doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
I

International School of Lusaka

Zambia, Lusaka

Save school
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · Co-founder & CEO

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ZMW 7,950
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 721
Opened 1963
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Taught languages English, French, Spanish
Typical class size 10
Strengths Sport, Languages, Performing Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Leadership and Professional
Stages Early Years, Preschool, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

International School of Lusaka (ISL) is a not-for-profit day school founded in 1963 and serving students from age 2 to 18. The school delivers the International Baccalaureate continuum, from the Primary Years Programme to the Diploma Programme, with Cambridge IGCSE offered in the High School alongside the IB Diploma Programme. ISL staff are IB trained and also qualified in Cambridge IGCSE and IMYC, with ESOL and Learning Support available in both Primary and Secondary. The curriculum includes French and Spanish from Reception to Year 13, Chinyanja language lessons, Zambian Studies, and English for Speakers of Other Languages. The campus features libraries, a House system named after Zambian rivers, and an emphasis on field trips, counseling, and a broad range of extracurricular activities. Activities include monkeynastics, tennis, chess, horse riding, dance, golf and violin, plus drama and music performances and annual UN Art events. ISL is accredited by CIS and NEASC.

The Essentials

International School of Lusaka has 721 pupils, typical class sizes of 10, instruction in English.

Location
The school is located at 6945 Nangwenya Road, Ridgeway, Lusaka, Zambia (PO Box 50121).

Stages
The school serves students from nursery to Year 13, including Early Years, Primary School, Middle School and High School.

Type
The school is an international day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The school represents 60 nationalities among learners and staff.

Additional learning support
Learning Support and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) are provided across Primary and Secondary.

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation; ISL does not align itself to any political or religious creed.

School day structure
Nursery 08:00–12:00; Preschool 08:00–12:40; Reception 07:05–12:40; Years 1–13 07:05–13:30.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
There is a tuckshop on site for snacks; during COVID-19 guidelines the tuckshop was closed.

House System
ISL uses a house system. Students are members of Houses named Zambezi, Luangwa and Kafue, with House Captains and Vice Captains elected and supported by a teacher House Leader. House competitions emphasise maximum participation, fair play and learning how to lose gracefully.

Governance and Ownership
ISL is owned and operated as a not-for-profit association, run by a Board of Governors composed of nine members who are all parents of current students. The Board oversees the running of the School and sets policy; Members serve for three-year terms and may be elected for a second concurrent term. The Head of School is a non-voting, ex-officio member of the Board.
Fees

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

Application / Registration Fees
- A one-time registration/enrolment fee is charged at admission.

Tuition fees (by year group and billing frequency)
- The school charges annual tuition that is structured by age/grade. Published public summaries report a broad annual day‑student range rather than a publicly accessible term‑by‑term breakdown: approximately USD 3,300 to USD 20,000+ per year depending on grade level and programme. Specific fee amounts by exact year group (per term and per year) are not publicly available in an itemised fee schedule.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition is billed on an annual basis with school practice commonly using termly instalments; families are expected to follow the published billing schedule and payment deadlines set by the school. Precise term dates, instalment deadlines, and penalty or late‑payment terms are set by the school's finance office.

Boarding fees
- The International School of Lusaka operates as a day school; no full‑time or weekly boarding programme is listed and boarding fees are not applicable.

Other compulsory or regular charges
- An annual capital/building levy or similar development contribution is commonly charged by comparable Lusaka international schools; summaries and local guides refer to annual levies and other recurring charges such as activity or capital levies. Exact amounts for levies (if applicable) are set by the school and shown on its fee schedule.

Optional / additional fees
- Additional charges that may apply include: examination fees (IGCSE / IB), extra‑curricular activity fees, school trips, specialist course fees, learning‑support or EAL support fees, textbooks, and instrument or sports hire where relevant. Exact pricing for these optional items is published by the school on its fee schedule or communicated at enrolment.

Uniforms and equipment
- A uniform cost is charged; families are required to purchase the school uniform and any required equipment. Exact uniform price points are listed in the school's fee or admissions pack.

Refunds and withdrawal charges
- Standard international‑school practice applies: withdrawal after term commencement generally triggers liability for fees according to the school's tuition policy (examples elsewhere typically require payment of the term or a portion of the annual fee). The school's formal tuition and refund/withdrawal policy sets any non‑refundable registration amounts and the refund rules for mid‑year withdrawal.

Fee payment options
- The school accepts standard institutional payment methods. Contact and administrative portals are maintained for parents and the school operates a parent/administration portal for fee transactions. For PTA and community payments, the school uses an online payments platform. Families may pay via bank transfer or the school's authorised online payment channels as specified by the finance office.

Concise summary of availability (important)
- A detailed, itemised schedule showing exact amounts per year group and per term for the 2026/27 academic year (or 2025/26 where 2026/27 is not issued) is not publicly accessible in the sources consulted. The facts above reflect the school's structure (day school), commonly charged items (registration fee, possible capital levy, uniforms, exam and activity fees) and publicly referenced annual fee ranges. For exact figures by year group and the school's formal payment / refund terms you will need the school's official fee schedule or fee policy published to parents.
Academics

International School of Lusaka teaches IB (PYP), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP) for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
ISL follows the International Baccalaureate continuum, from the Primary Years Programme to the Diploma Programme. In High School, Cambridge IGCSE is offered alongside the IB Diploma Programme. ISL staff are IB (PYP, DP) trained and also trained in Cambridge (IGCSE) and IMYC. ESOL support is provided at Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels in both Primary and Secondary. French and Spanish lessons run from Reception to Year 13, Chinyanja language lessons are offered, Zambian Studies are included, and English for Speakers of Other Languages is available.

Student Teacher Ratio
There are 721 students and over 80 teachers and teaching assistants, giving a student-to-staff ratio of about 9:1.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school fosters a community built on mutual respect and understanding, ensuring learners feel welcome, safe, included, and valued.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school offers an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) support programme at Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels in both Primary and Secondary.

Mental Wellbeing
The counselling programme supports the social, emotional and academic growth of the student body by providing a safe and happy environment through communication and support for our diverse student population.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Procedures are in place.
Parent Experience

History
The International School of Lusaka was founded in 1963. It is owned and operated as a not-for-profit association, run by a Board of Governors composed of nine members who are all parents of current students. The association includes voting parent members and non-voting members who are teachers and their families; the Head of School is a non-voting, ex-officio member of the Board. The Board oversees the running of the School and sets policy; members serve for three-year terms and may be elected for a second concurrent term. The School is fully accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), with accreditation first awarded in March 1996.

Community
ISL has a diverse community with around 700 students from over 60 nationalities. The Student Council promotes the interests of the student community, facilitates involvement in school affairs and events, and raises funds to improve facilities. Students belong to Houses named after major Zambian rivers—Zambezi, Luangwa, and Kafue—where House Captains and a teacher House Leader lead activities. A wide range of field trips, extracurricular activities, and community groups such as monkeynastics, tennis, chess, horse riding, dance, golf and violin provide opportunities beyond the classroom.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
ISL's Parent-Teacher Association is an open and welcoming forum for parents, teachers, and staff. The PTA's role is primarily to make the school a better place for students, teachers and parents alike. The association supports a wide range of social events throughout the year, including the annual Welcome Braai, monthly Market Days, Camping Nights, and adult Social Evenings. It is a non-profit initiative; all money generated is invested back into the school, and all participants are volunteers. The PTA provides an open platform for any Association members to raise issues; all parents are eligible to join.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
ISL has well-resourced libraries and a campus culture that includes Houses named after Zambian rivers (Zambezi, Luangwa, Kafue) to foster cross-year identity and leadership. The school offers Field Trips as part of the curriculum and provides Counseling to support student well-being. Extracurricular Activities are offered, with in-school activities complemented by community groups offering activities such as monkeynastics, tennis, chess, horse riding, dance, golf and violin. Counseling supports social, emotional, and academic growth, and Student House Captains provide leadership opportunities across year groups. The scheduling supports Nursery through Year 13 with a broad range of programmes and activities.

Academic Facilities
ISL delivers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (DP), organized around inquiry-based, interdisciplinary themes. Teaching staff are IB (PYP/DP), Cambridge (IGCSE), and International Curriculum Association (IMYC) trained, with ongoing professional development for all teachers. The school provides Learning Support and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) at Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels in both Primary and Secondary. These supports help a diverse student body access the curriculum and develop as lifelong learners.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Extracurricular Activities (ECA) include school-based offerings and access to community groups, providing opportunities to participate in activities such as monkeynastics, tennis, chess, horse riding, dance, golf and violin.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Extracurricular Activities (ECA) provide opportunities for students to learn new skills and broaden their experiences. The school hosts community groups that supplement school offerings, including monkeynastics, tennis, chess, horse riding, dance, golf and violin. UN Day events and the UN Art Competition illustrate student engagement with global issues and creative thinking outside the classroom. Field trips broaden horizons and develop collaboration and teamwork beyond the classroom.

Arts & Creative
Arts and creativity are supported through community groups and school activities such as dance and violin. Drama and music performances are featured in student life, including Primary Drama and the Battle of the Bands. The UN Art Competition demonstrates artistic engagement with global themes.

Cultural & Language
French and Spanish lessons are offered from Reception to Year 13; Chinyanja language lessons are available; Zambian Studies is taught.

Social & Hobbies
Extracurricular Activities include community groups offering monkeynastics, tennis, chess, horse riding, dance, golf and violin. These ECAs provide opportunities to socialize and form friendships. Student Council promotes student involvement in school life and fundraising to support school facilities.

Community & Service
Service is a defined category within Extracurricular Activities (Creative, Action, Service). Student Council raises funds through events to improve student facilities. House systems give students leadership opportunities and encourage teamwork.

Leadership & Professional
House Captains and Vice Captains are elected to lead within their Houses and are supported by a House Leader. The House system, together with the Student Council, provides leadership opportunities and responsibilities. These roles help students develop organizational, collaborative and communication skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
ECAs include monkeynastics, tennis, chess, horse riding, dance, golf and violin, supporting physical activity and outdoor involvement. Counseling supports social, emotional and academic growth in a safe and happy environment. Field trips promote collaboration and teamwork beyond the classroom.
Languages

Language Provision
French and Spanish lessons are offered from Reception to Year 13. Chinyanja language lessons are available. English for Speakers of Other Languages is provided.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Confirm eligibility and year placement. The minimum age to join ISL is 2 years by September 1 in the year of admission; Nursery must be over 2, Pre-School over 3, Reception over 4, and Year 1 over 5 by that date. Students are placed by age and school history, and ISL normally will not place a child more than one year outside the year appropriate for their age. 2. Start the online application. Begin via the ISL OpenApply portal by selecting 'Register Your Interest' or 'Apply Now' to start the application process. 3. Submit required documents and pay fees. Provide date of birth, academic records from the previous school, and the intended date of admission; complete the online medical form with vaccination details; the Registration Fee is non-refundable. The Capital Levy (Enrolment Fee) is payable after accepting a place and there is a 50% discount for second and subsequent children. 4. Undergo assessments for placement. ISL has an open admissions policy and an assessment is required for Years 1–13 to ensure correct class placement and to address any specific needs. Primary assessments are done by the class teacher; Secondary assessments cover English and Maths, with potential ESOL or Learning Support assessments if needed. 5. Receive and accept an offer. After an offer is made, acceptance is required and the Capital Levy must be paid by the date stated on the offer. ISL also notes that there is a 50% discount for second and subsequent children. 6. Induction and first day planning. Once an offer is accepted, new families attend a morning induction for Primary families and a New Students Orientation for all new students; new pupils can start the following day or as agreed. Details are shared closer to the start of the school year. 7. Start date and ongoing welcome. New students begin on the agreed start date, with induction and orientation arrangements completed prior to the first day of school.

Scholarships
ISL offers a limited number of scholarships each year for exceptional students. The Scholarship Selection Committee welcomes external applicants who demonstrate excellence in academics and the potential to be a positive and contributing member of the ISL community, with the aim of providing access to an excellent academic programme for families who otherwise may not be able to afford it. There are two scholarships available for external candidates: one for students entering the two-year Year 10–11 IGCSE programme and the other for students entering the two-year Year 12–13 IB Diploma Programme. Beacon Scholarship ISL partners with the Beacon Scholarship programme for students with strong leadership qualities. The Beacon Scholarship provides access for financially disadvantaged students to top-tier secondary schools in their home country and undergraduate programmes at world-class universities in the UK. The programme includes leadership training and mentoring, as well as a goal-setting performance management system; applicants must demonstrate that they are ‘Changemakers'—they are already making a difference and have the capacity to influence others.

Waitlist
ISL maintains waiting lists when necessary due to ongoing turnover; if a class is full, a waiting list is opened for the respective year level concerned.
School Events
The school has not added events
Compare International School of Lusaka with
vs American International School of Lusaka
Search for more schools
Search schools in Zambia View all schools in Lusaka View all schools in Zambia IB curriculum schools in Zambia Open days & tours in Lusaka What is the IB curriculum? View all schools Search all schools