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QSI International School of Atyrau

Kazakhstan, Atyrau

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 3 - 18 years
Opened 2007
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages Russian, Kazakh, Dutch
Typical class size 10
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies
Stages Preschool, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School
Introduction

QSI International School of Atyrau is an English-language school serving ages 3–18 in Atyrau, Kazakhstan. Opened in 2007, it enrolls 71 students; expatriate families are served. The school uses the QSI Mastery Learning model, letting students progress at their own pace to master knowledge and skills. Instruction emphasizes critical thinking, problem solving, leadership, collaboration, cultural awareness, and digital literacy. A mastery-based system teaches units toward mastery; students advance upon mastery, and teachers re-teach as needed, with mastery rewarded by an A or B. AP Capstone is offered (AP Seminar and AP Research), with a secondary program for students 14+. QSI Virtual School provides support. Core subjects include English, mathematics, cultural studies, science, art, music, and physical education; Intensive English and computing support language development. Native language programs in Kazakh, Russian, and Dutch celebrate Kazakhstan's culture. Facilities include a campus, gym, athletic field/track, theater, library, and two computer labs with a makerspace.

473 bld, Beibarys prospekt, 060011, Kazakhstan

The Essentials

QSI International School of Atyrau has typical class sizes of 10, instruction in English.

Location

473 Sultan Beibarys Prospect, Atyrau, Kazakhstan 060011. The school is located in Atyrau, Kazakhstan. Postal code 060011. The contact number is +7 7122 51 83 97/98.

Stages

Preschool, Elementary, and Middle and Secondary School.

Pupil Nationality Mix

Students come from over 23 nationalities.

Additional learning support

Intensive English program for students whose English proficiency is below age-appropriate levels. It uses smaller classes and focuses on speaking, listening, reading, and writing to enable transition to mainstream classes.

Country affiliation

Kazakhstan
Diving Deeper

Food Options

On-site cafeteria; lunches are available for purchase from the reception.

Governance and Ownership

The school is a nonprofit institution; it has been accredited by the Middle States Association since 2011.
Fees
Application and registration fees

- One-time, non-refundable registration fee: USD 300.
- For students accepted under a scholarship process, a specific scholarship-policy registration charge is listed as USD 600 for new scholarship applicants.

Tuition fees by year group (per term / per year)

- The school does not publish a public schedule of tuition rates by year group for the 2026/27 academic year (or for 2025/26) on its public admissions or registration pages. Tuition amounts are provided to families on the school invoice or in the official fee schedule issued to admitted families.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The school year is organised in three terms (First Term, Second Term, Third Term) with the 2026/2027 term dates published as follows: First Term — 27 August to 15 December; Second Term — 11 January to 2 April; Third Term — 5 April to 23 June. Parents are billed according to the school's term structure and academic calendar.
- Tuition and related fees are payable according to the published invoice deadlines for each term; scholarship recipients are required to pay tuition on the same published schedule as regular tuition and fees.

Capital Fund Fee and other mandatory charges

- A Capital Fund Fee (CFF) is referenced in the school's scholarship policy and in school policies. The CFF amount for general (non-scholarship) families is not published on the public materials found. The CFF is explicitly waived for students receiving scholarships under the published scholarship guidelines.
- Other one-time or annual charges (for example those that appear in many international-school billing schedules, such as development or capital fees) are referenced in school policy documents but specific published amounts for Atyrau were not located in the public materials.

Boarding

- Boarding is not offered. The school operates as a day school; no boarding program or boarding fees are listed in the school's public materials.

Other costs (uniforms, lunches, extracurriculars, transport)

- School lunches can be purchased through the school reception; lunch costs are handled separately from tuition and are paid to the school as required.
- Transportation is not provided by the school at this time. Families are responsible for travel to and from school.
- No publicly posted uniform fee or detailed list of textbook, extracurricular, or examination charges was found; these items (if applicable) are reflected on individual invoices or in admissions/offer documentation provided to families.

Refund information

- No publicly published refund policy or detailed refund schedule for tuition and fees (for the 2026/27 or 2025/26 academic years) was located in the school's public materials. Refund terms (if any) are handled under the school's billing and admissions policies and appear to be part of the formal invoice/enrollment documentation.

Fee payment options and contacts

- Payment instructions and accepted payment methods are provided on official invoices; families should follow invoice payment instructions and contact the school finance office for payment methods and transfer details.
- Finance contact: Lyazzat Koishiyeva, Finance (email: lyazzat-koishiyeva@atyrau.qsi.org). Registrar contact: Ainagul Sarshalova (email: ainagul-sarshalova@atyrau.qsi.org). Main admissions contact and registration guidance are available via the school's OpenApply registration portal.

Summary note on published data

- The school publishes the registration requirement (USD 300 at application) and school calendars/term dates; however, a public, line-by-line published tuition schedule (per year group, per term, per academic year) for 2026/27 or 2025/26 was not present in the publicly available admissions/policy materials. Families receive tuition amounts and specific billing details through the school's admission and invoicing process.
Academics

QSI International School of Atyrau teaches Bespoke Curriculum, American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

QSI International School of Atyrau uses a Mastery Learning model, allowing students to progress at their own pace to develop proficiency in knowledge, skills, and competencies. The approach emphasizes 21st Century Learning Skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, leadership, collaboration, cultural awareness, and digital literacy. The curriculum is delivered through a Performance-Based/Mastery Learning system where essential units are taught toward excellence; students advance upon mastery, and teachers re-teach as needed, with mastery rewarded by an A or B. A full secondary program is offered to students 14 years and older, and secondary students can receive additional support through an accredited online instructional program and QSI Virtual School (QVS). Core subjects include English (reading, grammar, composition, and spelling), mathematics, cultural studies (history and geography), science, art, music, and physical education, with Intensive English available for language support and computer use integrated across the curriculum; three native language programs—Kazakh, Russian, and Dutch—are offered, with Russian and Kazakh available to non-native speakers, and the school emphasizes Kazakhstan's culture and history.

Student Teacher Ratio

Class sizes are small: 6-11 students in Pre-K; 10-14 in Elementary; 8-15 in Middle School; and 5-15 in Secondary. Each Preschool/Elementary class has two dedicated educators—a lead teacher and an assistant.

Higher Education Progression

The school offers an American High School Diploma. The Advanced Placement Capstone Diploma is also offered. The American High School Diploma is accepted at colleges and universities worldwide.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school emphasizes a student-centered, mastery-based approach that focuses on the whole child and aims to develop critical thinking, collaboration, leadership, cultural awareness, and digital literacy across a diverse student body of over 23 nationalities.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The site notes that the school offers personalized services to support student growth, including counseling and learning support, and provides intensive English when needed to help students access mainstream classes.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

An Intensive English program exists to help students develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills so they can transition into mainstream classes as quickly as possible.

Mental Wellbeing

The school prioritizes health and safety as a core concern and maintains a on-campus health clinic alongside a 24-hour security presence, with COVID-19 protocols in place to support student well-being.

Safeguarding

The campus implements safeguarding and health protocols, including a health clinic and security measures, to protect students and staff.
Parent Experience

History

QSI International School of Atyrau is a nonprofit institution that opened in September 2007. It offers education in the English language for Pre-School through Secondary IV. Current enrollment is about 71 students. The primary purpose of the school is to meet the needs of children of expatriate families living in Atyrau. The school is also available to Kazakh parents who want this type of education for their children.

Community

The school celebrates the diversity of its campus community. With the support of the Parent Support Group, the school hosts events throughout the year. These events include the Back to School Picnic, Fall Festival, Winter Concert, Literacy Week, International Day, Science Exhibition, Spring Concert, and End of Year Picnic.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The school has a Parent Support Group. The group supports school events throughout the year. Events include the Back to School Picnic, Fall Festival, Winter Concert, Literacy Week, International Day, Science Exhibition, Spring Concert, End of Year Picnic. The Parent Support Group contributes to planning and facilitating the events. The Parent Support Group serves as a channel for parental involvement in school activities. The school acknowledges and collaborates with the Parent Support Group on school events.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The school operates on a modern, purpose-built campus serving preschool through secondary students. The facility includes a large gym, a full-sized multipurpose athletic field and track, and multiple outdoor playgrounds. The campus also houses a theater, cafeteria, and library, along with two computer labs that feature a makerspace and a 3D printer. The grounds include a soccer pitch and track.

Sports Facilities

Sports facilities include a large gym and a full-sized multipurpose athletic field and track. The campus features a soccer pitch and track for outdoor athletics. These facilities support physical education and athletic programs across preschool through secondary.

Academic Facilities

The school provides modern, purpose-built facilities for preschool through secondary levels. There are dedicated classrooms for all grade levels, plus two computer labs with a makerspace and a 3D printer. The library supports research and reading, and there is a theater and cafeteria on campus to support student learning beyond the classroom. The school follows the Mastery Learning model of education.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Extracurricular and enrichment programs are an integral part of student life. The school offers opportunities in sports, art, and drama, as well as music. The program focuses on student engagement, leadership development, teamwork, and positive group dynamics. Students participate in activities that complement classroom learning.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school follows the Mastery Learning model. Students learn at a pace that allows mastery of essential units. The program emphasizes 21st Century Learning Skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, leadership and collaboration, cultural awareness, and digital literacy. The curriculum includes English, mathematics, cultural studies, science, art, music, and physical education.

Arts & Creative

Art and music are part of the core curriculum. Current extracurricular programs include dance, arts and crafts. A Maker Space Tech Lab is available for students to explore technology.

Cultural & Language

Three native language programs are offered: Kazakh, Russian, and Dutch. Russian and Kazakh are offered to non-native speakers. The school seeks to provide students with an appreciation for the rich culture and history of Kazakhstan.

Social & Hobbies

An extensive extracurricular activities program is offered for children five years of age and older. Current programs include dance, arts and crafts, Model United Nations (MUN), soccer, volleyball, cross-country, track, basketball, yearbook, and Student Council. Enrichment activities and Maker Space technology opportunities complement Student Life.

Leadership & Professional

AP Capstone is offered, featuring AP Seminar and AP Research. The program develops independent research, collaboration, and communication skills. Enrichment Activities and Student Life support leadership and professional development.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Sports and physical activities are part of the program, including soccer, volleyball, cross-country, track, and basketball. Physical education is integrated into the curriculum. Dance and other active pursuits contribute to overall wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision

Russian language is taught as a foreign language; Kazakh language is taught under a Kazakh language program aligned with state standards; Dutch language is taught under the De Oranje Kameel program offering Dutch language and culture; Three native language programs are offered: Kazakh, Russian, and Dutch.

Bilingual Teaching

English is the main language of instruction. From age five, students learn additional languages including Russian and Kazakh; Dutch is offered as a language program for native Dutch speakers.

Immersion Programs

Russian Native program provides immersion in Russian grammar for native speakers; Dutch language and culture education is offered as the De Oranje Kameel program with daily 45-minute lessons starting from age four; Kazakh language program follows state standards as part of the school's language offerings.
Reputation

Accreditations

The school is accredited by the Middle States Association since 2011.
Admissions

Admissions

Admission is open to students ages 3 to 18 who are invested in learning in English language classrooms and who adhere to the school's Student Code of Conduct. New Student Application requires a copy of passport or birth certificate, Health History Form, Emergency Information Form, and previous school records including testing. A one-time, 300 USD non-refundable registration fee is required. Following official admission procedures, a placement examination may be given to determine the appropriate level of instruction. The test involves reading, writing, and mathematics. Typically, students are placed according to age, with November 1 being the cut-off for a particular age group; exceptions may be made based on testing and administration decisions. QSI Atyrau welcomes students with little or no English language skills enrolling at the pre-school, elementary, and middle school level. Students needing Intensive English from ages 6 to 13 will be pulled out of the first two morning classes to receive special tutoring. The Intensive English program is designed to mainstream students back into Reading and Writing classes when ready. No general deadline for applying exists. Students are able to join the school at any time. There are deadlines for scholarship applications, usually in March. Scholarships are available for Kazakh and international students who do not receive tuition support from their parents' companies. Applications become available in the Spring of each year.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for Kazakh and international students who do not receive tuition support from their parent's companies. Applications become available in the Spring of each year.
School Events
The school has not added events