The American International School of Vilnius - Lower School vs Vilnius International School

	T The American International School of Vilnius - Lower School Vilnius, Lithuania	V Vilnius International School Vilnius, Lithuania
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €9,292 - 20,164	Fees / year €9,630 - 11,880
Age range	Age range 1 - 12 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 380	Pupils 527
Typical class size	Typical class size 16	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1993	Opened 2004
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location —	Location Vilnius International School is located in Vilnius Old Town, central Vilnius, Lithuania. The address is Rusų g. 3, LT-01125 Vilnius, Lithuania. Vilnius Old Town is the historic heart of the city.
Stages	Stages —	Stages Early Childhood; Primary Years Programme (PYP); Middle Years Programme (MYP); Cambridge International AS&A Levels.
School type	School type —	School type Pre-kindergarten through grade 12 international school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix Students come from 41 countries. Approximately 60% hold Lithuanian passports, and about 40% are expatriates.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support English Language Support, Learning Support, University Guidance, and Counseling for Wellbeing are provided.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation Lithuania
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details —	Fee details Application and Admissions Fees - Assessment fee: EUR 100 payable upon invitation for assessment. The assessment fee is non‑refundable and does not guarantee admission. - Admission / Initiation fee: EUR 500 (one‑time) payable upon signing the Educational Services Agreement; this fee is payable within five days of invoice or signing. The admission fee is generally non‑refundable except in limited circumstances (for example: the class is not formed; no teacher is appointed to the class for more than one month from the start of the school year; parents terminate within one month of the school year while the student attends satisfactorily; or where the School materially breaches the agreement). Tuition fees by year group (annual and per term amounts) - Early Childhood (Pandas, Turtles, Penguins, Dolphins): EUR 9,460 per year; payable in three equal instalments (per term: EUR 3,153.33). - Primary and Middle School (Grades 1–10): EUR 10,350 per year; payable in three equal instalments (per term: EUR 3,450.00). - Upper School (Grades 11–12, Cambridge AS/A Levels): EUR 11,700 per year; payable in three equal instalments (per term: EUR 3,900.00). Billing schedule and payment terms - The Annual Tuition Fee is payable in three equal instalments due on: 26 August, 26 November and 23 February. Payments should be made by the due dates; if a specified payment date falls on a non‑business day, payment must be made by the next business day. - Admission fee payment deadline: within 5 days of the date of invoice or, if no invoice is issued, within 5 days of signing the Educational Services Agreement. - If the Educational Services Agreement is entered into or terminated during the school year, tuition is calculated pro rata on the basis that one school year equals nine months; partial months are calculated by school days. Parents must pay the portion of the Annual Tuition Fee up to the date of termination, including the contractual notice period. - Failure to pay fees for more than 30 days after the School's notice on overdue payments is treated as a material breach and may lead to unilateral termination of the Educational Services Agreement. No compensation is paid for days missed by the student; the Annual Tuition Fee is not refundable except where the Student does not attend due to the School's fault. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable: the School does not list boarding provision or boarding fees. (No boarding charges are included in the School's fee schedules or terms.) Other costs and additional charges - Meals: Student meals (lunch, and breakfast and snack for Early Childhood students) are included in the annual tuition fee when services are provided on the School premises. - Cambridge examination fees: Examination fees for Cambridge AS/A Levels are not included in tuition. The published per‑component fee is EUR 127; total candidate exam costs typically range from about EUR 500 to EUR 1,000 depending on the number of components taken. - Extra‑curricular activities and school trips: Some extracurricular clubs and school trips may carry additional charges; parents are notified and consent is obtained before charging for optional activities or trips. - Early Childhood local compensation: Families who have officially declared their address in Vilnius city may apply for a local compensation for Early Childhood students of EUR 120 per month (applicable only to qualifying families). - Stationery, special course materials, exam-related costs beyond Cambridge exam fees, some field trips, and any optional paid clubs or private lessons are additional where specified by the School. Refund information and contract termination - Annual Tuition Fee: non‑refundable except where the Student does not attend the School due to the School's fault. No compensation is paid for days missed for any reasons other than School fault. - Admission fee: refundable only in limited circumstances (class not formed; no teacher assigned to the class for more than one month from the start of the school year; parent termination within one month of the school year while the student attends satisfactorily; or where the School materially breaches the agreement). - Parents may unilaterally terminate the Educational Services Agreement by giving at least 30 days' notice; fees payable on termination are calculated in accordance with the School's pro rata method. Parents also have the right to terminate for material breach by the School subject to the School being given a chance to remedy the breach within the specified period. Fee payment options and bank details - The School accepts bank transfer payments. Bank details for payments to Vilnius International School are provided as: AB Swedbank, IBAN LT657300010084438938; SWIFT HABALT22. Parents are asked to indicate the child's name and grade when paying. These bank details are used for admission and tuition payments. - No general public statement listing credit card acceptance or other online payment methods is published in the School's fee schedule and agreements; bank transfer is the explicitly published payment method. Notes on timing - The School's published tuition schedule is presented for the 2025–2026 school year in the School's Admissions and General Terms documents; instalment dates and the amounts above follow the published schedules and the School's General Terms on fees, payment timing and refunds.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options Lunch is included in the annual tuition fee, and breakfast and snacks are provided for Early Childhood students.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership Vilnius International School is a nonprofit, Pre-K-12 institution and is accredited by the Council of International Schools.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details —	Curriculum details VIS provides an English-language curriculum built on the International Baccalaureate framework. Early Childhood VIS offers a play-based programme guided by the principles and practices of the IB PYP, authorised in 2011. The Primary Years Programme is based in inquiry and conceptual understanding with equal attention given to developing skills and attitudes beneficial for success in an ever-changing world. The Middle Years Programme serves students from grade 6 through 10; VIS is the first MYP school in Lithuania and was authorised in 2013. Cambridge International AS&A Levels are offered in the upper school; Cambridge AS&A Level course offerings began in 2016–17, with the first graduating class in 2018. In 2025–2026, courses include Computer Science, Digital Media & Design, Economics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Business, and History, with English Literature and Lithuanian Language and Literature as mandatory core courses.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results VIS celebrated the first Cambridge graduating class in 2018. To earn the VIS Diploma, students complete 24–28 Cambridge courses and four years of English. In grades 11–12, students typically complete three AS/A Level courses, with some exceptions. All students undertake English and Lithuanian language courses; Lithuanian nationals also study Lithuanian language and literature. Cambridge AS&A Level course offerings began in the 2016–17 school year.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Graduates have been admitted to universities worldwide, including Bocconi University, Columbia University, Delft University of Technology, Dublin Institute of Art, Design and Technology, École Polytechnique, Erasmus University Rotterdam, EU Business School Barcelona, Geneva Business School, Goldsmiths, University of London, Imperial College London, ISM University, Kingston University London, KU Leuven, LUT University, Lund University, National University of Singapore, New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, Politecnico di Torino, Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp, Technical University of Darmstadt, Toulouse Business School, Trinity College Dublin, University of Manchester, University College London, University of Amsterdam, University of London, Vilnius University, Vilnius Academy of Arts, Willem de Kooning Academy.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented Student Support includes differentiated instruction and enrichment opportunities.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning VIS provides support for social and emotional development through counseling and wellbeing services. VIS is committed to meeting the social and emotional needs of students, with support provided by teachers and a school counsellor to support adjustment and wellbeing. A school psychologist is available to consult on social and emotional wellbeing. The School Counsellor addresses social and emotional concerns of individuals, small groups, or the whole class; academic concerns including study skills; and peer and teacher conflicts. Access to support is available through self-referral or staff referral, with parents involved as appropriate. Conversations with the School Counsellor are confidential except when the student is perceived to be in danger.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) VIS adopts an inclusion philosophy and accepts students with mild learning needs under the condition that they can meet the academic requirements of the programme with supports available at any given time. These supports are outlined in our Learning Support Policy. Learning Support is provided to eligible students and may include targeted interventions by learning support staff. The school aims to enable access to the curriculum with appropriate accommodations and supports. Parents may be involved in planning and reviewing supports.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language English Language Support is provided to students in formats dependent on age and stage of acquisition. Students new to VIS are assessed using the WIDA assessment tool in primary school and by an internally designed assessment for those entering middle school. Primary school and MYP students may be eligible for targeted push-in or pull-out support by an EAL specialist. Reach out to section principals if you have further questions about English language support.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing VIS has a psychologist to advocate for the needs of students and promote wellbeing. The School Counsellor's role is to promote the wellbeing of all students and to provide support on an as-needed basis. Students may access the School Counsellor through self-referral or staff referral. Conversations between the Counsellor and students are confidential except when the student is perceived to be in danger.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding VIS Child Protection Policy 2023 is part of VIS policies. The Behavior Policy defines the school's expectations and prohibits bullying, harassment and discrimination in school and school-sponsored activities. The policy states that prevention and response to bullying, harassment and discrimination is a collaborative effort among administrators, teachers, staff, students, parents and the school community. Bullying and harassment are described in terms of verbal, physical, relational, and cyber forms, with examples provided. The policy aims to create a safe, respectful environment for all learners. The School Counsellor maintains confidentiality except when danger is involved; parents are involved as appropriate.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview The Primary Years Programme building is a bustling learning environment in the heart of Vilnius Old Town. The school yard is used for midday breaks and school events. The Atrium is the central gathering space for collaboration and school life. The Gymnasium is bright and designed to support movement, physical education and after-school sports. The Science Laboratory supports science and technology learning, and the Café provides a social space for student interaction.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The Gymnasium is flooded with natural light on two sides and serves as the main indoor space for physical education and after-school sports. The gym is kept open during lunch breaks and after-school sports opportunities are increasingly part of VIS life, with volleyball the sport of choice this year.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities The Primary Years Programme is housed in the PYP building, which supports inquiry-based learning. The Science Laboratory supports science and technology learning and has contributed to rising interest in engineering and computer science. The Atrium provides a space that supports collaboration and interdisciplinary learning.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities Erasmus Exchanges promote Spanish language learning with trips to Murcia and Valencia. Service Learning partners with the Senevita care home; students work on projects and multilingual interviews with residents. Duke of Edinburgh offers a programme for Grade 9 students, including service goals and a 24-kilometre hike with an overnight stay. TEDxYouth is organized by students, providing opportunities in marketing, event planning and production. MUN and MEP activities involve Model United Nations and Model European Parliament experiences. Changemaker Challenge and MYP Week Without Walls provide real-world problem solving and outdoor learning opportunities, with Week Without Walls described as a three-day immersive program that offers each grade a unique journey outside the classroom.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History VIS was founded in 2004 by a group of parents and educators from Denmark, Finland, Lithuania and the United States. The origin story notes that 2004 was the year Lithuania joined NATO and the European Union, and VIS aimed to attract Lithuanians returning from abroad. VIS is a pre-k through grade 12 school hosting over 500 students from more than 40 countries. It is accredited by the Council of International Schools and is a nonprofit organization.
Community	Community —	Community VIS hosts a September 1st celebration that brings the entire community together in the school courtyard. Other events include a Fun Run for Charity in Bernadine Gardens, a Flea Market and Family Picnic, and a Model European Parliament Baltic Region; the student population hails from over 40 countries. News posts describe parent-led and student activities, such as the AI-focused event 'How AI Expands, Contributes and Limits' with parent speakers. Band practice, a Chopin concert celebrating Polish language and culture, chess matches with a physics teacher, and mindful coloring illustrate the range of VIS community life.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual Model United Nations (MUN), Model European Parliament (MEP) and Model NATO simulations provide opportunities for debate, research and collaborative problem‑solving. The Week Without Walls is a three‑day immersive learning program that extends learning beyond the classroom to explore places, histories and cultures. These activities cultivate critical thinking, inquiry and teamwork across subjects.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative In Grade 8, an interdisciplinary unit blends English memoir writing with portrait drawing in Art, resulting in memoirs recorded from residents' life stories accompanied by portraits. A Performance Program showcases student work and creative productions throughout the year.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Erasmus Exchanges promote Spanish language learning and cultural proficiency with trips to Murcia and Valencia in Spain. Students interview residents in English, Lithuanian, Russian and Spanish to record life stories, forming multilingual memoirs accompanied by portraits.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies After-school activities offer opportunities to explore interests, develop new skills and build lasting friendships, spanning sports, arts, leadership programs and community service, with clubs available for both Primary (PYP) and Upper School. These activities encourage creativity, teamwork and personal growth beyond the classroom.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Service Learning partners VIS with the care home Senevita, with visits and projects integrated into curriculum goals. Grade 5 students recently performed for senior friends, and Grade 6 students learn about sports adaptations for different age groups in P.E. before organizing an annual sports day for seniors. In Grade 8, students interview residents in multiple languages and write memoirs accompanied by portraits as part of an interdisciplinary unit.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Duke of Edinburgh started as a student‑initiated project and now involves grade 9 students working toward service goals and a 24‑km hike with an unsupervised overnight, under the coordination of VIS staff. TEDxYouth provides a platform for students to develop skills in marketing, event planning, production and public speaking. The curriculum also features MUN/MEP simulations, the Changemaker Challenge and the MYP Week Without Walls to foster leadership, collaboration and real‑world problem solving.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing The gym is open during lunch and afterschool, with increasing opportunities for sport participation; Volleyball has surpassed basketball as the sport of choice this year. After-school activities cover sports and other programs that support physical and mental well‑being, promoting a collaborative and active school culture.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision The school uses English as the language of instruction across the curriculum for early childhood through upper school. English language instruction is provided, and Lithuanian language support is available for students who need it. In the Cambridge International AS&A Levels program, Lithuanian Language and Literature is a mandatory core course alongside English Literature. VIS offers the IB Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme with instruction in English.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards null
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations Council of International Schools accredited; Not-for-profit; Pre-K-12 school serving Vilnius, Lithuania.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	Admissions VIS offers English-language programmes: IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Cambridge International AS&A Levels for learners aged 3 to 19. Admissions are rolling and on a first-come, first-served basis, with consideration of class balance, language proficiency and learning needs. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and admissions assessments generally begin in November for the following school year. Procedures: schedule a visit or call with the Admissions Coordinator, fill out the Application, submit progress reports or report cards from the previous and current year, and possibly a Teacher Evaluation form. If space and eligibility permit, an Admissions Assessment is arranged; an invitation to the assessment does not guarantee enrollment. After acceptance, an Education Service Agreement will be issued two weeks before the start date, and the initiation fee of 500 EUR is payable. Fees information: Assessment fee 100 EUR (non-refundable, not a guarantee of admission); Initiation fee 500 EUR (non-refundable). Tuition for 2026–2027: Early childhood €9,630/year; Primary and Middle School €10,755/year; 11th–12th grades (Cambridge AS/A Levels) €11,880/year. The annual tuition is payable in three installments (Aug 26, Nov 26, Feb 23). Lunch is included. EC students may receive a 120 EUR/month compensation if the family's address is Vilnius city. Cambridge examination fees are not included in the tuition and may be 127 EUR per component (total 500–1,000 EUR depending on components). Re-enrolling Grade 11 students for Cambridge requires a non-refundable 500 EUR enrollment fee to secure a place. VIS is a Council of International Schools accredited, nonprofit, Pre-K–12 school serving local and expatriate families; in September 2024, VIS enrolled 512 students from 41 countries.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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