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Dar es Salaam International Academy

Tanzania, Dar es Salaam

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees TZS 36,710,000
Ages 5 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 245
Type Co-educational
Opened 2003
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages Swahili, French, Mandarin
Typical class size 16
Strengths STEM, Sport, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Dar es Salaam International Academy (DIA) is Tanzania's IB World School offering the IB continuum for ages 5–18. Founded in 2003 to serve residents, the school delivers Primary Years Programme (PYP) from Kindergarten to Grade 5, Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6–10, and Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11–12. DIA holds accreditation from International Baccalaureate, Council of International Schools and Middle States Association, with CIS and MSA accreditation achieved in 2021. The campus features three science laboratories, three computer laboratories, a 25‑metre swimming pool, a multi‑purpose court and a field, plus a music room, Performing Arts and two Visual Arts rooms. The Library uses online public access system and classrooms are equipped with teaching technology. After-school activities span arts, athletics, STEM and academics, while Service Learning and CAS integrate community engagement across IB years. DIA celebrated 20 years in 2023 and welcomed its first graduating class in 2019 to date.

The Essentials

Dar es Salaam International Academy has 245 pupils, typical class sizes of 16, instruction in English.

Location
Dar es Salaam International Academy is located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The campus is on Manara Road in Ada Estate. The postal address is P.O. Box 23282, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Stages
Kindergarten to Grade 12; Primary Years Programme (PYP) for KG–5; Middle Years Programme (MYP) for 6–10; Diploma Programme (DP) for 11–12.

Type
International Baccalaureate World School offering the IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) for students aged 5–19.

Pupil Nationality Mix
48+ nationalities represented.

Additional learning support
Exceptional Learners Department provides Learning Support and English Language Learning; the language of instruction is English; counseling is available; paraprofessional support can be arranged as needed.

Country affiliation
Tanzania (host country)
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school has uniform guidelines for 2025-2026.

Food Options
There is a canteen on campus run by an outsourced vendor; snacks and drinks are available during break times; lunch at the canteen is available through the Canteen Lunch Program.
Fees

Annual tuition at Dar es Salaam International Academy ranges from TZS 36,710,000 for 2026/27.

Application and assessment fees
- Application fee (non‑refundable): TZS 540,000 / US$200 payable on submission of an application. For the Exceptional Learners Department the application fee is TZS 2,160,000 / US$1,000.

Re‑enrolment and registration (one‑time) fees
- Re‑enrolment fee (non‑refundable): TZS 1,350,000 / US$500 per child, due in April when re‑enrolment forms are issued; this re‑enrolment fee is deductible from the first tuition payment.
- Registration / development / capital fee (non‑refundable): TZS 5,400,000 / US$2,000 payable on admission for the first child; TZS 4,050,000 / US$1,500 for each additional sibling at admission.

Annual tuition fees (total annual charge, shown in TZS and USD; payment schedules below show instalment options)
- Kindergarten (KG): TZS 36.71 million / US$13,596.
- Grade 1: TZS 43.26 million / US$16,024.
- Grade 2: TZS 44.78 million / US$16,589.
- Grade 3: TZS 45.39 million / US$16,814.
- Grade 4: TZS 46.93 million / US$17,385.
- Grade 5: TZS 48.79 million / US$18,072.
- Grade 6: TZS 49.58 million / US$18,366.
- Grade 7: TZS 52.56 million / US$19,470.
- Grade 8: TZS 54.28 million / US$20,106.
- Grade 9: TZS 57.55 million / US$21,316.
- Grade 10: TZS 59.48 million / US$22,032.
- Grade 11: TZS 62.19 million / US$23,036.
- Grade 12: TZS 63.75 million / US$23,614.

Billing schedule and payment terms (how annual tuition is billed and instalment options)
- Single (annual) payment: the full tuition balance is billed as the annual fee; for the 2025–26 payment cycle the full payment due date is shown as 12 August 2025.
- Two‑instalment option: a two‑payment arrangement is offered where instalments are split between the start of the school year and an interim date (the school publishes an instalment calendar); the split option carries an additional charge (historically presented as approximately a 5% administrative/interest charge on the tuition portion when paid in two instalments).
- Three‑instalment option: a three‑payment arrangement is offered with instalments at the start of the academic year and subsequent instalments later in the year; this option has a higher instalment charge (historically presented as approximately a 7.5% administrative/interest charge on the tuition portion). Instalment dates follow the school's published payment‑plan calendar (first instalment at the start of the academic year, subsequent instalments mid‑year and in spring).
- Notes on payment timing and currency: families are encouraged to pay in equivalent Tanzanian Shillings; certification tour / study‑tour charges are due with the first instalment and are not included in the tuition totals above.

Boarding
- Boarding is not listed as part of DIA's programmes; DIA operates as a day school (no boarding programme is provided in the admissions/fee materials).

Other fees and charges (mandatory and program‑specific extras)
- Information Technology (IT) fee (all grades): US$300 (applies to every grade to support IT resources).
- Study tour / certification tour fees (Grades 4–11): variable by grade; amounts are charged in addition to tuition and are billed with the first instalment (examples historically range by grade from a few hundred to around US$1,800 for older grades). Parents receive a breakdown before tours take place; balances may be reconciled at year end.
- IB programme fee (where applicable): a programme fee is charged to support IB implementation, moderation and examination costs; amounts vary by grade (this fee appears as a separate line item in the school's fee plan).
- Maintenance fee (facilities): US$150 per year (separate line item).
- Canteen / lunch program: canteen services are available via an outsourced vendor; participation in the Canteen Lunch Program is billed separately.
- Sibling / multiple‑child arrangements: the registration fee for additional siblings at admission is lower (see registration amounts above); the school's payment plans have historically included a tuition reduction for additional children (for example, an historical reference shows a 10% reduction on tuition for each child after the first in some published fee plans).
- Incidental charges: exam fees, optional activities, specialist course costs, supplies, and specific trip or field‑study supplements may be invoiced in addition to the fees listed above.

Uniform and compulsory items
- Uniform: wearing the school uniform is mandatory. The admissions materials list uniform as a requirement; uniform items and costs are handled through the school's uniform guidance (uniform cost is treated as an additional, separate expense).

Refunds and non‑refundable items
- Application fee: non‑refundable. Registration fee: non‑refundable. Re‑enrolment fee: non‑refundable but deductible from the first tuition payment. These fees are explicitly identified as non‑refundable in the school's admissions fee overview.

Accepted payment methods and practical notes
- Payment methods historically used for DIA tuition include international bank transfer, local bank deposit/direct deposit and local cheque; the school advises parents about bank details for international transfers and requests that bank transfer charges be covered so the full tuition amount is received. The school also encourages payment in Tanzanian Shillings and maintains a finance contact for exchange‑rate guidance.

Summary
- The amounts listed above are the standard fee lines presented in the school's published fee schedule and tuition/payment plan documents for the relevant published cycle, and the school offers annual, two‑instalment and three‑instalment billing options (with administrative/instalment charges on split plans). For admissions and fee account queries contact the school finance or admissions office using the school contact details on the school's admissions materials.
Academics

Dar es Salaam International Academy teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 5 to 18.

Curriculum
An International Baccalaureate continuum is offered, comprising the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Kindergarten to Grade 5, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6–10, and the Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11–12. The school is an International Baccalaureate World School.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates have gone on to study at universities including Hult International Business School and the University of Cape Town.

Gifted and Talented
Exceptional Learners Department exists to support diverse learners.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school has a compassionate community that encourages authentic and constructive communication and regular reflection. The school provides a personalised learning space that fosters a positive learning culture where students feel supported, respected, and valued. The school promotes a global perspective by celebrating diversity and creating an environment of open-mindedness, inclusion, and equality.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Exceptional Learners Department promotes inclusion. Learning Support is provided on a case-by-case basis and can accommodate mild to severe learning needs. English Language Learning support is available; the language of instruction is English. Counseling is offered, with social-emotional needs considered on a case-by-case basis. Paraprofessionals are provided when needed to shadow the student, arranged by families; paraprofessionals are employed by families and supervised by the Head of Student Services. The department develops and implements Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Up-to-date psychometric assessments and existing IEPs may be required.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The language of instruction is English. English Language Learning support is provided through the Exceptional Learners Department.

Mental Wellbeing
Counseling is available, with social-emotional needs addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Safeguarding
Safety & Well Being is a guiding commitment at DIA.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 2003 to offer an international education to local and expatriate residents, DIA began with four students and a small teaching team. Over the past twenty years, it has earned international accreditations from the International Baccalaureate, the Council of International Schools, and the Middle States Association. DIA offers three IB programmes: Middle Years Programme accreditation in 2009, Primary Years Programme in 2014, and Diploma Programme in 2017, with CIS and MSA accreditation since 2021. The pioneering graduating class marked DIA's first graduation in 2019, and in 2023 the school celebrated 20 years of “school. home. community.”

Community
DIA presents a Stronger Together: a DIA Community that brings together dedicated educators and staff, eager students, and engaged parents/guardians. Committed Educators reflect, model, and share best practices to bolster student achievement and the ongoing development of the curriculum. Parent Engagement is a crucial component of a child's holistic growth, fostering a strong school–home connection and support beyond the classroom. The Alumni Perspectives highlight a thriving network of graduates who have pursued higher education and professional careers.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Campus facilities include three science laboratories for hands-on experiments and three computer laboratories to integrate technology into daily learning. A multi-purpose court, a field, and a 25-meter swimming pool support the Physical & Health Education program and after-school activities. The Music room supports music theory and practical learning, while the Performing Arts and two Visual Arts rooms provide spaces for creative expression. The Library houses a range of resources, catalogued in DIA's Online Public Access System. General classrooms offer spaces with ample natural light, ventilation, and teaching technology.

Sports Facilities
DIA has a 25-meter swimming pool that supports swimming in the timetable and after-school activities. It also features a multi-purpose court and a field for team sports and Physical & Health Education.

Academic Facilities
DIA has three science laboratories for hands-on experiments and three computer laboratories for technology-enabled learning. The Library provides resources catalogued in DIA's Online Public Access System. Visual arts are supported by two dedicated visual arts rooms, and general classrooms offer ample natural light, ventilation, and integrated teaching technology.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Beyond the classroom, DIA offers afterschool activities that cultivate skills and talents. Activities include Arts—visual arts, drama, music and dance; Athletics—basketball, swimming, football, tennis, taekwondo, and volleyball; STEM—coding, robotics and related experiments; and Academics—writing, reading, and world languages.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Academics: Expanding students' knowledge and fueling their passion for learning through writing, reading, and world languages.

Arts & Creative
Arts: Unleashing students' inner artists through visual arts, drama, music, and dance opportunities.

Cultural & Language
World languages are included in academic offerings.

Social & Hobbies
Afterschool activities provide opportunities to explore interests, develop skills, and foster social connections beyond the classroom. DIA's afterschool program is tailored to nurture a wide range of interests.

Community & Service
Service Learning: Service learning is an educational approach that combines learning objectives with community service. DIA partners with local and global organisations, providing students with opportunities for meaningful community engagement. The PYP actions include Participation, Advocacy, Social Justice, Social Entrepreneurship, and Lifestyle Choices. In the MYP and DP, service and action are integrated through Service as Action and CAS.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Athletics: From basketball, swimming, and football to tennis, taekwondo, and volleyball. DIA's Physical & Health Education program supports a broad range of sports. Health & Wellness: DIA provides healthy eating, two qualified nurses on campus, regular first aid training, and an annually reviewed emergency preparedness plan.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction. English Language Learning support is provided through the Exceptional Learners Department.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Begin your DIA application by completing the DIA application form. The application form does not autosave, and all required sections must be completed to submit. The form includes fields such as Date of application and Expected Date of Enrollment and offers Kindergarten through Grade 12. 2. Submit the required supporting documents: School Report Cards for two academic years (most recent included); Confidential Reports for KG applicants and for Grades 1–12 completed by the current school; any psychometric/special education reports if applicable; all documents must be submitted in English or officially translated; vaccination records must be provided. 3. After review of the Admissions Package and Admission Policy, ensure all sections of the form are fully completed, then sign the Terms and Conditions for accepting a place at DIA.

Scholarships
2026/27 Scholarship and Bursary Program. The IB Diploma Scholarship and Bursary Program is open for applications. Applications and all required documents must be submitted by March 31.
School Events
The school has not added events
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