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American International School of Lusaka

Zambia, Lusaka

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ZMW 7,700 - 18,950
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 480
Type Co-educational
Opened 1986
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish
Typical class size 7
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Leadership and Professional
Stages Preschool, Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, High School
Introduction

AIS Lusaka is an independent, co-educational day school serving ages 3 to 18. It offers the International Baccalaureate framework (PYP, MYP, DP) alongside an American Curriculum, with authorized delivery of all three IB programs. Founded in 1986, AISL is accredited by the Council of International Schools and the Middle States Association, and maintains affiliation with the American Embassy. The school serves a diverse international community, with approximately 21% European, 28% North and South American, and 22% African nationalities. The Leopards Hill Road campus spans 25 acres and features purpose-built classrooms, science labs, a library/media center, and administration spaces. Facilities include a 400-seat theater, indoor and outdoor gymnasia, three swimming pools, two athletic fields, six outdoor multi-sport courts, a multipurpose hall, and maintenance buildings. Renovation phases have improved spaces, security, traffic flow, and green space. AIS Lusaka emphasizes intercultural understanding, language development, and critical thinking throughout its IB and American programs.

487 A/F/3 Leopards Hill Road Lusaka ZM, 10100, Zambia

The Essentials

American International School of Lusaka has 480 pupils, typical class sizes of 7, instruction in English.

Location
487 A/F/3 Leopard's Hill Road, Lusaka, Zambia. The campus is on Leopards Hill Road and described as a 25-acre, secure, purpose-built site. AIS Lusaka serves students from preschool through grade 12 and uses an English-medium international curriculum.

Stages
preschool through grade 12

Type
independent, co-educational day school

Pupil Nationality Mix
40 nations represented; approximately 21% European, 28% North and South American, and 22% African.

Additional learning support
Learning specialists work with classroom teachers to remediate language-processing difficulties and other learning differences. Educational assessments determine current performance levels; IEPs and SAPs are created to ensure access to the curriculum. The Inclusion Team uses RTI, and auxiliary services such as occupational, physical, or speech therapy are provided by external specialists when available.

Country affiliation
Associated with the American Embassy (United States)
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school is a day school; boarding is not provided.

Food Options
AISL has a Tuck Shop; lunch can be ordered from the Tuck Shop. The Early Learning Center Extended Day Program provides lunch supervised by the ELC teaching team; students may bring lunch from home or order hot lunch from the Tuck Shop. The Tuck Shop is managed by The Fat Chef.

Governance and Ownership
AISL is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors. The US Ambassador to Zambia appoints two Board members, and one of the appointed members serves as Chair; the five remaining members are elected by the AISL Parent Association (two affiliated with the US Government and three from the general parent community). Board terms are two years and members may be re-elected. The Board hires the Director, provides fiduciary oversight by approving the annual budget and setting school fees, and establishes broad policy aligned with the school's vision, mission and values. Open Meetings are held; an AGM occurs in Fall and an EGM in Spring.
Fees

Annual tuition at American International School of Lusaka ranges from ZMW 7,700 to ZMW 18,950 for 2026/27.

Application / Admission fees

- One-time admission/registration fee: USD 7,000.
- Capital levy (annual family contribution / facilities levy): USD 750 per year.

Tuition fees by year group (annual and per term)

- Early Learning Centre (preschool):
- Annual: USD 7,700.
- Per term (calculated as annual ÷ 3, based on the school calendar's three sessions): USD 2,567 per term.

- Kindergarten – Grade 5 (Primary):
- Annual: USD 18,950.
- Per term (annual ÷ 3): USD 6,317 per term.

- Grades 6 – 10 (Middle/Lower Secondary):
- Annual: USD 21,800.
- Per term (annual ÷ 3): USD 7,267 per term.

- Grades 11 – 12 (Upper Secondary / IB Diploma):
- Annual: USD 24,800.
- Per term (annual ÷ 3): USD 8,267 per term.

(Note: the per-term figures above are calculated by dividing the published annual tuition by three, because the published school calendar uses three academic sessions/terms. This division is a calculated value for per-term display. )

Other one-off or recurring fees and deposits

- Equipment deposit / grade-specific deposits (example shown for upper grades): USD 500 (used as an equipment deposit in published fee summaries).
- School bus / transport: separate annual transport charges apply; amounts vary by route and are billed in addition to tuition. (Transport is itemised separately in published fee summaries.)
- Uniforms and school-store purchases: uniforms are sold through the school store; all items priced in dollars must be paid in dollars (or at the daily exchange rate advised by the accounts office). Once clothing is purchased it cannot be returned or refunded.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- To secure a place for the new school year starting in August, a non-refundable payment of at least 25% of the tuition fee must be paid by 1 June.
- For applications made during the school year, an invoice is issued with the acceptance letter and payment is due within two weeks of acceptance unless otherwise indicated. Failure to meet deadlines can result in the place being revoked.
- The school issues invoices for tuition and other fees; parents will be billed separately for capital levies, transport, equipment deposits and school-store purchases. Published fee summaries and product listings show annual totals that combine tuition and specific levies or deposits.

Boarding fees

- The American International School of Lusaka is an independent day school; boarding is not offered.

Refund information

- The initial deposit required to secure a place (minimum 25% of tuition, payable by 1 June) is non-refundable.
- School-store clothing purchases are non-returnable and non-refundable.
- Other refund or pro‑rata arrangements (for mid-year withdrawals, partial-term attendance, or refunds of other fees) are governed by the school's full fee schedule and enrolment/finance policies as administered by the Business/Accounts Office; families should follow the school's invoicing and acceptance documents for the specific conditions that apply to deposits, levies and other charges.

Fee payment options and contact for payments

- The school store and accounts note that dollar‑priced items must be paid in USD or at the daily exchange rate advised by the accounts office; the school's Business/Accounts Office handles invoicing and payment arrangements. Parents should contact the school's Business/Accounts Office or the Admissions/Finance contacts for the accepted payment methods for tuition and levies. General and admissions contact details are published by the school.

Summary (concise checklist for parents)

- One-time admission fee: USD 7,000.
- Annual capital levy: USD 750.
- Annual tuition (by group): ELC USD 7,700; K–G5 USD 18,950; G6–G10 USD 21,800; G11–G12 USD 24,800.
- Minimum non-refundable deposit to secure a place: 25% of tuition, due 1 June.
- Uniforms sold through the school store; clothing purchases are not refundable.
Academics

American International School of Lusaka teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
AISL is authorized to deliver the International Baccalaureate programmes: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). The IB framework emphasizes independent thinking, intercultural understanding, and language development. The IB curriculum provides a continuous program from primary through high school, with the Diploma Programme available for eligible students.

Higher Education Progression
The IB programmes prepare students for higher education at universities around the world.

Gifted and Talented
AISL offers the US Ambassador's Merit-Based Scholarship Programme for highly capable and financially needy Zambian students to attend AISL High School and pursue the IB MYP and DP. Scholarship students are expected to perform at a high academic level and participate in a comprehensive extracurricular program. AISL provides scholarship recipients with full tuition, school supplies including an iPad (later a laptop), a home Internet bundle, all examination and university application fees, university and scholarship guidance, local transport, school lunches, and funded opportunities to participate in school-sponsored trips in Zambia and overseas.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The counseling department at AISL aims to foster healthy self-esteem and self-awareness, as well as a sense of responsibility to self and others. The counseling program supports each student's personal, social, academic and career development through a comprehensive and developmental approach to guidance activities and personal counseling. This is a collaborative effort between home, school and community aimed at fostering personal responsibility, emotional intelligence, and flexibility in an ever-changing world as they work towards becoming confident, well-adjusted, and culturally sensitive global citizens. AISL's Inclusion Policy aligns with IB philosophy, providing a safe and supportive environment for diverse learners and supporting their academic, social, and personal growth. AISL emphasizes the whole-child approach, values every student's voice, and aims to ensure access to services and resources for all students within the school's capacity. There are three school counselors on staff (one Primary, two Secondary) to support students across grade levels.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning specialists collaborate with classroom teachers in both Primary and Secondary to remediate language-processing difficulties and provide instructional support for students with identified learning differences. Educational assessments determine a student's current level of academic performance and explore receptive as well as expressive languages, including reading, math and written language. When necessary, the Inclusion Team refers students to external specialists for Speech and Language, Psycho-Educational, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy assessments. Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and Student Accommodation Plans (SAPs) are created to ensure access to learning through remediation, differentiation and targeted technology use. In addition to academic support, teachers and the Inclusion Team address the social-emotional needs of all students. The Inclusion Model uses the RTI framework to promote student success and ensure access to the curriculum across all levels, with periodic communication between home and school. External auxiliary services are provided by specialists, arranged and paid for by families, with AISL facilitating referrals when possible.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
As English is the language of instruction, developing competence in English is crucial to students' success in all sections of the school. The EAL program addresses the needs of students from non-English-speaking backgrounds who are developing interpersonal and academic English language skills. The goal is to equip students with English language skills necessary to operate independently within the general classroom at a level that reflects their age and ability. EAL students receive support and specialised instruction from qualified EAL staff on a regular basis. They also receive differentiated support within their grade level and subject area classes from their teachers, including EAL staff, and this service model is consistent in both the Primary and Secondary Schools.

Mental Wellbeing
The counseling department aims to foster healthy self-esteem and self-awareness, as well as a sense of responsibility to self and others. The counseling program facilitates each student's personal, social, academic and career development through a comprehensive and developmental approach to guidance activities and personal counseling. This collaboration between home, school and community fosters personal responsibility, emotional intelligence, and flexibility in an ever-changing world as students become confident, well-adjusted, and culturally sensitive global citizens. AISL's Inclusion Policy provides a safe and nurturing environment for diverse learners and supports their academic, social, and personal growth. The Student Services' vision emphasizes self-awareness and resilience so students can reach their individual potential and navigate life's challenges to thrive in society. AISL maintains a safe, supportive environment and access-to-services approach to support students' mental wellbeing, with multiple counselors available across the school.

Safeguarding
AISL is committed to keeping children and young people safe from harm and abuse. Creating a safe learning environment, identifying children and young people who are suffering or at risk of harm, and then taking suitable action are vital to ensuring safety at school and home. The school addresses bullying, abuse, or other maltreatment even if it means embarrassment or upset for someone in power, with safety prioritized in activities, rules and policies. Crisis response protocols guide actions for emergencies and child protection, developed by the AISL Crisis Response Team (administration, counselors, security, and IT) and informed by research and documentation from the Association of International Schools in Africa, the American School Counselor Association's National Model and the International Model for School Counseling Programs. In Primary, prevention lessons use Kidpower to teach safety, confidence-building, boundary-setting, positive peer communication and de-escalation; in Secondary, safety and wellbeing are explored through IB MYP Health Education and an Advisory program four times weekly. AISL invites concerns and acts on them in a fair, balanced way in accordance with its policies.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1986, AISL is an independent co-educational day school for children aged 3 to 18. It is fully accredited internationally by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA). AISL is authorized by the International Baccalaureate (IB) to offer all three IB programs: the Primary Years Program (PYP), the Middle Years Program (MYP), and the International Baccalaureate Diploma (DP). The school serves a diverse international community, with approximately 21% European, 28% North and South American, and 22% African nationalities.

Community
AISL has an active, diverse community with programs that engage staff, students and families. The PTA coordinates initiatives to strengthen links between home and school and to organize events for staff, students and parents. Community events include Trunk or Treat, Drama Productions, Holiday Fair, Coffee House, Table Top Sales, Community Choir, Friday Market, Worldfest, PTA Picnic & Bus Tours, STEM Activities and Green Team. Sports and other community activities include football games, ultimate frisbee, swim galas, Pilates classes, tennis lessons and swimming lessons.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
PTA Coordinating Committee includes Co-Presidents Charlene Samaras and Stephanie Melching; Secretary & Secondary Coordinator Laura Koivu; Treasurer Yanga Katongo; Teacher Representative Stephanie Devalia; Primary & Secondary Coordinator Janice Uhler; and Board members Divine Ngomba Meande, Karen Sun, Meryl Davis, Bojana Ursic, Janke Lindeque and Fungai Sandamu-Güldemann. AISL Refer-A-Friend Discount Program offers credits to accounts for referred children enrolled in Grades K-12 ($1,000) and in the ELC ($500), with conditions such as being self-payers and the referral not applying retroactively.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus occupies 25 acres on Leopards Hill Road in Lusaka. It includes purpose-built classrooms, science labs, offices, and meeting spaces, plus a library/media center. A 400-seat theater, an indoor gymnasium, and an outdoor covered gymnasium support arts and physical education. Three swimming pools, two athletic fields, six outdoor multi-sport courts, a multipurpose hall, and maintenance buildings are on site. The school has completed the second of three renovation phases to improve spaces, increase security, create community spaces, improve traffic flow and parking, and preserve green space.

Sports Facilities
Three swimming pools. Two athletic fields. Six outdoor multi-sport courts. An indoor gymnasium and an outdoor covered gymnasium support PE and school sports. A multipurpose hall hosts events and indoor activities.

Academic Facilities
The school has purpose-built classrooms and science laboratories. A library/media center is on campus. There are administration offices and meeting spaces for staff and collaboration. A 400-seat theater supports arts education and performances.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The 400-seat theater supports performing arts programs and events. The library/media center serves clubs and study groups. Sports and recreation facilities, including three pools, two fields, six outdoor courts, an indoor gymnasium, an outdoor covered gymnasium, and a multipurpose hall, support after-school activities and athletic clubs. These spaces enable arts, athletics, and other extracurricular activities on campus.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
AIS Lusaka offers a broad range of Co-Curricular & Community and Service Activities that include STEM and academic support. The list of co-curricular activities is dynamic and continually refined to tap into the talents of teachers and students. Participation in these activities contributes to academic success during school and after graduation, and the program emphasizes building resilience, leadership, and the willingness to work toward goals.

Arts & Creative
AIS Lusaka provides arts through co-curricular activities including Art, Band, Choir, Dance, Theater, Photography, Music lessons, and Yearbook. These activities give students opportunities to develop creative talents alongside core academics. The arts offerings are integrated into the co-curricular program to support students' creative growth.

Cultural & Language
Mandarin is listed among the co-curricular activities, providing language development opportunities. Model United Nations is included as a co-curricular activity, offering intercultural and global engagement experiences. The program supports intercultural understanding through language study and international affairs activities.

Social & Hobbies
Co-curricular activities include Drone Club, Mountain Biking, Photography, Skateboarding, Dance, Theater, and Yearbook, among others. These clubs provide outlets for hobbies, social connection, and personal interest development. The dynamic CCA program enables students to cultivate teamwork, creativity, and dedicated practice outside the classroom.

Community & Service
Co-Curricular & Community and Service Activities include Climate Club and other initiatives focused on service to others and the wider community. The school emphasizes developing community awareness and the ability to contribute to society, with action opportunities for students in and beyond the classroom.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership development is embedded in the co-curricular program through Duke of Edinburgh and Student Council. These opportunities foster teamwork, responsibility, and service, supporting positive character development such as resilience and leading by example.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Promoting lifelong healthy habits through sport, fitness activities, and structured play is a top priority. AIS Lusaka's sports program includes competitive team sports, individual sports, fitness programs, and playground games to support emotional, mental, and physical growth.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction at AIS Lusaka. The English as an Additional Language program supports students from non-English-speaking backgrounds with English language acquisition, delivered by qualified EAL staff on a regular basis, with differentiated support within grade level and subject area classes; this service model is consistent in both the Primary and Secondary Schools. In the Diploma Programme, language courses include Spanish A Lit, Spanish AB, French AB, French B, and Mandarin AB.
Admissions

Admissions
AISL admits students from diverse educational systems and backgrounds for ELC through Grade 12, providing an international English-language education in a mainstream environment. It supports learners with Special Educational Needs and English as an Additional Language, with Learning Support enrollment normally not exceeding 15% of a grade's enrollment and moderate support normally not exceeding 5% of total enrollment, with no more than four moderate students per grade. When spaces are limited, admission follows priorities: children of United States government employees receiving an educational allowance (ELC through Grade 12), AISL faculty children, siblings of enrolled students, siblings enrolling concurrently, and all other applicants. Children of US government employees applying for ELC must apply by April 1 of the previous year; those applying after April may be accommodated as spaces become available. ELC admits up to the first day after the Spring holiday. Students must be toilet trained to be admitted. Kindergarten through Grade 12 cannot be admitted within 30 school days of the end of the school year, and Grade 11 entrants after October 1 are considered case-by-case due to graduation requirements. Students must intend to attend for at least one semester. If a grade reaches capacity, applicants are placed in the Waiting Pool and offered a space as it becomes available based on the admissions criteria; if more applicants exist in a category than spaces, admissions are first-come, first-served within that category. When a space opens, tuition is due from the date the space becomes available, even if the student begins later in the year; for start-of-year admissions, a 25% deposit is due by June 1 to secure the place. Families should regularly check in with the Admissions Manager to confirm continued interest; failure to do so may result in removal from the waiting pool. Acceptance occurs after all paperwork and assessments are reviewed by the Admissions Committee, following a student interview; parents are informed by the Admissions Manager. All acceptances are provisional for the first semester; the school may adjust grade placement or, in rare cases, determine that the needs cannot be met; the school may help locate an alternative education. After acceptance, a non-refundable payment of at least 25% of the tuition is due by 1 June to secure a space; if applying mid-year, an invoice is issued and payment is due within two weeks; failure to pay may revoke admission.

Scholarships
AISL Merit Scholarship Programme provides a Merit Scholarship to attend the high school. Merit Scholars are expected to perform at a high academic level and participate in a comprehensive co-curricular programme. AISL provides Merit Scholars with full AISL tuition fees, a loaned iPad/Laptop and calculator, all examination and university application fees, university and scholarship guidance, transport to and from school on an established bus route, and fully-funded school-sponsored trips in Zambia and overseas. The scholarship does not include boarding, housing, or financial assistance after leaving the school beyond the scholarship contract. A complete application consists of a signed Application Form, birth record or affidavit, Gr. 9 JSSLE results or equivalent (if taken), most recent school report, Writing Assignment, and Mathematics Assignment; the Scholarship Admissions Committee requires a complete application to be considered. A 2026-2027 Application Form is available, and additional information including the Merit Based Scholarship Brochure can be accessed via the Scholarships page. For questions, contact scholarship@aislusaka.org.

Waitlist
Waiting Pool: When a grade level reaches capacity, applicants are placed in the waiting pool and offered a space as soon as one becomes available, based on the admissions criteria; if there are more applicants in a category than spaces, admission is granted on a first-come, first-served basis within that category. Once a space becomes available, tuition fees are due from the date the space opens, even if the student will not begin classes until later in the school year. For the start of a new school year, a 25% deposit of the tuition is required by June 1 to secure the place for August. Families should regularly check in with the Admissions Manager to confirm continued interest; failure to do so may result in removal from the waiting pool. If a place is offered and the family declines but remains in the waiting pool, the student is moved to the bottom of the list for their admission category.
School Events
The school has not added events
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