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

Kazakhstan International School Almaty

Kazakhstan, Almaty

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 KZT 4,222,891 - 14,108,852
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 657
Type Co-educational
Opened 1998
Bus Service No
Part of
Kazakhstan International School
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages English, Russian, Kazakh, French
Typical class size 18
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Kazakhstan International School (KIS) is an international IB World School offering Kindergarten through Grade 12 for students aged 2 to 18. The IB framework is followed: PYP for Grades 1–5, MYP for Grades 5–9, and DP for Grades 10–11, with DP authorization completed by 2020. In the early years, instruction is in English and an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program supports non-native speakers. KIS emphasizes inquiry-based learning and provides a continuity pathway from PYP to MYP. The school began over two decades ago as a Montessori kindergarten and relocated to a central campus in 2018, extending to Grade 10 and completing the MYP; in 2020 it became an all-through IB school for ages 2 to 18 with Diploma Programme authorization. In 2023 KIS achieved MSA accreditation. Facilities include a Main Campus uniform store, an optional bus service with annual fees, a canteen with hot meals, and a gym opened in 2023 for secondary students. A 360° virtual tour showcases the spaces.

This campus is part of Kazakhstan International School

Al-Farabi Avenue 118/15, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan

The Essentials

Kazakhstan International School Almaty has 657 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.

Location
Al-Farabi Avenue 118/15, Almaty 050044, Kazakhstan. The Main Campus offers Kindergarten to IB Diploma Programme for 2–18 year olds. The school is located in central Almaty, described as a beautiful location among the green hills with views of the snow-capped Tien Shan mountains and the city of Almaty.

Stages
Early Years Programme; Primary Years Programme; Middle Years Programme; Diploma Programme.

Type
International IB World School offering Kindergarten through Grade 12 IB programmes.

Additional learning support
English as an Additional Language (EAL) program to support students whose first language is not English.

School day structure
Early Years: Arrival 8:00–8:30; Half-Day Dismissal 12:00–12:30; Full-Day Dismissal 3:30–4:00. Elementary School: School Starts 8:00; Dismissal 3:00; After-School Activities 3:00–4:15. Secondary School: Before-School Activities 8:00–9:30; School Starts 9:40; Finishes 4:15.

Bus service
Bus Service: Elementary 08:00 and 15:00; Secondary 09:40 and 16:15. 2025–2026 Bus Fees: One-way route 600,000 KZT; Two-way route 700,000 KZT. ASA Bus Service (for after-school activities): schedule and registration details available; registration deadline August 11, 2025.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Secondary students follow a dress code that includes a KIS polo or button-up shirt; KIS sweaters and hoodies may be worn for comfort. Polo shirts come in blue or navy; a KIS Family Hoodie is part of the uniform seasonally.

Food Options
Lunch is provided by Universal Catering for Kindergarten through Grade 12, with gluten-free options. AY 2025-2026 prices list daily and monthly meal rates, with advance payment at the beginning of each semester.

Governance and Ownership
KIS is a non-profit founded by Daniel Gunaseelan, who serves as Founder and Owner. The Advisory Board governs the school and meets monthly during the school year and at an annual open meeting. Ex officio members include the Head of School and the PTA President.
Fees

Annual tuition at Kazakhstan International School Almaty ranges from KZT 4,222,891 to KZT 14,108,852 for 2026/27.

Application and Admission Fees
Kazakhstan International School (KIS) charges an entrance assessment fee of KZT 20,000 per student for Grades 1–12. A one-time non-refundable admission fee of approximately KZT 280,000 is payable upon enrolment. A reservation deposit equivalent to one-third of annual tuition is required to secure a student’s place.

Tuition Fees (2026/2027 Academic Year)
The school publishes fees in USD. Approximate KZT amounts below are based on an exchange rate of USD 1 = KZT 467.63.

Toddlers Half Day: approximately KZT 4,045,000 per year, around KZT 1,348,000 per term
Toddlers Full Day: approximately KZT 5,004,000 per year, around KZT 1,668,000 per term
Pre-K 3 Half Day: approximately KZT 4,176,000 per year, around KZT 1,392,000 per term
Pre-K 3 Full Day: approximately KZT 5,284,000 per year, around KZT 1,761,000 per term
Pre-K 4 Full Day: approximately KZT 6,032,000 per year, around KZT 2,011,000 per term
Kindergarten: approximately KZT 7,342,000 per year, around KZT 2,447,000 per term
Grades 1–2: approximately KZT 10,148,000 per year, around KZT 3,383,000 per term
Grades 3–5: approximately KZT 10,709,000 per year, around KZT 3,570,000 per term
Grades 6–8: approximately KZT 11,644,000 per year, around KZT 3,881,000 per term
Grades 9–10: approximately KZT 12,579,000 per year, around KZT 4,193,000 per term
Grades 11–12: approximately KZT 13,515,000 per year, around KZT 4,505,000 per term

Billing Schedule and Payment Terms
Tuition fees are payable in three instalments across the academic year. The reservation deposit is credited toward tuition fees after enrolment confirmation. Fees are billed in KZT using the exchange rate applicable on the payment date.

Boarding Fees
Kazakhstan International School is a day school and does not offer boarding facilities.

Other Costs and Fees
Additional costs may include uniforms, school transport, extracurricular activities, optional trips, and lunch services. These are billed separately from tuition fees.

Refund Information
The admission fee is non-refundable. Reservation deposits may also be non-refundable if a student withdraws after accepting a place.

Fee Payment Options
Payments are accepted by bank transfer in KZT. Tuition invoices are issued according to the school’s payment schedule.
Academics

Kazakhstan International School Almaty teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
IB Programme for Kindergarten through Grade 12. The Primary Years Programme (Grades 1-5), Middle Years Programme (Grades 5-9), and Diploma Programme (Grades 10-11) are part of the IB framework. The language of instruction in the elementary years is English, and an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program supports non-native speakers. The IB approach emphasizes inquiry-based learning and a continuity pathway from PYP to MYP.

Student Teacher Ratio
Average class size ranges from 8 to 15 students.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates earn three diplomas: the IB Diploma, the MSA American High School Diploma, and the Kazakh State Diploma. College counseling supports university applications, with graduates admitted to universities worldwide including University College London, Cornell University, McGill University, and Notre Dame.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school emphasizes social-emotional growth as part of student learning.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school has an Inclusion Policy.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school has an Elementary EAL Program.

Safeguarding
The school has a Child Protection Policy.
Parent Experience

History
Kazakhstan International School was founded over 20 years ago as a Montessori kindergarten. It is an IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate programme. In 2008, KIS became an IB World School, offering the Primary Years Programme. In December 2018, KIS moved to a central campus, enabling expansion to Grade 10 and completing the Middle Years Programme, and in 2020 it became an all-through IB school for ages 2 to 18 with Diploma Programme authorization. In 2023, KIS achieved MSA accreditation.

Community
At KIS, we are a diverse, multinational community with students and staff from over 20 countries, and roughly 40% of students are expatriates. We promote international-mindedness and global awareness while engaging locally to help our community in Almaty and across Kazakhstan. KIS is a warm and welcoming community where everyone is valued, creating a family-like atmosphere with close partnerships between parents and the school.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Our PTA is a formal organization composed of parents, teachers, and staff to facilitate parental participation in KIS. Its goals are to support KIS, encourage parent involvement, support teachers, and organize family events for KIS. The PTA coordinates volunteers, communicates with the school, and holds regular monthly meetings. PTA fundraising supports school programs and resources, and membership is open to everyone. Events include Teacher Appreciation Day, the Annual Winter Fest, and International Day; inquiries can be directed to ptachair@kisnet.org.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school has a uniform store on the Main Campus selling polos, sports uniforms, hoodies, and bomber jackets designed for KIS by Endeavour. The school offers an optional bus service for convenient and safe transportation to and from school, with a one-way annual fee of 600,000 KZT or a two-way annual fee of 700,000 KZT (payments can be made in three tranches). The school provides a canteen offering hot meals served by Universal Catering with nutritious options. The gym opened in 2023 and is equipped for strength training, rock climbing, and boxing, with staff supervision for safety. A 360° Virtual Tour is available to view the facilities.

Sports Facilities
The gym opened in 2023 and is equipped for strength training, rock climbing, and boxing, with staff supervision. The gym is available to secondary students. The school runs athletics through After-School Activities and the BSA program, including basketball, football, volleyball, cross country, and track and field. Teams compete in COASH League and regional tournaments such as the Central Asia Basketball Classic and the Central Asian Volleyball Classic. The Fitness Room provides weights and cardio equipment with supervision.

Extra Curricular Facilities
ASAs include Game Design, Drama, Math Club, Russian A, Russian B, Choir, Arts & Crafts, Football U9 and U11, Fencing, Karate, and Hip-hop. Secondary BSA Programs include Basketball, Football, Volleyball, Cross Country, Athletics Council, Fitness Room, Musical, Debate & MUN, Duke of Edinburgh, Robotics, and Eco-Committee. The Musical program brings to life songs, acting, and dancing through productions such as The Wonderful World of Transformation.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
ASAs cater to diverse interests and talents, encouraging students to explore new passions and develop skills. EY-PYP ASAs include Game Design, Drama, Math Club, Russian A, Russian B, Choir, and Arts & Crafts, with Football for younger students. These activities foster creative thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving.

Arts & Creative
After-School Arts Programs include Choir, Drama Production, and Arts & Crafts. Hip-hop is offered as an ASA, and Drama ASA culminates in a stage performance for the whole community to enjoy.

Cultural & Language
Russian A and Russian B language clubs develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Russian. Russian A focuses on reading and writing, idioms, and discussions, while Russian B develops listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Social & Hobbies
Sports and performance activities provide social engagement and hobbies. Football U9 and Football U11 teams compete in COASH League; Basketball and Volleyball are offered, along with Cross Country. Hip-hop, Choir, and Arts & Crafts offer creative and social outlets.

Community & Service
Eco-Committee is offered as part of the Secondary BSA programs.

Leadership & Professional
Duke of Edinburgh, Debate & MUN, and Athletics Council provide leadership opportunities for students.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Athletics programs emphasize physical fitness, discipline, and self-confidence. Activities include Karate and Track & Field, with Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Cross Country and Fitness Room sessions supporting a healthy lifestyle.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction in elementary classrooms. Russian and Kazakh are taught as part of the language offerings in the Primary Years Programme. An English as Additional Language (EAL) program provides support for students whose first language is not English.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Apply. Submit the online application via OpenApply. Kazakhstan International School welcomes students of all nationalities to join a diverse, international community in Almaty. After submitting the application, you receive an application portal with an electronic checklist of items to finalize the application. The application opens on August 1 of the preceding school year, and applications are accepted year‑round with rolling placements as space allows; many grade levels fill up by April, so early application is encouraged.

2. Required Documents. After submission, a personalized checklist shows the documents required to complete the application. For Grades 1‑12, required documents include birth certificate, passport, photo 3x4, academic reports, teacher recommendation, and parents' identification; MAP results and IEP/psych reports are optional. For Early Years, required documents include birth certificate, passport, photo 3x4, Early Years Profile, and parents' identification; optional: employment letter, residence permit, health insurance card. After acceptance, enrollment requires signing the KIS Educational Services Agreement and paying the Admission & Reservation Fees, plus submitting any required general or identification documents.

3. Interviews / Assessment. Once the application is complete and all required documents are received, Phase 2 includes student assessments and interviews, varying by grade level. Assessments include CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test) and an English Proficiency Assessment; these assessments typically take 2–3 hours total, with no special preparation. All applicants participate in a 30‑minute in‑person interview conducted by the appropriate administrator: EY Principal for Early Years; Grades 1‑5 Elementary Principal; Grades 6‑10 Secondary Principal; Grades 11‑12 DP Coordinator.

4. Decision. Admissions decisions are made exclusively by the Admissions Committee, which evaluates academic history, behavioral background, level of English proficiency, potential needs for support services, and alignment with the school's environment and educational approach. If admitted, families proceed with the next steps: sign the KIS Educational Services Agreement, pay the Admission & Reservation Fee, and submit the required enrollment documents.

Scholarships
KIS Founder's Scholarship is awarded to outstanding students annually in March. The scholarships are available to current and prospective KIS students who wish to enroll in the KIS IB Diploma Programme (Grade 11). The scholarship covers tuition fees for Grades 11–12 (the duration of the Diploma Programme) and continuation into the second year depends on maintaining a high level of academic performance and co‑curricular contribution; if performance declines, an action plan is implemented and the award may be withdrawn.

Scholarship Application Timeline: February 25—the scholarship applications open; April 7—the deadline for submitting applications; April 15—CAT4 assessments completed; April 23—interviews with shortlisted candidates; April 28—final decisions.

The application for AY 2026‑2027 is open; apply before April 7, 2026.

For questions and the scholarship application, contact Ms. Dana:
Email: scholarship@kisnet.org
WhatsApp: +7 708 516 0707
Phone (weekdays 07:30–16:30): +7 727 356 5000
School Events
The school has not added events
Compare Kazakhstan International School Almaty with
vs Kazakh Elite School Zaman
Search for more schools
Search schools in Kazakhstan View all schools in Almaty View all schools in Kazakhstan IB curriculum schools in Kazakhstan Open days & tours in Almaty What is the IB curriculum? View all schools Search all schools