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Dar es Salaam Independent School

Tanzania, Dar es Salaam

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees TZS 1,500,000 - 11,200,000
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 752
Type Co-educational
Opened 1996
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification
Taught languages Swahili, French, Portuguese, Italian, Mandarin, Arabic, Spanish, German
Strengths Sport, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Dar es Salaam Independent School (DIS) offers an international Cambridge-based programme across two campuses, Mikocheni for Early Years and Primary and Mbweni for Middle to High School. The school serves ages 2 to 18 with English as the medium of instruction and Kiswahili taught as an equally valued subject; French is taught as a foreign language. The curriculum follows Cambridge Assessment International Education from Primary through Lower Secondary (up to Grade 9) with Cambridge Checkpoint in English, Maths, Science, ICT and Global Perspective. Grades 10–11 pursue Cambridge IGCSE syllabi, and Grades 12–13 complete Cambridge GCE A-Levels (typically 3–4 subjects). The school is accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Education and Edexcel for BTEC qualifications, enabling access to universities worldwide. Facilities include two campuses, sport facilities (swimming, football, volleyball, basketball), and a broad extracurricular program featuring DAR MUN and The World Scholar's Cup, alongside community service and language/cultural activities for global citizenship.

The Essentials

Dar es Salaam Independent School has 752 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
Two campuses in Dar es Salaam: Mikocheni Campus (main campus for Early Years and Primary from grade 1-6) and Mbweni Campus (Middle, Secondary and High School). P.O. Box 32391, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Stages
Reception to Form 6 (Kindergarten – Year 13).

Type
Cambridge International School; English-medium and bilingual; Cambridge IGCSE & AS/A Levels; Edexcel BTEC; day school.

Additional learning support
A professional international team of teachers, psychologists, methodologists and other specialists provides an educational environment that motivates students to achieve high learning outcomes.

Country affiliation
Tanzania
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The uniform consists of white shirts with the school logo for both girls and boys, with black shorts or pinafore dresses for primary and tailored trousers/skirts for secondary. Shoes must be closed or semi-closed; jewellery is restricted (ear studs only for girls; boys may not wear earrings); hairstyles should be simple and hair should not be dyed. The PE t‑shirt colour is assigned by house after registration.

House System
The school uses a house system; the PE t‑shirt colours are assigned by house after registration.
Fees

Annual tuition at Dar es Salaam Independent School ranges from TZS 1,500,000 to TZS 11,200,000 for 2026/27.

Application / Registration fee

- Registration / admission fee: TSh 1,500,000 (non‑refundable).

Tuition fees (per term and annual totals by year group)

- Reception / Rising 5
- 1st installment (15 August): TSh 2,700,000.
- 2nd installment (30 November): TSh 2,700,000.
- 3rd installment (28 February): TSh 2,700,000.
- Annual total: TSh 8,100,000.

- Years 1 to 6 (Primary)
- 1st installment (15 August): TSh 3,270,000.
- 2nd installment (30 November): TSh 3,270,000.
- 3rd installment (28 February): TSh 3,260,000.
- Annual total: TSh 9,800,000.

- Years 7 to Form 2 (Lower Secondary)
- 1st installment (15 August): TSh 3,745,000.
- 2nd installment (30 November): TSh 3,745,000.
- 3rd installment (28 February): TSh 3,710,000.
- Annual total: TSh 11,200,000.

- Form 3 to Form 6 (Upper Secondary / IGCSE & A‑Level years)
- 1st installment (15 August): TSh 4,270,000.
- 2nd installment (30 November): TSh 4,270,000.
- 3rd installment (28 February): TSh 4,260,000.
- Annual total: TSh 12,800,000.

Additional subject / programme charges

- Pearson BTEC option (where chosen): TSh 2,820,000 per year (payable for the BTEC years as applicable).

Transport (school bus) fees

- Mbweni route: Short route TSh 220,000; Long route TSh 250,000.
- Mikocheni route: Short route TSh 190,000; Long route TSh 220,000.
- Bus payments are collected through the school accounts office.

Other costs and routine charges

- Cambridge examination registration fees (Checkpoint, IGCSE, AS & A Levels) are payable by parents/guardians and must be paid by the school's published deadline for exams; outstanding school fee balances must be cleared before a student can be registered for Cambridge examinations.
- Certain activities (study tours, school trips and other optional events) require additional, separate payments announced in advance.
- Fundraising / occasional levy: e.g., free‑dress day contribution TSh 2,000 (applies when such events are run).
- Textbooks and stationery provision: tuition fee payments cover textbooks and stationery; textbooks issued for IGCSE and A‑level courses are provided for the full two‑year course.

Uniform and appearance (costs not itemised)

- Uniform required: white t‑shirt/shirt with school logo for all pupils; black tailored trousers/skirts for secondary and black shorts/pinafore for primary; PE house t‑shirts assigned on registration; closed shoes required. (Uniform items are obtained through local suppliers; prices are not itemised here.)

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The academic year is billed in three instalments falling in August, November and February. Specific instalment dates listed are: 15 August (1st), 30 November (2nd) and 28 February (3rd) for the instalment amounts published.
- Fees are payable before or on each instalment date. Parents must submit proof of payment (deposit slip) to the accounts office to obtain an official receipt.
- Students who enter or leave before term completion are required to pay the full term fee. Enrolment continues until the school receives written notice of withdrawal. The school may withhold access to classes, official documents, report cards or transcripts until all outstanding fee balances are cleared.

Refund information

- The registration / admission fee is non‑refundable.
- Students who leave during a term remain liable for the full term fee (no pro‑rata reduction for mid‑term withdrawal).
- Payments made toward optional activities (for example study tours) are treated as separate and are subject to the event's stated payment and refund policy; examination entries will not be processed while there are outstanding school fee balances.

Accepted payment methods and instructions

- Bank transfer / bank deposit to the school account: ABSA BANK TSh account number 001 4002820; ABSA BANK USD account number 001 8003066. Parents should make payments into the school bank account and submit the deposit slip to the accounts office as proof of payment.
- The school instructs that fee payments be made into the school bank account and processed via the accounts office. No public listing of card‑payment acceptance is provided in the published fee information; payments are handled through bank transfer/deposit and the accounts office.

Sanctions for late or unsettled fees

- If fees are not paid on time the school may deny access to classes and withhold official documentation and Cambridge examination registration until all arrears are cleared. The school reserves the right to refuse admission or stop provision of services if fees remain unpaid.
Academics

Dar es Salaam Independent School teaches Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
DIS follows the Cambridge Assessment International Education Framework for Primary and Lower Secondary up to the end of Grade 9. Primary Checkpoint is taken in English, Mathematics, Science and Global Perspective (Class 6) and Lower Secondary in Year 9. Grades 10–11 follow Cambridge IGCSE syllabi, with students sitting IGCSE examinations in 7–9 subjects across Languages, Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities and Creative/Vocational subjects. Grades 12–13 complete Cambridge GCE A‑Levels, usually choosing 3–4 subjects. English is the medium of instruction; Kiswahili is taught as a subject of equal value to English and French is taught as a foreign language, with regular school trips to France. The school is accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Education and Edexcel for BTEC, and operates on two campuses: Mikocheni (Early Years and Primary) and Mbweni (Middle, Secondary and High School).

Exam Results
DIS Examination Results are published by level: Primary Checkpoint results are provided for English, Mathematics, Science and Global Perspective; Form Two Checkpoint results are provided for English, Maths, Science and Global Perspectives; Form Four IGCSE results cover Languages, Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities and Creative/Vocational subjects; Form Five AS‑Level results cover Languages, Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities and Creative/Vocational; Form Six A‑Level results cover Languages, Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities and Creative/Vocational. The page states that Results are in and that resources have been created to help understand the results.

Higher Education Progression
98% go to college; many DIS graduates have been accepted into premier colleges and universities around the world.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
DIS has a professional international team of teachers, psychologists, methodologists, and other specialists who create and maintain an educational environment that motivates students to achieve high learning outcomes and broaden their thinking. The school emphasizes student welfare by providing a safe, caring, personal, and valued learning environment where students are confident to talk and be listened to. The curriculum provides opportunities to develop self-awareness, self-esteem, assertiveness and decision-making. The director describes DIS students as enjoying a caring, safe and stimulating learning environment with high expectations. The school is multicultural and multilingual, fostering cross-cultural understanding.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The policy recognises that children with additional needs face an increased risk of abuse and neglect, and staff take extra care to interpret signs of abuse or neglect. The school provides a setting in which pupils with special educational needs or disabilities feel confident to discuss their concerns. Whenever possible, pupils will have the opportunity to express themselves to a staff member with appropriate communication skills. The Designated Child Protection Officer (DCPO) will work with the school counsellor to identify pupils with particular communication needs. SEND is addressed within the safeguarding framework.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the medium of instruction. Kiswahili is taught as a subject of equal value to English, and students are encouraged to use Kiswahili in conversations in school. French is taught as a foreign language.

Mental Wellbeing
DIS maintains a welfare-focused environment, providing a safe, secure, valued and respected setting where children feel able to talk openly and be listened to. The curriculum includes opportunities to increase self-awareness, self-esteem, assertiveness and decision-making to support well-being. All staff receive up-to-date safeguarding training and support, and the school coordinates with parents and other agencies as needed. Designated officers coordinate welfare across campuses and involve school counsellors where appropriate to support students.

Safeguarding
The school has a Child Protection Policy to safeguard students and provide support when abuse is suspected. The policy commits to maintaining welfare, providing a safe and welcoming environment, and ensuring children can talk openly. Staff receive annual training; there are designated Child Protection Officers (DCPOs) for Primary, Secondary and Early Years. The policy outlines recording, reporting and referrals to outside agencies, with confidentiality and parent liaison. It covers health and safety procedures, risk assessments, safe recruitment, and anti-bullying, with good role modelling by staff. The policy also addresses safeguarding in peer-on-peer interactions and provides support to students through counsellors when needed.
Parent Experience

History
DIS was established in 1996 as a Tanzanian English-medium school offering international education. It is accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Education and Edexcel for BTEC, enabling admission to universities worldwide. It operates a two-campus model: Mikocheni (Early Years and Primary) and Mbweni (Middle, Secondary and High School). The school is directed and owned by Susan L. Huxtable.

Community
DIS hosts a bilingual, multi-cultural community across two campuses: Mikocheni (Early Years and Primary) and Mbweni (Middle to High School). An active program of events, trips, and leadership opportunities helps students engage beyond the classroom, including the Primary Student Council Leadership Team 2025-26 and trips to the Parliament in Dodoma. Alumni are part of the DIS community. Students participate in international experiences, such as trips to France and Thailand.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Two campuses: Mikocheni Campus (main campus for Early Years and Primary 1-6) and Mbweni Campus (Middle, Secondary and High School). The school is a Tanzanian English Medium School offering international education. It is accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Education and Edexcel for BTEC, enabling students to access universities worldwide. Though English is the medium of instruction, Kiswahili is taught as a subject of equal value, and French is taught as a foreign language with regular school trips to France. A professional international team of teachers and specialists creates an educational environment that supports broad thinking and development.

Sports Facilities
The DIS sports department offers swimming, football, volleyball, and basketball. An Upper Primary Swimming Gala is held at Mbweni Campus. DIS lists Football, Swimming, Volleyball and Basketball as its teams. After-school activities run Monday to Friday for primary and secondary with coaches. Coaches for both Primary and Secondary include Jane Msungu (Head Coach Primary) and other staff such as Mr Abbas, Miss Mary, Mr Ladisalus and Mr Songwe.

Academic Facilities
DIS follows the Cambridge Assessment International Education framework for primary and lower secondary up to grade 9. The Primary in Class 6 and Lower Secondary in Year 9 sit the Cambridge Checkpoint in English, Mathematics, Science, ICT and Global Perspective. Grades 10-11 follow the IGCSE syllabi, with examinations in 7-9 subjects. Grades 12-13 complete their A-level education by sitting for Cambridge GCE examinations, usually in 3-4 subjects. English is the medium of instruction; Kiswahili is taught as a subject of equal value, and French is taught as a foreign language with regular school trips to France.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The DIS sports department offers swimming, football, volleyball, and basketball. After-school activities include day activities with coaches and scheduled sessions for primary and secondary. The school provides teams in Football, Swimming, Volleyball and Basketball. House Trophies are awarded to celebrate achievements. Coaches for primary and secondary include Jane Msungu (Head Coach Primary) and other staff such as Mr Abbas, Miss Mary, Mr Ladisalus, and Mr Songwe.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
DIS runs DAR MUN (Dar es Salaam Model United Nations), a simulation of the United Nations that is held annually in collaboration with other international schools. Students debate current topics tackled by the United Nations and develop public speaking and diplomacy skills. The World Scholar's Cup is an international team academic program with participants from over 65 countries each year, and it aims to enable students to apply the Cambridge Learners' Attributes and discover new strengths. Career guidance and study-skills activities support students in planning for higher education and future study choices.

Arts & Creative
Culture Day and concerts are part of the school's cultural life, as evidenced by the gallery's Culture Day and Concert entries. The school also hosts arts-related events and performances that complement the curriculum. These extracurricular activities provide opportunities for creative expression beyond the classroom.

Cultural & Language
Kiswahili and English are taught as language subjects of equal value, with French offered as a foreign language. Trips and cultural activities are used to immerse students in Tanzanian and Kiswahili culture, as well as other languages and cultures through global experiences. Overseas trips, such as those organized to France, support language development and cultural exposure.

Social & Hobbies
There are after-school activities for both Primary and Secondary levels, with a timetable for football, basketball, swimming, and other activities run by named coaches. Out teams include Football, Swimming, Volleyball, and Basketball, with dedicated after-school sessions and a showcase of house trophies that celebrate student achievements. The school also supports student leadership and social events as part of its vibrant school life, including the Primary Student Council Leadership Team.

Community & Service
Community service is an integral part of DIS Mbweni, with students providing financial and material support to orphanages and community centres. Pupils participate in tree planting, pathway construction, and other projects that benefit the local community, often involving alumni and class groups. The program emphasizes giving back and is accompanied by leadership and mentoring activities that support service-minded citizenship.

Leadership & Professional
Students engage in leadership initiatives such as the Primary Student Council Leadership Team (e.g., 2025-26), reflecting an active student voice in school governance. Mentorship programs, led by parents, connect students with role models and motivational talks, while DAR MUN and The World Scholar's Cup provide platforms for leadership, teamwork, and public speaking. Career guidance is integrated into senior years, with alumni talks and university-planning support to help students prepare for life beyond school.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
DIS emphasizes sport as a core part of wellbeing, with teams in swimming, football, volleyball, and basketball and a strong culture of sportsmanship. After-school activities run from 2:30 pm to 4:00–4:30 pm, with coaches coordinating both primary and secondary sessions. A dedicated sport department oversees team development, schedules, and a trophy showcase to celebrate achievement and foster school pride.
Languages

Language Provision
English is used as the medium of instruction. Kiswahili is taught as a subject of equal value to English, with encouragement to use Kiswahili in conversations. French is taught as a foreign language.

Bilingual Teaching
The school uses English as the medium of instruction. Kiswahili is taught as a subject of equal value to English, and students are encouraged to use Kiswahili in conversations. French is taught as a foreign language.
Reputation

Accreditations
Cambridge Assessment International Education; Edexcel for BTEC
Admissions

Admissions
Admissions procedures & Requirements: The school uses a five-step process. 01 APPLICATION FORM: To begin the application process, complete DIS APPLICATION FORM. 02 Payments: After completing the application form, send it to the address provided. The admission fee is required along with the documents, and payment is made through the school bank account. Documents to be submitted with the application form: Progress Report; Copy of Birth Certificate; Passport Photo; Leaving / Transfer certificate. 03 ASSESSMENT: The parent/guardian will be contacted for the placement assessment. In conjunction with previous school reports, the placement assessment tools determine a student's readiness for the DIS programs, including any English language and/or special needs support, with no additional fees charged. 04 NOTIFICATION: After assessment, the complete file is forwarded to the Admissions Committee for review before a final admissions decision is made by the Deputy Head Teacher (Admissions) of the Primary; the Deputy Head Teacher (Admissions) of the Secondary Department will test all students applying for a place in Class 7 to Form 4; Head of Secondary and Quality Assurance Manager for a place in Form 5 to Form 6. The process is completed as quickly as possible, but the time between assessment and notification varies by file. 05 FINAL: Possible outcomes include Accepted; Provisionally accepted (based on reports alone); Conditionally accepted (with academic or social concerns to be monitored); Waitlisted (due to no space); Denied Admission (for academic or social concerns beyond the scope of the program).

Waitlist
Waitlisted (due to no space) is a possible admission outcome.
School Events
The school has not added events
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