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American Cooperative School of Tunis

Tunisia, Tunis

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees TND 7,934 - 26,700
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 580
Type Co-educational
Opened 1959
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, IB (DP)
Taught languages French, Arabic, German
Typical class size 16
Strengths Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

ACST is a private, independent K–12 school in Tunis that combines an American curriculum with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for grades 11–12. Serving students from age 3 to 18, ACST follows a standards-based curriculum grounded in American education, with the K–10 program aligned to benchmarked standards and the DP Core: Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Activity and Service, and the Extended Essay. The UbD framework guides daily targets and diverse assessments, including projects, products and performances. Languages offered include English, Arabic, French and German, and Tunisian Studies Trips enrich the local context. The 65-year-old school sits on a Laouina campus with five academic buildings, two gymnasiums, a 25-meter pool accessed through a U.S. Embassy partnership, a 450-seat theater, learning centers with libraries and media labs, and specialized design technology spaces. ACST offers Learning Support, Counseling, Athletics, and an after-school program, plus clubs like MUN, Robotics, drama, and service learning opportunities.

The Essentials

American Cooperative School of Tunis has 580 pupils, typical class sizes of 16, instruction in English.

Location
Laouina, Tunis, Tunisia (BP 150 Cite Taeib M'hiri, 2045)

Stages
Elementary School; Middle School; High School

Type
Private, independent school

Pupil Nationality Mix
ACST represents a global community of cultures and languages. Families come from embassies, diplomatic missions, international businesses, and NGOs. The Elementary School has more than 200 students from about 40 countries.

Additional learning support
English as an Additional Language (EAL); Learning Support; Counseling; Full-time Educational Psychologist

Country affiliation
United States; Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools in the United States

School day structure
Pre-School 8:00–3:00 (full day) or 8:00–12:00 (half-day); Elementary & Secondary 8:00–3:00; After-School Activities 3:00–4:00; Secondary Athletics 4:00–5:30

Bus service
ACST offers a bus service with 15 routes and more than 140 stops; registration by August 10; service starts on the first day of school; transportation@acst.net
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are required. PE uniforms are sold throughout the year, and students will be required to buy the uniform.

Food Options
The cafeteria menu is updated weekly and published every Friday for the upcoming week. Elementary students have hot lunch and salad options daily; secondary students can choose from hot lunch or a salad bar, with an all-day snack bar available. A coffee and snack shop near the parent entrance serves beverages and light items.

Governance and Ownership
ACST is a private, independent school governed by a Board of Governors. The Board has nine members elected by the ACST Association; five must be U.S. citizens, and there are two non-voting members: a teacher's representative and a representative appointed by the U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia. The Board hires the Superintendent and oversees fiscal management, leadership, policy development, and mission fulfillment.
Fees

Annual tuition at American Cooperative School of Tunis ranges from TND 7,934 to TND 26,700 for 2026/27.

Application & Enrollment Fees
- Application fee (new applicants only, one-time): USD 200.
- Registration fee for new enrollment (Grades K–12, one-time): USD 6,000. Maximum registration fee per family: USD 12,000.
- Deposit for incidentals (refundable when family leaves, replenished if balance falls below USD 50 at start of the following academic year): USD 250.

Tuition fees (2025–2026) — annual and per-term detail
- Tuition is charged in US dollars and is non-refundable. Annual tuition by program/grade level:
- Pre-Kindergarten 1 — Half Day: USD 7,366. Per-term amounts under the standard semester schedule: First semester payment = 55% (USD 4,051.30); Second semester payment = 50% (USD 3,683.00).
- Pre-Kindergarten 1 & 2 — Full Day: USD 12,270. Per-term: First semester = 55% (USD 6,748.50); Second semester = 50% (USD 6,135.00).
- Elementary School (Kindergarten–Grade 5): USD 23,478. Per-term: First semester = 55% (USD 12,912.90); Second semester = 50% (USD 11,739.00).
- Middle School (Grades 6–8): USD 24,952. Per-term: First semester = 55% (USD 13,723.60); Second semester = 50% (USD 12,476.00).
- High School (Grades 9–12): USD 26,240. Per-term: First semester = 55% (USD 14,432.00); Second semester = 50% (USD 13,120.00).
- Capital fee (Grades K–12): USD 1,150 (charged in addition to tuition).
- Reservation (re-enrollment) fee for returning students (payable in May each year): USD 500 per student.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition is due prior to the start of the school year. The Board sets school fees annually in April.
- Standard installment option (semester payments): First semester payment (including registration fee, capital fee and incidentals deposit when applicable) is 55% of the tuition and is due on July 31. Second semester payment is 50% of the tuition and is due one week before the second semester starts.
- Mid-year enrollment: Tuition is prorated based on the enrollment date; other fees (registration, capital fee, incidentals) apply in full. For students who join after the school year has started, the second semester payment is specified as 55% of the tuition.
- New families must pay application, registration, incidentals deposit and applicable tuition and capital fees in accordance with the schedule above; returning families pay tuition, capital fees and the reservation fee.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable; no boarding fees are charged.

Additional costs and optional fees
- Lunch: Lunch for Elementary and Middle School may be charged with tuition or invoiced separately on request. No refunds are given for unconsumed lunches.
- Transportation (per child): Full-time/full-year (morning pick-up AND afternoon drop-off) USD 1,600; Full-time/half-year USD 850; Half-time/full-year (morning OR afternoon only) USD 850. Athletic late bus (5:40 p.m.) for students not enrolled in afternoon service: USD 150 per season.
- Other possible charges: Fees may be charged for international trips (e.g., Model United Nations, competitions, athletics travel) and for specialized extracurricular programs requiring travel or accommodations.
- Uniforms and school supplies: Families should budget separately for uniforms, personal school supplies and incidental personal expenses; these are not itemized in the standard fee schedule above.

Refund information
- Most fees are non-refundable, including tuition and registration. The incidentals deposit is refundable when the family leaves, provided there are no outstanding charges.

Fee payment options
- Accepted payment methods: Bank transfer in USD; bank transfer in TND; USD checks; TND checks; local cards; international cards; cash in TND at the school cashier (cash payments limited to a maximum of 3,000 TND).

Financial aid
- A limited financial aid budget is available for families with exceptional, unexpected need. Typical awards are between 5–10% of the overall invoice and aid may be granted for a maximum of three years. Financial aid applications require submission of financial records and are reviewed in May, September and December.
Academics

American Cooperative School of Tunis teaches American Curriculum, IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
ACST follows a comprehensive K-12 standards-based curriculum grounded in American educational standards. The K-10 curriculum is aligned to internationally benchmarked standards, while grades 11-12 engage the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The curriculum is designed using the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework, with daily learning targets and varied assessment formats including projects, products, and performances. Subject areas across the program include K-12 English/Language Arts; K-12 Mathematics; K-12 Science; K-12 Social Studies; K-12 World Languages; K-12 Visual, Media and Performing Arts; K-12 Physical Education and Health/Wellness; and K-12 Social-Emotional Learning. The school also provides Learning Support and Counseling services to support student growth, and includes Tunisian Studies Trips as part of the curriculum.

Student Teacher Ratio
Average class size from Grade 1 to 12 is 16 students.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
School counselors work with students to address and support their social and emotional needs. A full-time school psychologist supports the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of all students. Student Support Services include English as an Additional Language (EAL), Learning Support, Counseling, and a full-time Educational Psychologist. These departments collaborate with homeroom and content-area teachers to reinforce the curriculum and differentiated instruction while supporting students' well-being. ACST fosters a diverse and inclusive community that supports social and emotional growth for every student.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning Support is for students who demonstrate a need for additional support in order to be successful with their core academic subjects. ACST values inclusion, diversity, and equity and access for all students. The Student Support Services team collaborates with families and teachers to tailor supports for each learner.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The EAL department provides English language support for multilingual learners whose home language(s) is/are not English. EAL is part of ACST's Student Support Services, which also include Learning Support, Counseling, and the full-time Educational Psychologist.

Mental Wellbeing
School counselors address and support students' social and emotional needs. A full-time school psychologist supports the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of all students. The Student Support Services team includes EAL, Learning Support, Counseling, and the full-time psychologist. All four departments collaborate with teachers to promote well-being and differentiated instruction. The program aims to help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally within a diverse and inclusive community.

Safeguarding
ACST is committed to safeguarding all children by ensuring they are protected from harm, abuse, and neglect. Safe Recruitment includes background checks and regular child protection training for staff. Our Common Agreement and the Conduct with Children provide safeguarding guidelines and require annual signing by faculty, staff, employees, and volunteers. ACST's Child and Youth Protection Policy aligns with international law and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (Articles 19 and 34). Staff and any adult associated with ACST are mandated to report incidents or suspicions of harm, and the policy emphasizes speaking up. The Child Protection Team includes school counselors, the school nurse and doctor, the school psychologist, principals, the safety and security manager, and the superintendent, who coordinate responses and liaise with external agencies as needed. Education and Training include age-appropriate lessons, parent materials, and annual faculty training.
Parent Experience

History
ACST has been opening doors, hearts, and minds for international and Tunisian students for 65 years. It began as a small school for American Embassy children housed in a villa in Carthage. It is now located in Laouina, a suburb of Tunis, on a campus with facilities including five main academic buildings, two gymnasiums, a fitness center, a pool, a theater, libraries and labs. Founding and Early Years (1959–1960) and expansion through the 2000s are documented in ACST's history.

Community
ACST's community is a global tapestry of cultures and languages, with families from embassies, diplomatic missions, international businesses, and NGOs. The school hosts a diverse program of activities through an Event Calendar that engages students, parents, and staff. Key events include the PTO Ice Cream Social, International Day, Halloween celebrations, concerts and art shows, and Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences, as well as Field Day. International Day is the school's largest event, featuring food from many regions, cultural activities, and a flag parade. ACST emphasizes after-school activities and clubs as part of its campus life.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The ACST PTO welcomes every parent and teacher as a member and coordinates to build a welcoming and inclusive school community, support the school's goals, and facilitate communication. PTO members can attend meetings and actively participate in shaping our school community through volunteer service, fundraising, and by providing enhanced educational opportunities for students. The PTO highlights the benefits of involvement, including making a difference, connecting with others, and enriching the school experience. Recent examples of PTO activities include the PTO Ice Cream Social, Wellness Event, and Iftar Dinner. For inquiries, contact PTO at pto@acst.net. Falcon Parent Council is also listed under ACST's Community section.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
ACST sits in Laouina on a campus that comprises five main academic buildings, two gymnasiums, a fitness center, a large field, an outdoor court, a track, two playgrounds, and a cafeteria. We have access to a 25-meter indoor/outdoor pool. The campus includes a 450-seat theater, music and art studios, two learning centers (each with a library and a media lab), a design technology space, and a large meeting/exam room. Science classrooms include physics, chemistry, and biology labs.

Sports Facilities
ACST features two indoor gymnasiums: a large gym for the Secondary School and a smaller gym for the Elementary School. Falcon Field is FIFA-Quality accredited turf installed in 2023 for soccer matches and after-school programs. An outdoor court is being upgraded in the summer of 2025 with high-performance tiles for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball. The swimming pool is a six-lane, 25-meter facility accessible through a U.S. Embassy partnership, supporting PE, Learn-to-Swim, and the Swim Team. A weight room and locker rooms support fitness and PE, with the locker rooms recently renovated.

Academic Facilities
ACST consists of five main academic buildings. Two learning centers each contain a library and a media lab. A 450-seat theater, along with music and art studios, supports the arts program. A design technology space enables hands-on projects and practical learning. Science classrooms include physics, chemistry, and biology labs.

Extra Curricular Facilities
After School Activities run in all divisions and occur in three 10-12 week sessions: Fall, Winter, and Spring. ASAs take place from 3:00-4:00 pm with transportation services available after ASA time. ASAs are a mix of academic, athletic, artistic, and recreational activities. Popular ASAs include Robotics, Debate, Foreign Languages, Homework Club, Conservation, Service Learning, Badminton, Basketball, Soccer, Tennis, Swimming, Volleyball, Arts & Crafts, Dance, Drama, Music, and Pottery. Activity Teams include Model United Nations and Robotics.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
ACST is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and is authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for grades 11–12. The DP at ACST includes six subject groups and the Diploma Core: Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Activity, and Service, and Extended Essay. DP courses cover Language & Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals & Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts. Over the last five years ACST has achieved a 91% DP pass rate, and 71% of the Class of 2024 earned the bilingual IB Diploma.

Arts & Creative
Arts programs at ACST cultivate collaboration, performance, and self-expression beyond the classroom. ACST offers High School and Middle School Drama Productions, Music Concerts and Art Shows, the IB Art Show, the Yearbook Class, and Design Technology. ACST participates in AMIS, connecting student musicians with international festivals and peers from around the world. The arts program emphasizes creative engagement as part of the student experience.

Cultural & Language
ACST is the first English-speaking international school in Tunis. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme with six subject groups, including Language & Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals & Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts. Language offerings include English A Language & Literature, Arabic A Language & Literature, French A Language & Literature, and German A Language & Literature; Language Acquisition includes French Ab Initio, French B, and Arabic B. The multicultural, multilingual environment fosters empathy and global citizenship.

Social & Hobbies
ACST offers a diverse array of after-school activities, clubs, and organizations designed to enrich student experiences, including Athletics and After School Activities. Model United Nations (MUN) is a listed activity, and ACST hosts the ACST MUN II Conference. Campus Life also includes arts activities and other student-led initiatives to foster social engagement and personal growth.

Community & Service
Creativity, Activity, and Service form the DP Core, encouraging students to pursue creative, physical, and service-oriented experiences that promote personal growth, leadership, and social responsibility. Students design and engage in meaningful activities in Tunis or beyond to contribute to their communities. This DP Core element is central to ACST's approach to holistic education.

Leadership & Professional
Model United Nations (MUN) provides leadership, public speaking, and collaborative skills, and ACST hosts MUN events such as the ACST MUN II Conference. Family and school leadership opportunities are supported by the PTO and Falcon Parent Council, which involve parents in school life. ACST communities also benefit from a globally diverse faculty and leadership team guiding the program.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
ACST prioritizes well-being through Athletics and a robust after-school activities program, supported by modern facilities including two gymnasiums, a track and grass field, and a shared swimming pool with the U.S. Embassy. The school emphasizes physical education, music, art, service learning, health and wellness as part of a well-rounded education. The campus also features spaces like a 450-seat theater to support performance and student life.
Languages

Language Provision
The school teaches French, Arabic and German as world languages. From an early age, learners are given opportunities to build proficiency in French, Arabic or German. Using ACTFL Can-Do Statements for our non-native students and the Common Core ELA Standards for proficient students, our proficiency-based world languages curriculum aims to build communicative abilities for all students. Secondary students can become proficient in Arabic or French as an additional World Language and may take DP Language B courses (SL or HL) or a DP ab initio course in French or Arabic; proficient French or German speakers may take DP Language and Literature in their native language.
Reputation

Awards
null

Accreditations
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools in the United States; International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). The IB Diploma Programme is used in grades 11–12 to prepare graduates for continuing education.
Admissions

Admissions
New Student Admission Step By Step. Step 1: Collect documents to upload. PK1 and PK2 require a copy of the student's passport, copies of each parent's passport, student and parent passport‑size photos, the Student Medical Form (French version available), the immunization record, and an ACST Confidential Reference Form. Kindergarten through Grade 12 require the same documents plus Previous School Records/Transcripts/Test Reports and any applicable translations if records are not in English, French, or Arabic, as well as standardized achievement test scores; a non‑refundable $200 application fee applies. Step 2: Online application. Create an account, complete the online application, upload documentation, and review the submission; ensure all required fields are filled, and note that falsifying or omitting information may disqualify acceptance. Step 3: Acceptance & Grade Placement. Elementary placements follow the child's age as of September 1; prior school records, academic ability, social development, and placement tests are taken into account; candidates may be scheduled for on‑site admissions tests in reading, language, and math; students from accredited American or comparable international schools may be admitted provisionally, with further testing for EAL or Academic Support as needed. Waitlist: As a grade reaches optimal capacity, a waiting list will be established and the waitlist procedure will go into effect. Step 4: Enrollment in ACST. Before attendance begins, parents sign an acceptance letter and a Parent Partnership Agreement (English, French, Arabic), and submit financial documents; original documents are returned to Admissions and an invoice is issued. The start‑date requirements include the Student Medical Form, World language form (Elementary School Only), and financial documents; a supply list and technology requirements are provided; ACST has an open admissions policy.

Waitlist
As a grade reaches optimal capacity, a waiting list will be established and the school's waitlist procedure will go into effect.
School Events
The school has not added events
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