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QSI International School of Astana

Kazakhstan, Astana

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 301
Type Co-educational
Opened 2005
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages Russian, French, Spanish, Kazakh
Typical class size 15
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School
Introduction

QSI International School of Astana offers a bespoke, AP-enabled K–12 program administered by Quality Schools International. The curriculum is organized around Exit Outcomes—Knowledge, Competencies, and Success Orientations—and delivered through Mastery Learning, flexible pacing, and small class sizes. Courses include Mathematics; English/Literature; Cultural Studies; Science; Languages Other Than English; Creative and Applied Arts; and Personal Health. An Intensive English program supports language development, with placement assessments in reading, writing, and mathematics guiding level placement; AP courses are offered in eight subjects, with AP exams in May. Opened in 2005, the campus features 35 classrooms, a central library, science and computer laboratories, art and music rooms, a double gym, weight room, auditorium, and an Early Childhood Center with its own library and cafeteria. The school emphasizes Kazakh and Central Asian culture and offers active clubs such as Model United Nations, Math Counts, and Scholars Cup, alongside extensive language study (Russian, Spanish, French, Kazakh).

Bayan Sulu St 17, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan

The Essentials

QSI International School of Astana has 301 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English.

Location
17 Bayan-Sulu Street, Komsomolskiy Village, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan. Located in the Komsomolskiy Village area of Astana. Preschool through Secondary School programs are offered at the school.

Stages
Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, Secondary

Pupil Nationality Mix
Over 26 nationalities are represented.

Additional learning support
Learning Support and Inclusion Department provides reading, writing and math support and intervention based on a Student Learning Plan. It assists students with diagnosed disabilities and those who experience documented difficulties, and offers push-in services where LS teachers sit in on classes.
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership
Susan Friend is the Director. The QSI Astana leadership team leads the school.
Fees
Annual tuition at QSI International School of Astana ranges from USD 12,300 to USD 29,600 depending on year group. That works out at roughly USD 12,300 to USD 29,400 for the early years, USD 29,400 to USD 29,600 for primary, USD 29,600 for secondary, USD 29,600 for sixth form. Expect an application fee of USD 300 on enrolment. Standard three-term calendar with Term 1 due in late August, Term 2 due in mid-December, and Term 3 due in early April. No school-wide sibling discount is stated.
Academics

QSI International School of Astana teaches Bespoke Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP).

Curriculum
Mastery Learning guides education. Exit Outcomes are Knowledge, Competencies, and Success Orientations. The curriculum is organized around Exit Outcomes with Course Outcomes and Unit Outcomes, and covers Mathematics; English / Literature; Cultural Studies; Science; Languages Other Than English; Creative and Applied Arts; and Personal Health. AP Program is offered; AP exams are administered in May. Intensive English supports students with language development, and placement assessments in reading, writing, and mathematics determine appropriate levels. Time is a resource, with flexible pacing and differentiated instruction; small class sizes support mastery.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Empower Curriculum teaches Success Orientations, Social Emotional Development and Child Protection for students of all ages. A trained on site guidance counselor supports students personal, social and emotional needs and can connect them with mental health professionals when needed. The counselor offers individual support when students struggle academically, socially or emotionally. The counselor facilitates positive communication and mediates conflicts between students and between students and teachers. Regular informal check ins ensure every student has a voice and access to essential support. The Empower Curriculum and social emotional focus build character and a safe, supportive school culture.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Learning Support and Inclusion Department works to help all students succeed. It provides reading, writing and math support and intervention based on each student's Student Learning Plan. It supports students with diagnosed disabilities and those with documented difficulties acquiring new skills or completing their work. It also teaches organizational, study and test taking strategies, and offers push in services where LS and Inclusion teachers join classes to provide targeted help. The department monitors student progress throughout the year and holds conferences with students and parents to review progress and adjust goals. The aim is to foster independence and ownership of learning through self advocacy and individualized support.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The Intensive English program is designed for students whose English proficiency is below the level typically expected for their age. The goal is to create a learning environment in which students acquire English in speaking, listening, reading and writing to enable success in age appropriate mainstream classes. Intensive English classes are smaller than mainstream classes to target individual needs. A student is placed at an appropriate level based on assessments such as the IPT, MAP and F&P Benchmark. The goal is for students to transition into the mainstream classroom as quickly as possible, with ongoing monitoring of oral language, reading and writing, and exit when near native.

Mental Wellbeing
A school counselor supports students personal, social and emotional needs by providing a safe, confidential, judgment-free space. Individual support is available when students are identified as needing help academically, socially or emotionally. The counselor facilitates positive communication and mediates conflicts between students and between students and teachers. Regular informal check-ins ensure every student has a chance to be heard and supported. The counselor coordinates with teachers and Learning Support Coordinators to plan appropriate academic support and can connect students with mental health professionals and external resources as needed. The Empower Curriculum supports social-emotional development across grade levels.

Safeguarding
The health and safety framework includes safeguarding and child protection measures and the school is committed to safeguarding the well-being and safety of students, staff and visitors through robust policies. It operates a closed campus with 24-hour security on site and guards greet students at the main entrance. The Regional Security Officer from the US Embassy visits the school to help maintain high security standards, including cameras and security fencing. The Empower Curriculum includes child protection lessons for students of all ages. A trained on site nurse provides health services through the School Health Office, maintains health records and handles emergencies, first aid and medication administration as needed. The school works with families and the community to monitor safety and respond to concerns.
Parent Experience

History
Opened in September 2005, QSI International School of Astana is a nonprofit institution offering English-language education. The campus is large, with 35 classrooms, a central library for elementary and secondary, three computer laboratories, art and music rooms, a double gymnasium, a weight room, activity rooms, an auditorium, science laboratories, and a medical office; adjacent is a new early childhood education center with its own library, computers, activity rooms and a cafeteria. The curriculum includes English, Mathematics, Cultural Studies, Science, Art, Music, Technology, Russian, Spanish, French and Kazakh Studies, and Physical Education, with Intensive English classes for students aged six and older who need extra help. The school also seeks to foster appreciation for the history and culture of Kazakhstan and Central Asia and offers Advanced Placement courses in eight subjects for students ready for higher-level work. Quality Schools International manages the school as a nonprofit organization, with on-site leadership, an Advisory Board, and support from the U.S. Office of Overseas Schools.

Community
At QSI Astana, students, parents, and staff collaborate closely, forming a strong community bond. This partnership fosters a supportive and engaging educational environment where everyone feels connected and valued. The QSIA community emphasizes active involvement of parents through the PSG, which supports the school and community events.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent School Group brings the QSI Astana community together and promotes cooperation and communication between parents, staff, and teachers. All parents and teachers are PSG members. Involvement offers opportunities to meet other parents, make a difference, have a voice, stay informed, and connect with teachers and staff. Donations support items such as graduation gifts, celebrations of Teacher Appreciation Week, drama microphones, and classroom resources. PSG activities include spirit-wear sales and luncheons, and it provides holiday gifts to staff. Contact is psgqsiast@gmail.com, and members are encouraged to connect via WhatsApp and Instagram.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus is spacious and secure with indoor and outdoor facilities to keep students engaged year round. Outdoor facilities include a full track, a soccer pitch, a basketball court, and multiple playgrounds for various ages; in winter, a homemade ice rink is available, and in spring garden plots are used. Indoor facilities support year-round learning, including a double gym with a heated springboard floor and a soft gym for younger students in the Early Childhood Education Center. The Annex connects the main building with the Early Childhood Education Center and provides a heated multipurpose space for student activities. The Great Hall and Auditorium host meetings and student performances. The library and computer labs support diverse learning activities.

Sports Facilities
Outdoor facilities include a full track, a soccer pitch, and a basketball court for student sports. Indoor facilities include a double gym with a state-of-the-art heated springboard floor for older students and a soft gym in the Early Childhood Education Center for younger students. The Annex connects the main building with the ECE Center and provides a heated multipurpose space for activities. The Great Hall and Auditorium host meetings and student performances.

Academic Facilities
Library and Computer Labs support learning with access to books and technology. The Early Childhood Education Center provides dedicated spaces for preschool learners, including a soft gym for indoor activity when outdoor play isn't possible. The Annex connects the main building with the ECE Center and provides a heated multipurpose space for student activities. The Great Hall and Auditorium host meetings and student performances, enabling presentations and events.

Extra Curricular Facilities
An elementary after-school activities (ASA) program serves ages 5-10 with sessions after the final bell, led by teachers, staff, parents, and community instructors. Students of mixed ages gather once to three times per week for engaging sessions on campus. Middle-school and secondary students create theme clubs that meet regularly, many with a community outreach element. Competitive academic clubs such as Model United Nations, Math Counts, and Scholars Cup offer opportunities to compete against teams from other schools, while Chorus and Band bring music to the school.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school focuses on the development of 21st‑century learning skills such as critical thinking and problem solving, leadership and collaboration, cultural awareness, and digital literacy. Competitive academic clubs such as Model United Nations, Math Counts, and Scholars Cup give students the chance to compete against teams from other schools. The elementary after-school activities (ASA) program allows students ages 5–10 to interact and learn new skills after the final bell, with activities led by teachers, staff, parents, and certified instructors from the community. Middle school and secondary students are given the impetus to create theme clubs that meet regularly, many with a community outreach element.

Arts & Creative
Fine arts are offered in music, drama, and visual art. Students aged 5–10 have both music and visual art each week. Middle school students aged 11–13 can choose a fine‑art elective from drama, choir, instrumental music, or visual art. Secondary students can choose visual art, including AP Art, or instrumental music; QSIA exhibits student work and hosts performances throughout the year.

Cultural & Language
The Intensive English program is designed for students whose English proficiency is below the level required for mainstream literacy. The goal is to create a learning environment in which students can acquire English language skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing to enable success in their age‑appropriate mainstream classes. Intensive English classes are smaller than mainstream classes to allow teachers to effectively target individual needs. A student is placed at an appropriate level within the program based on assessments such as the IPT, MAP and F&P Benchmark Assessment, with the aim of transitioning to the mainstream classroom as quickly as possible.

Social & Hobbies
The elementary ASA program provides after‑school activities for students aged 5–10. The activities are led by teachers and staff, with parents as well as certified instructors and coaches from the community. Middle school and secondary students create theme clubs that meet regularly, with many including a community outreach element. Competitive academic clubs such as Model United Nations, Math Counts, and Scholars Cup offer opportunities to engage with other schools; Chorus and Band fill the halls with music.

Community & Service
ASA activities are led by teachers and staff, with parents and certified instructors from the community. Middle school and secondary theme clubs meet regularly and often include a community outreach element. Many theme clubs have an important community outreach element. Competitive academic clubs connect students with broader communities through competitions.

Leadership & Professional
The school focuses on leadership and collaboration as part of its 21st‑century learning. 'Success Orientations' take the whole child into account, and Student Centered Learning prioritizes placing students where they can learn best. A Caring Environment shows that teachers are qualified and care deeply about education and about their students.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school promotes growth through sports with after‑school athletic programs and impressive facilities. Outdoors, a 400‑meter track surrounds a high‑school regulation‑sized soccer field; indoors, a gym provides two courts for basketball and volleyball and is used for futsal, badminton, and tennis. QSI Astana is a member of the COASH local league and the CAFA regional federation for athletics, activities, and arts.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught include Kazakh, Russian, Spanish, and French through the World Language department. World Languages is a component of the curriculum with some grade levels including a World Languages requirement. An Intensive English program provides targeted support for students whose English proficiency is below the age-appropriate level; placement uses IPT, MAP, and F&P Benchmark Assessments, and exit occurs when their English reaches near-native proficiency.
Reputation

Accreditations
Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) accreditation since 2011.
Admissions

Admissions
Admissions are accepted year-round and admission is based on space availability. To apply: 1. Visit the school; 2) Complete and submit the online application forms and necessary documents; 3) Pay a one-time non-refundable registration fee of $300 USD; 4) Placement Test and Interview. Required documents: online application form, a copy of the student's passport and/or birth certificate, immunization records, 1 passport-sized photo of the student and parents, and previous school records. Placement Test and MAP details: QSI uses the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) computerized adaptive test to provide placement data. Students ages 5 and up take the MAP entrance test evaluating Reading, Mathematics, and Language Usage, with all tests given in English. Students ages 8 and older also complete a written essay. MAP results are one factor in determining readiness and placement, but not the sole determinant.

Scholarships
Scholarships: The school offers Academic Scholarships to children who would otherwise not have the chance to attend. Scholarships and their amounts are subject to the availability of funds, the number of eligible applicants, and age representation by class in a given school year. The main criteria include academic record, age (preference for 11-year-olds and older), willingness of the student and family to participate in school life outside the classroom, financial need, and the student's interests and strengths in sports, arts, and/or culture. Application window is February 1–March 25; applications should be submitted to the School Administration with supporting documentation. Assessments in English and Mathematics will be arranged at the school, and short interviews may be conducted by the Director and/or the Director of Instruction. The Director presents applications, test results, and recommendations to the Advisory Board, which may invite applicants for an additional interview. The Board makes decisions and the families are notified. Scholarships are awarded between 10% and 95% of published tuition, as determined by the Advisory Board. Renewal or revocation of a scholarship is determined by the Advisory Board based on attendance, academic performance, and behavior, per Board recommendations.
School Events
The school has not added events
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