated to report incidents or suspicions of harm, and the policy emphasizes speaking up. The Child Protection Team includes school counselors, the school nurse and doctor, the school psychologist, principals, the safety and security manager, and the superintendent, who coordinate responses and liaise with external agencies as needed. Education and Training include age-appropriate lessons, parent materials, and annual faculty training.	Safeguarding The school maintains safeguarding policies appropriate for its small community.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview ACST sits in Laouina on a campus that comprises five main academic buildings, two gymnasiums, a fitness center, a large field, an outdoor court, a track, two playgrounds, and a cafeteria. We have access to a 25-meter indoor/outdoor pool. The campus includes a 450-seat theater, music and art studios, two learning centers (each with a library and a media lab), a design technology space, and a large meeting/exam room. Science classrooms include physics, chemistry, and biology labs.	Facilities overview The school operates from a campus in the Menzah 4 district of Tunis. Contact the school for details on specific facilities.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities ACST features two indoor gymnasiums: a large gym for the Secondary School and a smaller gym for the Elementary School. Falcon Field is FIFA-Quality accredited turf installed in 2023 for soccer matches and after-school programs. An outdoor court is being upgraded in the summer of 2025 with high-performance tiles for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball. The swimming pool is a six-lane, 25-meter facility accessible through a U.S. Embassy partnership, supporting PE, Learn-to-Swim, and the Swim Team. A weight room and locker rooms support fitness and PE, with the locker rooms recently renovated.	Sports facilities Contact the school for details on sports facilities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities ACST consists of five main academic buildings. Two learning centers each contain a library and a media lab. A 450-seat theater, along with music and art studios, supports the arts program. A design technology space enables hands-on projects and practical learning. Science classrooms include physics, chemistry, and biology labs.	Academic facilities Classrooms designed for small-group instruction with approximately 7-10 students per class.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities After School Activities run in all divisions and occur in three 10-12 week sessions: Fall, Winter, and Spring. ASAs take place from 3:00-4:00 pm with transportation services available after ASA time. ASAs are a mix of academic, athletic, artistic, and recreational activities. Popular ASAs include Robotics, Debate, Foreign Languages, Homework Club, Conservation, Service Learning, Badminton, Basketball, Soccer, Tennis, Swimming, Volleyball, Arts & Crafts, Dance, Drama, Music, and Pottery. Activity Teams include Model United Nations and Robotics.	Extra curricular facilities Leadership development, community service, arts programmes and character-building activities aligned with the school's classical education philosophy.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History ACST has been opening doors, hearts, and minds for international and Tunisian students for 65 years. It began as a small school for American Embassy children housed in a villa in Carthage. It is now located in Laouina, a suburb of Tunis, on a campus with facilities including five main academic buildings, two gymnasiums, a fitness center, a pool, a theater, libraries and labs. Founding and Early Years (1959–1960) and expansion through the 2000s are documented in ACST's history.	History Carthage Classical Academy began in May 2013 when a group of parents came together seeking quality education for their children. The school was formally established in 2014, initially as a primary school. In 2019, it expanded to include middle and high school, now offering a complete K-12 programme.
Community	Community ACST's community is a global tapestry of cultures and languages, with families from embassies, diplomatic missions, international businesses, and NGOs. The school hosts a diverse program of activities through an Event Calendar that engages students, parents, and staff. Key events include the PTO Ice Cream Social, International Day, Halloween celebrations, concerts and art shows, and Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences, as well as Field Day. International Day is the school's largest event, featuring food from many regions, cultural activities, and a flag parade. ACST emphasizes after-school activities and clubs as part of its campus life.	Community A small, intimate community of approximately 96 students. The school values purposeful relationships and international impact.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The ACST PTO welcomes every parent and teacher as a member and coordinates to build a welcoming and inclusive school community, support the school's goals, and facilitate communication. PTO members can attend meetings and actively participate in shaping our school community through volunteer service, fundraising, and by providing enhanced educational opportunities for students. The PTO highlights the benefits of involvement, including making a difference, connecting with others, and enriching the school experience. Recent examples of PTO activities include the PTO Ice Cream Social, Wellness Event, and Iftar Dinner. For inquiries, contact PTO at pto@acst.net. Falcon Parent Council is also listed under ACST's Community section.	Parent teacher association The school was founded by parents and maintains strong parent involvement in the school community.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual ACST is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and is authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for grades 11–12. The DP at ACST includes six subject groups and the Diploma Core: Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Activity, and Service, and Extended Essay. DP courses cover Language & Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals & Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts. Over the last five years ACST has achieved a 91% DP pass rate, and 71% of the Class of 2024 earned the bilingual IB Diploma.	Academic & intellectual Classical education approach emphasising logic, rhetoric and critical thinking. Small classes allow deep intellectual engagement.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Arts programs at ACST cultivate collaboration, performance, and self-expression beyond the classroom. ACST offers High School and Middle School Drama Productions, Music Concerts and Art Shows, the IB Art Show, the Yearbook Class, and Design Technology. ACST participates in AMIS, connecting student musicians with international festivals and peers from around the world. The arts program emphasizes creative engagement as part of the student experience.	Arts & creative Arts programmes as part of the classical liberal arts education.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language ACST is the first English-speaking international school in Tunis. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme with six subject groups, including Language & Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals & Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts. Language offerings include English A Language & Literature, Arabic A Language & Literature, French A Language & Literature, and German A Language & Literature; Language Acquisition includes French Ab Initio, French B, and Arabic B. The multicultural, multilingual environment fosters empathy and global citizenship.	Cultural & language Trilingual instruction in English, French and Arabic. The school integrates Tunisian cultural context into its American curriculum.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies ACST offers a diverse array of after-school activities, clubs, and organizations designed to enrich student experiences, including Athletics and After School Activities. Model United Nations (MUN) is a listed activity, and ACST hosts the ACST MUN II Conference. Campus Life also includes arts activities and other student-led initiatives to foster social engagement and personal growth.	Social & hobbies Close-knit community activities and purposeful relationship building.
Community & service	Community & service Creativity, Activity, and Service form the DP Core, encouraging students to pursue creative, physical, and service-oriented experiences that promote personal growth, leadership, and social responsibility. Students design and engage in meaningful activities in Tunis or beyond to contribute to their communities. This DP Core element is central to ACST's approach to holistic education.	Community & service Community service and compassionate citizenship are core outcomes of the school's educational philosophy.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Model United Nations (MUN) provides leadership, public speaking, and collaborative skills, and ACST hosts MUN events such as the ACST MUN II Conference. Family and school leadership opportunities are supported by the PTO and Falcon Parent Council, which involve parents in school life. ACST communities also benefit from a globally diverse faculty and leadership team guiding the program.	Leadership & professional Moral leadership development is a stated priority. Students are developed as leaders through the school's values-based approach.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing ACST prioritizes well-being through Athletics and a robust after-school activities program, supported by modern facilities including two gymnasiums, a track and grass field, and a shared swimming pool with the U.S. Embassy. The school emphasizes physical education, music, art, service learning, health and wellness as part of a well-rounded education. The campus also features spaces like a 450-seat theater to support performance and student life.	Lifestyle & wellbeing A grace-based culture promoting wellbeing, character development and purposeful relationships.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school teaches French, Arabic and German as world languages. From an early age, learners are given opportunities to build proficiency in French, Arabic or German. Using ACTFL Can-Do Statements for our non-native students and the Common Core ELA Standards for proficient students, our proficiency-based world languages curriculum aims to build communicative abilities for all students. Secondary students can become proficient in Arabic or French as an additional World Language and may take DP Language B courses (SL or HL) or a DP ab initio course in French or Arabic; proficient French or German speakers may take DP Language and Literature in their native language.	Language provision Three languages are central to the curriculum: English (main instruction), French and Arabic. The school was founded with an emphasis on French and Arabic instruction within an American framework.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching English is the primary language of instruction. French and Arabic are emphasised as core languages alongside the American curriculum.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs No formal immersion programmes, but the trilingual environment provides significant exposure to French and Arabic.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards The school is building its reputation as a provider of classical American education in North Africa.
Accreditations	Accreditations Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools in the United States; International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). The IB Diploma Programme is used in grades 11–12 to prepare graduates for continuing education.	Accreditations Currently pursuing accreditation through the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International).
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions New Student Admission Step By Step. Step 1: Collect documents to upload. PK1 and PK2 require a copy of the student's passport, copies of each parent's passport, student and parent passport‑size photos, the Student Medical Form (French version available), the immunization record, and an ACST Confidential Reference Form. Kindergarten through Grade 12 require the same documents plus Previous School Records/Transcripts/Test Reports and any applicable translations if records are not in English, French, or Arabic, as well as standardized achievement test scores; a non‑refundable $200 application fee applies. Step 2: Online application. Create an account, complete the online application, upload documentation, and review the submission; ensure all required fields are filled, and note that falsifying or omitting information may disqualify acceptance. Step 3: Acceptance & Grade Placement. Elementary placements follow the child's age as of September 1; prior school records, academic ability, social development, and placement tests are taken into account; candidates may be scheduled for on‑site admissions tests in reading, language, and math; students from accredited American or comparable international schools may be admitted provisionally, with further testing for EAL or Academic Support as needed. Waitlist: As a grade reaches optimal capacity, a waiting list will be established and the waitlist procedure will go into effect. Step 4: Enrollment in ACST. Before attendance begins, parents sign an acceptance letter and a Parent Partnership Agreement (English, French, Arabic), and submit financial documents; original documents are returned to Admissions and an invoice is issued. The start‑date requirements include the Student Medical Form, World language form (Elementary School Only), and financial documents; a supply list and technology requirements are provided; ACST has an open admissions policy.	Admissions Applications can be submitted through the school website. A one-time capital deposit is required for new students. Contact the school for application forms, assessment requirements and available places.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Contact the school for details on any scholarship or financial aid opportunities.
Waitlist	Waitlist As a grade reaches optimal capacity, a waiting list will be established and the school's waitlist procedure will go into effect.	Waitlist With small class sizes and one class per grade, spaces may be limited. Contact the school for availability.
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