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U-Can International School

Uganda, Entebbe

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees UGX 100 - 225,000
Ages Not listed
Opened 2013
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages English, Swahili
Strengths Outdoor Education, Academic Enrichment, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

U-Can International School, established in 2013 in Entebbe, Uganda, offers an international education grounded in the Canadian Curriculum with Ontario as the foundation. The Canadian International Curriculum (CIC) guides learning from Early Years through High School, covering Math, English, Social Studies, Geography, Science, and Character Development, and is delivered within the Understanding by Design framework to emphasize understanding and transfer. Six facets of understanding—explain, interpret, apply, shift perspective, empathize, and self-assess—are used as indicators, with teachers acting as coaches of understanding. Classes are small, about 20 students, and technology is used in a safe, responsible way. The campus features a fully equipped workshop and regular outdoor learning at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, plus swimming lessons at the Lake Victoria Hotel. Weekly activities include Exploring Nature and Hands-On Learning. The motto ‘Yes We Can' reflects Ugandan-Canadian collaboration and a commitment to preparing students to think critically and engage globally, locally relevant.

The Essentials

U-Can International School has instruction in English.

Location

Plot 29, Mpigi Road, Bugonga, Entebbe, Uganda. The school is located in Entebbe, Uganda.

Stages

Early Years (Age 3-5); Primary Grade 1-8; Secondary Grade 9-12

Type

International school

School day structure

First day of school: 13 August 2025. Class times: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

Uniform Fee: UGX 225,000. Includes shirt, shorts, skorts, sweater, socks, sports kit, bib.

Food Options

All-Inclusive includes freshly prepared nutritious lunch.
Fees

Annual tuition at U-Can International School ranges from UGX 100 to UGX 225,000 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- Enrolment (application) fee — ECE & Primary: USD 100 (one-time, non-refundable).
- Enrolment (application) fee — Secondary (Grades 9–12): USD 500 (one-time, non-refundable).
- Capital levy — ECE & Primary: USD 400 (one-time; may be paid in up to 4 instalments).
- Capital levy — Secondary: USD 1,000 (one-time; may be paid in up to 4 instalments). Exempt for returning students.

Tuition fees — ECE & Primary (per grade, payment-plan detail)

- ECE (Ages 3–4): Yearly USD 2,000; 4 payments USD 500 each; 10 monthly payments USD 210 each.
- Foundations (Age 5): Yearly USD 2,500; 4 payments USD 625 each; 10 monthly payments USD 260 each.
- Grades 1–2: Yearly USD 3,295; 4 payments USD 824 each; 10 monthly payments USD 340 each.
- Grades 3–4: Yearly USD 3,850; 4 payments USD 963 each; 10 monthly payments USD 395 each.
- Grades 5–6: Yearly USD 4,389; 4 payments USD 1,097 each; 10 monthly payments USD 449 each.
- Grade 7: Yearly USD 4,890; 4 payments USD 1,223 each; 10 monthly payments USD 499 each.
- Grade 8: Yearly USD 4,900; 4 payments USD 1,225 each; 10 monthly payments USD 500 each.

Tuition fees — Secondary (per grade, payment-plan detail)

- Grade 9: Yearly USD 6,000. Quarterly instalments due on the school-specified dates: USD 1,800 (15 Aug), USD 1,200 (15 Oct), USD 1,800 (6 Jan), USD 1,200 (15 Mar).
- Grade 10: Yearly USD 6,500. Quarterly instalments: USD 1,950 (15 Aug), USD 1,300 (15 Oct), USD 1,950 (6 Jan), USD 1,300 (15 Mar).
- Grade 11: Yearly USD 6,600. Quarterly instalments: USD 1,980 (15 Aug), USD 1,320 (15 Oct), USD 1,980 (6 Jan), USD 1,320 (15 Mar).
- Grade 12: Yearly USD 7,500. Quarterly instalments: USD 2,250 (15 Aug), USD 1,500 (15 Oct), USD 2,250 (6 Jan), USD 1,500 (15 Mar).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Payment plans available:
- Plan A (full payment at registration). Eligible for a 5% discount when fees are paid in full at registration.
- Plan B (4 instalments). Instalment due dates: 15 August, 15 October, 6 January, 15 March. For secondary the quarterly instalments follow these same dates.
- Plan C (10 monthly instalments). Monthly payments due on the 15th of each month.
- Payment punctuality: All fees must be paid by the due date; late or unpaid fees may result in suspension of the pupil until payment is received.

Boarding fees

- Boarding: No boarding fees are listed (boarding is not applicable / not offered).

Other costs and optional charges

- Uniform fee: UGX 225,000 (uniform set includes shirt, shorts/skorts, sweater, socks, sports kit, bib).
- Bus (optional) — routes and fees (examples shown as yearly or per-instalment):
- Zone 1 both ways: Yearly USD 1,120; 4 payments USD 280 each; 10 payments USD 122 each.
- Zone 1 one way: Yearly USD 650; 4 payments USD 163 each; 10 payments USD 75 each.
- Zone 2 both ways: Yearly USD 1,300; 4 payments USD 325 each; 10 payments USD 140 each.
- Zone 2 one way: Yearly USD 750; 4 payments USD 188 each; 10 payments USD 85 each.
- Inclusions (no extra charge beyond tuition unless noted): tuition, workbooks & supplies, extracurricular activities (music, drama, art, sports, crafts, swimming), field trips and outings, and freshly prepared lunch. Some special class projects may require additional materials.
- Discounts: ECE/Primary — 10% off for the 2nd child, 15% for additional children; 5% discount for full payment at registration. Secondary — 10% discount for returning students; 5% discount for full payment.

Refund information

- Enrolment (application) fees are explicitly non-refundable. No separate tuition-refund terms are listed.

Fee payment options

- Accepted payment methods: Cash, Mobile Money, Bank deposit, Cheque.
Academics

U-Can International School teaches Canadian Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum.

Curriculum

The Canadian International Curriculum (CIC) underpins the entire curriculum from Early Years through Secondary. The CIC covers core areas—Math, English, Social Studies, Geography, Science, and Character Development—integrated in engaging, real-world contexts. The Understanding by Design (UbD) framework is used to emphasize understanding and transfer of learning. UbD unifies learning, builds skills, connects new content to prior knowledge, reflects real-world applications, and aligns with how students think. Understanding is demonstrated through authentic performance, and six facets of understanding—explain, interpret, apply, shift perspective, empathize, and self-assess—serve as indicators. Teachers act as coaches of understanding rather than mere purveyors of content.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Social development is integrated into the curriculum. Student well-being is pivotal to their enjoyment of school and success. Students develop social skills through leadership roles, critical thinking, and problem solving. The school provides a supportive environment that fosters emotional safety, positive discipline, and collaboration.

Mental Wellbeing

Safety and well-being are top priorities, enabling students to feel confident and secure while learning. Emotional safety is prioritized so every child feels secure and valued. The school supports mental wellbeing through a supportive environment, diverse teaching approaches, and a balance of academics and activities.

Safeguarding

The school prioritizes safety and well-being by maintaining a secure environment and enforcing strict safety measures. It emphasizes safe technology use, monitored access to the premises, a zero-tolerance policy on bullying, regular fire drills, on-site first aid readiness, and safety education integrated into the curriculum.
Parent Experience

History

U-Can International School was established in 2013 in Entebbe, Uganda. Beat Odermatt initiated the project in 2012, seeking a Canadian-standard school for his children and assembling a small team to make the vision a reality. The school uses Canadian education standards, with Ontario's curriculum as its foundation, aiming to blend Ugandan culture with globally recognized practices. The name U-Can reflects Ugandan and Canadian collaboration and the belief that every student can achieve, encapsulated in the motto 'Yes We Can.' The school opened in 2013 with a mission to provide high-quality, affordable international education and to prepare students to think critically and thrive in a global context.

Community

The UCAN calendar includes a structured year with events such as Sports Day, Teacher Development Days (no school), and regular parent/teacher conferences. It observes Ugandan national celebrations and holidays noted in the schedule, including Independence Day observances. The calendar also features schoolwide theme weeks and programs, such as Healthy Living Month, Anti-Bullying Month, Inclusivity, and Talent shows, plus a Holiday Program and a Year-end Graduation program. The 2025–2026 schedule shows a start on August 13, 2025, quarterly terms, and a Graduation on June 13, 2026.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The school is located at Plot 29, Mpigi Road, Bugonga, Entebbe, Uganda. The Canadian International Curriculum underpins the program from Early Years through High School. The campus supports hands-on, practical learning with a fully equipped school workshop. Regular experiences include outdoor lessons at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens and swimming lessons at the Lake Victoria Hotel, along with field trips and other nature activities. Class sizes are small, with about 20 students per class, and technology is used in a safe, responsible way.

Sports Facilities

U-Can offers various sports activities that provide a strong foundation for a balanced and active lifestyle. Weekly swimming lessons are conducted at the Lake Victoria Hotel. Outdoor learning, field trips, and regular physical activity are part of the weekly program. The program emphasizes hands-on and interactive experiences that support physical education and overall well-being.

Academic Facilities

The Canadian International Curriculum (CIC) underpins U-Can from Early Years through High School. The CIC uses internationally recognized curriculum resources to maintain high standards of education. Reading, writing, arithmetic, and character development are the building blocks of learning. Lessons are designed to integrate across subjects to foster critical thinking and real-life problem solving. Class sizes are small, with about 20 students per class, and a fully-equipped workshop supports hands-on learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Exploring Nature is a weekly educational session at the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. Building Confidence in Water features weekly swimming lessons at the Lake Victoria Hotel. Celebrating Achievements includes reward afternoons for secondary students. Hands-On Learning is provided through a construction course in a fully-equipped school workshop. Friday Fun Days occur weekly with events such as Cultural Food Day and Crazy Hair Day.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The Canadian International Curriculum underpins the entire school program. Learning emphasizes inquiry-based approaches, critical thinking, and problem-solving to prepare students for a rapidly evolving world. Students benefit from hands-on experiences and real-world skills that connect classroom work to everyday life. Outdoor lessons and field trips provide practical links to learning beyond the classroom.

Arts & Creative

Creative Activities include finger painting and building walls, empowering students to turn ideas into reality. They are encouraged to explore and express themselves through hands-on projects. The program supports collaboration and artistic expression as part of a holistic education. Regular creative experiences help students bring their projects to life.

Cultural & Language

The curriculum emphasizes cultural awareness as part of a student-centered approach. Friday Fun Days include Cultural Food Day, adding cultural experiences to the school calendar. Regular opportunities and field trips provide exposure to local Ugandan context and diverse cultures. Outdoor learning fosters cultural understanding through community-based experiences.

Social & Hobbies

Social development is a priority; student well-being is pivotal to enjoyment and success. Students develop their social skills through leadership roles, critical thinking and problem solving. Friday Fun Days and reward afternoons for secondary students support motivation and positive peer interactions. Outdoor learning and field trips provide collaborative experiences that reinforce teamwork.

Community & Service

U-Can is strongly embedded in the Entebbe community, enabling local connections. Regular activities include outdoor lessons on school grounds and field trips in the local community, linking learning to local contexts. The school emphasizes practical links to learning through community-based experiences and local engagement.

Leadership & Professional

Leadership roles are woven into social development; students take on leadership opportunities supported by critical thinking and problem solving. Reward afternoons recognizing achievement foster leadership, initiative, and motivation. The CIC emphasizes collaboration, digital literacy, and communication to prepare students for future leadership and professional endeavors.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Sports Activities provide a foundation for a balanced and active lifestyle. The school also offers weekly swimming lessons at the Lake Victoria Hotel to develop water safety and confidence. Exploring Nature includes weekly Entebbe Botanical Gardens sessions that promote physical activity and hands-on learning in a natural environment. Outdoor learning, field trips, and regular physical activity support a healthy, well-rounded lifestyle.
School Events
The school has not added events