GEMS International School Cairo vs Global Paradigm Schools
GEMS International School Cairo and Global Paradigm Schools are both in Cairo, about 5 km apart. Both schools offer American and IB programmes, and Global Paradigm Schools also offers British, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE. Published annual fees are EGP 122,243 - 184,831 at GEMS International School Cairo and EGP 100,000 - 160,000 at Global Paradigm Schools, which puts GEMS International School Cairo roughly 18% higher. GEMS International School Cairo takes pupils from 3 to 18, and Global Paradigm Schools from 2 to 18. GEMS International School Cairo is the larger school, with around 1,400 pupils to Global Paradigm Schools's 100.
American Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Pupils
Pupils
1,400
Pupils
100
Typical class size
Typical class size
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Typical class size
16
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2022
Opened
2010
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Al Rehab Extension, Zone 8, New Cairo, Egypt. The campus is in the New Cairo area.
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
Early Years; Elementary; Middle-High School.
Stages
Early Years / Elementary; Middle School; High School. Pre-K through Grade 12.
School type
School type
IB World School offering PYP, MYP, and DP and the American International Curriculum; international day school.
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
Support and Inclusion Department; SEN Specialists include Alaa Lasheen and Noha Thabet.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
Egypt
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
—
Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
Ramadan working hours: 8:30 to 2:00.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
Option Travel provides bus transport for all students; 300+ buses with GPS tracking, pick-up/drop-off notifications, and speed control; well-trained drivers and bus supervisors. Contact 01033715744 or [email protected].
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application and Assessment Fees
- Application fee: EGP 1,700 (one-off payable at application). - Assessment fee: An assessment fee is required to confirm an assessment/booking for entry; this must be settled before the assessment takes place. - Re-registration / enrolment deposit for returning students: EGP 15,000 (one-off at re-enrolment).
Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts)
- Pre-K / KG1–KG2: EGP 122,243 per year. - Grade 1–2: EGP 152,635 per year. - Grade 3–5: EGP 167,845 per year. - Grade 6–9: EGP 184,831 per year.
Tuition fees per term (three-term billing - equal instalments)
- Per-term amounts (three equal terms) are: 1) Pre-K / KG1–KG2: EGP 40,748 per term; 2) Grade 1–2: EGP 50,879 per term; 3) Grade 3–5: EGP 55,948 per term; 4) Grade 6–9: EGP 61,610 per term. The school operates a three-term academic year.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- First school payment is required within 7 days of receiving the formal Enrollment Offer Letter. - Invoices are issued electronically; families receive a payment link via message/email and may pay online using the link. Payment can be made by credit/debit card (Visa and MasterCard in EGP) or via the school's installment options offered through the online payment process. - Transport fees (if purchased) require a down payment to secure a seat; the remainder is payable in scheduled instalments (transport down payment adjustable against the first instalment; remainder payable in two instalments, typically timed around the start of the academic year and mid-term). Term dates and term lengths follow the school academic calendar.
Boarding fees
- Boarding facilities are not offered; the school operates as a day school with on-campus academic and co-curricular facilities and an optional school transport service.
Other costs and typical additional fees
- School transport: Bus fares are offered as an optional paid service; published local summaries show a typical range of EGP 20,500–27,500 for annual bus service (route and exact fare depend on pick-up/drop-off location). The bus service is charged as an annual fee with a down payment and instalment schedule. - Uniforms and school clothing: Uniforms are purchased through the school's authorised online supplier (shopping4school), with individual item pricing shown on that supplier's online store. Families buy required pieces (uniform set, PE kit, etc.) through the online shop. - Other standard extras commonly charged: optional after-school activities / clubs, school trips, examination fees for external qualifications (where applicable in upper years), books/learning resources, and individual consumables; these are charged in addition to tuition when applicable. (Transport and activity billing follows the school's invoicing schedule.)
Refunds and cancellations
- Refunds are processed only through the original mode of payment used for the transaction. The school maintains a refund and cancellation policy for online payments and related transactions.
Fee payment options and accepted methods
- Online credit/debit card payments (Visa and MasterCard) in EGP via the school's secure payment link. Installment payment options are available through the online payment flow. Families receive invoice links by email/SMS and use the online gateway to pay.
Important administrative notes on payments
- Transport enrolment is confirmed only after payment of the transport down payment and any required re-enrolment deposit; transport fees are not refundable once the service has been used for any period. Transport payments are typically split into scheduled instalments covering the full academic year. - The school requires the initial payment to be made promptly after the offer and uses electronic invoicing; families should ensure payments are made by the requested due dates to secure enrolment and transportation places.
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
The school has a uniform; uniforms can be purchased online by grade or by product.
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 a canteen; snack and lunch provision is referenced in newsletters with information to be provided about the canteen service.
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 part of the GEMS Education network.
Governance and ownership
GPIS is owned by El Rabwa Group; GPIS is El Rabwa's flagship institution.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP). From Pre-K to G11.
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
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Exam results
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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
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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 program develops students' academic, social, and emotional wellbeing. It gives every student a voice, choice, and ownership in learning. It uses a transdisciplinary, inquiry-based approach with real-world contexts to build intercultural understanding. Life skills are embedded alongside academics, including interpersonal skills, self-management, and communication. This combination supports students' ongoing social and emotional development.
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)
EAL support is provided by dedicated EAL teachers as part of the school's inclusion provisions. The EAL program is led by a Language Acquisition Department. EAL teachers include Farah Hassan and Hend Wahby. Soha Abd El Gawad is Head of Language Acquisition Department. The Middle and High School Program includes Language Acquisition (World Language) as part of its subjects.
Special educational needs (SEN)
GPIS currently accommodates students with minor special needs.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
EAL support is provided by dedicated EAL teachers and a Language Acquisition Department. Farah Hassan and Hend Wahby serve as EAL teachers, and Soha Abd El Gawad leads Language Acquisition. The Middle and High School Program includes Language Acquisition (World Language) as a subject.
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 Elementary Program emphasizes students' wellbeing, including social and emotional aspects. It integrates life skills alongside academics and supports interpersonal skills, self-management, and communication. The program aims to foster a reflective, inquiry-based learning culture that connects learning to real-world contexts and diverse cultural perspectives.
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
Safeguarding policies are in place and overseen by a dedicated Safeguarding Team. A GEMS Safeguarding Policy defines child protection procedures for the school community. The current policy version POLCSG001V4 is effective from 01 August 2024 and is scheduled for annual review; an Egypt-specific safeguarding policy (v2) is also available.
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
The school is the first purpose-built, high-tech, and environmentally conscious GEMS IB Continuum School in Egypt, located in Rehab 2, New Cairo. It serves students from Pre-K to G11. It is an IB World School authorized to offer the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme. A gallery of facilities includes a Football Court, a Makerspace, a Multi-Purpose Hall, a Design Tech Lab, a Library, and a Pool.
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
Football Court provides outdoor playing space for team and individual sports. Pool provides aquatic facilities. Multi-Purpose Hall supports indoor physical activities.
Sports facilities
Extensive sport facilities support athletic programs and teamwork.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
The Library, Makerspace, and Design Tech Lab are academic facilities.
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
GEMS International School Cairo opened in 2022 in Rehab 2, New Cairo, as the first purpose-built, high-tech, environmentally conscious GEMS IB Continuum school in Egypt. It is part of the GEMS Education network and offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). For the 2026-27 school year, enrollment is projected to reach just under 1,400 students from PreK through Grade 12. The school emphasises inclusion and diversity and aims to develop global citizens.
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
From the inception of GEMS International School Cairo, personal values have been central to plans for the highest quality educational experience. GEMS Core Values and Gems of Kindness are embedded in the GISC Legacy, with students described as Inspiring Leaders, Future Thinkers, Fearless Explorers, and Diversity Ambassadors. Within the International Baccalaureate continuum, global citizenship is a required cornerstone throughout the curriculum.
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 school offers the IB Continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). MAP Tests are administered three times a year for Grades 2 through 11. The curriculum combines an American International Curriculum with IB principles to support holistic development. Teaching emphasizes inquiry, action, and reflection, helping students develop independent thinking and problem-solving.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Facilities include a Makerspace, a Design Tech Lab, a library, and a Multi-Purpose Hall. The campus supports performing and visual arts. Culinary arts are offered as extracurricular activities. A football court and pool complement arts-based pursuits with opportunities for performance and creativity outside the classroom.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
In Early Years, English language knowledge is refined and a second language is introduced. World languages are part of the program. The IB Programme fosters international-mindedness and global engagement.
Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Facilities including the Makerspace, library, and Multi-Purpose Hall support clubs and collaborative activities. Sports facilities such as a football court and a pool enable physical recreation. The school environment encourages social and creative collaboration among students.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
Community service clubs exist at GISC. Debates and international affairs clubs are part of student activities, alongside culinary arts offerings as extracurricular options. These activities support social responsibility and global engagement.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Debate and international affairs clubs are part of student activities. The IB Continuum and American International Curriculum support leadership and global citizenship. The school emphasizes a values-driven community and future readiness to develop student leadership.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The campus is environmentally conscious and modern. Sports facilities include a football court and a pool to support physical activity. The school emphasizes inclusion and diversity, contributing to a supportive wellbeing environment.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
English is the language and Literature subject; Arabic is Language and Literature (Arabic). Language Acquisition (World Language) is offered as a World Language course. The curriculum spans Early Years through the Diploma Programme (DP), within an IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP).
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
English and Arabic are taught as language subjects. Language and Literature are offered in English and in Arabic. A World Language (Language Acquisition) course is included.
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
GISC is an IB World School authorized to offer the PYP, MYP, and DP, making it a continuum school. It has Cognia accreditation as an outstanding School of Distinction, membership in the UN Global Schools Program, affiliate membership in NESA, and IB Schools in Egypt Association (IBSEA). It also holds a Certificate of Excellence from Excellence in Education Expat.
Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Provide details by filling the Interest Form for our admission team to contact you with further details. The team will contact you to discuss your child's needs and the next steps. This initial contact sets expectations and timelines for the application. You can expect a follow-up from the admissions team after submission. 2. Download and fill out the GISC Application Form to share with our admission team in person or by email. The form collects information about the student and family. The admissions team will acknowledge receipt and guide you toward the next steps. You will receive a reply with further instructions. 3. Submit the required documents, see the Required Documents section below. Submit the documents listed in the Required Documents section. The documents are reviewed by the admissions team as part of the decision process. If additional information is needed, the team will request it. 4. You will receive a call from our admissions' team to book your child's assessment date from the available assessment slots according to his/her grade level. The team will propose suitable dates and times. Families should select a slot that works and confirm. The admissions team will provide details about the assessment day. 5. Settle the assessment fees to confirm your booking. Pay the assessment fees to confirm the booking. The admissions team will provide payment details. After payment, the booking is secured. 6. Attend with your child for the assessment and the family interview on the scheduled date. The assessment procedures vary by grade level. The family interview allows the school to understand the child's needs and goals. Please arrive on time with required documents. 7. Successful students will be contacted within 72 hours from the assessment date. The notification will include whether enrollment is offered and next steps. Families should monitor email and phone for a response. The admissions team may request additional information if needed. 8. You will need to make your first school payment within 7 days from receiving the Enrollment Offer Letter. The Enrollment Offer Letter will outline the due date. Payment confirms enrollment and secures the place. Late payment may affect enrollment.
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.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The Egypt Education Platform (EEP) Scholarship Program offers a range of scholarships to recognize exceptional student achievement. The program includes the Academic Scholarship, the Co-Curricular Scholarship, the Top Attendance Scholarship, the Academic University Award, and the Study Abroad Scholarship. Each scholarship offers the chance to receive financial support, industry mentorship, and access to the GIS network. The Academic Scholarship rewards academic excellence; the Co-Curricular Scholarship recognizes talents in arts, sports, and various other areas; the Top Attendance Scholarship recognizes consistent attendance; the Academic University Award supports top graduates pursuing higher education at prestigious institutions; and the Study Abroad Scholarship provides a financial award to outstanding students to study abroad.
