doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
C

Cairo American College

Egypt, Cairo

Save school
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · Co-founder & CEO

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 960
Type Co-educational
Opened 1945
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages Arabic, French, Spanish
Typical class size 17
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Social and Hobbies, Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Nestled in Maadi, Cairo American College (CAC) is Egypt's only American Embassy-affiliated international day school, serving learners from age 3 through 18. CAC delivers a US-based Pre-K–12 program with a blend of IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP), and American Diploma tracks, across Elementary, Middle, and High School divisions. The High School Program of Studies includes IB Diploma coursework and an American diploma track, with a broad elective spectrum. The 11-acre, green campus supports project-based learning with spaces such as Make and Design Lab, iWood, iMix, and centralized design technology labs. CAC's Arts and Performing Arts facilities include a large theatre and a Black Box space, plus extensive visual arts and music offerings. Sports facilities encompass multiple soccer fields, full-size gym, outdoor track, and Hassan/Webb Aquatics Center. Signature programs like Egypt Culture, PRIME, and Week Without Walls enrich global experiences, alongside service learning and community engagement opportunities.

The Essentials

Cairo American College has 960 pupils, typical class sizes of 17, instruction in English.

Location
1 Midan Digla, Maadi, Cairo, Egypt.

Stages
Pre-K through Grade 12; Elementary School, Middle School, High School.

Type
International school; American Embassy-affiliated.

Pupil Nationality Mix
58 nationalities represented.

Additional learning support
Early Intervention Center (EIC); Student Support & Wellbeing.

Country affiliation
American Embassy-affiliated.

School day structure
Sunday–Thursday, 8:00 am–3:00 pm.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Dress code and PE uniform are required.

Food Options
Outside contractors provide lunch items for elementary, middle and high school students for a fee; middle school also offers snacks and lunch during breaks; students may bring their own lunches.

House System
CAC has a House System. Students are assigned to a House; monthly House events are held during Tuesday assembly time; families belong to the same House; House shirts are available from the Spirit Store; fifth-grade students may serve as House Captains.

Governance and Ownership
CAC is governed by a Board of Trustees. The Cairo American College Foundation is a separate nonprofit in New Jersey, USA, that supports CAC and is governed by its own independent board.
Fees
Application & Admissions Fees

- Application fee: USD 390 (non‑refundable).
- Assessment / placement test fee at application: USD 1,000 (one‑time).
- Admissions deposit (paid on offer/acceptance): USD 1,000 (one‑time).
- One‑time registration / re‑registration fee: EGP 16,000 (one‑time).

Annual Tuition — by year group (2025/26 figures shown where 2026/27 was not publicly available)

- Early Intervention / Pre‑K 3: USD 9,200–9,600 per year. Per term (annual ÷ 3) ≈ USD 3,067–3,200.
- Pre‑K 4: USD 14,300–15,000 per year. Per term ≈ USD 4,767–5,000.
- Kindergarten – Grade 5 (Elementary): USD 26,600–27,800 per year. Per term ≈ USD 8,867–9,267.
- Grades 6 – 8 (Middle School): USD 27,150–28,400 per year. Per term ≈ USD 9,050–9,467.
- Grades 9 – 12 (High School / IB): USD 27,350–28,600 per year. Per term ≈ USD 9,117–9,533.

(Note: the per‑term figures above are the annual tuition divided into three equal terms for display; the annual figures are those reported for the 2025/26 price period.)

Billing schedule & payment terms

- The school publishes annual tuition figures and charges some recurring items on an annual basis; certain services (for example, bus service) are billed per semester. Specific billing timings listed by third‑party fee schedules show: admissions deposit and one‑time registration amounts due at acceptance/registration, and recurring charges invoiced on the academic cycle. Per‑semester items such as bus service are billed twice per year (per semester).

Boarding

- Cairo American College is a day school and does not charge boarding fees (no boarding programme).

Other recurring and one‑off costs

- Annual Capital Fee: USD 300.
- Annual Plant/Facilities Fee: USD 750.
- Bus service: charged per semester — typical published amounts are USD 500 per semester for routes inside Maadi and USD 900 per semester for routes outside Maadi.
- Student ID card replacement (lost ID) fee: USD 25 (or local equivalent).
- School uniform: no compulsory uniform requirement is reported.
- Books, activities and routine resources: these items are shown as included within the published tuition in fee summaries.

Refund information

- The application fee (USD 390) is non‑refundable. Other refund details for deposits, registration, or tuition are handled under the school's formal fee and withdrawal policies; the published fee summaries identify the application fee as non‑refundable and list the admissions deposit and registration fees as one‑time charges.

Fee payment options

- Publicly published fee summaries show the fee types and amounts; standard practice for international schools of this profile is to accept payment by bank transfer and other large‑value payment methods. The school's admissions and tuition pages present fee figures and application/payment steps for enrolment. (For specific available payment channels and invoicing instructions, those are provided directly with admissions paperwork and invoices.)

Summary checklist (what parents can expect to pay at admission and annually)

- One‑time at application/acceptance: Application fee USD 390 (non‑refundable); Assessment/placement fee USD 1,000; Admissions deposit USD 1,000; One‑time registration/re‑registration fee EGP 16,000.
- Annual tuition: ranges by age/grade shown above (Pre‑K through Grade 12). Per‑term amounts are the annual tuition divided into three equal terms for convenience of budgeting.
- Recurring annual charges: Capital fee USD 300; Plant/facilities fee USD 750. Bus charged per semester (USD 500 inside Maadi / USD 900 outside Maadi typical figures). Additional incidental fees (ID replacement, activity‑specific costs) are charged as incurred.
Academics

Cairo American College teaches IB (PYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
CAC provides a US-based curriculum across Pre-K through Grade 12. The school offers Primary Years Programme (PYP), International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP), and American Diploma programs. The curriculum is delivered across Elementary, Middle, and High School divisions. The High School Program of Studies includes IB Diploma coursework and an American diploma track, with a broad range of electives. Global experiences enrich learning through Egypt Culture, PRIME, and WWW.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates pursue higher education at universities around the world, including numerous international universities.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social-emotional learning units are embedded in the Elementary School curriculum to help students express feelings, resolve conflicts, and develop empathy. In Middle School, the advisory program supports emotional regulation, stress management, and resilience, with discussions that strengthen self-image and healthy relationships and teach coping strategies. In High School, well-being is supported by structured time for connection and reflection through homeroom and a flex block for academic support and self-care, with counselors guiding academic planning and life after school. A dedicated team of counselors supports students in every division, and CAC's Positive Education framework focuses on Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning support specialists and counselors, alongside a school-wide psychologist, provide personalized interventions across divisions. Support services include English language development, assistance for learning challenges, emotional and behavioral guidance, and speech therapy. Enrichment opportunities are available for students performing beyond grade level.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English language development is provided as part of CAC's student support services.

Mental Wellbeing
Well-being is prioritized across divisions, with a dedicated team of counselors and daily-life systems to promote emotional, social, and mental well-being. CAC's Positive Education framework supports mental well-being through five dimensions: Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment.

Safeguarding
CAC has a Child and Youth Protection Policy adopted by the Board of Trustees in 2017. Age-appropriate lessons help students understand personal safety, needs, and rights. Parents receive materials and information sessions, and faculty are trained to recognize and report abuse and neglect.
Parent Experience

History
The Cairo American College traces its roots to the Cairo School for American Children (CSAC), founded in 1945 to serve American families in post-World War II Egypt. It was housed in a rented villa in Maadi and offered an American-style education with French and Arabic instruction, emphasizing college preparation. In 1955, the institution was renamed Cairo American College and later moved to a purpose-built Digla campus, expanding facilities. The school maintained Middle States Association accreditation; by the early 2000s CAC had grown from about 350 students on the Digla campus to higher enrollment, with a peak of 1,440 students in 2001-2002 before rebounding in subsequent years. Since 2020-2025, under Head of School Dr. Jared Harris, CAC has continued strong growth; the campus is at 1 Midan Digla, Maadi, Cairo, and CAC is Egypt's only American Embassy-affiliated school.

Community
CAC is a vibrant gathering place for our community. The school is committed to the well-being of students, staff, teachers, and parents, fostering a strong home-school partnership. Through parenting classes, community events, and wellness programs, CAC provides meaningful support for families. The campus remains open after school and on weekends, welcoming families to swim in the pool, exercise in the fitness center, play on the fields and playgrounds, or enjoy a coffee with friends.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The CAC Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) brings the community together through events and activities. From cultural celebrations and family gatherings to welcoming new families, the PTO supports students and teachers. The PTO uses fundraising to benefit CAC programs and local charities. Volunteers participate in PTO activities and engage with school life. The PTO provides opportunities to connect with families and staff across CAC. The PTO is a key part of CAC's parent community.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
CAC's 11-acre campus is a green oasis in the heart of Cairo, featuring trees, green spaces, and sustainability features. It houses learning spaces, athletics facilities, arts spaces, outdoor areas, and libraries. The campus is open after hours and on weekends for community use such as biking, swimming, and social gatherings.

Sports Facilities
Athletic facilities include multiple soccer fields, a full-size gym plus two smaller gym spaces, and a fully equipped fitness center. There is an outdoor track and a multipurpose court, as well as the Hassan/Webb Aquatics Center with a state-of-the-art LED scoreboard. These amenities support a range of team and individual sports across grade levels.

Academic Facilities
CAC has purpose-built learning spaces such as Make and Design Lab, iWood, iMix, and CAC News Station for Elementary students. There are fully equipped design technology labs for Middle and High School students. These spaces support hands-on, project-based and future-focused learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
CAC supports a wide range of extracurriculars through Athletics, Arts, Activities, Global Experiences, Traditions & Celebrations, and Service Learning. Arts facilities include a 520-seat theater and Black Box theater, a dance studio, and spaces for film, music, and visual arts. Outdoor spaces, libraries, and social areas also support clubs and community activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
CAC offers a broad program of academic competitions and clubs. Middle school participates in Battle of the Books, MathCounts, and World Scholars Cup, with additional options such as Chess Club and Homework Club. High school offers NHS, Debate Team, Eagle Council, and Math Club, along with STEM, Injaz, Papyrus, Robotics, and Green Team clubs. CAC students also compete in prestigious events, including The Hague Model United Nations (THIMUN) and the World Scholars Cup, connecting them with global peers.

Arts & Creative
The Arts at CAC include Performing Arts with theater, choir, and instrumental music, with opportunities to perform in concerts, musicals, and other productions. The campus features a 500-seat theater and a black box space for performances. Visual Arts programs explore digital art, sculpture, painting, photography, printmaking, and design, with annual exhibitions and IB Theatre/IB Visual Arts offerings; students can join the National Art Honor Society and participate in high school plays or musicals. CAC also connects students with AMIS and ISTA arts events.

Cultural & Language
Elementary School participates in Egypt Culture, including visits to pyramids and Nile-focused learning, with Arabic language learning to deepen cultural connections. Middle School's PRIME program takes students across Egypt to explore its landscapes, cultures, and history. High School's Week Without Walls offers experiences within Egypt and abroad, including Europe and Asia, with cultural exchanges and service-learning components. CAC also hosts Model United Nations and participates in AMIS choir festivals and ISTA theater showcases, promoting multicultural engagement.

Social & Hobbies
CAC's After-School Activities extend beyond the classroom, with on-campus options including debate tournaments, Model United Nations conferences, and a wide range of clubs and activities. Elementary students can join sports (soccer, basketball, swimming) and creative programs like band, choir, and the elementary musical, plus activities such as Lego robotics, cooking, and chess. Middle School offers competitive and recreational options, including Battle of the Books, MathCounts, World Scholars Cup, Chess Club, Yoga, and Homework Club. High School provides leadership, competition, and hobby clubs, including NHS, Debate Team, MUN, and Robotics.

Community & Service
Service is embedded in CAC life through Everyday Service & Student-Led Projects, including Green Team campus and community clean-ups and the Service Learning Club, the Global Issues Club, and elementary initiatives like upcycling and Agents for Change toy drives. Students organize bake sales, toy drives, and fundraising to support various causes, and some activities involve service travel experiences through Week Without Walls.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership and professional development are fostered through NHS, Eagle Council, Debate Team, and Math Club in high school. These groups provide opportunities to lead projects, participate in competitions, and develop communication and collaboration skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
CAC offers extensive athletics for all ages, with high school teams in volleyball, soccer, swim, cross country, wrestling, basketball, dance, track, baseball, softball, tennis, and golf. Elementary students participate in after-school physical activities including soccer, basketball, swimming, and track. The program emphasizes teamwork, resilience, and lifelong friendships, with CISSA and ISAA competition opportunities.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught include English, Arabic, French, and Spanish. Group 1 languages include English Literature and English Language and Literature as well as Arabic (Group 1), and Group 2 languages include Arabic B, French B, Spanish B. Ab Initio options exist for Arabic, French, and Spanish. Arabic is also integrated into CAC's Egypt Culture program. English Language Learner (ELL) support is available for students developing English proficiency.

Bilingual Teaching
CAC offers a bilingual IB Diploma. Diploma Program students may earn bilingual status by selecting two Group 1 subjects in different languages and achieving at least a grade 3 in both. Group 1 languages include English and Arabic, with Self Taught Language A listed as an option.
Reputation

Awards
null

Accreditations
CAC is fully accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA) and the Council of International Schools (CIS); a dual accreditation from CIS and MSA is in place until 2025. CAC is certified by the International Baccalaureate (IB) to offer the Diploma Program. CAC is also affiliated with the Educational Collaborative for International Schools, the Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools, the National Association of Independent Schools, and the International Schools Athletic Association.
Admissions

Admissions
1. The CAC offers both the IB Diploma and American High School Diploma programs for students from Pre-K through Grade 12. Applications for the next academic year open in February, and admission decisions are made by May 31. Applications received on or after June 1 will be reviewed, and decisions will be communicated on or after August 1, contingent on space availability. Transfer applications from abroad are considered for admission throughout the year.
2. Families can connect with CAC Admissions by scheduling an appointment with the Director of Admissions and arranging a campus tour to experience CAC firsthand. This helps families understand how CAC's programs align with their educational goals and needs.
3. The CAC application portal is used to apply. Create an application portal account; the information you enter sets up your account and your child's application, and a CAC admissions email will help you access the portal. The process guides you through the student and parent sections and requests documentation.
4. Before you apply, review the required documents: completed official school records for the past two years (three years for Grade 12), with English translations if not in English; confidential teacher/counselor recommendations; an Authorization Form; a copy of the applicant's passport; PreK Parent Questionnaire for PreK or KG Parent Questionnaire for Kindergarten; and an application fee of $390, which is non-refundable. Steps to complete the application include creating the portal account, entering family information, uploading documents, and submitting payment via the Apply Now portal (cacegypt.openapply.com).
5. Admissions priorities and age considerations: CAC follows policy-based categories to manage space constraints (Category One through Six). In Category One, dependents of expatriate employees with policy-mandated Board appointments and other designated groups may have priority; if space remains, some applicants may be placed on a waiting list. Age requirements are: Pre-K must be three (PreK-3) or four (PreK-4) on or before September 30; Kindergarten must be five by September 30; Grade 1 must be six by September 30 or have completed CAC Kindergarten or equivalent; Middle/High School applicants must satisfy graduation requirements before turning 20.
6. Waitlist: In space-constrained periods, those who are not enrolled at the start of the year are placed on the waiting list.

Waitlist
In space-constrained periods, those who are not enrolled at the start of the year are placed on the waiting list.
School Events
The school has not added events
Search for more schools
Search schools in Egypt View all schools in Cairo View all schools in Egypt IB curriculum schools in Egypt Open days & tours in Cairo What is the IB curriculum? View all schools Search all schools