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The International School of Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, Baku

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 560
Type Co-educational
Opened 1996
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages French, Russian, Spanish
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional
Stages Primary School, Secondary School, Preschool, Kindergarten
Introduction

The International School of Azerbaijan (TISA) is an IB World School in Baku for ages 2 to 18, offering the IB continuum: PYP, MYP and DP, with English as the language of instruction. The school operates on a purpose-built campus in the Yeni Yasamal district where the Early Learning Centre and Primary and Secondary sections share the site. Facilities include two libraries, dedicated spaces for visual arts, science and technology, plus an ELC kitchen and dining area, outdoor play spaces, a garden, and a small forest to support year-round discovery. The curriculum blends inquiry-based PYP learning with regional standards for Maths (AERO), ELA (AERO) and Science (ACARA), integrated within the IB Programme of Inquiry. Languages from Grade 2 include French, Spanish and Azerbaijani or English; EAL support aligns with WIDA. The school holds CIS and IBO accreditation through 2028 and was licensed by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Education in 2017.

9QJV+QRG, Baku, Azerbaijan

The Essentials

The International School of Azerbaijan has 560 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
The International School of Azerbaijan is located at AZ1070, Yeni Yasamal, Royal Park, Baku, Azerbaijan. It sits in the Yeni Yasamal district near the Royal Park development, with bus routes serving the Port Baku Residence area and other popular residences. Royal Park residents can walk to the school.

Stages
Early Learning Centre, Primary, Middle School, High School

Type
IB World School offering Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). Language of instruction is English.

Additional learning support
English as an Additional Language (EAL) program; Mother Tongue program; Azerbaijani for All.

Country affiliation
Azerbaijan

School day structure
Early Learning Centre daily schedules show Nursery and P1 from 8:15 arrival with a nap at 12:30 and dismissal around 12:30 (Nursery) or 3:15 (P2/3). P2 and P3 daily schedule starts at 8:15 with activities including community circle, morning meeting, classes, outdoor inquiry, lunch, specialist lessons and dismissal around 3:15.

Bus service
TISA runs a bus service that covers the Port Baku Residence area and other popular residences; routes are adapted year to year. Royal Park residents can walk to the school.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
TISA does not have a uniform. There is a Dress Code: clothes should be weather-appropriate, not overly revealing, clean, ironed, and opaque, and hats should remain in students' bags during the school day. In Secondary, Physical Education requires the school-provided red TISA PHE shirt and non-marking shoes.

Food Options
The school provides lunch. All ELC students receive lunch included in tuition; All students in Grade 1 and above may purchase lunch. A full hot meal with salad costs 6 AZN; a sandwich with a drink costs 3.60 AZN; a salad costs 3.60 AZN; there is a salad bar option for 3.60 AZN. There is no breakfast; a mid-morning snack is provided in the ELC; Grades 1–12 bring their own snack. Vegetarian options are available daily; The menu prioritizes locally sourced and organic ingredients when possible.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by the TISA Board of Governors, a nine-member body. The Board includes BP representatives, US Embassy and UK Embassy representatives, a BP business representative, a Parent Representative, a Staff Representative, and the Director (non-voting). The Board sets the school's strategic vision and policies and delegates day-to-day management to the Director.
Fees
Application & registration fees

- A non‑refundable annual registration fee of USD 500 is included in the first tuition installment for new enrolments. If a student joins in January or later, a USD 500 registration fee is added to the Semester 2 invoice.
- A one‑time Development Fee of USD 6,000 is charged during a student's first year at the school. This Development Fee is invoiced in two equal installments of USD 3,000 (one installment in Semester 1 and one in Semester 2). The Development Fee is non‑reimbursable.

Tuition fees (annual and per‑installment) — main school (Tier 2, academic year 2026/27)

- P1 (Age 3):
- 1st tuition installment (includes USD 500 registration): USD 3,745 (mornings only) or USD 4,500 (full day).
- 2nd tuition installment: USD 3,245 (mornings only) or USD 4,000 (full day).
- Total annual tuition: USD 6,990 (mornings only) or USD 8,500 (full day).
- Development Fee: N/A for P1.

- P2 (Age 4):
- 1st tuition installment: USD 5,850.
- 2nd tuition installment: USD 5,350.
- Total annual tuition: USD 11,200.
- Development Fee: N/A for P2.

- P3 – Grade 5 (Ages 5–10):
- 1st tuition installment (includes USD 500 registration): USD 13,500.
- 2nd tuition installment: USD 12,500.
- Total annual tuition: USD 26,000.
- Development Fee (first year only): USD 6,000.

- Grade 6 – Grade 12 (Ages 11–18):
- 1st tuition installment (includes USD 500 registration): USD 13,550.
- 2nd tuition installment: USD 13,050.
- Total annual tuition: USD 26,600.
- Development Fee (first year only): USD 6,000.

- Nursery / Early Learning Centre (latest published schedule 2025/26):
- Weekly morning options (8:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) are priced as follows (annual total includes registration):
- 5 mornings: Annual total USD 4,990 — 1st installment USD 2,620; 2nd installment USD 2,370.
- 3 mornings: Annual total USD 3,490 — 1st installment USD 1,870; 2nd installment USD 1,620.
- 2 mornings: Annual total USD 2,580 — 1st installment USD 1,415; 2nd installment USD 1,165.
- Nursery fees are published separately from the main school fees.

Billing schedule & payment terms

- The school year is organised into semesters for fee purposes. For the 2026/27 fee structure billing is done in two equal instalments (50% of the annual tuition in each instalment). Semester term dates and the associated billing and payment deadlines are published annually; for 2026/27 the school lists Semester 1 (17 August – 18 December) and Semester 2 (11 January – 18 June) with corresponding billing and payment timelines. Late payments incur interest at 1.5% per month (18% per annum). Students may be denied attendance if fees are not paid.
- Tuition and fee payments must be made no later than the published payment due date for each billing cycle; the school requires at least one month's written notice to Admissions for transfer or withdrawal to avoid normal billing continuing. All financial obligations must be met before a student leaves the school. The annual registration fee and the Development Fee are non‑reimbursable.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable. The International School of Azerbaijan operates as a day school; there are no boarding fees because boarding facilities are not provided.

Other costs and optional services

- Bus service (student transportation):
- Standard transport cost: 600 AZN per student per quarter.
- Whole‑year fee (paid in advance): 2,200 AZN per child (a 200 AZN discount is applied for full‑year advance payment). These bus fees are non‑refundable except in extenuating circumstances; cancellations require two weeks' written notice prior to the end of the current quarter.
- Bus payment methods: payments via the Student Services Payment System (payments.tisa.az) or by bank transfer; proof of payment should be emailed as required.

- Afternoon Club (Nursery and P1 only; runs 12:30–15:15): Semester fees (2025/26 schedule):
- 5 afternoons per week: USD 1,700 per semester.
- 4 afternoons: USD 1,358 per semester.
- 3 afternoons: USD 1,018 (Semester 1) / USD 1,017 (Semester 2).
- 2 afternoons: USD 678 (Semester 1) / USD 677 (Semester 2).
- 1 afternoon: USD 340 per semester.
- Afternoon Club billing and refund/withdrawal terms follow the same payment and non‑reimburseable registration rules as other nursery fees.

- Lunch / cafeteria:
- ELC student lunches are included in ELC tuition. Students in Grade 1 and above may purchase lunch through the school system. Typical prices: full hot meal + salad costs 6 AZN; sandwich + drink or salad bar options cost 3.60 AZN. Lunch purchases are funded via the TISA Payment System.

- Co‑curricular / music academy and activity fees:
- Many teacher‑led extra‑curricular activities are offered free of charge; some externally provided or specialist activities carry additional fees.
- TISA Music Academy: individual 30‑minute lessons at 30 AZN per lesson; registration for TMA costs 60 AZN per term per student (registration fee is charged in addition to lesson fees). Payments for individual music lessons are arranged directly with the teacher.

Refund & withdrawal policy (fee liabilities and non‑refundables)

- Registration fee and Development Fee are non‑reimbursable in all cases. If a student withdraws or is withdrawn, fee liability depends on the timing of the withdrawal relative to published term/semester breaks: leaving before the October break of Semester 1 normally incurs a liability of 50% of that semester's fees; leaving after the October break of Semester 1 incurs a liability of 100% of that semester's fees. Parallel rules apply for Semester 2 (leaving before/after the March break triggers 50% or 100% liabilities for that semester). In Terms/Quarters 2 and 3 (or Quarter 3/4 as published), a student who attends for any number of days is liable for that term's fees. The school requires at least one month's written notice of withdrawal; if no written notice is received, normal billing continues. No school records are released until all financial obligations are met.

Fee payment options & billing contacts

- Accepted payment methods and billing arrangements: the school's billing instructions form offers payment by check or bank transfer for tuition invoicing. The Student Services Payment System (payments.tisa.az) is used for cafeteria and bus payments; bank transfer is an alternative where indicated. For some optional services (e.g., music lessons) payment arrangements are made directly with the service provider/teacher. For company‑billed or sponsored students, an authorised company representative completes billing instructions indicating the chosen payment method. For billing queries, the finance office contact details are provided on school billing instructions.
Academics

The International School of Azerbaijan teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
The International School of Azerbaijan offers the International Baccalaureate continuum: PYP (P1–5), MYP (6–10), and DP (11–12). Primary learning is inquiry-based and delivered through the Programme of Inquiry, including Science and Social Studies. The Maths curriculum follows AERO Math Standards; English Language Arts follows AERO ELA Standards; Science aligns with ACARA Standards, with Social Studies embedded in the Programme of Inquiry through IB transdisciplinary themes. Languages from Grade 2 include French and Spanish, plus Azerbaijani or English; Mother Tongue support is offered where possible, and there is an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program aligned with WIDA. Single Subjects include Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Physical Education, Library, and World Languages, and these are incorporated into units where possible.

Student Teacher Ratio
P1-P2: class sizes up to 25 students with a 1:9 staff-to-student ratio; P3-P8: 18 students per class; M1-DP2: 20 students per class.

Exam Results
IB Examination Results: The Class of 2024 averaged 32 points; the top score was 40, and the overall pass rate was 96%.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates attend colleges and universities worldwide; a notable alumnus is Mina Kasimoglu, Class of 2021, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration at Parsons School of Design, New York.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Homeroom teachers deliver a holistic wellness curriculum that includes social and emotional development, Keeping Safe; Child Protection Curriculum (KS:CPC), and the aim to develop creative problem solvers and productive global citizens. In secondary, relationships are central to wellbeing; coaches meet daily with small groups of students to support individualized goals, grade-level action projects, KS:CPC lessons and additional wellbeing activities. In grades 3–5, a weekly social-emotional check-in system called Closegap provides real-time wellbeing insights for teachers to intervene as needed. Safeguarding is integrated through the safeguarding policy and KS:CPC, and all community members have a duty to safeguard and report concerns. The wellbeing program is embedded within the IB framework, with staff coordinating to support student wellbeing across the school.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Learning Support Department provides ongoing support for students identified through referral and identification processes. Support is offered through in-class inclusion and pull-out sessions, and Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) are shared and reviewed with students, teachers and parents. Interventions meet individual learning needs, ensure access to standards, develop the student's ability to be expert learners, and remove barriers to learning. The Learning Support Department affirms the right of all students to develop to their maximum potential in a warm and caring educational environment.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an Additional Language (EAL) is provided for non-native English speakers. On admission, students are assessed to identify ELLs and placed in appropriate language support programs. The EAL program equips students with language skills for social and academic functioning, develops oral and written language, supports language transfer between languages, and coordinates with homeroom teachers to best support learners. EAL teachers work in co‑teaching or advisory roles and monitor progress to inform instruction, with progress communicated to teachers and parents. The EAL department collaborates with classroom and subject teachers to support the academic language development of all learners.

Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing is addressed across all areas of the IB PYP curriculum, with social, personal and emotional development a shared responsibility of all teachers. Personal, Social and Physical Education (PSPE) includes Identity, Active Living, and Interactions as its strands, emphasising healthy relationships, self-awareness, resilience, and informed decision-making. The program supports student wellbeing through advisory activities and targeted wellbeing initiatives as part of the broader curriculum.

Safeguarding
TISA maintains a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, with KS:CPC adopted as part of the curriculum for all ages. All members of the TISA community have a duty to safeguard and report concerns. Primary and Secondary designated safeguarding leads are available, with clearly published contact points for reporting safeguarding issues.
Parent Experience

History
Opened in September 1996 to serve the growing business and diplomatic community in Baku. It was operated by the Azerbaijan International Operating Company (AIOC) and later became part of BP-Amoco when BP took over as operator. The school moved to a purpose-built site in the Yeni Yasamal district in January 1999, and between 1999 and 2001 developed its IB programs (PYP, MYP and DP) and earned accreditation from the Council of International Schools in 2003. Expansion followed with TISA 2 (2001), TISA 3 (2003–2006), TISA 4 and the Early Learning Centre (ELC) in 2007, and a new sports centre (TISA 5) in 2014. In 2017 TISA was licensed by the Azerbaijan Ministry of Education and Science, and in 2018 re-accredited by CIS and re-authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization, with accreditation renewed through 2028.

Community
TISA's community is rooted in an IB-aligned mission to engage local and global communities. The school celebrates host-country culture, including Novruz holidays, and marks Earth Tuesday (Torpaq çərşənbəsi) as part of its cultural calendar. Students participate in CEESA activities, including swimming, football, and volleyball teams that bring together students across grades. The school offers a calendar of events and regular news updates that reflect an active and inclusive campus life.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The PTA is a group of parents, guardians, teachers and support staff who work together to aid TISA's mission. The PTA supports students and families, hosts student and family events, and raises funds for local charitable initiates through the PAN. It also arranges teacher and staff appreciation and maintains communication through bulletins and WhatsApp groups.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school is located at AZ1070, Yeni Yasamal, Royal Park, Baku, Azerbaijan. The campus is purpose-built and houses the Early Learning Centre and the Primary and Secondary sections on a single site. There are two libraries, one in the Primary School and one in the Secondary School. The Early Learning Centre features a kitchen and dining room, an extensive outdoor play area, a garden, and a small forest for younger learners. There are dedicated spaces for visual arts, performing arts, science and technology exploration within the ELC and Primary environments.

Sports Facilities
Primary athletics for P5-P8 include football, volleyball, basketball and track and field. Secondary athletics include football, volleyball, basketball, swimming, badminton and table tennis, with local and international competition through CEESA and SRAA. The athletics program emphasizes teamwork, discipline and physical fitness. The school maintains an Athletics and Activities framework coordinated to support participation and development in sport and related activities.

Academic Facilities
The Early Learning Centre is bright with natural light and open spaces, with dedicated classrooms, shared areas, and spaces for physical education and performing arts, plus a kitchen and dining room and areas for visual art, science and technology exploration and creativity; outside, there is an extensive play area, a garden, and a small forest for year-round learning. Primary includes Visual Arts, Physical Education, Performing Arts, World Languages from Grade 2, Azerbaijani, and the Library. The school offers English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and an IB curriculum (PYP, MYP, DP) with a comprehensive EAL program aligned to standards. The Library is a core academic resource with two dedicated spaces, and the school provides access to both print and digital resources to support curricular learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Primary activities include Young Builders, Future Scientists, Chess, Lego Innovators, Digital Designers, Recycling Art, Gardening, TISA Action Network (TAN), Cultures Around the World, Easy Embroidery, Book Club, Pen Pals, Move and Groove, and Harmony Yoga. Secondary clubs include Robotics Club, Model United Nations, Art Club, Music and Drama, Environmental Club, Speech and Debate, Chess Club, and Math Counts. The Whole School Music Academy offers instrument lessons with professional teachers, meeting on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, with 30 AZN per 30-minute lesson and a 60 AZN per-term registration fee. Enrollment in activities is coordinated through SchoolsBuddy.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers a broad range of teacher-led extracurricular activities that extend learning beyond the classroom. Secondary clubs include Robotics Club, Model United Nations, Art Club, Music and Drama, Environmental Club, Speech and Debate, Chess Club, and Math Counts. Primary Activities include Young Builders, Future Scientists, Chess, Lego Innovators, Digital Designers, Recycling Art, Gardening, TAN, Cultures Around the World, Easy Embroidery, Book Club, Pen Pals, Move and Groove, and Harmony Yoga. Activities run by teachers or assistants are free of charge and options are published each term, with student input guiding expansion.

Arts & Creative
The school offers the TISA Music Academy, with instrumental lessons delivered by visiting teachers on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons; each 30‑minute lesson costs 30 AZN. Registration costs 60 AZN per term. Registration is coordinated by the TISA Music Academy (TMA) coordinator. There is also a Music and Drama program and an Art Club for visual and performing arts.

Cultural & Language
Cultures Around the World, Pen Pals, and Book Club are among activities that cultivate culture and language awareness. These activities provide intercultural exchange opportunities beyond formal language classes. They are featured as Primary Activities to support global-mindedness. Cultures Around the World and related clubs complement language study through informal practice and cultural exploration.

Social & Hobbies
Move and Groove and Harmony Yoga are movement-based activities. Chess and Gardening offer hobby-oriented and leisure activities, complemented by Book Club and other clubs. The programme varies by term based on student interests and is published each term.

Community & Service
Community Engagement focuses on service projects and community service initiatives to develop global citizenship and social responsibility. Students are encouraged to participate in these efforts as part of the school's holistic learning approach.

Leadership & Professional
Secondary clubs include Robotics Club, Model United Nations (MUN), Art Club, Music and Drama, Environmental Club, Speech and Debate, Chess Club, and Math Counts. MUN develops diplomacy and public speaking; Speech and Debate sharpens argumentation; Robotics Club builds technical and teamwork skills. CEESA competitions provide international exposure through athletic and academic events.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The athletics program includes football, volleyball, basketball, swimming, badminton, and table tennis, with local and international competition through CEESA and SRAA. Track and Field is offered in the spring, with meets and tournaments abroad. Harmony Yoga and Move and Groove support wellbeing and physical activity.
Languages

Language Provision
World Languages are offered: Spanish, French, Azerbaijani or English. From Grade 2, learners can choose between French and Spanish as an additional World Language. English as an Additional Language (EAL) is provided for students learning English, aligned with WIDA. A Mother Tongue program supports maintaining and developing students' native languages. Azerbaijani nationals participate in weekly Azerbaijani language lessons and work toward the national standards.
Reputation

Awards
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Accreditations
Council for International Schools (CIS) accreditation since 2003; reaccredited by CIS in 2018; International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) authorization and re-accreditation completed (IB Diploma Programme re-accreditation and CIS re-accreditation completed; latest accreditation valid until 2028).
Admissions
School Events
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