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International School of Kigali

Rwanda, Kigali

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees RWF 175 - 28,435
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 191
Type Co-educational
Opened 2009
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum
Taught languages French, Spanish
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

International School of Kigali (ISK) is an independent international school serving students aged 4 to 18. It offers an American curriculum with Advanced Placement coursework, including the AP Capstone Diploma, and a Western-style program that emphasizes diversity, inclusion, critical thinking, creativity, and global citizenship. The Kibagabaga campus, opened in 2021, provides dedicated buildings for Elementary, Middle, and High School, plus two swimming pools, a tennis court, large sports fields, a full-size basketball court, and sizeable outdoor play spaces. Inside, a well-resourced library supports reading and independent research, while spacious art classrooms foster visual and performing arts. High school students can take AP courses and electives such as art, music, drama, and Rwandan studies. Language offerings include French, Spanish, and Kinyarwanda. Service-learning is embedded across the curriculum, with partnerships with local organizations and events like an Annual Climate Action Summit, enriching academic work with real-world impact. ISK emphasizes holistic development and community engagement.

The Essentials

International School of Kigali has 191 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
Kibagabaga, Kigali, Rwanda. The campus moved to Kibagabaga in December 2021. The street address is 10 KG 307 St, Kigali, Rwanda. The area is in Kigali with access via local roads.

Stages
The Elementary School includes Pre-K through Grade 5. The Middle School includes Grade 6 through Grade 8. The High School includes Grade 9 through Grade 12.

Type
Independent international secular; non-profit; non-governmental

Additional learning support
Learning Support and EAL (English as an Additional Language) services are provided to support students' language development and learning needs.

Religious affiliation
Secular; no religious affiliation.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Ino Café operates on campus and is open Monday through Friday.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a non-profit, non-governmental international school governed by a School Board and led by the Head of School.
Fees

Annual tuition at International School of Kigali ranges from RWF 175 to RWF 28,435 for 2026/27.

Application and enrollment fees
- Application fee (new students only): USD $175. Non-refundable and payable at the time the application is submitted.
- Enrollment fee (new students only, 2026–2027): USD $3,000 per student or USD $5,000 per family. Payable at the time of the first tuition payment; may be consolidated into the tuition payment plan.
- Deposit on admission (new students): USD $1,000 per student due within 14 days of an offer of admission. This deposit is applied to tuition but is non-refundable and non-transferable if the family cancels or does not arrive.
- Re-enrollment (seat) deposit for returning students: USD $2,000 per student due by 1 May 2026 to reserve a place for the next school year; non‑refundable but applied to tuition. This deposit is waived if tuition is paid in full by May.

Tuition fees (annual and per-term by year group)
- Annual tuition and annual capital levy (amounts shown as USD):
- Pre-K: USD $8,098.00; Annual Capital Levy: USD $500.
- Kindergarten (KG): USD $16,604.00; Annual Capital Levy: USD $1,000.
- Elementary School (Grades 1–5): USD $22,837.00; Annual Capital Levy: USD $1,000.
- Middle School (Grades 6–8): USD $23,453.00; Annual Capital Levy: USD $2,000.
- High School (Grades 9–12): USD $26,435.00; Annual Capital Levy: USD $2,000.
- Per-term (semester) amounts — calculation note: ISK operates on a two‑semester billing schedule with a semester payment plan. Semester installments are calculated here as one half (50%) of the listed annual tuition (capital levy is billed annually unless otherwise arranged). Each semester payment therefore equals approximately:
- Pre-K: USD $4,049.00 per semester (tuition only). Capital Levy: USD $500 annually. (Semester amount is annual tuition ÷ 2.)
- Kindergarten (KG): USD $8,302.00 per semester (tuition only). Capital Levy: USD $1,000 annually. (Semester amount is annual tuition ÷ 2.)
- Elementary (G1–G5): USD $11,418.50 per semester (tuition only). Capital Levy: USD $1,000 annually. (Semester amount is annual tuition ÷ 2.)
- Middle School (G6–G8): USD $11,726.50 per semester (tuition only). Capital Levy: USD $2,000 annually. (Semester amount is annual tuition ÷ 2.)
- High School (G9–G12): USD $13,217.50 per semester (tuition only). Capital Levy: USD $2,000 annually. (Semester amount is annual tuition ÷ 2.)
(Note: these per‑semester figures are derived by dividing the published annual tuition by two to match the school's two‑semester billing schedule; the school specifies semester due dates and an administrative fee for semester payment plans.)

Discounts
- Early payment discount: 2% off tuition for families who pay the full year prior to 1 May. The Annual Capital Levy is excluded from this discount.
- Sibling discount: 15% tuition discount on the second and each additional child; the discount is applied automatically to the portion of tuition paid by the family and is credited to the Semester II invoice. Proof of self‑payment is required and the discount does not apply to capital levy, enrollment, or learning support fees.
- Five‑for‑Five discount: a commitment discount of USD $5,000 per year per child for families who commit to five years at ISK. Recipients of this discount are not eligible for the sibling discount.

Additional and optional fees
- Capital Levy: annual amounts listed above are charged in addition to tuition and support capital development.
- Special education support (Silverback CAVE): USD $5,000 per student per year for the self‑contained CAVE program.
- Shadow teacher (1:1 aide) fee: USD $9,600 per year.
- After‑school activities and athletics: participation fees apply and vary by activity.
- Administrative fee for payment plans: USD $500 per student (applies to semester payment plans and covers administrative costs).
- Bank transfer/intermediary charges: bank transfer charges (including intermediary bank fees) must be added to the tuition amounts; an intermediary bank fee is typically around USD $15 per transfer. All official fees are payable in USD.
- Uniforms and routine school‑supplied materials: specific uniform cost figures are not listed among the school's published fees; uniform and supply costs should be anticipated as additional parent expenses (amounts vary by supplier and purchase).

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Payment structure: the school offers a semester payment plan. Payment for the first semester is due on the first business day of August; payment for the second semester is due before 15 January. Other payment plans may be negotiated but the semester plan includes the USD $500 administrative fee per student.
- Late payments: unless a prior agreement is made, late payments incur a penalty of 2% of the remaining balance. Continued non‑payment may lead to student withdrawal from the school two weeks after the payment deadline.
- Late and short‑term admissions: any student admitted in the first eight weeks of the school year will pay full tuition for the academic year; students admitted after the first eight weeks will be charged prorated tuition based on weeks enrolled plus full application and capital development fees. Short‑term enrollments of less than 28 weeks are charged prorated tuition plus full application and capital development fees. No refund is provided if the student leaves earlier than the agreed end date for short‑term admissions.

Refunds and cancellations
- Unattended semester refund: an unattended semester will be refunded in full.
- Partially attended semester: no refund will be processed for a partially attended semester.
- Deposits: application fees are non‑refundable; the USD $1,000 new‑student deposit is non‑refundable and non‑transferable if the family cancels or does not arrive after an offer. Re‑enrollment (seat) deposits are non‑refundable but applied to tuition.

Boarding
- Boarding is not included in the published fee schedule and no boarding fees are specified; ISK's published materials present the school as a day school with no boarding fee line items.

Fee payment options and banking details
- Currency: all fees are payable in United States Dollars (USD).
- Bank transfer (preferred for exact tuition remittance):
- Bank: I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc. Account (USD) number: 25044463002. Account name: International School of Kigali. SWIFT: IMRWRWRW. Bank address: KN 03 AVE 9, P.O. BOX 354, Kigali, Rwanda. When paying by bank transfer, add any intermediary bank charges to the tuition amount and include invoice number or student name in the payment memo for reconciliation. Proof of payment is sent to finance@iskr.org.
- Debit/credit card: parents may request a payment link by emailing finance@iskr.org; card payments are available but may attract higher processing charges and are recommended for smaller amounts.

Contacts for billing and finance
- Finance office email for invoices, payment confirmation, or billing inquiries: finance@iskr.org. Phone: +250 786 725 369.
Academics

International School of Kigali teaches Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum
ISK offers a robust and inclusive curriculum for ages 4 to 18. It provides a Western-style education with a focus on diversity and inclusion, aiming to develop critical thinking, creativity, and global citizenship. High School offers Advanced Placement courses, including the AP Capstone Diploma, with electives such as art, music, drama, and Rwandan studies. The Kibagabaga campus opened in 2021 and features facilities like swimming pools, tennis and basketball courts, and football pitches.

Exam Results
In 2024, 81% of ISK students passed AP exams. AP courses include AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Comparative Government and Politics, AP English Literature and Composition, AP French Lang & Culture, AP Spanish Lang & Culture, AP Human Geography, AP Psychology, AP Research, and AP Seminar. ISK also offers the AP Capstone Diploma.

Higher Education Progression
ISK High School is a college preparatory program designed to prepare students for university-level study worldwide. College counseling supports post-secondary planning, including college applications and scholarships, and PSAT 9/10/11 is used for college readiness.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
ISK supports social and emotional learning through its Student Support Services. Counseling services promote emotional well-being, and an Advisory Program provides ongoing social and personal guidance. The Student Support Services team collaborates with teachers, parents, and specialists to support students' holistic development. The approach emphasizes inclusivity and belonging as essential to academic success. Service-learning and leadership opportunities further contribute to students' social and emotional growth.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
ISK provides Learning Support for students with individualized needs through the Student Support Services. The team collaborates with teachers and specialists to tailor accommodations and targeted interventions for each learner. EAL support is available to help students access the curriculum. Counseling services are available to support emotional well-being as part of the broader support program. The goal is to ensure every student can participate in the curriculum and develop lifelong skills.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
ISK embraces linguistic diversity with English as the lingua franca during lessons. English as a Language (EAL) support helps bridge language barriers, enabling students to develop language skills at their own pace and fostering their academic, social, and emotional growth. The Support Services determine a baseline level for each child, from which targets are set in a language learning plan. EAL support may be provided in small groups several times a week while students remain in a language-rich classroom. Teaching staff differentiate and use Universal Design for Learning to cater for speakers of other languages in the mainstream classroom.

Mental Wellbeing
ISK is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment where all students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Counseling services promote emotional well-being, and the Advisory Program provides ongoing social and personal guidance. The Student Support Services team collaborates with teachers, parents, and specialists to support students' holistic development. This holistic approach aims to help students manage stress, build resilience, and develop social-emotional skills.
Parent Experience

History
ISK was formed in 2009 by a group of parents seeking inclusive, Western-style, non-denominational education. It started with 15 students in a converted hotel in Kimihurura. In 2014, ISK moved to a new campus in Nyarutarama with a self-contained preschool, a science lab, and dedicated spaces for art and drama, an expanded library and media lab, and play spaces including an elementary playground and a full-sized basketball court. In January 2020, the high school relocated to a self-contained campus on the same road to provide more space for middle and high school learning environments. In December 2021, the school relocated to Kibagabaga, a modern campus with dedicated buildings for Elementary, Middle, and High School, two swimming pools, a tennis court, and large sports fields.

Community
ISK's community is built on the principles and values outlined in the mission statement, actively fostering a strong sense of belonging and collaboration. Together with the Parent Association and Student Council, meaningful opportunities for connection, learning, and celebration are created. The community hosts Monthly Community Celebration on the last Friday of each month, Inno Café (open Monday through Friday), Community Market every other Friday, International Day with International Week and an International Food Fair, Rwandan Arts & Culture Week, Spirit Week, Fall Fest, and Fun Field Day.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The school has a Parent Association that collaborates with the Student Council to create opportunities for connection, learning, and celebration.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school relocated in December 2021 to a modern Kibagabaga campus with improved facilities for learning and recreation. The campus is organized into dedicated buildings for Elementary, Middle, and High School. A well-resourced library supports reading, research, and independent learning. Creative expression is encouraged in spacious art classrooms. The campus features two swimming pools, a tennis court, and large sports fields that support physical education and extracurricular activities. An elementary playground and a full-sized basketball court are available as part of the campus facilities.

Sports Facilities
The Kibagabaga campus features two swimming pools. It includes a tennis court. Large sports fields support physical education and extracurricular activities. A full-sized basketball court is available for student use. The facilities support competitive sports and recreational programming.

Academic Facilities
The campus features a well-resourced library that supports reading, research, and independent learning. Dedicated buildings for Elementary, Middle, and High School address developmental needs. Creative expression is facilitated in spacious art classrooms. A science lab supports science instruction.

Extra Curricular Facilities
After-school activities include athletics such as football, basketball, swimming, and tennis. Arts programs cover visual arts, painting, and drawing. Music programs offer instrumental instruction in violin, piano, and guitar, plus choir. Academic enrichment includes language practice in French, Spanish, and Kinyarwanda, as well as Math Lab, LEGO robotics, and chess. Competitive sports include basketball and football teams that compete in the Gasabo Private School League.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers language practice in French, Spanish, and Kinyarwanda, a Math Lab, LEGO robotics, and Chess. These programs promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration beyond the regular curriculum. The after-school program is designed to be accessible to students of all abilities, supporting growth beyond the core curriculum.

Arts & Creative
The school offers visual arts, painting, and drawing in after-school programs. It provides music instruction in violin, piano, and guitar, along with choir. These activities cultivate creativity, artistic expression, and performance skills.

Cultural & Language
World Languages are offered as French and Spanish across elementary, middle, and high school, with a focus on communication and cultural understanding. Kinyarwanda language practice is also available as part of language enrichment. The school hosts International Day during International Week with cultural displays and performances. Rwandan Arts & Culture Week celebrates local traditions through storytelling, dance, and crafts.

Social & Hobbies
The Student Council fosters social engagement by organizing events such as Prom, Movie Nights, and basketball tournaments. The Student Council acts as the official voice of students, coordinating activities and advocating for student interests. These activities foster community, teamwork, and healthy competition.

Community & Service
Service-Learning is embedded in curriculum, clubs, and activities to develop compassionate global citizens through learning and action. The school partners with community organizations such as Agahozo Shalom Youth Village (ASYV) and The Green Protector to strengthen reciprocal relationships. The school hosts an Annual Climate Action Summit to highlight climate-related learning and collaboration. The service-learning approach follows the Empathy-to-Impact cycle: Care, Aware, Able, Impact.

Leadership & Professional
The Student Council is the voice of students at ISK, bridging students and the administration. The Council fosters student leadership and advocates for changes to improve the student experience. The Council organizes events that engage the student body and promote leadership experiences.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school emphasizes physical wellness and mental resilience through a comprehensive sports and after-school activities program. The Competitive Sports Program features basketball and football in the Gasabo Private School League. After-school activities include athletics such as football, basketball, swimming, and tennis to develop coordination, strength, and cardiovascular health.
Languages

Language Provision
French and Spanish are taught across Elementary, Middle, and High School; Elementary introduces language and culture and progresses toward ACTFL Novice Mid by Grades 3–4 and Novice High by Grade 5. Middle School offers French/Spanish 1 and 2, preparing for Novice High to Intermediate Mid with resources such as A La Une and Dynamo (French) and Viva and ActiveLearn (Spanish); High School provides French/Spanish 1–4 and AP French/Spanish, using D'accord, Imaginez (French) and Temas (Spanish). English is the lingua franca during lessons, with EAL support available for non-native speakers.

Immersion Programs
High School World Languages offers immersive experiences.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Inquire – contact admissions to learn about ISK. 2. Visit – schedule a tour of the campus. 3. Apply – submit the online application. 4. Placement review – ISK reviews school records, considers birthdate, and conducts entrance screenings to determine placement. 5. Conditional acceptance – with school records, the child may be conditionally accepted into a certain grade, and screenings on arrival confirm readiness. 6. Grade level determination – ISK uses a September 1 cut-off date to determine the age-appropriate grade level. 7. Age/grade limits – the school will not normally accept a student who would be over nineteen at graduation. 8. Grade 12 exceptions – generally ISK will not accept students into grade 12 after the start of the academic year unless there are extenuating circumstances; the Director may make exceptions based on previous educational experience. 9. English records – all school records, in English, are required prior to acceptance; placement assessments may also be required. 10. Contact details – 10 KG 307 St, Kigali, Rwanda; Phone +250 786 725 369.

Scholarships
ISK offers a financial aid program to help families afford a quality education. Up to 50% of full tuition may be available, depending on family income. Eligibility includes: A. Both Rwandan and non-Rwandan families; B. New applicants without academic or disciplinary issues in previous schools; C. Returning ISK families experiencing unexpected financial hardship. For high school students: maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA; achieve at least 70% progress of all credits attempted; continue making progress toward the ISK high school diploma each year. Requirements: an ISK application must be completed and the student accepted; families apply for financial aid and provide supporting documentation (business owners must provide certified financial statements; employees must provide current contract and four months of payslips). Process: the Financial Aid committee reviews applications (typically in April for the following school year), conducts a personal interview, and may conduct a home visit. The committee is chaired by the Head of School, and awards up to 50% of tuition on a yearly, renewable basis, requiring annual reapplication. For more information contact admissions@iskr.org or +250 793 762 974.
School Events
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