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Acacia International School

Uganda, Kampala

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees UGX 26,925,798 - 46,986,683
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 280
Type Co-educational
Opened 2012
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge IGCSE
Taught languages English, French
Typical class size 22
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Acacia International School is a Christian international day school in Kampala serving students aged 3 to 18. The curriculum blends a bespoke program with the American curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and Advanced Placement, culminating in an American High School Diploma with AP for Grades 11–12. In the Primary years (Kindergarten–Grade 8), students follow the Core Knowledge scope and sequence within a Classical US-based framework, studying world history via Story of the World and mathematics with Singapore Math. In Grades 9–10, students prepare for Cambridge IGCSEs with Bible, Physical Education and a Service Project component. In Grades 11–12, the school delivers an American pathway with AP courses. The school is accredited by ACSI and MSA and emphasises weekly chapels and Bible instruction. Since opening in 2012, Acacia has expanded to the Lakeside Campus, a 44-acre site featuring modern classrooms, science laboratories, high school spaces, arts, music and creative studios, sports facilities, chapel spaces, and community areas, supported by a USD 12 million capital campaign. Recent results include a 100% IGCSE pass rate and 90% of AP exams scoring 3 or higher, with several AP Scholars and International Diploma recipients. The school serves a diverse, 31-nation community and provides English language support for learners in Grades 6–12.

The Essentials

Acacia International School has 280 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.

Location

Located in Kampala, Uganda. The main address is Plot 1222 Zzimwe Road, Kampala, Uganda. The school serves students from Early Years through High School, with a Lakeside Campus development underway to expand facilities.

Stages

Levels include Early Years (ages 3–5); Elementary (K5–Grade 5); Middle School (Grades 6–8); High School (Grades 9–12).

Type

The school is a Christian international day school.

Additional learning support

Limited support for mild special educational needs; assessed case-by-case with probationary enrollment and an independent assessment; parents billed for the consultant. English language support is available and provided where appropriate.

Religious affiliation

Christian

Bus service

There is no school bus service; independent bus companies serve some students and some families carpool.
Fees

Annual tuition at Acacia International School ranges from UGX 26,925,798 to UGX 46,986,683 for 2026/27.

Application & Admissions Fees

- Admissions assessment (English & Mathematics): USD 50 (payable before the assessment).
- WIDA MODEL online English proficiency assessment (Grades 6–12, English language learners): USD 40.
- Admissions fee: a non-specified Admissions Fee must be paid within two weeks of an offer to secure a place; payment of this fee confirms the student's place. (Exact Admissions Fee amount is listed in the school's full fee schedule.)

Tuition fees (overview by year / term)

- Annual fee range (published): USD 6,000–USD 13,000 per year (this is the published annual range for the 2025–2026 fee materials). The school describes its fees as all-inclusive (see list of included items below).
- Detailed, grade-by-grade fee amounts and per-term figures are published in the school's formal fee schedule documents. Those fee-schedule documents contain the full breakdown by year group and by term. The school's published 2025–2026 fee schedule is the most recent detailed schedule available.

What the annual tuition covers (all-inclusive items)

- Field trips, textbooks, stationery, and sports coaching for the International Schools Association of Kampala (ISSAK) league are included in the tuition. For students in Grades 10–12, external examination entry charges are included in the tuition.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Annual payment: The school notes that families can save money by paying annually.
- Admissions fee: must be paid within two weeks of an offer to secure the place.
- Receipting: bank deposit slips must be brought to the finance office so receipts can be issued and parent accounts updated.
- The formal fee schedule documents provide the school's standard billing instalment options and any deadlines (per-term due dates and late-payment conditions). See the school's fee schedule for exact instalment dates and any discounts or penalties.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not available at present. The school is in the process of developing a Lakeside campus that will include boarding facilities; therefore, there are no current boarding fees.

Other costs or fees

- Uniforms, lunches, and after-school-club charges are billed separately; cash is accepted at the finance office for these smaller payments. Exact uniform and meal prices are set out in the full fee schedule and the school's shop/finance notices.
- Special-needs assessment: when an independent special-needs assessment is required, the parents are billed for the cost of that consultant.
- Third-child discount: a 30% discount applies for a third child in the same family.
- Bursary program: the school operates a limited bursary program for gifted students enrolling in Grades 9 and 10; eligibility and the value of bursaries vary.

Refund information

- The public admissions and fee-overview material does not list a detailed refund policy in the summary information. The school's full fee schedule provides the specific refund, withdrawal, and cancellation terms (including any forfeiture of the Admissions Fee or terms for pro-rated refunds). Consult the school's formal fee schedule or the finance office for precise refund rules and any applicable deadlines.

Fee payment options (accepted methods and bank details)

- Bank deposit (US$ only). Deposit slips must be brought to the finance office for a receipt. Account name: Acacia Education Services Limited; Bank: Stanbic; Account Number: 9030015341377; Branch: Forest Mall, Kampala.
- Check: accepted in US$ or UGX (make payable to Acacia Education Services).
- Wire transfer (US$ only): Stanbic Bank Ltd; Swift: SBICUGKX; Sort Code: 040147; Account Name: Acacia Education Services Ltd; Dollar Account Number: 9030015341377.
- Cash: accepted only at the finance office for smaller items (e.g., after-school clubs, uniforms, lunches). Tuition payments should be made at Stanbic Bank as per the school's instructions.

Summary of what I located and what remains to be extracted

- Located and confirmed: admissions-assessment fees (USD 50; WIDA MODEL USD 40), published annual fee range (USD 6,000–USD 13,000 for the 2025–2026 materials), which items are included in tuition, the lack of current boarding, the third-child discount (30%), bursary availability for Grades 9–10, accepted payment methods, and bank account details.
- Remaining detail required by your brief that is contained in the school's formal fee schedule but was not extractable in this summary: the full, grade-by-grade tuition figures (showing per-term and per-year amounts for each specific year group), the precise Admissions Fee amount, the explicit per-item charges for uniforms/meals if any, and the school's detailed refund/cancellation timetable and penalties. Those items are published in the school's formal fee schedule documents for 2025–2026.

Contact for finance queries: finance@acaciaschool.org (use this address for precise per-grade figures, admissions fee amount, the current academic-year fee schedule, and full refund terms).
Academics

Acacia International School teaches Bespoke Curriculum, American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge IGCSE for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

Kindergarten to Grade 8 follows the Core Knowledge scope and sequence in most subjects. This is a Classical curriculum developed in the United States for a diverse, international classroom. World history is studied through Story of the World, and Mathematics follows Singapore Math. In Grades 9–10, students prepare for Cambridge IGCSEs, with Bible, Physical Education and a Service Project component. In Grades 11–12, Acacia offers an American curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses, culminating in an American High School Diploma with AP.

Student Teacher Ratio

Class sizes are kept small with a soft cap of 22 students per class, rising to 24 in consultation with the homeroom teacher.

Exam Results

Cambridge IGCSE results (Grade 10) 2025: 109 exam entries; 100% pass rate; 92% achieved 5 A–C including English and Mathematics. AP results (2025): 90% of AP exams scored 3 or higher; 16 AP subjects offered; 8 AP Scholars; 5 AP Scholars with Distinction; 1 AP Scholar with Honor; 1 AP International Diploma; 1 AP Capstone International recipient.

Higher Education Progression

Graduates are prepared for higher education globally, with readiness for universities in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, and Africa.

Gifted and Talented

The school offers a limited bursary program for gifted students enrolling in 9th and 10th grade.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Acacia supports social-emotional development within a Christian community. Early Years emphasizes social-emotional competence as part of a nurturing environment. Middle School describes a holistic approach that nurtures students intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. The curriculum includes Bible study and weekly chapel, which contribute to spiritual and emotional wellbeing. The school aims to balance academics with character formation and pastoral care.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Acacia provides limited support to students with mild special educational needs. During admissions, identified learning needs are considered on a case-by-case basis. Special needs students are initially enrolled on a probationary basis. An independent assessment by a recommended special needs consultant is billed to the parents. The child's progress and the school's capacity to provide for their needs are re-evaluated annually.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English language learners in Grades 6–12 must complete the WIDA MODEL Online English Proficiency Assessment. English language support is available where appropriate.

Mental Wellbeing

Acacia emphasizes mental wellbeing through social-emotional development and spiritual formation. Early Years focuses on social-emotional competence in a nurturing environment. Middle School nurtures the whole person—intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually—through Bible study and chapel. High School includes spiritual life with chapel leadership and service projects, reinforcing wellbeing and purpose.
Parent Experience

History

Acacia International School opened in August 2012 in Kampala with 17 students. It launched the Senior School for Grades 5–8 in August 2014 and sat its first Cambridge IGCSE exams in May 2015, followed by its first A‑level exams in May 2018. In October 2018 it received dual accreditation from ACSI and MSA, and in June 2019 it celebrated its first graduation. The Lower Junior School was added in October 2019, and between 2021 and 2023 the Lakeside Campus expanded to 44 acres with AP exams starting in June 2023; today Lakeside Campus construction continues as the school grows into a multi-campus institution.

Community

Acacia International School is a Christian international school in Kampala, Uganda, offering education from Early Years through High School. The school aims to nurture academic excellence, strong character, and a deep sense of purpose in an environment that reflects the love, joy, and peace of Christ. Parents choose Acacia for a Christ-centered approach to learning and character formation, internationally recognised academic pathways, dedicated teachers who know each student well, and a warm, engaged, and diverse school community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The Acacia Parents Council (APC) is the voice of the parents at Acacia and was previously called the PTA; all parents are welcome to participate. The APC leadership aims and meetings can be learned about by contacting parentcouncil@acaciaschool.org. Parents in Prayer meet every Friday at 8 am at the Junior School reception area to pray for the school, students and staff. A weekly newsletter is sent to parents, and downloads for parents include the Parent Handbook, Club Handbook, Acacia Calendar, and Pick Up Authorization Form.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The Lakeside Campus will provide purpose-built spaces that enable students to thrive academically, spiritually, and socially. Planned facilities include modern classrooms and science laboratories; dedicated high school learning spaces; arts, music, and creative studios; sports and physical education facilities; chapel and spiritual formation spaces; and community and gathering areas. Each space is designed to serve both present students and future generations. The Lakeside Campus Capital Campaign aims to raise USD 12 million to fund land development, construction, and essential learning infrastructure. Since 2012 Acacia International School has provided Christ-centered education in Kampala.

Sports Facilities

Sports and physical education facilities are included as planned facilities for the Lakeside Campus.

Academic Facilities

Modern classrooms and science laboratories are planned, along with dedicated high school learning spaces.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Arts, music, and creative studios are planned as part of the Lakeside Campus to support extracurricular activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

Acacia International School provides education from Early Years through High School with a coherent academic pathway. It offers Cambridge IGCSEs for Grades 9–10 and the American High School Diploma with Advanced Placement for Grades 11–12. Recent results include a 100% IGCSE pass rate and 90% of AP exams scoring 3 or higher, with multiple AP Scholars, AP Scholars with Distinction, and International Diploma recipients. The program prepares students for university, leadership, and life within an international community, supported by dedicated teachers who know each student well.

Arts & Creative

The Lakeside Campus will include arts, music, and creative studios. These facilities will support arts education and creative expression.

Cultural & Language

Acacia is a Cambridge International School, accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International and the Middle States Association, and licensed by the Ugandan Ministry of Education. The school draws a diverse student body from 31 nations. Bible teaching is integrated into the curriculum and students attend weekly chapels; the school is independent and not affiliated with any denomination; all teaching staff are Christians and the school welcomes students from other faith backgrounds. English language support is available for English Language Learners in Grades 6–12, and English language proficiency is assessed as part of admissions via the WIDA MODEL.

Social & Hobbies

Students swim once per week and may join the swimming club to compete with other international schools. The school participates in the International Schools Association of Kampala (ISSAK) league, with sports coaching provided through the athletics program.

Leadership & Professional

Acacia educates servant leaders for Christ and integrates faith with learning. It emphasizes Christ-centered education, character formation, leadership development, and close partnerships with families. Our High School pathway combines rigorous academics with leadership preparation, including AP and the American Diploma, to equip students for university pathways and future leadership roles.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Bible teaching is integrated into the curriculum and students attend weekly chapels. The school fosters a warm, engaged, and diverse community that partners with families to support student well-being. The Lakeside Campus plan includes chapel and spiritual formation spaces to support faith development and overall well-being.
Reputation

Awards

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Accreditations

ACSI Accredited; MSA Accredited
Admissions

Admissions

Step 1: Visit the School (Recommended). Visiting before applying is encouraged for families in Uganda. The visit helps families assess fit with Acacia's rigorous academics, Christ-centered approach, and sense of community.

Step 2: Submit a Complete Application. A complete online application includes the online application form, student health form, a parent essay, the most recent school report, a copy of the student's passport or Ugandan birth certificate, and a passport‑size photo. Incomplete applications cannot be reviewed.

Step 3: Admissions Assessments. Short-listed students take English and Mathematics admissions tests (USD 50). English Language Learners in Grades 6–12 must complete the WIDA MODEL English proficiency assessment (USD 40).

Step 4: Admissions Decision. The Admissions Committee reviews completed applications and communicates decisions within two weeks of completion (August intake: applications due in March; decisions issued in April). Mid-year admissions are considered as they are received.

Step 5: Confirmation of Place. Upon an offer, families must pay the Admissions Fee within two weeks to secure the student's place. Early application does not guarantee placement, and the school does not maintain a long-term waiting list.

Scholarships

A limited bursary program is available for gifted students enrolling in 9th and 10th grade, for families with financial needs.

Waitlist

Early application does not guarantee placement, and the school does not maintain a long-term waiting list.
School Events
The school has not added events