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City International Schools

Egypt, Cairo

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 3 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 2002
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages Arabic, French, German
Strengths Sport, Languages, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Early Years, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

City International Schools is a private, independent, college-preparatory institution serving ages 3 to 18. It offers two international pathways: the American diploma (with Advanced Placement) and the Cambridge IGCSE, with Cambridge programs across KG to IGCSE in the British division. English is the language of instruction; the Lower School teaches Arabic and French, and Cambridge IGCSE is taught with French as a Second Language. Founded in 2002, City International Schools is accredited by AdvancED, recognized by the Egyptian Ministry of Education, and a member of MEANS. The facilities include a library with computers, a computer lab, a multimedia room, and campus wireless internet; transport is via air-conditioned buses. After-school Drama Club and Art Club meet weekly. Physical education is emphasized, and Gezira Club provides sports facilities. The school uses monthly field trips and an annual Show; community and leadership initiatives are integrated through projects like Community Helpers and overnight camping with Scouts.

The Essentials

City International Schools has instruction in English.

Location

Zamalek, Cairo, Egypt

Stages

Early Childhood Program; Lower School; High School

Type

Private, independent, college preparatory school offering an American curriculum

School day structure

8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Bus service

Transportation with multiple buses covering areas across Cairo (Downtown, Zamalek, Dokki, Agouza, Mohandeseen, Garden City, Tahrir, Faisal, Haram, Shobra, Maadi, Manyal, Mokattam, Heliopolis, Nasr City, Hadayek el Ahram, Al Remeya, and 6th of October City). Bus fees vary by area and are paid at registration or with the first payment for continuing students. Buses arrive between 7:40 and 7:50 in the morning and depart by 2:30 in the afternoon; bus matrons ensure students are on the correct bus and safety checks are performed.
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership

The school is privately owned and independent; governed by a Chairman and appointed Board of Trustees; part of the El Shark Schools system.
Fees
Application / Registration fees
- A non-refundable registration / application payment is required to accept an offer and reserve a place. This one-time, non-refundable first installment must be paid within seven days of the school's offer/acceptance and is required before a place is confirmed.

Tuition fees (amounts by year group and per term)
- The school publishes tuition and fee policies but does not publish a public fee table showing specific tuition amounts for each year group or per-term amounts for the 2026/27 or 2025/26 academic years. Specific annual and per-term tuition figures for each year group are not posted in the publicly accessible school materials. Families are required to pay the one-time, non-refundable first installment to reserve a place; the school's published materials do not include a detailed numeric schedule of tuition by year group.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Standard tuition billing is divided into three instalments each academic year: a first instalment in June, a second instalment in September, and a third instalment in December. Your child will not be accepted into the school unless fees are paid up to date according to this schedule.
- The first instalment (the one-time, non-refundable payment) is payable within seven days of receiving the offer to secure the place. The Admission Process instructs that the application/registration fee must be paid into the school account before interview/assessment or acceptance is finalised.

Boarding fees
- The school's published materials do not describe any boarding provision or boarding fees. No boarding programme or boarding fee schedule is listed in the school's public materials.

Transportation / bus fees
- Daily school bus service is available and bus fees vary by area of residence. Bus fees are charged separately from tuition: they differ by pickup area and must be paid at registration for new students or with the first payment for returning students. Specific bus fee amounts by route/area are not published in the publicly available materials.

Uniforms and other compulsory costs
- Uniforms are mandatory. The school prescribes summer and winter uniforms, PE kit, acceptable shoes, and rules on jewellery and veils; families are responsible for providing required uniform items and basic school supplies. The school's policies list the uniform components but do not publish fixed retail prices for uniform items.
- Other costs that may be charged separately (and are not included in base tuition) include fees for specific trips, after-school activities, and special programmes; when such activities apply, the school bills these costs separately. Specific amounts for trips, materials, or extracurricular programme fees are not published in the publicly available materials.

Refunds and cancellations
- The registration / acceptance payment is explicitly non-refundable. No detailed public refund schedule for other fees or tuition (for mid-year withdrawals, partial-term refunds, or other circumstances) is published in the school's publicly available materials.

Payment methods and options
- The admissions and admissions-process pages indicate that the application/registration fee must be paid into the school account when required, but the school's publicly available pages do not list a full set of accepted payment methods (for example, whether credit card, cheque, or local/international bank transfer are accepted). The school's admissions materials provide direct contacts for fee enquiries and payment instructions but do not publish a public payment-method list.

Summary of available vs. missing information
- Available and confirmed: (1) a one-time non-refundable registration/first instalment is required to reserve a place and must be paid within seven days of offer; (2) tuition is billed in three instalments (June, September, December); (3) transportation (bus) fees are charged separately and vary by area and must be paid at registration/first payment; (4) uniforms are mandatory with a prescribed list of items; (5) no boarding provision is described.
- Not publicly available in the school's published materials: specific numeric tuition amounts by year group (per term and per year) for the 2026/27 or 2025/26 academic year, specific bus-fee amounts by route, uniform prices, a comprehensive refund policy beyond the non-refundable registration payment, and a definitive list of accepted payment methods. The school's admissions and fees pages indicate these items are handled through the admissions/finance office rather than by a public fee table.
Academics

City International Schools teaches American Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, Advanced Placement (AP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

City International Schools offers two main international curricula across its divisions: the American diploma and the Cambridge IGCSE. The American City International School presents the American diploma and the IGCSE as part of its program. The British Division uses the Cambridge Curriculum from KG through IGCSE/Edexcel. The Lower School includes Arabic and French, and English is taught as a core subject. Cambridge IGCSE is taught with French as a Second Language.

Higher Education Progression

The Lower School lays the foundation for the college preparatory process. Secondary School is the last stepping stone before university learning, preparing students for universities and colleges. Graduates are accepted to universities around the world.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school prioritizes student wellbeing, including social and psychological wellbeing, and leadership emphasizes caring for students' wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The admissions process requires any reports relating to the child's specific learning needs or requirements.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The Cambridge Curriculum offers a variety of routes for learners with a wide range of abilities, including those whose first language is not English, and English as a Second Language is available.

Mental Wellbeing

Wellbeing is prioritized for students; the Chairman's Letter emphasizes caring for students' wellbeing, and the Careers page notes its focus on academic, social, and psychological wellbeing.

Safeguarding

Anti-Violence/Bullying Policy states violence and bullying are not tolerated, to create a safe environment.
Parent Experience

History

Founded in 2002, American City International School (ACIS) is a private, independent, college-preparatory school. It is part of the El Shark Schools system and offers an American curriculum for students from early childhood through grade twelve, with English as the language of instruction and language classes in French, Arabic, and German. ACIS is governed by a Chairman and an appointed Board of Trustees, with the Principal responsible for developing and implementing the educational and operational programs under the school's mission. The school is accredited by AdvancED and recognized by the Egyptian Ministry of Education, and it is a member of the Middle East Association of National Schools (MEANS). The school comprises two divisions: Lower School (Early Childhood and Elementary) and Upper School (Middle and High).

Community

ACIS maintains an active school community through student-led projects and events. The News posts include 'Celebrating Our Amazing Community Helpers!' describing a cross-curricular project interviewing school staff. Other projects include 'Grade 3 Students Build Their Own Zoo!' and activities such as 'Exploring Culture and Adventure: A Memorable Day at Il Campo!' and 'A Fun-Filled Day with Nature and Friends at ArtyScience!'. These activities reflect hands-on, collaborative learning and community engagement.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

City International Schools provide a library with computers and a wide range of books for quiet study. A computer lab offers up-to-date devices and online safety monitoring. The multimedia room gives access to subject-related videos and supports student presentations, while wireless internet is available campus-wide. Transportation is provided by air-conditioned buses serving Cairo's main districts. After-school Drama Club and Art Club meet weekly for two hours to nurture creativity. The school emphasizes physical education as an integral part of the learning and development process.

Sports Facilities

City International Schools is a member of the Gezira Club, providing access to sports facilities. Physical education is an integral part of the learning and development process.

Academic Facilities

Library with computers and a wide range of books provides a quiet space for study. Computer Lab offers up-to-date devices and internet safety monitoring. Multimedia Room allows viewing subject-related videos and supports presentations, with Discovery Channel and History Channel available. Interactive Board is a teaching tool used in classrooms. Science Lab is available at American City International School.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Drama Club and Art Club are offered as after-school activities, meeting once a week for two hours to nurture creativity.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

Learning extends beyond the classroom through hands-on experiences and practical experiments. A field trips program is organized for each grade with at least one trip per month to support observation and quantitative research. Grade 12 students create posters on SI units, linear motion, and projectile motion to deepen understanding of core concepts.

Arts & Creative

Art is a core part of the program. The school hosts an annual Show with rehearsals and costume preparation beginning early, developing self-confidence and teamwork. Visual arts and performance-based activities are integrated into the arts program.

Social & Hobbies

A Physical Education Program is conducted on the school field, with sports activities practiced across grade levels. The school fosters social development through events such as field trips and the Annual Show, which emphasize teamwork and communication. The Arab Billiards and Snooker Championship venues have seen students win medals, reflecting active participation in competitive sports.

Community & Service

Overnight camping programs take students to nature zones and are conducted with the Egyptian Navy of Scouts, teaching outdoor skills and teamwork. The 'Community Helpers' cross-curricular project engages students in community-oriented learning and service concepts. Field trips emphasize observation and practical research in real-world settings.

Leadership & Professional

Leadership development is embedded in camp activities where students practice leading groups and following leaders. The 'Community Helpers' project builds organizational, collaboration, and professional skills. Participation in school events and responsibilities during the Annual Show contributes to leadership experience.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The Physical Education Program is held on the school field and covers students from KG through Grade 12. Camps and field trips promote outdoor activity and well-being, offering teamwork and resilience experiences. Participation in sports competitions, such as the Arab Billiards and Snooker Championship, supports fitness and healthy competition.
Languages

Language Provision

The language of instruction is English. Language classes include French, Arabic and German. ESL instruction is provided for students who require it. Egyptian MOE requirements in the high school are fulfilled by completing Arabic language, history, geography and civics in Arabic.
Admissions

Admissions

Stage 1: Application. Submit an application form; once received, the admissions team will contact you to arrange a time for you and your child to visit the school and complete the application process. Core documents must be uploaded, including parents'/guardian's passport or ID, child's passport, birth certificate, health and immunization documentation, the most recent school report, previous year reports, and any relevant reports about learning needs. Applicants choose a CIS Branch: 6 October American, 6 October National English, 6 October National French (Franco), Zamalek British, Zamalek American, or Mohandessin National English. Applications with missing or incomplete documents are not processed, and the application fee must be paid before attending the interview and assessment.
Stage 2: Interview and Assessment. After processing the application, an interview and assessment for the child will be scheduled; a member of the admissions team will meet with the parents and the child to discuss the application and the child's interests, needs and talents.
Stage 3: Offer. Successful applicants will receive a letter offering a place within one week of the interview; the letter will be accompanied by an Acceptance Form and Terms and Conditions.
Stage 4: Acceptance. To accept, the signed Acceptance Form must be accompanied by the signed Terms and Conditions and a non-refundable Registration Fee.
Stage 5: Enrollment. Before students can be fully enrolled, documents required by the Ministry of Education in Egypt must be submitted to the Student Affairs Office.
School Events
The school has not added events