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Hope Academy of Bishkek

Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 5 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 172
Type Co-educational
Opened 1998
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, British Curriculum
Taught languages Korean, Russian
Typical class size 18
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Hope Academy of Bishkek is an English-medium international school offering kindergarten through grade 12 with AP, American, and British curricula. The campus serves 172 students from 24 countries in Elementary K–5 and Secondary 6–12. About 70% of students speak a language other than English at home, supported by 26 teachers, one teaching assistant, three counselors, and 21 support staff from 13 countries. All classes are taught in English, with Korean and Russian offered as foreign languages. The campus comprises three buildings with 14 classrooms, a science lab, an art room, an assembly hall, and a 17,000-volume library, plus a playground and a sports field. The secondary program includes Honors and AP courses, with electives such as public speaking, creative writing, graphic design, photography, outdoor education, music theory, drama, and cooking. Hope is a SAT and AP testing center, with basketball and soccer in its athletics program and a strong drama and visual arts offering.

127b, Gogol St, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

The Essentials

Hope Academy of Bishkek has 172 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.

Location
127B Gogol St., Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The campus comprises three buildings with 14 classrooms, a science lab, an art room, an assembly hall, a 17,000-volume library, a playground, and a sports field. All classes are taught in English; foreign languages offered include Korean and Russian. Hope Academy serves 172 students from 24 countries and offers Honors and AP courses at the High School level.

Stages
Elementary (K–5) and Secondary (Middle School 6–8; High School 9–12).

Type
English-medium international school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
172 students from 24 countries; approximately 70% speak a language other than English at home.

Additional learning support
Special Education Coordinator provides support for teachers, students, and families; accommodations and adjustments are made where possible, including test accommodations and IEPs in rare cases; admission is case-by-case for students with special needs.

Country affiliation
Kyrgyzstan (located in Bishkek).

Religious affiliation
Christian.

School day structure
Elementary: 8:30–14:50; Secondary: 8:30–15:40.

Bus service
School does not provide bus service.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
There is no mandatory uniform; students dress neatly, modestly, and appropriately.

Food Options
No lunches are provided; parents send packed lunches.

Governance and Ownership
Founded as a parent cooperative in 1998; governance is provided by a Senior Management Team chaired by the school director.
Academics

Hope Academy of Bishkek teaches Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, British Curriculum for students aged 5 to 18.

Curriculum
Hope Academy provides an English-medium education from kindergarten through grade 12. Elementary core subjects are language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and ethics, with enrichment in music, art, foreign language, and physical education. Mathematics follows the English National Curriculum for Key Stage 1. The secondary program includes Honors and AP courses at the high school level, with electives such as public speaking, creative writing, graphic design, photography, outdoor education, music theory, drama, and cooking. The school supports college preparation through advanced coursework and standardized testing, and operates as an official SAT and AP testing center. The language of instruction is English.

Student Teacher Ratio
172 students and 26 teachers yield approximately 6.6 students per teacher.

Exam Results
AP exams are offered in Grades 11-12, with a record of 182 exams taken from 2017-2022 and 83% scoring 3, 4, or 5. AP exams taken include Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, English Language, English Literature, Environmental Science, Human Geography, Psychology, Statistics, and Modern World History. Hope Academy is an official SAT and AP Test Center; SAT results across 83 exams from fall 2018 to summer 2022 averaged 1234 (EBRW 596, Math 642).

Higher Education Progression
Graduates have enrolled in colleges and universities around the world, including Carleton College, University of Michigan, University of Maryland College Park, Penn State, University of Auckland, Seoul National University, Providence University College, and Tel Aviv University, among others.

Gifted and Talented
Gifts and talents are developed through opportunities in art, music, drama, community service, and sports. The secondary program emphasizes developing nine graduating skills, including ethical decision-making, communication, and problem-solving, to cultivate students' gifts. A guidance program supports identifying strengths and preparing for higher education and college opportunities.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Guidance Program includes scheduling, assemblies, and staff trained to help students enjoy their time in school, learn about the world after graduation, and develop their ability to make wise choices about their future. Regular weekly assemblies promote spiritual, physical, social, emotional, and creative growth and instill worldviews that equip students for effective service to society. Special courses in secondary include study-skills courses and seminars to prepare for high school success, helping students identify their skills, interests, and gifts and apply them to further study and career choices. Guidance Counseling is available for scheduled appointments or impromptu meetings focusing on stress, conflict, academic and career planning, or other topics. Transition support helps Grade 5 students join middle school, fostering relationships and providing buddy-system support for new students.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Hope Academy affirms and values the diversity of students with special behavioral, emotional, and physical needs. It recognizes that staff do not have the capacity to help all students, and some may need to seek help elsewhere. A Special Education Coordinator provides support for teachers, students, and families. Admission of students with special needs is on a case-by-case basis, at the Director's discretion, based on the ability of suitable staff and resources to maintain a quality education for the rest of the school. Learning Support offers adjustments in student/teacher ratio, curricular adjustments, methodology adjustments, and exam adjustments, and in rare cases an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) may be designed with parents, teachers, administrators, and specialists. Collaboration with parents is essential to support progress for students with special needs or limited English proficiency.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an Additional Language (EAL) supports students whose first language is not English by addressing each student's strengths and challenges. EAL classes provide lessons designed to meet English level and grade fluency objectives. In-class support offers adapted content and materials to assist language development, with extra assistance possible in class when approved by the EAL coordinator and principals. Enrollment of students with strong EAL needs is usually limited to primary grades due to capacity, and Grades 11–12 study without additional EAL support. All students whose native language is not English must take an English proficiency test and demonstrate proficiency within one grade level to be admitted. Admission of ELLs is on a case-by-case basis based on staff and resource availability. All classes are taught in English, and foreign languages are offered such as Korean and Russian.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is integrated into the school's social-emotional program through the Guidance Program and weekly assemblies that promote emotional, social, spiritual, physical, and creative development. The Guidance Counselor is available for scheduled and impromptu meetings to address stress, conflict, and wellbeing alongside academic and career planning. Secondary students receive targeted guidance through study-skills courses and seminars that build resilience and coping strategies. Transition support and buddy systems help students form supportive peer relationships during school changes, contributing to emotional stability. The program emphasizes healthy relationships, personal safety, and overall wellbeing as part of a holistic education.

Safeguarding
The welfare and safety of children are paramount in HAB's policies and procedures. A Child Safety Officer oversees safeguarding, with a flow chart that shows how concerns are reported, evaluated, and acted upon. A Child Safety Concern Reporting Form is available to confidentially report concerns, and all reports are reviewed by the Child Safety Officer according to the response protocol. The safeguarding framework includes a direct contact path via email for the Child Safety Officer. The overall aim is to provide a safe and loving environment where children are nurtured and protected.
Parent Experience

History
Hope Academy began as a parent cooperative in 1998 with 10 students. It has grown to three buildings with 14 classrooms, a science lab, an art room, an assembly hall, a 17,000-volume library, administrative offices, a playground, and a sports field. The school serves 172 students from 24 countries, organized as Elementary (K–5) and Secondary (6–8; 9–12), with Honors and AP courses available at the High School level. Approximately 70% of students speak a language other than English at home, supported by 26 teachers, 1 teaching assistant, 3 counselors, and 21 support staff representing 13 countries. Parents cooperate closely with staff to deliver programs reflecting Core Values.

Community
Hope Academy's student life includes weekly assemblies, frequent celebrations, and student-initiated special events. The school plans events that bring grade levels together and focus on culture, learning, gratitude for people in our lives, and sometimes just having fun. Examples of events include Foreign Language Day, Senior Trip, Teacher Appreciation Night, Anti-Bullying Week, Kyrgyz Day, Variety Show, Art Exhibition, Christmas Concert, International Day, Spirit Week, Book Week, and Secondary Retreat.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Hope Academy is governed by a Board of Directors made up of parents and dedicated members of the community. Parents cooperate closely with staff to develop and deliver programs that reflect our Core Values. The Director's Welcome emphasizes a strong partnership between home and school and notes that clubs, electives, and other extracurricular activities involve families. There is a "Join HAB" option for parent involvement. The school reiterates that partnerships between home and school are essential for student growth and supports parent participation through governance and school programs.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Three buildings with 14 classrooms, a large updated science lab, an art room, an assembly hall, a 17,000-volume library, administrative offices, a playground, and a sports field. Hope Academy serves 172 students from 24 countries, in an Elementary School (K–5) and a Secondary School (Middle School 6–8; High School 9–12), with Honors and AP courses at the High School level. About 70% of students speak a language other than English at home. The community is supported by 26 teachers, 1 teaching assistant, 3 counselors, and 21 support staff representing 13 countries.

Sports Facilities
An on-campus playground and a sports field support physical education. The Athletics program emphasizes team sports, with students participating in basketball and soccer tournaments, including CABC and CASC.

Academic Facilities
The campus includes a large updated science lab, an art room, an assembly hall, and a 17,000-volume library. All classes are taught in English, with Korean and Russian offered as foreign languages.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Community Service: High school students complete 30 hours of community service per year, with projects in Kyrgyzstan such as teaching English, constructing a playground, painting a medical center, planting trees, and assisting an orphanage. Drama: The school produces high-quality plays and musicals, usually staged at the Russian Drama Theater or Seitek Theater in Bishkek; the elementary school holds a Christmas concert. Athletics: The Athletics program emphasizes team sports, with participation in basketball and soccer tournaments, including CABC and CASC. Visual Arts: Visual arts are taught from Kindergarten upward, with a Spring Concert and an Art Festival each year.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school runs an Elementary program (K–5) and a Secondary program (Middle School 6–8; High School 9–12). It offers Honors and AP courses at the High School level. The Elementary program provides a caring, structured environment that builds academic and social foundations, while the Secondary program is challenging and prepares students for university, service, and life beyond school. Rigorous academics are complemented by weekly assemblies, frequent celebrations, and student-initiated special events.

Arts & Creative
Drama: Hope presents high-quality drama productions at local venues, with many students participating in acting, backstage work, costume design, and stage management. The elementary school also hosts a Christmas concert. Visual arts are taught from Kindergarten upward with regular drawing, painting, and media exploration. Each year, a Spring Concert and an Art Festival showcase student creativity and work.

Cultural & Language
Hope Academy is a multilingual community. Approximately 70% of students speak a language other than English at home, reflecting its international environment. The student body represents 24 countries, contributing to a culturally diverse campus. This diversity supports cultural awareness and global perspectives within the school.

Social & Hobbies
Student life includes a range of social and informal activities. The Student Representative Council plans events and acts of service under staff supervision to build community in secondary school. The SRC organizes autumn and spring social events, winter banquets, movie or game nights, fundraisers, and other student-led initiatives, including publication of The Inkling magazine. These activities foster collaboration, friendships, and opportunities for leadership.

Community & Service
Community service is a core activity at Hope Academy. High school students are required to complete 30 hours of community service per year, and the school facilitates service projects in Kyrgyzstan. Past projects have included teaching English, constructing a playground, painting a medical center, planting trees, working with an orphanage for disabled children, and assisting with health screenings. New opportunities to help arise each year to benefit both local and rural communities.

Leadership & Professional
The Student Representative Council builds leadership by empowering student leaders to plan events and guide the secondary school community under staff supervision. The council runs events that promote mission, service, and community, and supports student-initiated initiatives such as the Inkling magazine and a range of assemblies. Leadership experience is gained through coordinating social events, service projects, and post-graduation activities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Hope Academy emphasizes physical health and well-being through athletics. Students participate in team sports with regular practices, games, and tournaments to develop discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. The school regularly competes in regional Central Asian basketball and soccer tournaments (CABC and CASC). These activities support well-being and community alongside academic life.
Languages

Language Provision
All classes are taught in English. Foreign languages offered include Korean and Russian. An English as an Additional Language (EAL) program provides EAL classes and in-class support for non-English speakers. Admission requires English-proficiency testing and case-by-case consideration by the EAL Coordinator and the Director, with ELL enrollment usually limited to primary grades.
Admissions

Admissions
The school welcomes applications from expatriate families seeking an English-medium, international education in Bishkek. The submission includes a completed application packet and an application fee of 50 USD per child. Copies of passports for the student and parents, academic records or writing and math samples, the results of standardized tests, and an immunization record are required. After submission, materials are reviewed and next steps may include testing for English proficiency and grade placement if necessary, followed by an interview of parents and child. 2. Testing for English proficiency and grade placement if necessary. If English proficiency or grade placement is in question, testing is conducted to determine appropriate placement. The assessment informs language support needs and grade level. Results may influence subsequent steps in the admissions process. Families will be informed of the outcome. 3. Interview of parents and child. The interview helps confirm information and assess fit. Both parties participate and the interview informs the next steps in the process. 4. Decision made and family notified. A decision is made regarding the application and families are notified via email or phone within two weeks or as spots become available. If accepted, families proceed with enrollment. 5. Enrollment. Enrollment forms and documentation are submitted for review and placement confirmation. The school reviews enrollment materials for eligibility and requests any missing documents. Additional steps, if required, will be communicated by the admissions team. 6. Testing. Testing for English proficiency and grade placement if necessary. The tests determine placement and any language support needs. Test results guide enrollment actions and class placement. Tests occur after enrollment materials are received. 7. Interview. An enrollment interview is scheduled for the parent and student. The interview confirms information and readiness for enrollment. Both parties should participate. The interview outcomes are recorded as part of the enrollment decision. 8. Confirmation. The family receives official acceptance confirmation of enrollment. Enrollment is finalized and next steps for start dates and orientation will be provided.
School Events
The school has not added events
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