LWIS City International School vs Wellspring Learning Community - City Centre Campus
LWIS City International School and Wellspring Learning Community - City Centre Campus are both in Beirut, about 4 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and LWIS City International School also offers American. Published annual fees are close, at LBP 717,875,089 - 1,005,025,125 for LWIS City International School and LBP 743,898,061 - 860,552,763 for Wellspring Learning Community - City Centre Campus. LWIS City International School takes pupils from 3 to 18, and Wellspring Learning Community - City Centre Campus from 11 to 18.
Down Town Beirut, Lebanon. The school is a private, international, English-medium day school serving KG1 to Grade 12. It offers Arabic as a first and second language, French as a second language, and Spanish at the high school level.
Location
Wellspring has two Beirut campuses: Mathaf Campus is on Mathaf Main Street, on the border between Badaro and Achrafieh, in front of the National Museum and the Security General, in the grounds of the Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation on Pierre Gemayel Street; City Centre Campus is located in Ain El Roumaneh, on a side street off Lamaa Lamaa Main Street near BLOM Bank.
Stages
Stages
Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, Senior School. The school serves KG1 through Grade 12.
Stages
IB Continuum: PYP, MYP and DP. Mathaf Campus (PYP) serves Nursery–Grade 5; City Centre Campus (MYP and DP) serves Grades 6–12.
School type
School type
Private international day school. It operates English-medium instruction.
School type
IB Continuum World School
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
46 nationalities represented; most common nationality is Lebanese (40%); local to international ratio is 40% local to 60% international.
Pupil nationality mix
59 nationalities represented; mix of local Lebanese and international students.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Learning Support Services. Modified and Individualized Educational Programs (IEP) are offered; support for learners with dyslexia, mild developmental delays, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and social, emotional and behavioral needs; includes In and Out of Class Support, Special Programs, and Out of Class Remediation.
Additional learning support
Learning support for all years with an inclusive IB-aligned approach; professional staff include social-emotional-behavioral/SEN counselors, academic support teachers, and college/career counselors.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
Lebanon
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
non-religious
School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
Bus service is available; registration is via the Bus Registration Form.
New-student, registration and one-time fees - Processing (application) fee: USD 200.- (non‑refundable). An additional USD 100.- applies for Special Education assessment when required. - Development Fund: USD 3,000.- (non‑refundable, one‑time payment due at registration). - Registration fee (place confirmation): USD 1,500.- (non‑refundable). This USD 1,500.- is deducted from the second tuition installment.
What is included in tuition and additional academic charges - Tuition includes rental of hard-copy books, workbooks, e-books, instructional materials, software and insurance. - Family reductions: 10% reduction for the third child and 15% reduction for the fourth child. - IBDP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme) charge: IBDP students (Year 1 & Year 2) are charged an additional USD 1,500.- per year to cover IB programme costs; IBDP Year 2 examination fees are paid directly by the parent/guardian. Grade 12 fees include graduation fees. - Special Education Supplement / Learning Support: charged only if required and determined case-by-case. An additional Special Education assessment fee (USD 100.-) may apply.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is billed in installments. The registration fee is applied against the second tuition installment. Payment of the first tuition installment is collected prior to the start of the school year during the school's scheduled payment/collection period (payment of the first installment and collection of uniform takes place in the week before term starts). - Historical payment practice shows a two‑installment structure (first installment ~50% before the start of term; remaining tuition due in a mid‑year installment), and a late‑payment penalty has been applied in past schedules (a late fee equal to 5% of the total amount due following payment deadlines). Cheques were previously specified as a payment method (payable to “City International School”) in published fee materials.
Boarding - Not applicable. LWIS‑CiS operates as a day school; there is no boarding programme.
Other costs and optional fees - School buses are available to parents for a fee; parents may opt to enrol children on the school bus service or provide their own transport. Specific bus-route and pass fees are charged separately. - School uniform is available for purchase from the school office; uniform costs are charged to families at time of purchase. - After‑school activities and some extracurricular programmes are run as optional services and may carry separate fees; these are managed outside the core tuition charge.
Refund and withdrawal rules - Processing fee, Development Fund and Registration fee are non‑refundable. - Withdrawal policy applied in previously published fee schedules: a student who withdraws before the published mid‑year payment deadline was exempt from the second installment (but remained liable for the first installment in full); withdrawal after that deadline required payment of tuition for the full year. This historical policy has been published in the school's fee schedules and parent materials.
Fee payment options - Cheque payments have been specified in published fee documents (cheques payable to “City International School”). The school collects the first installment in person during the scheduled pre‑term payment period; parents should use the published payment windows. Specific accepted methods beyond cheque (credit card, bank transfer, etc.) are not detailed in the publicly available fee documents reviewed here.
If you will place these entries into a database: use the listed annual tuition amounts for each grade band, record the one‑time non‑refundable Development Fund (USD 3,000.-), Registration Fee (USD 1,500.-) and Processing Fee (USD 200.-), note the additional IBDP charge (USD 1,500.- per IBDP year), record that transportation and uniform costs are billed separately, and flag the school as a day school (no boarding).
Fee details
Application fee
- Non-refundable application processing fee: USD 100 (paid in cash USD or by international wire transfer for applicants outside Lebanon).
Capital development (new students, one-time, non-refundable)
- Nursery: USD 2,525, paid in cash USD or by international wire transfer. - KG1 and above: USD 3,000, paid in cash USD or by international wire transfer. - The capital development fee is charged once for new students at the time indicated by the school.
Annual tuition and auxiliary fees by year group (School Year 2025–2026)
Billing schedule and payment terms (how the annual amount is billed across payments)
- Reservation / first (non-refundable) installment at enrollment: LBP 30,000,000 plus USD 3,000. These sums form part of the total annual tuition and are required to reserve the student's place. - Remaining balances: the outstanding balances (LBP and USD parts) are payable in two further installments due in June and December. - LBP component example: total LBP 90,000,000 is paid as LBP 30,000,000 (reservation) + LBP 30,000,000 (June) + LBP 30,000,000 (December). - USD component example: the USD total (tuition + USD auxiliary fees) is billed as USD 3,000 (reservation) + remaining USD balance split into two equal installments due in June and December; for example, Nursery total USD 8,290 = USD 3,000 (reservation) + USD 2,645 (June) + USD 2,645 (December). - Late payment: a late payment fee of USD 250 per month (or part of a month) is added to overdue accounts; legal collection costs may also be charged. - Currency and payment rules: the LBP portion must be paid in cash LBP and the USD portion must be paid in cash USD (exchange between currencies is not permitted). The capital development fee and certain new-student fees are payable in cash USD or by international wire transfer if paid from outside Lebanon. - Methods accepted: direct bank deposit (Bank Audi branches), cash payments at school premises; parents are responsible for bank charges on deposits.
Per-term / per-installment detail (examples using the published annual totals and the billing structure)
- LBP per-installment (all grades): - Reservation: LBP 30,000,000 (non-refundable). - June installment: LBP 30,000,000. - December installment: LBP 30,000,000. - USD per-installment (examples): - Nursery (total USD 8,290): Reservation USD 3,000; June USD 2,645; December USD 2,645. - KG1 (total USD 8,090): Reservation USD 3,000; June USD 2,545; December USD 2,545. - Grade 6 (total USD 8,890): Reservation USD 3,000; June USD 2,945; December USD 2,945. - Grade 12 (total USD 9,590): Reservation USD 3,000; June USD 3,295; December USD 3,295. - The reservation amounts (LBP 30,000,000 and USD 3,000) are non-refundable and count towards the year total. Acceptance of enrollment constitutes an agreement to pay the full academic year's account even if the student departs early.
Boarding fees
- No boarding program or boarding fees are listed for Wellspring Learning Community; the school operates as a day school with services such as bus transport and lunch available as separate, billed options.
Other costs and ancillary fees
- Auxiliary / Other Fees: USD 500 per student per year (listed as Other Fees / Auxiliary Fees). This USD amount is included in the total USD component shown above. - Bus transport: optional, billed separately on an annual basis if used; charges for transport and any related services are invoiced separately. - Lunch program, after-school activities, excursions/trips, special learning support, textbooks/resources, uniforms and school supplies are billed separately when applicable. Supply lists and uniform requirements indicate parents must provide school supplies and Wellspring shirts for PE; uniform items and supplies are additional parent costs. - Family discounts: a 10% reduction in LBP tuition is offered starting with the third child (LBP tuition). A 15% reduction in USD auxiliary fees is offered for the third child and 20% for the fourth child onward (USD auxiliary fees). Other fees are not subject to discount.
Refund and withdrawal policy
- Application processing fees are non-refundable. Capital development fees are non-refundable. The reservation installment (LBP 30,000,000 and USD 3,000) is non-refundable. - Acceptance of enrollment constitutes agreement to pay the full academic year's tuition and fees. If a student withdraws after attending their first day of class, the full year's tuition and fees are due. - The full year's tuition and fees remain payable in cases of suspension or exclusion for disciplinary or other reasons. - No refunds are given for extended absence or in the event of an extended school closure for reasons beyond the school's control. - Accounts unpaid by their due date are considered delinquent and will incur late fees and possible legal collection action.
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
LWIS-CiS is a private international English-medium day school serving KG1 through Grade 12, with Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, Senior School, and an IB Programme. Arabic is taught as a first and second language, French is taught as a second language, and Spanish is offered at the high school level. The school emphasizes a learner-centered philosophy and a multinational curriculum, staff, and learners. LWIS-CiS is an IB World School and NEASC-accredited since 2011, and is a member of the LWIS Network. The campus features ICT labs, libraries, art rooms, science labs, a cafeteria, sports facilities, and an infirmary.
Curriculum details
The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum comprising Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). PYP is delivered at the Mathaf Campus for Nursery to Grade 5, while MYP and DP are taught at the City Centre Campus for Grades 6–12. The Diploma Programme includes a Core consisting of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay (EE). In Group 2 Language Acquisition, Arabic B is available for students with a background in the language, and French and Spanish are offered at Ab Initio level. The Diploma Programme was authorized at Wellspring in May 2014 and the first DP cohort was anticipated to graduate in 2016; the two IB continuum campuses are Mathaf (PYP) and City Centre (MYP/DP).
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
Ratio of student to teacher: 5.5 to 1.
Student teacher ratio
Approximately 7.3:1 (923 students to 127 faculty).
Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Two-thirds of KG1–G12 students apply to AUB, with 84% accepted. Ninety percent apply to LAU, with 91% accepted. About 25% apply to universities abroad, with acceptances from institutions including Imperial College London, University of the Arts London, Hult International Business School, and City University of London.
Higher education progression
The Diploma Programme is a passport to higher education. In Lebanon, a student who is exempt from the requirements of the Lebanese Baccalaureate and who earns the full IB Diploma will be eligible to enter an American university as a sophomore if the SAT admission requirements are met. In the United States and Canada, most universities admit IB Diploma graduates and some may award freshman credit for DP courses. In the United Kingdom and other European countries, universities accept the IB Diploma for admission, with varying entry requirements.
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
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Admissions
1. Application Form The first step in the admissions process is the submission of a completed application form and relevant documentation online to Wellspring's Open Apply page by the parent(s)/guardian(s) with a $100 non-refundable application fee.
2. Application review Once all records have been collected, the application will be reviewed and parents/guardians will be notified whether they have been granted an interview.
3. Interview All students are required to attend an interview after all material has been submitted. At least one parent is required to attend the interview with the students. The interview appointment is not an indicator of eventual acceptance.
4. Acceptance Acceptance decisions, or updates on the status of your application will normally be released within three school days of the student interview.
5. Payment of Entrance Fees For all new students accepted before June, a non-refundable entrance fee of $5,525, which is the non-refundable capital development fee $2,525 and the nonrefundable auxiliary fee $3,000 (paid in cash USD only or by international wire transfer if from outside Lebanon), along with the non-refundable enrollment fee of LBP 30,000,000 deductible from the tuition fees will be required within one week of the acceptance letter date in order to reserve the place up until the first tuition payment is due in June.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The school has awarded scholarships to students, including Lynn El Mir receiving a full scholarship to AUB and Mario Fares receiving a scholarship to Harvard University. The school lists university acceptances to institutions in the United Kingdom (e.g., Imperial College London, University of the Arts London, City University of London, others), the United States (including Harvard University), Canada (Simon Fraser University, Carleton University), Switzerland (Hotel Institute Montreux, Glion, IMI), the Netherlands (University of Amsterdam), Spain (EU Business School), and Italy (Politecnico di Torino).
Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
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Waitlist
There is a waiting list mechanism. Acceptance decisions or updates on status may be moved to the waiting list if the stated deadlines for payment are not met; specifically, tuition installments not paid by the deadline may result in the acceptance being moved to the waiting list.
