Comparing 3 schools side by side in USD.
The Dunya School is in Baku, Azerbaijan, at 9 Əcəmi Naxçıvani Avenue. The Baku campus is part of Khazar University Dunya School. There are additional campuses in Gəncə (Ganja) and Sumqayıt.
Preschool, primary and secondary education. The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum: Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme.
International IB World School offering the IB Diploma Programme; affiliated with Khazar University.
Around 15 nationalities represented among students; a mix of local and international students.
Azerbaijan
The school has no dormitory.
The students are required to wear a school uniform.
The school has a canteen where meals are prepared and served. The school adheres to food-handling and hygiene standards.
The school is part of Khazar University.
Dunya School offers Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). The PYP is for ages 5–11 (Grade K–4) and uses a student-centred, inquiry-based approach to learning. PYP includes Azerbaijani language instruction, with Azerbaijani classes twice a week in Grade 1 and three times weekly in Grades 2–4. The MYP comprises eight subject groups and requires at least 50 hours of teaching time per group per year; English is the language of instruction, with additional languages offered for Language Acquisition (German, French, Russian, Azerbaijani). The DP comprises a DP core (Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, Creativity, Activity, Service) and six subject groups (Studies in Language and Literature; Language Acquisition; Individuals and Societies; Sciences; Mathematics; The Arts); students take Standard Level and Higher Level courses, with SL 150 hours and HL 240 hours. The DP was authorized to be offered on January 16, 2009.
Class sizes vary from 15 to 20 students. Each class has a full-time homeroom teacher.
Graduates achieve high exam results and go on to study at leading local and international universities.
Graduates go on to study at top local and international universities.
Gifted and Talented students are identified as having high general intellectual ability, specific academic aptitude, or talents in visual/performing arts, sports, or creative thinking. They are mainstreamed in general education with differentiated instruction for deeper rigor and challenge. The school collaborates with parents to source platforms and opportunities for these students to unleash their talent and to participate in local, national and international activities and events.
The school supports social and emotional development through school-based counselling available to all students and a nurturing social–emotional environment. The counsellor addresses emotional, social, academic, and spiritual concerns, and sessions may be held individually or in groups. The process for addressing concerns involves staff referrals, a Student Support Team, and the development of an Individual Learning Plan when needed. Staff receive training to support inclusive education and differentiation to meet diverse learning needs. The programme aims to foster personal and social development and a supportive school culture.
The school provides support for students with learning and/or special educational needs and support for their teachers. Learning support requirements are identified early, assessed, and provided, with accommodations and opportunities communicated to families. For students with particular physical or learning needs, admissions are reviewed individually and entry may be refused if the school cannot meet those needs. An Individual Learning Plan is developed in collaboration with the Student Support Team when appropriate, with progress tracked and reviewed with parents. The school differentiates instruction and uses resources to support learning diversity, including English-language support as needed.
Additional English support classes are provided to students with language support requirements. English is the language of instruction.
Mental health issues are recognized as possible learning support needs. Counselling addresses emotional concerns and aims to develop mental resilience, supporting personal and social development within a confidential process that may involve individual or group sessions.
Bullying and racism are addressed as social concerns within the inclusive framework. The school maintains confidentiality and storage of counselling records to protect student privacy. Staff are trained and assigned responsibilities to raise awareness, provide resources, and report concerns to safeguard students.
1. Apply by submitting an application form. 2. Prepare the documents: a recent passport-sized photo of the child; a scanned copy of the child's ID card or passport; scanned copies of both parents' ID cards; and the latest report from the previous school. 3. After submitting the application form, the Admissions Office acknowledges receipt by email; the child will be waitlisted if a place is not yet available. For Grade 1, a short interview with the child will be arranged. Grades 2–10 applicants will undergo placement tests before a place can be confirmed. Status can be tracked at all times through the Admission Portal. 4. If accepted, a letter of confirmation with the start date and time is issued, followed by additional information about the first days of school. Entrance interviews and tests: Grade 1 interview about 15 minutes; Grade 2–10 placement tests on one date in April/May and one date in August; results are communicated by email and/or phone.
Applicants who meet the admissions criteria but do not have an immediate place are placed on a waiting list; when a vacancy becomes available, they are considered for the vacancy along with others on the waiting list in accordance with school-approved criteria.
The European Azerbaijan School is located in Baku, Azerbaijan. Primary Campus: 7C Hasan Majidov Street, Yasamal district. Secondary Campus: 1128 Abbaszadeh Street, Baku. Both campuses are within the city of Baku.
Early Learning Centre (ages 3–5); Primary School (Grade 1–4); Middle Years Programme (Grade 5–9); Diploma Programme (Grade 10–12); Career-Related Programme (CP).
Private international day school; IB World School.
Azerbaijan
Primary Schedule runs 8:30–16:00, including breakfast, core lessons, breaks, lunch, and language sessions. Secondary Schedule runs 8:30–16:00 with six periods, breaks, and a lunch period.
The school provides transport using nine school buses. Buses operate from different parts of the city with a guide-teacher on each bus; 190 students use the service daily. Buses are equipped with GPS and First Aid kits.
A school uniform is used; one set is included in the tuition.
EAS Catering provides healthy meals with fully equipped kitchens in both buildings; meals are prepared monthly with different assortments; fresh beef and freshly cut lamb are used; the school prohibits canned food, energy drinks, and carbonated beverages; meals are subject to regular inspections.
The European Azerbaijan School is a private school authorized by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan; it is governed by a Board of Trustees. Tale Heydarov is the Founder and Chairman of the Board; Francesco Banchini is the CEO & Director.
IB World School delivering the International Baccalaureate programmes across four divisions: Early Learning Centre (3–5), Primary (PYP), Middle (MYP), and Secondary (DP and CP). The curriculum includes the Primary Years Programme for Grades 1–4, Middle Years Programme for Grades 5–9, Diploma Programme for Grades 10–12, and Career-Related Programme. Language of instruction is English, with Azerbaijani used in some language subjects; language acquisition options include Russian, German, Spanish and French. The DP is a two-year program with six subjects (three HL and three SL) plus the Core (TOK, CAS and Extended Essay). The CP leads to higher education, apprenticeships or employment, and a university consultant supports students with offers from prestigious universities worldwide.
15–21 students per class.
IB Examination Results 2025 and 2024.
DP prepares students for success at university; CP leads to higher education, apprenticeships or employment; university consultant supports students to receive offers from prestigious universities around the world.
EAS fosters collaborative learning and a safe, caring environment where diversity is valued and positive social interactions are promoted. The school minimizes risk of harm and supports student wellbeing. An established Safeguarding Committee monitors safeguarding and child protection arrangements, and all staff receive safeguarding and child protection training every year. Students have a right to be heard and to be taken seriously when concerns arise. The school community emphasizes respectful relationships among staff, students and parents and provides learning opportunities that promote healthy lifestyle choices, contributing to a joyous classroom where students feel safe, secure and accepted.
Psychological support with counseling is designed to facilitate achievement, improve behavior and support social development. The school counseling service offers individual counseling, guidance lessons, assemblies and whole‑school programs such as Bullying Awareness Week, E-safety Week and Random Act of Kindness Week. The learning support team identifies educational needs early and monitors progress for students with learning difficulties. English Additional Language (EAL) and Azerbaijani language support give targeted assistance to help students integrate into regular classrooms; the EAL department uses Cambridge Global English. The Student Support Team includes a Deputy Director for Student Affairs, leaders for various year groups, a psychologist, a university consultant, a social affairs coordinator and the school nurse.
English is the language of instruction for the majority of lessons and English proficiency is emphasised to meet IB programme requirements and to enable students to communicate ideas and emotions. An integrated English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme supports students at all levels up to the IB Diploma Programme, with diagnostic testing and additional support in English and related language courses. The language profile shows diverse linguistic backgrounds; English is the main language of instruction and 70% of instructional time is delivered in English, with the remainder dedicated to maintaining linguistic and cultural identity. Initial placement includes diagnostic tests in English and Azerbaijani to determine appropriate language courses and movement between courses.
The school promotes wellbeing through a safe, supportive environment and a focus on healthy lifestyle choices. Counseling services and a psychologist support student mental wellbeing, with individual sessions, guidance lessons and school-wide programs addressing wellbeing and safety. The Student Support Team works to identify needs early and provide guidance, while the broader wellbeing approach emphasizes positive relationships among staff, students and families.
The Child Protection Policy aims to keep children safe by ensuring safe learning environments, identifying students at risk and communicating safeguarding commitments to the school community. The Safeguarding Committee monitors safeguarding arrangements and ensures staff are trained to respond to concerns; annual safeguarding training is provided for all staff. The policy applies to all members of the school community, including staff, students, parents and visitors.
1. Eligibility and overview: Admission is open to students of all nationalities who can access and benefit from the international curriculum and programmes offered by the school. The school provides the IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme, with specialist teachers and dedicated IB programme coordinators guiding learning. Additional support is available for non-Azerbaijani students who cannot follow language courses in the local language. 2. What makes EAS special: Highly qualified teachers, including staff recruited internationally; a support network for students' social, language and learning needs as well as university counselling; and two state-of-the-art campuses with modern science labs, top sports facilities (including a swimming pool and gymnasium), a modern theatre, a fully equipped computer lab, music and art rooms, a spacious library and a large dining area. An individualized approach to learning recognises the different needs and perspectives of our students and families. 3. Admissions process and campus visits: The best way to learn about EAS is to visit the campus for an admissions tour; the admissions office can be contacted to arrange this. 4. Application process by level and key steps: Early Learning Centre (ELC) eligibility is based on age and an assessment of social, emotional, physical and mental maturity, with ongoing teacher observations. Primary Education (Grades 1-4) uses age eligibility (6 by December 31) and an internal online test in English and Mathematics plus a motor-skills assessment; conditional admission may be offered if results indicate potential for improvement, with contract and fees in place. For MYP (Grades 5-9), students are tested for cognitive abilities and English language proficiency, with Azerbaijani interviews to gauge language needs and potential EAL provision. DP (Grades 10-12) entry requires prior IB grounding (where applicable), an application, an essay, an interview, and a panel decision; notification follows, with language placement assessments as needed. 5. Documentation and contracts: The following documents are typically required: parent/guardian application, photos, original and copy of national ID (Azerbaijani) or passport/residency for international students, school transfer certificates and transcripts (where applicable), and medical certificates; a contract is signed and school fees arranged upon admission. Conditional admissions may require probation and ongoing evaluation during the initial period. 6. Appeals, assessment and language placement: If a decision is appealed, a formal process is available with specified timelines; further assessments may be conducted to ensure optimum placement in language and curriculum courses. A psychological assessment is conducted for ELC, Primary and Secondary to evaluate thinking, learning, behaviour and other aspects, and results inform planning for support where needed. 7. Transfer and ministry requirements: For grade advancement and transfer, families may need to follow the relevant ministry procedures, including transfer links as applicable. The admissions policy also notes alignment with appropriate placement and progression within the IB pathways.
Admissions decisions fall into four categories: Accept, Accept conditionally, Decline and Waiting List. The Admissions Office informs families of the outcome; age guidelines and placement rules apply, and decisions may place applicants on the Waiting List when a place is not immediately available. The policy includes an age-appropriate class numbering and placement framework to ensure suitable grade alignment and progression.
The International School of Azerbaijan is located at AZ1070, Yeni Yasamal, Royal Park, Baku, Azerbaijan. It sits in the Yeni Yasamal district near the Royal Park development, with bus routes serving the Port Baku Residence area and other popular residences. Royal Park residents can walk to the school.
Early Learning Centre, Primary, Middle School, High School
IB World School offering Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). Language of instruction is English.
English as an Additional Language (EAL) program; Mother Tongue program; Azerbaijani for All.
Azerbaijan
Early Learning Centre daily schedules show Nursery and P1 from 8:15 arrival with a nap at 12:30 and dismissal around 12:30 (Nursery) or 3:15 (P2/3). P2 and P3 daily schedule starts at 8:15 with activities including community circle, morning meeting, classes, outdoor inquiry, lunch, specialist lessons and dismissal around 3:15.
TISA runs a bus service that covers the Port Baku Residence area and other popular residences; routes are adapted year to year. Royal Park residents can walk to the school. See the Bus Service Agreement for details and contact studentbuses@tisa.az for questions.
TISA does not have a uniform. There is a Dress Code: clothes should be weather-appropriate, not overly revealing, clean, ironed, and opaque, and hats should remain in students' bags during the school day. In Secondary, Physical Education requires the school-provided red TISA PHE shirt and non-marking shoes.
The school provides lunch. All ELC students receive lunch included in tuition; All students in Grade 1 and above may purchase lunch. A full hot meal with salad costs 6 AZN; a sandwich with a drink costs 3.60 AZN; a salad costs 3.60 AZN; there is a salad bar option for 3.60 AZN. There is no breakfast; a mid-morning snack is provided in the ELC; Grades 1–12 bring their own snack. Vegetarian options are available daily; The menu prioritizes locally sourced and organic ingredients when possible.
The school is governed by the TISA Board of Governors, a nine-member body. The Board includes BP representatives, US Embassy and UK Embassy representatives, a BP business representative, a Parent Representative, a Staff Representative, and the Director (non-voting). The Board sets the school's strategic vision and policies and delegates day-to-day management to the Director.
The International School of Azerbaijan offers the International Baccalaureate continuum: PYP (P1–5), MYP (6–10), and DP (11–12). Primary learning is inquiry-based and delivered through the Programme of Inquiry, including Science and Social Studies. The Maths curriculum follows AERO Math Standards; English Language Arts follows AERO ELA Standards; Science aligns with ACARA Standards, with Social Studies embedded in the Programme of Inquiry through IB transdisciplinary themes. Languages from Grade 2 include French and Spanish, plus Azerbaijani or English; Mother Tongue support is offered where possible, and there is an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program aligned with WIDA. Single Subjects include Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Physical Education, Library, and World Languages, and these are incorporated into units where possible.
P1-P2: class sizes up to 25 students with a 1:9 staff-to-student ratio; P3-P8: 18 students per class; M1-DP2: 20 students per class.
IB Examination Results: The Class of 2024 averaged 32 points; the top score was 40, and the overall pass rate was 96%.
Graduates attend colleges and universities worldwide; a notable alumnus is Mina Kasimoglu, Class of 2021, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration at Parsons School of Design, New York.
Homeroom teachers deliver a holistic wellness curriculum that includes social and emotional development, Keeping Safe; Child Protection Curriculum (KS:CPC), and the aim to develop creative problem solvers and productive global citizens. In secondary, relationships are central to wellbeing; coaches meet daily with small groups of students to support individualized goals, grade-level action projects, KS:CPC lessons and additional wellbeing activities. In grades 3–5, a weekly social-emotional check-in system called Closegap provides real-time wellbeing insights for teachers to intervene as needed. Safeguarding is integrated through the safeguarding policy and KS:CPC, and all community members have a duty to safeguard and report concerns. The wellbeing program is embedded within the IB framework, with staff coordinating to support student wellbeing across the school.
The Learning Support Department provides ongoing support for students identified through referral and identification processes. Support is offered through in-class inclusion and pull-out sessions, and Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) are shared and reviewed with students, teachers and parents. Interventions meet individual learning needs, ensure access to standards, develop the student's ability to be expert learners, and remove barriers to learning. The Learning Support Department affirms the right of all students to develop to their maximum potential in a warm and caring educational environment.
English as an Additional Language (EAL) is provided for non-native English speakers. On admission, students are assessed to identify ELLs and placed in appropriate language support programs. The EAL program equips students with language skills for social and academic functioning, develops oral and written language, supports language transfer between languages, and coordinates with homeroom teachers to best support learners. EAL teachers work in co‑teaching or advisory roles and monitor progress to inform instruction, with progress communicated to teachers and parents. The EAL department collaborates with classroom and subject teachers to support the academic language development of all learners.
Wellbeing is addressed across all areas of the IB PYP curriculum, with social, personal and emotional development a shared responsibility of all teachers. Personal, Social and Physical Education (PSPE) includes Identity, Active Living, and Interactions as its strands, emphasising healthy relationships, self-awareness, resilience, and informed decision-making. The program supports student wellbeing through advisory activities and targeted wellbeing initiatives as part of the broader curriculum.
TISA maintains a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, with KS:CPC adopted as part of the curriculum for all ages. All members of the TISA community have a duty to safeguard and report concerns. Primary and Secondary designated safeguarding leads are available, with clearly published contact points for reporting safeguarding issues.
The International School of Azerbaijan welcomes applicants from all countries and educational backgrounds. The IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP) serve international and local students and align with curricula from the USA, UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia under the International Baccalaureate framework. Admissions are paperless. Required documents are the child's passport and/or birth certificate, a headshot, official school records in English, and Health and Language information included in the online application. Early Learning/Primary applicants must provide an email for the current homeroom teacher so the Primary Reference Form can be sent for completion; Secondary applicants must provide emails for Mathematics, English, and Counselor so three Secondary Recommendation Forms can be completed. Priority for Admissions is given to children of BP and AIOC shareholder employees, children of oil and gas businesses with a strategic interest in TISA, and children of diplomats and non-oil/multi-national families; others may be admitted subject to space and the availability of specialist learning or language support services. Criteria for Early Learning/Primary include age, class size, English language proficiency, prior school records and recommendations, an observation visit and/or EAL and/or Learning Support testing if applicable, and student/family interviews if necessary. Secondary admissions may include placement assessments in Mathematics, English, foreign languages (if needed), Sciences for IB Diploma Programme applicants, and English Language Support placement, in addition to age, class size, English proficiency, prior records and recommendations, IB experience for DP applicants, overall academic ability, and interviews if necessary. Admissions decisions follow review of the online application, records, recommendations, documents, and assessments or interviews, and are communicated to the applicant; acceptance does not guarantee enrolment beyond the initial year and continued enrolment may depend on academic progress, attendance and behaviour; the school reserves the right to decline admission for inadequate records or if admission may negatively impact current students. The school year runs from mid-August to mid-June; online applications are accepted year-round; space may be limited; the review process generally takes about two weeks, with DP applicants contacted by the IB DP Coordinator as needed. English language proficiency is essential; EAL placement may be available depending on space, with pre-enrolment evaluation when possible and final EAL placement communicated before attendance in World Language classes. The school is inclusive and offers Learning Support for mild to moderate learning differences; if a student requires Learning Support, parents provide all relevant documentation for review so an Individual Learning Plan can be developed, and a Learning Support Assistant may be required and must be approved by the Learning Support Coordinator and vetted by Human Resources; full-time 1:1 Learning Support must be arranged by parents with a TISA-approved assistant. Ready to apply: start your online application.
