American Cooperative School of Tunis vs Ecole Canadienne de Tunis
American Cooperative School of Tunis and Ecole Canadienne de Tunis are both in Tunis, about 6 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes. American Cooperative School of Tunis also offers American, and Ecole Canadienne de Tunis also offers Canadian. Published annual fees are TND 7,934 - 26,700 at American Cooperative School of Tunis and TND 7,736 - 13,145 at Ecole Canadienne de Tunis, which puts American Cooperative School of Tunis roughly 66% higher. Both take pupils from 3 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 580 and 600 pupils. Typical class sizes are 16 at American Cooperative School of Tunis and 20 at Ecole Canadienne de Tunis.
Private international school inspired by the Quebec education program and enriched by the International Baccalaureate
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
ACST represents a global community of cultures and languages. Families come from embassies, diplomatic missions, international businesses, and NGOs. The Elementary School has more than 200 students from about 40 countries.
Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
English as an Additional Language (EAL); Learning Support; Counseling; Full-time Educational Psychologist
Additional learning support
Personalized student support, a safe environment, and academic and psychological support services
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
United States; Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools in the United States
ACST offers a bus service with 15 routes and more than 140 stops; registration by August 10; service starts on the first day of school; transportation@acst.net
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application & Enrollment Fees - Application fee (new applicants only, one-time): USD 200. - Registration fee for new enrollment (Grades K–12, one-time): USD 6,000. Maximum registration fee per family: USD 12,000. - Deposit for incidentals (refundable when family leaves, replenished if balance falls below USD 50 at start of the following academic year): USD 250.
Tuition fees (2025–2026) — annual and per-term detail - Tuition is charged in US dollars and is non-refundable. Annual tuition by program/grade level: - Pre-Kindergarten 1 — Half Day: USD 7,366. Per-term amounts under the standard semester schedule: First semester payment = 55% (USD 4,051.30); Second semester payment = 50% (USD 3,683.00). - Pre-Kindergarten 1 & 2 — Full Day: USD 12,270. Per-term: First semester = 55% (USD 6,748.50); Second semester = 50% (USD 6,135.00). - Elementary School (Kindergarten–Grade 5): USD 23,478. Per-term: First semester = 55% (USD 12,912.90); Second semester = 50% (USD 11,739.00). - Middle School (Grades 6–8): USD 24,952. Per-term: First semester = 55% (USD 13,723.60); Second semester = 50% (USD 12,476.00). - High School (Grades 9–12): USD 26,240. Per-term: First semester = 55% (USD 14,432.00); Second semester = 50% (USD 13,120.00). - Capital fee (Grades K–12): USD 1,150 (charged in addition to tuition). - Reservation (re-enrollment) fee for returning students (payable in May each year): USD 500 per student.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is due prior to the start of the school year. The Board sets school fees annually in April. - Standard installment option (semester payments): First semester payment (including registration fee, capital fee and incidentals deposit when applicable) is 55% of the tuition and is due on July 31. Second semester payment is 50% of the tuition and is due one week before the second semester starts. - Mid-year enrollment: Tuition is prorated based on the enrollment date; other fees (registration, capital fee, incidentals) apply in full. For students who join after the school year has started, the second semester payment is specified as 55% of the tuition. - New families must pay application, registration, incidentals deposit and applicable tuition and capital fees in accordance with the schedule above; returning families pay tuition, capital fees and the reservation fee.
Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable; no boarding fees are charged.
Additional costs and optional fees - Lunch: Lunch for Elementary and Middle School may be charged with tuition or invoiced separately on request. No refunds are given for unconsumed lunches. - Transportation (per child): Full-time/full-year (morning pick-up AND afternoon drop-off) USD 1,600; Full-time/half-year USD 850; Half-time/full-year (morning OR afternoon only) USD 850. Athletic late bus (5:40 p.m.) for students not enrolled in afternoon service: USD 150 per season. - Other possible charges: Fees may be charged for international trips (e.g., Model United Nations, competitions, athletics travel) and for specialized extracurricular programs requiring travel or accommodations. - Uniforms and school supplies: Families should budget separately for uniforms, personal school supplies and incidental personal expenses; these are not itemized in the standard fee schedule above.
Refund information - Most fees are non-refundable, including tuition and registration. The incidentals deposit is refundable when the family leaves, provided there are no outstanding charges.
Fee payment options - Accepted payment methods: Bank transfer in USD; bank transfer in TND; USD checks; TND checks; local cards; international cards; cash in TND at the school cashier (cash payments limited to a maximum of 3,000 TND).
Financial aid - A limited financial aid budget is available for families with exceptional, unexpected need. Typical awards are between 5–10% of the overall invoice and aid may be granted for a maximum of three years. Financial aid applications require submission of financial records and are reviewed in May, September and December.
Fee details
Academic year covered Amounts shown are for Rentrée 2025–2026 (published tariff schedule) and are expressed in Tunisian dinars (TND). Monthly figures on the published simulator are given hors taxe (HT); a 7% TVA applies.
Application, first-registration and re‑registration fees - Application / dossier fee: - Maternelle, Préscolaire and Primaire 1: no application fee (free). - From Primaire 2 and for other higher levels: a one‑off application/evaluation fee of 100 TND. - First-time registration (frais de 1ère inscription): - Maternelle, Préscolaire and Primaire 1: free. - Primaire 2 and above / other applicable levels: one‑off 935 TND at confirmation of enrollment. - Re‑registration (frais de ré‑inscription): 250 TND payable each year. Re‑registration fees are not refundable.
Tuition fees by school level (per month, per year and per term; amounts HT) Note: the simulator presents monthly amounts calculated over 10 months; the school requires annual fees and bills in three advance fractions (three trimesters). Monthly figures below are the published monthly HT amounts; annual = monthly × 10; trimester = annual ÷ 3. VAT (7%) must be added to HT totals where applicable.
- Secondaire (Secondaire 1 à 5): - Tuition: 1,029 TND per month (HT). - Annual tuition (HT, 10-month basis): 10,290 TND. - Per trimester (HT): 3,430.00 TND (annual ÷ 3).
Mandatory and optional ancillary fees - Service de la vie scolaire: 71 TND (listed with the monthly tariff). This covers fixed charges such as medical service, psychological support, insurance, certain sports items, events and related services; it is payable in full. - Cantine (demi‑pension): 206 TND per month (HT). Payable as an optional service; bus and cantine rules apply as per policies. - Garderie (after‑school care): where applicable 118 TND per month (HT) for levels where this option is charged; in some levels garderie is offered free as indicated in the published tariff sections. - Bus scolaire: free for pupils living in the suburbs subject to seat availability (the school lists the bus as free within that limit). - Pack de rentrée (back‑to‑school pack): purchase of the pack is mandatory for each pupil and must be paid in full (price presented separately by the school). - Uniform / sports kit: the school requires an ECT uniform for sports and certain activities; sports attire is referred to in the service charges. Specific uniform item prices are managed through the school's pack or administration. - Sibling (fratrie) discounts: from the second child onward the reduction is 10% on tuition fees; cantine is reduced by 50% and garderie is free for the sibling(s) as published in the tariff tool.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Annual tuition and the service de la vie scolaire are billed as annual amounts and are payable in advance in three fractions (three trimesters). Optional services are billed and payable by advance each trimester. Enrollment confirmation requires payment of the first‑trimester fees within the stated deadlines. - Re‑registration must be completed during March each year with payment of the third‑trimester amount; failure to respect deadlines may result in loss of place. Enrollment is confirmed only after payment of the required fees (first trimester payment required 15 days before the school start to confirm the place). - Optional services (cantine, garderie, bus when charged) are payable in full in advance for each trimester and any mid‑trimester change may not be reimbursed or pro‑rated; changes require written request within the school's stated deadlines.
Refunds and cancellation policy - Re‑registration fees and other listed fees (tests, tuition, service charges, options, re‑registration, etc.) are not refundable, transferable or negotiable. No refund is granted for voluntary interruption during the school year. No prorata refunds are provided for option changes mid‑trimester.
Boarding (internat) - The school operates as a day school with external/demi‑pensionnaire/panier arrangements for lunch; no boarding/internat program is listed.
Accepted payment method(s) (explicitly listed) - Pay directly at the school in cash (payment at school). The published tariff material explicitly lists on‑site payment as an option. For billing cadence and deadlines, refer to the billing schedule above.
If you use these figures for a database, note the school's published tariff refers to Rentrée 2025–2026 and lists VAT at 7%; the school's internal financial regulations set the billing cadence, required deadlines and the non‑refund conditions cited above.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
ACST follows a comprehensive K-12 standards-based curriculum grounded in American educational standards. The K-10 curriculum is aligned to internationally benchmarked standards, while grades 11-12 engage the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The curriculum is designed using the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework, with daily learning targets and varied assessment formats including projects, products, and performances. Subject areas across the program include K-12 English/Language Arts; K-12 Mathematics; K-12 Science; K-12 Social Studies; K-12 World Languages; K-12 Visual, Media and Performing Arts; K-12 Physical Education and Health/Wellness; and K-12 Social-Emotional Learning. The school also provides Learning Support and Counseling services to support student growth, and includes Tunisian Studies Trips as part of the curriculum.
Curriculum details
The school follows the Quebec Education Program, enriched by the International Baccalaureate (IB) programs to offer a global and balanced education. Programs span from Kindergarten and Preschool to Primary, Secondary, and Pre-university.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
Average class size from Grade 1 to 12 is 16 students.
Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
Students are prepared to pursue studies in Canada, Europe, or elsewhere in the world.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
New Student Admission Step By Step. Step 1: Collect documents to upload. PK1 and PK2 require a copy of the student's passport, copies of each parent's passport, student and parent passport‑size photos, the Student Medical Form (French version available), the immunization record, and an ACST Confidential Reference Form. Kindergarten through Grade 12 require the same documents plus Previous School Records/Transcripts/Test Reports and any applicable translations if records are not in English, French, or Arabic, as well as standardized achievement test scores; a non‑refundable $200 application fee applies. Step 2: Online application. Create an account, complete the online application, upload documentation, and review the submission; ensure all required fields are filled, and note that falsifying or omitting information may disqualify acceptance. Step 3: Acceptance & Grade Placement. Elementary placements follow the child's age as of September 1; prior school records, academic ability, social development, and placement tests are taken into account; candidates may be scheduled for on‑site admissions tests in reading, language, and math; students from accredited American or comparable international schools may be admitted provisionally, with further testing for EAL or Academic Support as needed. Waitlist: As a grade reaches optimal capacity, a waiting list will be established and the waitlist procedure will go into effect. Step 4: Enrollment in ACST. Before attendance begins, parents sign an acceptance letter and a Parent Partnership Agreement (English, French, Arabic), and submit financial documents; original documents are returned to Admissions and an invoice is issued. The start‑date requirements include the Student Medical Form, World language form (Elementary School Only), and financial documents; a supply list and technology requirements are provided; ACST has an open admissions policy.
Admissions
1. Test appointment and meeting with the educational team. An appointment for the admission tests is sent to you by email. Your child will meet the educational team and participate in age-appropriate activities. The pre-university program at the École Canadienne de Tunis is recognized by Université Laval.
2. Prepare documents. For Kindergarten, Preschool, and Primary 1, admission requires no dossier fee. The required documents are the birth certificate in French or a copy of the child's passport, a recent passport photo, and the identity document of the parent or guardian. For other classes, admission includes evaluation of scientific and linguistic prerequisites with a 100 DT fee at pre-registration; additional documents include a certificate of attendance from the current school and the child's report cards for this year and last year.
3. Pre-registration online. Fill the online pre-registration form to officially begin the admission process. This form is the first step to reserve a place for your child.
4. Dossier fees. Dossier fees vary by level. For Kindergarten, Preschool and Primary 1 there are no dossier fees. From Primary 2 onward, a 100 DT fee is charged to cover the assessments of prerequisites. Payment options: pay at the school in cash.
5. Tuition information. Tariffs for pre-university programs are listed; to learn more about admission fees and options for pre-university programs contact us directly.
6. Test preparation resources. Prepare your child to succeed in the admission test. Download our preparation resources and guide your child with confidence in the first steps toward the École Canadienne de Tunis. Kindergarten test preparation resources are available.
7. DEC pre-university overview. What is the General College Studies Diploma (DEC) pre-university? The DEC general is an official diploma issued by the Quebec Ministry of Education and Higher Education (Canada). It certifies a two-year program after five years of secondary and six years of primary to prepare students for university studies in any field: pure and applied sciences, health sciences, economics and management, humanities. The Quebec pre-university education system is known for the quality of college-level teaching and its approach to preparing students for university life. Programs are regularly revised to meet changing needs of society and the job market. What are the exit profiles of ESCT students? ESCT offers two DEC pre-university programs: Sciences de la Nature and Sciences Humaines – Profil Gestion et Economie (Managing and Economics).
8. Plan your meeting. We are here to answer all your questions. Ages 12-18. Plan a meeting with a Secondary advisor. Reserve now.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
As a grade reaches optimal capacity, a waiting list will be established and the school's waitlist procedure will go into effect.