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QSI International School of Dushanbe

Tajikistan, Dushanbe

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 190
Type Co-educational
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages Russian, German, French, Tajik
Typical class size 7
Strengths Performing Arts, Academic Enrichment, Sport
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Kindergarten
Introduction

QSI International School of Dushanbe offers an American international education for students aged 3 to 18. The program uses a mastery-based curriculum guided by Exit Outcomes across three domains—Success Orientations, Competencies, and Knowledge—with units designed for mastery and grades awarded as A, B, or P. Placement assessments in mathematics, reading, and writing determine placement, and Intensive English provides small teacher-student ratios to support language learners. AP courses are available for Secondary II–IV, supported by MAP Testing to monitor growth. The campus moved in 2022 to a two-building, four-story facility with 30 classrooms plus dedicated spaces for Art, Music, science labs, a theater, a gym, and a cafeteria for over 100, serving about 350 students and enabling future enrollment growth. The school emphasizes creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication. Extracurriculars include drama and a thriving Student Council, National English Honors Society, and athletic programs such as cross country, soccer, and volleyball.

Turakul Zehni 3 st, Dushanbe 732001, Tajikistan

The Essentials

QSI International School of Dushanbe has 190 pupils, typical class sizes of 7, instruction in English.

Location

The school is located at Turakul Zehni 3 st., Dushanbe, 734003, Tajikistan. It serves preschool through secondary education. It is part of Quality Schools International.

Stages

Preschool through Secondary School. Elementary and Middle School divisions.

Type

Non-profit American international school.

Pupil Nationality Mix

190+ students from over 30 nationalities.

Additional learning support

Intensive English program helps students aged 6-13 raise English proficiency; small class sizes; individualized instruction; Structured Literacy-based curriculum. IE support classes during World Languages.

Country affiliation

United States

School day structure

School day runs 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. After-school activities are offered, typically 3:30 PM–5:00 PM on days with activities. No-school days occur on holidays such as Idi Ramadzan.
Diving Deeper

Food Options

On campus there is a cafeteria that serves meals. The cafeteria has a capacity of over 100 people and a lunch program is offered.

Governance and Ownership

The school is a member of Quality Schools International (QSI), a nonprofit consortium of college-preparatory international schools. QSI has its headquarters in Malta.
Fees
*Application fee*
- A one-time, non-refundable application processing and testing fee of USD 300 is charged per child. This fee is due at the time of the admissions appointment and must be paid in cash. Tuition is invoiced after the child begins school.

*Tuition (published QSI 2025–2026 international schedule — figures by year and by semester)*
- K–8 day tuition: USD 29,750 per year / USD 19,330 per semester.
- Grades 9–12 (G9–12) day tuition: USD 32,600 per year / USD 21,190 per semester.

*Boarding / housing fees (published QSI 2025–2026 international schedule)*
- Dormitory housing (G6–12): USD 24,500 per year / USD 15,925 per semester.
- Homestay option (G6–12): USD 25,500 per year / USD 16,575 per semester.
- Premium dorm (G6–12): USD 36,000 per year / USD 23,400 per semester.
- Housing security deposit (one-time): USD 1,000.
- Lunch program (on-campus cafeteria): USD 2,000 per year / USD 1,000 per semester (covers 10 or 5 months).

*Other mandatory and common fees (published QSI 2025–2026 international schedule)*
- Annual registration (school material / administration fee): USD 300 (by year or by semester as listed).
- Textbook & workbook fees: USD 545 per year / USD 355 per semester.
- School material fees (yearbook, testing, art/PE/lab, online resources, classroom supplies): USD 470 per year / USD 305 per semester.
- Activities & field trips fee: USD 775 per year / USD 505 per semester.
- International student health insurance (12 months, where offered): USD 1,500 per year / USD 975 per semester (available for certain visa categories).
- Uniforms (required at initial arrival for new students): USD 550 (one-time at first arrival).
- Airport commute (optional; one pick-up and one drop-off included): USD 190.
- Tuition deposit (pre-enrollment for international students where applicable): USD 3,800; this deposit is refundable under specified conditions (for example, visa denial as listed in the fee schedule).

*Billing schedule and payment terms (what is specified)*
- The USD 300 application fee is due at the admissions appointment and must be paid in cash. Tuition is invoiced after the student begins school. Additional fees (after-school classes, extra uniforms, additional course credits, special activities, graduation fees, sports fees) are billed separately and must be paid by the stated due dates. Some housing-related deposits and certain tuition deposits are refundable under specified conditions.

*Refund information*
- The application fee is non-refundable. The international fee schedule notes that certain pre-enrollment deposits (for example, a tuition deposit) are refundable under specified conditions such as visa denial; housing security deposits are listed as refundable where applicable. The general fee schedule states that most fees are non-refundable except specified deposits and tuition/security deposits where noted.

*Fee payment options*
- The application fee is required in cash at the admissions appointment. Other specific accepted payment methods for tuition, boarding, and other fees are not published on the admissions page or on the referenced 2025–2026 international schedule; additional payment-method details (for example, bank transfer, credit card, or local payment options) are set by the school's billing office and will be provided on invoices.

*Other notes for budgeting (items that may be billed separately during the year)*
- After-school program fees, optional activities, extra uniforms, additional course credits, hybrid-class fees, graduation fees, and sports fees may be charged in addition to the items listed above. These items are normally billed as they arise and must be paid by the stated due dates.
Academics

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

Curriculum

Mastery-based curriculum guided by Exit Outcomes across three domains: Success Orientations, Competencies, and Knowledge. Seven Knowledge Areas guide the curriculum: Mathematics; English / Literature; Cultural Studies; Science; Creative and Applied Arts; Languages Other Than English; Personal Health and World Environmental Issues. The Educational Model centers on student performance rather than time-based progression, with units designed for mastery and grades awarded as A, B, or P. Placement assessments in mathematics, reading, and writing determine placement, and Intensive English provides very small teacher-student ratios to support language learners. AP courses are offered for Secondary II–IV, and MAP Testing monitors growth.

Student Teacher Ratio

Small class sizes throughout the school; Intensive English has very small teacher-student ratios.

Higher Education Progression

Advanced Placement courses challenge Secondary II–IV and prepare students for AP exams; AP exams are credentialed by the Educational Testing Service; many U.S. colleges award credit for AP scores of 3 or higher; graduation includes the QSI Academic Diploma with Honors requiring two AP courses.

Gifted and Talented

Advanced coursework through the Advanced Placement Program supports high-achieving students; AP Biology is offered in-person, and the Academic Diploma with Honors requires two AP courses.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

EMPOWER is a curriculum that integrates Success Orientations (SO), social-emotional learning (SEL), and child protection. The program aligns with CASEL and ISCA standards and is taught weekly as part of the school year. It weaves SEL concepts with personal development to build self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. The curriculum is taught alongside counseling services and family engagement to support the whole child. This structure aims to give students a well-rounded set of social-emotional competencies for school and life.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

QSI Dushanbe accepts students with limited learning needs. For moderate to severe disabilities, the school reviews additional information such as evaluations, reports, IEPs, or referrals to determine whether an appropriate program can be provided. Placement decisions consider age and MAP results, and the director makes final placement decisions for secondary students to ensure English proficiency requirements are met. The school reserves the right to enrollment decisions if a student's needs cannot be addressed.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The Intensive English (IE) program bridges English proficiency gaps for students aged 6 to 13 with accelerated, individualized instruction in smaller classes. It focuses on speaking, listening, reading, and writing, and uses a Structured Literacy curriculum introduced in 2024. The program aims to empower students to succeed in mainstream classes and includes dedicated IE support. MAP entrance testing is conducted in English as part of the admissions process.

Mental Wellbeing

Counseling provides personal, social, and emotional support, along with academic guidance and university/career counseling. It offers a safe, confidential space for students to discuss concerns and helps families with transitions through individual check-ins and group supports. EMPOWER also contributes to mental wellbeing by integrating social-emotional learning and child protection concepts through a year-long program. Together, counseling and EMPOWER support the holistic development and wellbeing of students.

Safeguarding

QSI Dushanbe follows the QSI Safeguarding and Child Protection Statement, committing to provide a safe environment and to protect children's well-being in collaboration with the broader Dushanbe community. The school adheres to CEESA safeguarding commitments, with regular training, safe recruitment practices, and ongoing education for students and adults on safeguarding. Protecting children is a priority across all QSI schools. ThinkUKnow parent help sheets are provided as resources.
Parent Experience

Community

The Community section includes a Newsletter, a Parent Support Group, a Parent Handbook, a Community Testimonials page, and a Welcome Guide for new families. The Welcome Guide and Parent Handbook provide orientation and policies for families. A Newsletter is published for families, and the Parent Support Group coordinates parent involvement. Upcoming events on the calendar include Navruz/Spring Break and Literacy Week, along with regional activities such as the CAFA Central Asian Volleyball Classic.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

A Parent Support Group exists to support families and coordinate parent involvement. A Parent Handbook is published for families. The QSID Dushanbe Welcome Guide is published for new families. Community Testimonials are available to share parent experiences. A Newsletter is published for families. These resources support parent engagement and orientation within the school community.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

During the summer of 2022, the school moved to a state-of-the-art facility specially designed to meet its educational needs. The campus comprises two four-story buildings with 30 standard classrooms and dedicated spaces for Art, Music, chemistry/biology labs, a theater, a gym, and a cafeteria for over 100. It has capacity for about 350 students, enabling future enrollment growth. The environment emphasizes creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and effective communication.

Sports Facilities

The school has a versatile sports hall that serves as the heart of physical education, sports events, and community activities. The playground is lively and designed for safe physical activity, and the swimming pool provides a space for aquatic education and recreation.

Academic Facilities

The campus includes 30 standard classrooms across two four-story buildings. Dedicated spaces include Elementary Art Room and Elementary Music Room, Secondary Classroom, Science Lab, Library, and Computer Labs. The Theater provides a venue for performing arts and creative projects. The Elementary classrooms are vibrant and designed with flexible seating to support engaging learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Drama is part of Student Life and is supported by the Theater, offering opportunities for performances. Sports are part of Student Life and supported by the versatile Sports Hall. The campus also houses a Library and Computer Labs that support extracurricular learning in technology and research. The School's facilities foster a broad range of arts, drama, and athletic activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

National English Honors Society recognizes students who excel in English. Students must have a 3.5 or better in their English courses and be enrolled in Secondary 2 or higher. Members have access to scholarships and contests throughout the year and participate in numerous community volunteer events. Seniors who graduate wear an honor cord to commemorate their achievements.

Arts & Creative

The drama program is a vibrant part of school life for elementary through secondary students. It features productions such as Treasure Island (Elementary), Cinderella (Middle School), and A Christmas Carol (Secondary). The program develops creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication through performance and storytelling. It also builds confidence, empathy, and joy as students learn to express themselves on stage or behind the scenes.

Cultural & Language

The school serves students from more than 30 nationalities. National English Honors Society recognizes students who excel in English. Membership requires a 3.5 or better in English and be enrolled in Secondary 2 or higher. Members participate in scholarships, contests, and numerous community volunteer events.

Social & Hobbies

Drama provides opportunities for performance and self-expression for students from elementary through secondary. Sports offer after-school engagement through Cross Country, Soccer, and Volleyball. The Student Council fosters student engagement and organizes events to build community. These activities promote social interaction, teamwork, and personal growth.

Community & Service

National English Honors Society participates in numerous community volunteer events. Members engage in volunteer work throughout the year, linking academic achievement with service to others. The society also provides opportunities to contribute to the local and school community through ongoing service projects.

Leadership & Professional

The Student Council is a dedicated group committed to enhancing the school environment by fostering a sense of community, promoting student engagement, and organizing events. The Executive Board is composed of five members who lead the council and oversee its initiatives. Current board members include President, Vice President, Historian, Secretary, and Treasurer, who coordinate projects and manage the council's finances.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Our middle school and secondary students participate in a wide variety of sports through CAFA leagues, QSI interschool tournaments, and local athletic events. Cross Country, Soccer, and Volleyball are offered as competitive programs. Participation in sports supports physical health, concentration, academic performance, belonging, and school spirit. As a member of CAFA, the volleyball team competes in international tournaments across the Central Asian region.
Languages

Language Provision

The school teaches in English. Younger children do not need to be English speakers; they learn English quickly through the Intensive English program. MAP entrance tests (Reading, Mathematics, Language Usage) are conducted in English. Secondary students must demonstrate English language proficiency to complete coursework toward a high school diploma.
Admissions

Admissions

Stage 1: Contact/Visit the school
Stage 2: Online Application & Fee
Stage 3: Review Process: Placement Test & Interview
Stage 4: Admissions Decision.

Stage 1 involves contacting the Admissions Office to schedule a school tour, with options for a virtual conference if not in Tajikistan.

Stage 2 requires completing the online application and uploading documents: passport copies of student and parents and/or birth certificate, copies of previous school records and transcripts, immunization records, and one passport‑size photo of student and parents; and paying a one-time 300 USD application processing and testing fee.

Stage 3 includes a thorough review of the application, followed by coordinating a placement test and interview. The test for students aged 6 and above covers reading, language, and mathematics; the MAP entrance test assesses Reading, Mathematics, and Language Usage and is conducted in English; a written essay may be requested for students aged 8 and older; placement decisions are based on MAP results, classroom observations, and other relevant information, with the final decision made by the Director.

Stage 4 is the Admissions Decision, with outcomes including acceptance if a spot is available, placement on a waiting list if no spots are available, or non‑acceptance if the Admissions Committee determines the school is not a fit. Documents submitted for admissions must be translated into English. The school accepts applications and offers admission at any time during the school year; children who are 3 years old or older before October 31 are eligible.
School Events
The school has not added events