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Acorns International School Kisaasi

Uganda, Kampala

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees UGX 2,240 - 11,058
Ages 1 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 800
Type Co-educational
Opened 1996
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages English, French, Spanish, Swahili
Typical class size 20
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Acorns International School, Kisaasi is an IB Continuum school offering the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme, alongside Cambridge A Levels. Located at Plot 328 Kisota Rd, Kisaasi, Uganda, it serves learners from 18 months to 18 years, spanning early years, primary and secondary. The campus features smart classrooms, libraries and science laboratories, plus design and technology studios with 3D printers, IT labs and art spaces to support the IB and Cambridge curricula. Facilities include indoor and outdoor fields, a soccer pitch, a 25-meter swimming pool and an auditorium with exhibition spaces for performances. After-School Clubs cover sports, the arts and STEM, with leadership and service opportunities. Languages offered include French, Kiswahili and Spanish, in addition to family language support. With a 30-year history, it is the second Ugandan school to offer the IB Continuum and the only Ugandan school providing both IB and Cambridge A Levels.

The Essentials

Acorns International School Kisaasi has 800 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location
Plot 328 Kisota Road, Kisasi, Kampala, Uganda (along the Northern Bypass, near Bukoto–Kisaasi). The Kisasi campus is part of Acorns International School, with other campuses in Bunga, Lubowa and Kigali.

Stages
Early Years (18 months–5 years), Primary (6–11 years), Middle Years (12–15 years), and Diploma Programme (16–18 years) within the IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, DP).

Type
International IB Continuum World School offering PYP, MYP and DP (and associated A Levels).

Pupil Nationality Mix
More than 50 nationalities represented among the student body.

Additional learning support
Learner Support Services (LSS) with an Inclusion Policy to identify and address learning needs.

Country affiliation
Uganda

School day structure
School days run 7:30 am–5:00 pm; Saturday 9:00 am–4:00 pm; Sundays closed.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
From EYP3, all students must wear the full school uniform appropriate to their department and timetable. The PE uniform is mandatory for every student (Creche onwards). Exceptions apply for special occasions; hats or caps and sunscreen are encouraged for outdoor activities; footwear must prioritise safety and flip-flops are not allowed. If a uniform is temporarily unavailable, students may wear the PE kit or neutral-colored, comfortable clothes until stock arrives; cultural and religious exemptions can be discussed with the Head of Department; for inquiries or to purchase uniforms contact the main administrative office.

Food Options
A balanced hot lunch is served to students each day. Home lunches are not allowed, and outside drop-offs or deliveries are not permitted; students may not leave campus during lunchtime. Lunch menus are shared termly and the cost of lunch is provided in the yearly Fee Structure.

Governance and Ownership
Part of the Acorns Group of International Schools, with campuses in Kisaasi, Bunga, Kigali and Lubowa, and Gulu and BogoloBi campuses opening soon.
Fees

Annual tuition at Acorns International School Kisaasi ranges from UGX 2,240 to UGX 11,058 for 2026/27.

Application and registration fees

- Registration (one‑time, non‑refundable): USD 400. Second child registration: USD 250. No registration fee for subsequent children.
- Capital levy (one‑time, non‑refundable): USD 200 for the first child; USD 150 for the second child; USD 100 for subsequent children.

Tuition fees (per term and annual totals, by yearband)

- Crèche: Term USD 786 — Annual USD 2,240.
- EYP1: Term USD 1,125 — Annual USD 3,206.
- EYP2: Term USD 1,215 — Annual USD 3,463.
- EYP3: Term USD 1,685 — Annual USD 4,803.
- PYP1 & PYP2: Term USD 1,990 — Annual USD 5,671.
- PYP3 & PYP4: Term USD 2,215 — Annual USD 6,313.
- PYP5 & PYP6: Term USD 2,440 — Annual USD 6,954.
- MYP1 & MYP2: Term USD 2,680 — Annual USD 7,638.
- MYP3 & MYP4: Term USD 2,930 — Annual USD 8,349.
- MYP5: Term USD 4,625 (two term entries listed) — Annual USD 8,788.
- IB Diploma Programme: Term USD 5,820 (two term entries listed) — Annual USD 11,058.
- Cambridge A Levels: Term USD 5,430 (two term entries listed) — Annual USD 10,317.

Textbooks and subject charges

- Textbook charges applied per programme and must be paid with tuition at enrollment or at the start of the academic year: MYP1–3 USD 220; MYP4–5 USD 380; IBDP USD 955; A Levels USD 430. Students must have required textbooks before their first class.

Other recurring or optional fees

- School lunches: Early Years USD 250 (term or plan as listed); Casual lunch USD 7 per meal; Primary & Secondary lunch plan USD 350.
- After‑school clubs: EYP1–3 group package USD 400 (for 5 clubs); single club participation USD 100 per club.
- After‑school care: EYP1–3 regular plan USD 310; Primary & Secondary plan USD 150. Casual after‑school care USD 5 per 30 minutes. Late pickup charge USD 5 per 15 minutes past regular after‑school hours.
- Bus service (zone pricing): Zone 1 USD 300; Zone 2 USD 400; Zone 3 USD 500.

Uniforms and school clothing costs

- Secondary tie USD 8 per piece. PE kits USD 10 per piece. Primary trousers/skirts/polo T‑shirts USD 12 per piece. Secondary shirts/trousers USD 15 per piece. Sweaters USD 15 per piece. DP/A‑Levels blazer USD 45 per piece. PE uniform is compulsory for all students; full school uniform is compulsory from EYP3 onwards.

Discounts and referral

- Sibling discount: 7.5% discount on the tuition fee for subsequent child(ren).
- Early payment discount: 5% discount on the tuition fee if the annual fee is paid before the start of the academic year.
- Refer‑a‑friend: 15% reduction on one term's tuition following the introduction and admission of a new student.

Billing schedule, payment terms and penalties

- Billing schedule: Tuition is invoiced by term. Each term's fees are due by the end of Week 1 of that school term.
- Penalties: Late payments incur a surcharge of 5%. Students with fees unpaid 30 days after the due date will be excluded from school unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Head of Finance.
- Textbook charges (where applicable) must be paid with tuition at enrollment or at the start of the academic year.

Refunds and non‑refundability

- All one‑time charges at admission (registration and capital levy) are non‑refundable. Fees once paid are not refundable.

Payment methods and currency

- All fees are stated in USD. Payment in UGX is acceptable at the exchange rate indicated by the school office. Cheque payments are accepted payable to "Acorns International School." Bounced UGX cheques incur a UGX 50,000 bank fine and bounced USD cheques incur a USD 25 charge.

Boarding

- No boarding fees are listed; boarding is not applicable to this campus fee structure.

Notes on included items and exclusions

- Tuition covers classes, notebooks, stationery, basic supplies, and diaries but excludes examination fees, field trips, treks, and other specified charges.
Academics

Acorns International School Kisaasi teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge A Levels for students aged 1 to 18.

Curriculum
IB Continuum World School offering Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), and Cambridge A Levels. The curricula span ages 18 months to 5 years; 6–11 years; 12–15 years; and 16–18 years. Languages Programmes include French, Kiswahili, family language and Spanish.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school promotes and recognizes the importance of physical, emotional and mental health by creating a supportive environment that cultivates resilience where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to seek assistance and prioritize self-care in order to thrive. The school provides access to qualified counsellors who monitor student welfare and guide emotional development as part of a comprehensive student support approach.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Enrichment and Inclusion policy outlines strategies for identifying and addressing barriers to learning, providing individualised support, promoting collaboration among stakeholders, and enabling a culture of respect and acceptance through Learner Support Services (LSS).

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Languages Programmes include French, Kiswahili, family language and Spanish. The language policy emphasises that learning language involves learning the language, learning about language and learning through language, supporting learners' development across education.

Mental Wellbeing
Well-Being is a core value, with a focus on physical, emotional and mental health within a supportive environment. Student counselling supports welfare and addresses academic and personal/social development for all students.

Safeguarding
All children have the right to be safe and protected. If you see something, say something; concerns are reported to Designated Safeguarding Officers and there is a Child Protection Concern reporting process. The Designated Safeguarding Officers include Ms Lieke, Ms Emma, Ms Shirin, Ms Shallon, Ms Andi, Ms Ameena and Ms Rachelle.
Parent Experience

History
Acorns International School in Kisaasi is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum World School and is a 30-year-old institution. The trajectory from being The Acorns School to Acorns International Schools has been an exhilarating one. It is the second school in Uganda to offer the IB Continuum programmes. The school offers the IB Continuum with PYP, MYP and DP programmes. Visit us at Plot 328 Kisota Rd, Kisaasi.

Community
The teaching staff are fully qualified and experienced in international education and participate in ongoing professional development. The student body represents over 30 nationalities. Students engage in an inquiry-based environment and are supported to become responsible, multilingual, and culturally literate global lifelong learners. The school embraces diverse languages, cultures and traditions and provides regular staff development.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent Teacher Organisation (PTO) is a volunteer organisation established to support the Acorns community – students, families and staff. PTO welcomes all families in the school community, helps everyone stay connected to one another and the school. It creates a space for school staff and parents to represent the voice of the community. It supports students through involvement and creativity.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Acorns International School, Kisaasi offers world-class facilities designed to support IB learning. The campus features smart classrooms, well-stocked libraries and laboratories, and outdoor play areas. An auditorium and exhibition spaces support events and performances. The school provides a day care, a sick bay, and a range of spaces for art, design and technology, information technology, and science. Additional spaces include indoor and outdoor fields and a dedicated secondary student lounge to foster collaboration and wellbeing.

Sports Facilities
Indoor and outdoor fields are available, along with a soccer field for team sports. The campus includes 25mm swimming pools and a baby pool for aquatic activities. There are facilities to support physical education, games, and intramural activities. The sports spaces are complemented by student lounges and club spaces for team preparation and recovery.

Academic Facilities
Smart classrooms support interactive teaching, paired with three libraries and multiple science labs. The campus hosts two IT labs and design & technology studios equipped with 3D printers. Art rooms provide creative spaces for visual arts, while the science labs support practical experiments across disciplines. The facilities enable a broad international curriculum including IB programmes and Cambridge A Levels, as detailed in the school's curricular offerings.

Extra Curricular Facilities
After School Clubs operate on campus, providing diverse opportunities for student involvement. Music, dance and drama rooms support performing arts and campus productions. An auditorium and exhibition areas host performances and showcases. The Design & Technology studios facilitate hands-on projects, and the well-equipped facilities enable a wide range of extracurricular activities across arts, sports, and community service.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Acorns International School is an authorised IB Continuum World School offering Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). It is the second school in Uganda to offer the IB Continuum and is described as the most affordable in East Africa. Cambridge A Levels Programme is also offered, making it the only school in Uganda to provide both curricula. The school serves learners from 18 months to 18 years (ages 18m-5y; 6-11; 12-15; 16-18).

Cultural & Language
Languages Programmes include French, Kiswahili, family language and Spanish.

Social & Hobbies
After-School Programmes include sports, the arts, STEM, leadership, and service, providing opportunities for social engagement beyond regular class time.

Community & Service
Service is one of the after-school opportunities offered, aligning with the school's emphasis on holistic development and community involvement.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership is included among the after-school opportunities, alongside sports, the arts, STEM, and service.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Well-being is prioritized through the Well-Being core value, which promotes physical, emotional and mental health in a supportive environment. Outdoor play areas support active, healthy lifestyles. After-school programmes include sports to support students' well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction and official communications. Family languages are honoured and tracked, with Primary Family Language Lessons twice a month and representation of family languages in school events. In EYP, French is introduced through music and games; in PYP, students develop English and study French and Kiswahili; in MYP, English remains the core language with additional language acquisitions in French, Spanish, and Kiswahili; DP language learning includes Family Language integration across units.

Bilingual Teaching
The school uses English as the language of instruction and official communications. Family languages are honoured and developed through Primary Family Language Lessons (twice monthly) and by integrating Family Languages in school events. In the Early Years Programme, English is the primary language, with French introduced through music and games; in the PYP, students develop English while also exploring French and Kiswahili; in the MYP, English remains the language of instruction, with French, Spanish, and Kiswahili offered as language acquisition options, and translanguaging encouraged in the classrooms. In the DP, language learning continues with Family Language integration across units.
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1: Inquiry and Visiting Acorns. Families connect with the Admissions Office to schedule a personalised visit and tour of facilities. The visit provides a meaningful experience of classrooms, learning spaces, and extracurricular facilities. The Admissions Team supports families through this introductory step.

Step 2: Application Process. Families review the Year Band Guide, Fees Structure, and Admissions Policy. They confirm registration by paying the non-refundable registration fee of $600, with a discount for siblings. After registration, an online application form is shared by the Admissions Department.

Step 3: Placement Assessments. Applicants from PYP1 through DP1 complete placement assessments evaluating English, Mathematics, and Science to determine appropriate placement. These assessments also screen for learning readiness. For DP applicants, prior academic records and placement test scores guide placement decisions. Acorns does not admit students into MYP5 or DP2.

Step 4: Admission Confirmation. Enrollment is confirmed upon submission of all admission requirements. Families receive confirmation within 7–10 days. If a class is full, applicants are placed on a waiting list and notified as soon as space becomes available.

Admissions Timeline. Acorns operates rolling admissions. Applications are accepted throughout the academic year, subject to meeting admission requirements and space availability. Families may withdraw at any time during the academic year, in accordance with the withdrawal policy.

Enrollment under Learner Support Services (LSS). The school outlines clear strategies for identifying and addressing barriers to learning. Families share relevant developmental and learning information during the application process. Where support needs are identified, applications are reviewed by the LSS and Programme Curriculum Coordinators. Further details are available in the Enrichment and Inclusion Policy (download).

Waitlist
Waitlist: If a class is full, applicants are placed on a waiting list and notified as space becomes available.
School Events
The school has not added events
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