Capital International Schools vs Global Paradigm Schools
Capital International Schools and Global Paradigm Schools are both in Cairo, about 5 km apart. Both schools offer American, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE and IB programmes. Capital International Schools also offers Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and EYFS, and Global Paradigm Schools also offers British. Published annual fees are EGP 100,000 - 204,500 at Capital International Schools and EGP 100,000 - 160,000 at Global Paradigm Schools, which puts Capital International Schools roughly 17% higher. Capital International Schools takes pupils from 3 to 18, and Global Paradigm Schools from 2 to 18. Typical class sizes are 22 at Capital International Schools and 16 at Global Paradigm Schools.
American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, IB (DP), EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Curriculum
American Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Pupils
Pupils
—
Pupils
100
Typical class size
Typical class size
22
Typical class size
16
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2016
Opened
2010
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Main Campus: Area 17 KH-El Narges district - New Cairo, Egypt; Lotus Campus: Golden Square, Plot 114E, Northern, North Lotus
Location
Address: ASR2 Mostakbal City, New Cairo, Cairo, 11477. The campus is located in the Mostakbal City area of New Cairo. The school offers programs from Pre-K through Grade 12.
Stages
Stages
FS / KG; American School; British School; IGCSE; IB Diploma Programme
Stages
Early Years / Elementary; Middle School; High School. Pre-K through Grade 12.
School type
School type
The school offers American, British and IB Diploma Programmes.
School type
private international co-educational day school offering Pre-K to Grade 12.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
—
Additional learning support
—
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
United Kingdom and United States
Country affiliation
Egypt
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
—
Religious affiliation
—
School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
—
Bus service details
Bus service details
—
Bus service details
—
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application & assessment fees
- Application fee: EGP 4,000 (one‑off at time of application). - New‑student evaluation / assessment fee: EGP 2,000 (one‑off).
Tuition fees by year group (published for the 2025/2026 academic year)
- Pre‑School (Preschool): Annual tuition EGP 100,000 — Per term (three equal terms) EGP 33,333.33. - KG1–KG2: Annual tuition EGP 183,500 — Per term (three equal terms) EGP 61,166.67. - Grade 1–5: Annual tuition EGP 192,000 — Per term (three equal terms) EGP 64,000.00. - Grade 6: Annual tuition EGP 204,500 — Per term (three equal terms) EGP 68,166.67. - Grade 7–9: Annual tuition EGP 214,500 — Per term (three equal terms) EGP 71,500.00.
Boarding fees
- Boarding: Not applicable. Capital International Schools is presented as a day school; no boarding fees or boarding provision are published.
Other costs and typical ancillary fees
- Books: The published tuition figures are noted to include book costs in the school's published fee summary. - School bus / transportation: Annual bus fees shown in published material (example amounts published): EGP 39,000 (main campus summary). Separate campus listings show similar bus fees (examples: EGP 35,000 on Lotus campus listings). Parents should expect an annual bus charge if using school transport. - Uniforms, lunch, extra‑curricular activities, examination fees and some assessed tests: these items are commonly charged in addition to tuition at comparable international schools; the school's Lotus campus listings show separate book/resource amounts for particular grades. Where a separate charge is published for a grade (for example book or resource lists), that amount is listed alongside the tuition on campus‑specific notices. Parents should budget for optional services (lunch, extra activities) where applicable.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Academic structure and instalments: The admissions/registration system lists three academic terms (Term 1, Term 2, Term 3). Per‑term amounts above are shown as the annual tuition divided into three equal instalments to reflect the school's three‑term billing framework; the school's online admission form references the three terms. (Per‑term amounts in this summary are calculated from the published annual tuition divided by three.) - Timing and immediate charges: Application and assessment fees are payable at application/registration. Transport and other optional services are typically charged on an annual basis or per term depending on the service; parents selecting transport will incur the annual bus fee.
Refund information
- No published, detailed refund policy for application, registration, tuition or transport charges was located in the school's publicly posted fee summaries for the 2025/2026 academic year. Where a school does publish a refundable deposit or specific refund rules those are normally called out in the terms and conditions or fee schedule; no such itemised refund clause was found in the fee information available for 2025/2026. Parents should treat application and assessment charges as one‑off payments unless otherwise advised in formal acceptance paperwork.
Fee payment options
- Publicly listed payment methods are not itemised in the published fee listings found for 2025/2026. The school operates an online admissions/parent portal (Engage) which indicates an electronic payment and invoicing workflow is in use for applications and registrations; expect standard options such as bank transfer and card payments to be available through the school's finance office or online portal, but the school's published materials do not provide a definitive, itemised list of accepted payment channels. Contact the school's admissions/finance office for confirmed payment methods when completing registration.
Practical notes (brief)
- The figures provided above are the published annual tuition amounts for the 2025/2026 academic year and the one‑off application/evaluation charges shown in the school's published fee summaries. Per‑term amounts shown are calculated by dividing the published annual tuition by three because the school's admissions form lists three academic terms; that calculation is an arithmetic division to present per‑term instalments consistent with the school's three‑term billing framework.
What was not found in the public fee materials
- The publicly available fee information for 2025/2026 did not include a clear, itemised refund policy, detailed payment‑method list (bank account numbers or card merchant details), explicit per‑term invoices/dates, or published late‑payment penalties tied specifically to Capital International Schools. The school's admissions/finance office or formal contract at acceptance normally supplies these operational details; they were not present in the fee summaries located for 2025/2026.
Fee details
Application and registration fees - Application / assessment fee: EGP 6,000 (one-time). - A non‑refundable down payment (seat deposit) is required within one week of acceptance; this down payment confirms the student's place.
Annual tuition fees by year group (published schedule) - KG1 / FS2: EGP 100,000 per year. - KG2 / Y1: EGP 100,000 per year. - Grade 1 / Y2: EGP 110,000 per year. - Grade 2 / Y3: EGP 114,000 per year. - Grade 3 / Y4: EGP 114,000 per year. - Grade 4 / Y5: EGP 130,000 per year. - Grade 5 / Y6: EGP 130,000 per year. - Grade 6 / Y7: EGP 140,000 per year. - Grade 7 / Y8: EGP 140,000 per year. - Grade 8 / Y9: EGP 140,000 per year. - Grade 9 / Y10: EGP 150,000 per year. - Grade 10 / Y11: EGP 160,000 per year. - Grade 11 / Y12: EGP 160,000 per year. - Grade 12 / Y13: EGP 160,000 per year.
Per‑term breakdown and billing schedule - The school publishes annual tuition amounts. A non‑refundable down payment is required within one week of acceptance; the school's admissions process states this explicitly. Specific published term/ installment dates and the exact instalment percentages are not available in the publicly posted admissions information.
Boarding and accommodation - Global Paradigm International School is operated as a co‑educational day school; no boarding fees are published because the school is a day school.
Other regularly billed items and additional costs - School bus (transport) fee: EGP 45,000 per year (published as a separate charge). - Textbooks: published fee listings indicate that annual tuition figures include school books. - Sibling discount: 5% sibling discount is published for families with more than one child. - Typical additional costs parents should expect (not individually priced in public listings): school uniform, optional extracurricular activity fees, school trips, external examination fees (IB / College Board where applicable), lunch/cafeteria, and any specific course‑related materials or technology device charges. Specific amounts for these items are not published in the school's publicly listed fee summaries.
Refunds and cancellations - The admissions information specifically states that the down payment required after acceptance is non‑refundable. No full, itemized public refund policy for tuition instalments, bus fees, or other charges is published in the publicly available admissions or fee summaries.
Payment methods and administration - The school uses standard admissions and parent portals (links to application and LMS systems appear on admissions pages), and a non‑refundable down payment is required to secure a place; however, detailed published information about accepted payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, local cheque, or other channels) and any transaction fees or banking details are not provided in the publicly posted fee material.
Brief note on available public details - Annual tuition by grade, the application fee amount, the published school‑bus charge, the non‑refundable down payment requirement, and the school's status as a day school are published items. Specific term instalment dates, comprehensive refund rules for tuition instalments, and a detailed, published list of accepted payment channels are not included in the school's publicly posted admissions and fee summaries.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
The school is a day school; boarding is not offered.
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
All students attend in the proper school uniform, which consists of shirts, pants, and light jackets sold in the uniform shop.
Food options
Food options
The school has eight cafeterias on site.
Food options
GPIS operates a cafeteria. Any student may eat in the cafeteria. Students may bring their own lunches and snacks, provided these meals abide by the GPIS Healthy Food Policy. Meal prices are set by the school's management team with approval by the Governing Board at the beginning of each school year.
House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is governed by a Board of Directors.
Governance and ownership
GPIS is owned by El Rabwa Group; GPIS is El Rabwa's flagship institution.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
British School, American School, and IB Diploma Programme (IB DP) are offered. The school provides MYP (Grades 9–10) and DP (Grades 11–12). There are two campuses: Main Campus and Lotus Campus. Entry Year Groups span from Year 1 to Year 12 across British and American streams, with DP1 and DP2 available in the Diploma Programme. The American School option allows selecting a second language: French, German, or Spanish.
Curriculum details
American Curriculum for Pre-K through Grade 12, with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for Grades 11–12. The High School curriculum emphasizes core subjects—Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies—with a broad range of electives. It prioritizes reading proficiency as a foundational skill. The Elementary program follows the American Program with the Common Core Standards for Language Arts and Mathematics, and core subjects Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, alongside Arabic and Religion. Integrated learning and project-based activities connect concepts across subjects, complemented by Music, Art, Information Technology and Physical Education.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
16:1 student-teacher ratio; average class size 20.
Exam results
Exam results
—
Exam results
—
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
Career Advising assists students with university applications and course selection to meet university requirements, and introduces universities through fairs and visits.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
—
Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
The school fosters individualized experiences within a supportive community, enabling each child to develop into an independent, confident, and capable young learner with well-rounded cognitive, social, and emotional skills. It provides a caring atmosphere that caters for each child's needs and supports an excellent academic environment.
Social & emotional learning
GPIS provides counseling to support the personal, social and academic success of students. The counseling program emphasizes social and emotional wellbeing and is a PK-12 program. The counselor advocates for all students to receive social and emotional support to recognize and unlock their potential and to develop caring, open-minded, respectful, and responsible individuals. Counseling covers issues such as self-esteem, relationship difficulties, emotional issues, mood disturbances, bullying, and planning. Counseling is voluntary with parental consent for regular or severe cases; sessions last up to fifty minutes and occur during school hours without interfering with academics; confidentiality is maintained according to the American Counseling Association code of ethics, with disclosure only in cases of serious harm. The program aligns with GPIS's mission to foster a caring, respectful, and supportive learning community.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school identifies a student's areas of weakness through assessments and addresses those areas through a variety of support plans.
Special educational needs (SEN)
GPIS currently accommodates students with minor special needs.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
The school teaches in English. English proficiency is required by KG2, with the level of proficiency varying by grade.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
The IB Diploma Programme has been designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of students.
Mental wellbeing
Health & Wellbeing focuses on boosting self-esteem and mental health, including guidance for parents on fostering positive self-image and emotional wellbeing. It addresses healthy lifestyle choices and parenting practices that support wellbeing, including discipline strategies and family routines. Dental health is discussed as part of overall wellbeing.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The wellbeing of students is the number one priority. Any concerns or signs of abuse or neglect are immediately reported to a Child Protection Officer. Students in need of psychological and moral support have access to the school psychologist and class advocate.
Safeguarding
Counselors follow the American Counseling Association code of ethics; all counseling is confidential, with disclosures to the VP and parents/guardians if the student presents serious harm to themselves or others or if there is evidence of harm by others. Parental consent is required for regular counseling, and counseling is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or medication.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
Capital International Schools have two campuses, American and British, in New Cairo. The campus provides a range of facilities, including three computer labs per school, a Mac lab, four science labs per school (elementary, physics, biology, chemistry), and four music studios. It also features a gymnasium, a semi-Olympic heated swimming pool, eight cafeterias, three libraries per school, two dining halls, an auditorium with a 700-person capacity, and an innovation lab. The school has play areas, art studios, lecture halls, two tennis courts, two basketball courts, and 700 m3 soccer courts. Classrooms are spacious, bright, ventilated, well-furnished, and equipped with smart boards and high-tech teaching solutions.
Facilities overview
GPIS has a state-of-the-art campus designed to provide a connected learning environment. The campus is the largest school complex in Egypt.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
Key sports facilities include two basketball courts, two tennis courts, soccer courts, a gymnasium, and a semi-Olympic, covered and heated swimming pool.
Sports facilities
Extensive sport facilities support athletic programs and teamwork.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Academic facilities include four science labs per school (elementary, physics, biology, chemistry), a Mac lab, and three computer labs per school. Two lecture halls, an innovation lab, art studios, music studios, and libraries support learning.
Academic facilities
Classrooms are interactive and high-tech; there are computer labs, libraries, science labs, and a Virtual Reality–powered STEM room.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Curriculum includes arts, music, and athletics as part of its core program.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Capital International Schools was founded in 2016. The school is governed by a Board of Directors. The expansion included the opening of the Lotus Campus. The superintendent message emphasizes partnerships with families as a core part of ongoing growth and the school's commitment to holistic education.
History
Established in 2009, El Rabwa Group started Global Paradigm International School (GPIS). GPIS opened in September 2010 and is El Rabwa's flagship institution, building a name and reputation in Egypt's international education scene. Global Paradigm Baccalaureate School (GPBS) was established to meet growing demand, welcoming its first students in the 2021/22 academic year. GPBS offers two sections: an IB Section (PYP, MYP, DP) fully authorized for the IB, and a British Section accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), Pearson Edexcel, and Oxford AQA. The El Rabwa Group's mission is to develop a chain of schools that uphold high standards of teaching and learning to produce young citizens with active and creative minds, a sense of understanding and compassion for others, and the courage to act on their beliefs.
Community
Community
Community events and cultural activities are featured in CIS News, including orientations and start dates for Lotus Campus 2025-2026 and Main Campus 2025-2026; the Annual Art Exhibition 2025 at the American School; Book Character Day; and the CIS Football Tournament, which showcases competitions and cup wins by CIS British and American high school teams in Ramadan tournaments.
Community
GPIS maintains a vibrant school community with events such as World Scholars Cup and GPIS Model United Nations (MUN), the Student Council elections and related ceremonies, and an International Week aligned with global perspectives. The GPIS calendar also includes Peace Week and other school-wide observances, reflecting an active schedule of community life. The campus supports learning through facilities including classrooms, computer labs, libraries, a STEM room, science labs, and sport facilities.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The Innovation Lab is a hub of creativity where students discover, create, and develop ideas using makerspace tools. It prepares students to navigate the world with innovative thinking. Students have the opportunity to participate in national and international school competitions through the Innovation Lab. The initiative develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Art Studios and four Music Studios support visual and performing arts on campus. AP Art Classes are offered within the American program. An Annual Art Exhibition is held for Grades 1–12, including IB and AP artists. The American Gallery showcases events such as the American Talent Show, Wax Museum, Shark Tank, MFL Spelling Bee, and Art Awards Ceremony.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Book Character Day is featured among CIS News events. MFL Spelling Bee is listed in the American Gallery. Quraan Competition is included among school activities. American MUN is part of student opportunities.
Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
CIS Football Tournament is hosted, with CIS British and American High School teams achieving success in Ramadan football competitions. The campus facilities include soccer courts, two basketball courts, and two tennis courts for sports activities. A multipurpose hall and gymnasium support a wide range of athletic activities.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
CIS Code Of Kindness Campaign promotes intentional acts of kindness within the school community.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Design my Class Workshop, led with Engineer Mona Hussein Design House, exposed senior students and alumni to real-world challenges. American MUN is part of student leadership and debate opportunities, alongside activities such as the American Talent Show and related competitions.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The campus features a semi-Olympic, covered and heated swimming pool. There is a gymnasium on site. Outdoor athletic facilities include two basketball courts and two tennis courts, along with soccer courts for diverse sports and fitness activities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
English is the instructional and communication language in the British Programme. French and German are offered as second languages in the British School, and Arabic Language, Religious Studies, and Egyptian Social Studies are taught under the Egyptian Ministry of Education curriculum. The American Programme provides foreign languages—French, German and Spanish—starting in Grade 1. In the IB Diploma Programme, students study at least two languages and may take examinations in English, French or Spanish.
Language provision
Arabic classes are required for Egyptian students and students of other Arab nationalities from Grades 4 through 12. An Arabic exemption process exists via the Egyptian Ministry of Education portal. Exemption processing may take several months. The school registers each student with the Ministry of Education and does not handle exemptions.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions Procedures: The Admissions Office is open Sunday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. School tours are scheduled at 11:00 a.m. on Mondays for the British School and 10:00 a.m. on Wednesdays for the American School. To schedule a tour, call the Front Desk at 01000093155 or 01000087742. Complete the Online Application to receive a confirmation email. Within one week of submitting the application, visit the Admission Office to schedule your child's assessment and the family interview. The final decision is communicated within five working days after the assessment. Required documents include: original birth certificate (Egyptian students); copy of student's passport and residence visa valid for at least six months (non-Egyptian students); two passport photos; copies of mother and father's IDs or passports; copies of academic reports for the last two academic years and this year's term report; letter of good conduct from the previous school for students in Year 1 and above; nursery report for KG I and FS I; for American high school, an official transcript of courses and credits (Grades 9–12). Assessments include: FS/KG – one-on-one and group observations; Years 1–3 – one-on-one; older years – English and Math assessment plus a family interview. British School: Mondays at 11:00 a.m.; American School: Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. Address: Area 17 KH-El Narges district, New Cairo, Egypt. Phone: +2-260-565-66 / +2-260-565-68. Additional contacts: +20-100-009-3155 / +20-100-008-7742.
Admissions
1. Global Paradigm International School is a private international school offering an American curriculum for Pre-K through Grade 12. The admissions process targets highly motivated students with diverse backgrounds, talents, and skills. Prospective students should demonstrate high intellectual ability, intellectual curiosity, self-motivation to pursue scientific research, a willingness to be challenged with an extensive curriculum including core subjects, arts, music, and athletics, and the highest integrity. They should aspire to be citizens and leaders of the 21st century.
2. Applications are accepted by the Admissions office throughout the year, including transfer of students from abroad. The admissions process for each new academic year is reviewed by November 1.
3. To proceed, the online application form must be filled. Once received, the school will contact parents to schedule an appointment with the Director of Admissions. Please click on the Application Form link and complete all fields.
4. Once the application is received, a date for assessment and interview will be scheduled. Parents are notified within 48 hours with their child's assessment results. A non-refundable down payment should be submitted within a week of acceptance.
5. Required documents include: two recent passport photos; original birth certificate (Egyptian applicants); a copy of passport (Non-Egyptian applicants); photocopy of both parents' IDs; two previous report cards and a behavioral record from the current school for applicants in grades 1–12; official transcript of high school courses and credits for applicants in grades 9–12. In order to complete enrollment procedures, all the official documents required by the Egyptian Ministry of Education must be submitted to the students' affairs office before the beginning of October. It is the parents' full responsibility to comply with submitting the official documents. The school is not held responsible for the consequences of any delay or errors concerning this procedure.
6. We look forward to welcoming your child to Global Paradigm International School. For any further inquiries, please contact the admissions office during school hours from 8 am to 4 pm.
7. Age requirements and exemption processes are described in the dedicated sections (Age Requirements; Exemption Process) on the Admissions page, and information for foreign students and internal transfers is also provided in those sections.