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Ashgabat International School

Turkmenistan, Ashgabat

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees TMT 111 - 23,900
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 283
Type Co-educational
Opened 1994
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages French, German, Russian
Typical class size 5
Strengths STEM, Languages, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Kindergarten
Introduction

Ashgabat International School (AIS) is a private, nonprofit, coeducational international school serving ages 2–18. It provides English-language instruction within an American-style international framework. AIS follows a Mastery Learning model via the QSI Curriculum, organized into 10 instructional units with The Student Will Statements, and core areas of Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science and Cultural Studies, plus Art, Library Skills, Music, Physical Education and Technology. After mastering English, students may study additional languages; Russian, Spanish and French are offered. AIS is a testing center for MAP, PSAT, SAT, GRE, TOEFL and AP courses, with MAP Growth assessments used in fall and spring to measure progress. The campus near U.S. Embassy features a library, equipped classrooms, five Computer Labs/Smart Hubs, a cafetorium, spaces for music, art and fitness, and outdoor fields plus a gym. The school runs Summer Camps, Saturday School, and events such as Science Fairs, Talent Shows, Language Nights, Literacy Weeks.

Berzengi, Atatürk köçesi, Aşgabat, Turkmenistan

The Essentials

Ashgabat International School has 283 pupils, typical class sizes of 5, instruction in English.

Location
Berzengi, Ataturk St., Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Stages
Pre-K through Secondary IV (Pre-K through 12)

Type
Private, nonprofit international school; coeducational; college-preparatory; English-language instruction; American-style international curriculum

Pupil Nationality Mix
Students from over 29 nationalities

Additional learning support
Intensive English language support for non-native English speakers; intensive English classes offered for up to two years

Country affiliation
Affiliated with the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools (AOS)
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school does not have a uniform or dress code; students wear appropriate clothing.

Food Options
The cafeteria offers English and Russian options; a Lunch Program is available.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a member of Quality Schools International (QSI) and is a private, non-profit, coeducational, college-preparatory institution.
Fees

Annual tuition at Ashgabat International School ranges from TMT 111 to TMT 23,900 for 2026/27.

Application fee
- One-time non-refundable application (registration) fee: US $300.

Capital Fund fee
- Annual Capital Fund fee for students aged 5 years and older: US $1,600. This fee may be paid in full or divided across terms. No Capital Fund fee is required for Turkmen (host‑country) families.

Tuition fees — 5 year‑old class and above (per term and per year)
- Term 1: US $9,500.
- Term 2: US $7,200.
- Term 3: US $7,200.
- Total per year (sum of three terms): US $23,900.
- Late enrollment fee (5 year‑old class and above): US $2,400.

Tuition fees — 2, 3 & 4 year‑old classes (per term and per year; half‑day and full‑day options)
- Term 1: Half‑day US $3,000; Full‑day US $4,100.
- Term 2: Half‑day US $2,400; Full‑day US $3,100.
- Term 3: Half‑day US $2,400; Full‑day US $3,100.
- Total per year: Half‑day US $7,800; Full‑day US $10,300.
- Late enrollment fee (preschool 2–4 year‑olds): US $800.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition and the Capital Fund are presented on a three‑term billing basis (Term 1, Term 2, Term 3). The Capital Fund may be paid in full or divided across terms; specific due dates and penalty/discount rules are not published on the tuition page. Late‑enrolment fees are specified for both preschool and 5+ age groups.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable. Ashgabat International School operates as a day school.

Other costs and typical additional charges
- Exam / testing: the school is a certified SAT and TOEFL iBT testing center and the SAT registration fee is listed as US $111 (2025). Individual test registration fees apply and are charged separately.
- Late enrollment fees and the Capital Fund are additional to tuition (amounts shown above).
- The published tuition schedule does not itemize separate mandatory charges for uniforms, textbooks, school bus/transport, or boarding; those items are not listed on the public tuition page.

Refund and withdrawal information
- The tuition page does not publish a detailed refund or withdrawal schedule (specific refund percentages, deadlines, or administrative penalties are not listed on the tuition page). Refund or withdrawal terms are therefore not specified in the published tuition summary.
Academics

Ashgabat International School teaches Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
The school follows a Mastery Learning model. It offers a comprehensive Mastery Learning curriculum from age 2 through graduation. The QSI Curriculum embeds 21st Century skills and aligns with US standards, organized into 10 instructional units with The Student Will Statements. Core areas are Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Cultural Studies, with Art, Library Skills, Music, Physical Education and Technology also taught. If students have mastered English, they may study additional languages; Russian, Spanish and French are offered. AIS is a testing center for MAP, PSAT, SAT, GRE, TOEFL and AP Courses, with MAP Growth assessments used in fall and spring to measure progress.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school believes in meeting the academic, social, and emotional needs of students and offers many programs and student services. A team of teachers meets weekly to address and develop plans for students who might need support in the classroom. There is a virtual school counselor who can assist students with social and emotional needs. A virtual college counselor supports secondary students with college applications. The Intensive English Department assists students who are learning the English language.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
There is no stand-alone student support services teacher. A classroom support team meets weekly to address students' academic needs and to develop individualized plans. The team collaborates to support students with academic challenges. The school provides language support through the Intensive English Department for learners of English. The approach focuses on in-classroom strategies and teacher collaboration to support students.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Language of instruction is English. The Intensive English Department provides targeted support for students learning English. English language learners receive assistance to help them participate in academic work. The program aims to develop academic English proficiency. This support complements classroom instruction.

Mental Wellbeing
AIS supports mental wellbeing through a virtual school counselor who assists students with social and emotional needs. The school emphasizes meeting social and emotional needs as part of its student services. A virtual college counselor supports secondary students with college applications. Weekly teacher collaboration helps create supportive learning plans, contributing to a positive school climate. Health and safety measures, including drills, contribute to a sense of security and wellbeing on campus.

Safeguarding
Ashgabat International School commits to safeguarding and protecting the children in cooperation with local and international authorities. CEESA Safeguarding and Child Protection Statement is applied, prioritizing safeguarding across school environments. CEESA supports safeguarding through prevention and intervention and collaborates with international agencies to apply best practices. All CEESA schools uphold the CEESA Safeguarding and Child Protection Statement and implement school-based safeguarding policies and regular training. QSI Child Protection Statement emphasizes providing a safe and secure environment for all students, regardless of ethnic origin, beliefs, or culture. The school expects that all members of the school community follow the agreed child safety and protection plans.
Parent Experience

History
QSI Ashgabat International School opened in April 1994 with about 15 elementary students, diplomats' and businessmen's children. It grew rapidly and by the early years had over 250 students across grades. AIS was the only international school in the country for many years. To accommodate growth, a new building was constructed with bright classrooms, a library, a gym with up-to-date equipment, a running track, a soccer field, basketball and tennis courts, computer labs and a cafeteria. AIS also operates Summer Camps and a Saturday School for local children ages 5-17, and hosts events including International Food Day, Open Houses, Talent Shows, Fall Festivals, Literacy Weeks, Spelling Bees, Science Fairs, and student-led Success Orientation assemblies.

Community
Ashgabat International School emphasizes community life; the gym, library, and other AIS facilities are available to the community. The school offers many events and activities for all ages during the day, evenings and weekends. A yearly tradition is the Food Festival, which attracts about 2,000 participants from the local and international communities.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Ashgabat International School invites parents to join the Parent Support Group. The PSG meets once a month or as needed and supports the daily operations of the school community. Members volunteer in classes, provide activities for students, raise funds and bake sales, promote school spirit, assist with academic programs such as Reading Rewards, decorate and support all school functions and events, and provide support and community for parents abroad. To join, contact Dan Waterman, the School Director.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school has a purpose-built facility near the U.S. Embassy. The campus includes a large library, well-resourced classrooms, and five Computer Labs/Smart Hubs used for technology lessons and SAT/TOEFL/IELTS tests. A cafetorium provides healthy snacks and lunch options. Specialist spaces include music, art, and fitness rooms. Outdoor facilities include a soccer field, track, long jump, and a tennis court. The gymnasium supports basketball and volleyball, and there are separate playgrounds for early childhood and elementary.

Sports Facilities
Outdoor facilities include a soccer field, track, long jump, and a tennis court. The gymnasium supports basketball and volleyball, as well as events and games. There are separate playgrounds for early childhood and elementary students. The campus layout combines indoor and outdoor spaces to support physical education and recreational activities.

Academic Facilities
The school library has a big collection of books and magazines for students and teachers to check out. Classrooms are well-resourced and fully equipped. There are five Computer Labs/Smart Hubs used for technology lessons and SAT, TOEFL and IELTS tests, and AIS is the only ETS-certified school in Turkmenistan. Specials classrooms are fully equipped to offer lifelong enrichment and learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Music, art, and fitness rooms are available for extracurricular activities. Specials classrooms are fully equipped to offer enrichment and learning. Outdoor facilities such as the soccer field, track, and tennis court support after-school sports and activities. Separate playgrounds exist for early childhood and elementary students for recreation and clubs.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school hosts a Whole School Science Fair with projects ranging from robotics to astrophysics. Middle/Secondary Talent Show and Elementary Talent Show provide opportunities for students to showcase talents in performance. World Language Nights showcase language learning, and Literacy Week highlights reading and language skills with related activities. Elementary and Secondary Spelling Bees are part of the annual academic activities.

Arts & Creative
The Winter Music Program is held December 4–5. The Elementary Musical takes place April 10, and the Art & Music Extravaganza is scheduled for May 21–22. Beatnik Poetry Night and a variety of student showcases reflect the school's creative performances throughout the year.

Cultural & Language
World Language Nights are held January 29–30 to celebrate language learning, and Literacy Week runs January 26–30. Elementary and Secondary Spelling Bees occur January 30. Turkmen Day is celebrated as part of Turkmen culture, and the International Food Festival is held as part of cultural events (dates vary).

Social & Hobbies
Dance for Kindness takes place November 12, and Saturday Family Recreation occurs November 8. Fall Festival appears in October, and Prom takes place May 27. Field Days occur June 11–12, providing outdoor activities and team events.

Community & Service
The school has a Parent Support Group to engage families in the AIS community.

Leadership & Professional
The EMPOWER program provides a weekly class time focused on social-emotional learning and safety. It includes the Success Orientations and is designed to build leadership-related skills; Independent Endeavor and Group Interaction are among the concept strands. The Empower curriculum is implemented across elementary and secondary levels.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Afterschool Activities & Clubs Begin on September 1. Saturday Family Recreation runs on weekends, and Week Without Walls occurs April 15–17. Field Days take place June 11–12 as part of outdoor wellness activities.
Languages

Language Provision
The school teaches in English. Foreign languages are offered as part of the curriculum; Languages Other Than English appear in Elementary course offerings. For returning elementary students (ages 6–13), the foreign language options are French, German, and Russian. Intensive English is available for students needing language support, with smaller classes to accelerate proficiency, and Learning Support is provided as needed.
Reputation

Accreditations
Ashgabat International School is a private, non-profit, coeducational, college-preparatory institution and is part of Quality Schools International (QSI).
Admissions

Scholarships
Scholarships are available for Turkmen students, including current AIS students. The 2025–2026 scholarship timeline includes: application window April 7–18, 2025; tests April 21–23, 2025; scoring April 30, 2025; top 12 applicants interviewed May 5–6, 2025; recipients notified mid to late May 2025. Applications and the Scholarship Application form can be downloaded from AIS; scholarships are awarded by the Advisory Board based on academic excellence, financial need, and the applicant's potential to contribute to Turkmen people and culture as an adult. There are limited openings.
School Events
The school has not added events
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