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International School of Zanzibar

Tanzania, Zanzibar

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees TZS 2,925 - 16,410
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 200
Type Co-educational
Opened 1988
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, British Curriculum
Taught languages English, Swahili, French
Typical class size 20
Strengths MSA-CESS Accredited, Cambridge Examination Centre, Small School Community
Clubs Model United Nations, Young Scientists, Drama and Arts
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, High School
Introduction

The International School of Zanzibar (ISZ) is a non-profit international school serving students aged 2 to 18 on the island of Zanzibar, Tanzania. Founded in 1988, ISZ is accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA-CESS) and is a certified Cambridge Examination Centre. The school offers a Reggio Emilia-inspired early years programme, the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC), and Cambridge IGCSE and A Level qualifications.

The Essentials

International School of Zanzibar has 200 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location
Zanzibar Island, Tanzania. The school is situated in a unique island setting offering a distinctive lifestyle for families.

Stages
Playgroup (age 2-3), Nursery to Reception (age 3-5), Year 1 (age 5-6), Years 2-6 (Primary, age 6-11), Years 7-9 (Lower Secondary, age 12-14), Years 10-11 (IGCSE, age 14-16), Years 12-13 (A Levels, age 16-18).

Type
Private co-educational non-profit international day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
A diverse international student body with multiple nationalities represented.

Additional learning support
ISZ provides a structured three-tier learning support system: monitoring through differentiation, individualised accommodations via IEPs, and curriculum modifications for students with significant needs. A dedicated Student Services Team meets regularly to track progress.

Country affiliation
Tanzania. Member of AISA (Association of International Schools in Africa).

Religious affiliation
Non-denominational.

School day structure
School hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. After-school activities are available.

Bus service
Not detailed on the website. Contact the school for transport arrangements.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
ISZ is a day school and does not offer boarding.

Uniform Requirement
Not detailed on the website. Contact the school for uniform policy.

Food Options
Not publicly detailed. Contact the school for catering information.

House System
Not mentioned on the website.

Governance and Ownership
ISZ is a not-for-profit institution governed by a Board of Trustees comprising a minimum of five parent volunteers elected by members. The board operates through Finance and Facilities, Strategic Planning, and Marketing committees. Current Chair: Kumiko Miyazaki. The board delegates day-to-day operations to the Head of School.
Fees

Annual tuition at International School of Zanzibar ranges from TZS 2,925 to TZS 16,410 for 2026/27.

Annual tuition ranges from $2,925 USD (Playgroup) to $16,410 USD (Years 12-13). A $500 non-refundable registration fee applies. An annual Capital Levy of $600 (private) or $1,500 (corporate) is also charged. Family discounts available for three or more children.
Academics

International School of Zanzibar teaches Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, British Curriculum for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
ISZ delivers a Reggio Emilia-inspired Early Years programme, the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) for Years 2-6, the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) for Years 7-9, Cambridge IGCSE for Years 10-11, and Cambridge AS/A Levels for Years 12-13. Core subjects include English, mathematics, science, history, geography, IT, Swahili, French, music, PE, and swimming.

Student Teacher Ratio
Approximately 1:1, reflecting the school's small, personalised learning environment.

Exam Results
Cambridge IGCSE and A Level results are published on the school website. The school is a National English Honor Society (NEHS) member, reflecting strong English academic outcomes.

Higher Education Progression
Dedicated university counselling is available for secondary students. ISZ partners with Unifrog for application support and EduKwanza for global university exploration. Students complete Cambridge A Levels for international university entry.

Gifted and Talented
Not specifically detailed. The school's small class sizes enable personalised attention for all learners.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Student Services Team meets regularly to track student progress and develop tailored intervention plans, supporting social and emotional development.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
ISZ provides a structured three-tier support system: monitoring through differentiation, individualised accommodations via IEPs (Individualised Education Plans), and curriculum modifications for students with significant needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
ELL support is provided to students lacking academic English proficiency, delivered in class or in small group interventions. Students are assessed during admissions for language support needs.

Mental Wellbeing
The school promotes multicultural coexistence and provides regular student progress tracking through its Student Services Team.

Safeguarding
Not specifically detailed on the website. The school's MSA-CESS accreditation includes safeguarding standards.
Parent Experience

History
The International School of Zanzibar was founded in 1988 and has been serving the island's international community for nearly four decades. It achieved MSA-CESS accreditation in 2022.

Community
ISZ fosters a close-knit, multicultural community on Zanzibar Island. The school organises mainland Tanzania and international school trips, community events, and provides parent resources. A referral rebate programme (10% of new student's tuition) encourages community growth.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Parent resources are available through the school website. Parents can contribute to after-school activities by sharing their interests and talents.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
ISZ is situated on a dedicated campus in Zanzibar with purpose-built learning environments for Early Years, Primary, and Secondary students.

Sports Facilities
The school has a swimming pool and sports facilities for physical education and after-school sports programmes.

Academic Facilities
Dedicated classrooms and learning spaces for each school division, with IT resources and specialist teaching areas.

Extra Curricular Facilities
After-school activities include Model United Nations, Girl Up, Student Council, Drama, Arts and Crafts, Music (piano and drums), Young Scientists, Chess, Swimming, and various sports. Activities change each term to ensure variety.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Model United Nations, Young Scientists club (ages 7-13), and Chess club provide academic enrichment opportunities.

Arts & Creative
Drama, Arts and Crafts, and Music programmes (piano and drums) are offered as after-school activities.

Cultural & Language
Students learn Swahili and French alongside English. The school organises mainland Tanzania and international school trips, fostering cultural awareness in a unique island setting.

Social & Hobbies
Student Council, Chess club, and various rotating activities provide social engagement opportunities each term.

Community & Service
Girl Up club promotes community service and gender equality. The school's motto "Nurture. Empower. Lead" reflects its commitment to developing socially responsible students.

Leadership & Professional
Student Council and Model United Nations develop leadership, public speaking, and diplomacy skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Swimming and sports programmes support physical wellbeing. The unique Zanzibar island setting offers a distinctive lifestyle experience.
Languages

Language Provision
English (language of instruction), Swahili, and French are taught. English Language Learner (ELL) support is available for students who need help developing academic English proficiency.

Bilingual Teaching
English is the primary language of instruction. Swahili and French are taught as additional languages throughout the school.

Immersion Programs
Students experience Swahili language and culture as part of daily life on Zanzibar, providing natural cultural immersion.
Reputation

Awards
Not publicly listed. The school's MSA-CESS accreditation represents a significant quality benchmark.

Accreditations
Accredited by MSA-CESS (Middle States Association - Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools, achieved in 2022). Certified Cambridge Examination/Testing Centre. Member of AISA (Association of International Schools in Africa). Member of NEHS (National English Honor Society).
Admissions

Admissions
Applications are accepted for Playgroup (age 2) through Year 13 (age 18). A $500 non-refundable registration fee is required. Admissions assessments evaluate English proficiency and learning support needs on a case-by-case basis. Campus visits can be arranged.

Scholarships
A scholarships page is available on the school website. Contact the school for current scholarship opportunities and eligibility criteria.

Waitlist
Not specifically mentioned. Contact admissions@isz.co.tz for availability.
School Events
The school has not added events
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