Compare International Schools in Addis ababa, Ethiopia

Instructs in English

Ages 2 - 18 years

Fees ETB 6,232 - 10,594

Pupils 1400

Type Co-educational

Cambridge Academy Ethiopia is a private international school delivering the National Curriculum for England from Early Years to secondary, with Pearson Edexcel accreditation for IGCSE and A Levels. The school serves more than 1,000 students, supported by over 135 educators, with a parent community of around 1,400. The curriculum covers English, French and either Amharic or Afan Oromo, and core subjects run across all stages from EYFS through KS5. The campus features outdoor grounds, including a grass football pitch, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, track and field facilities, and lawns and green spaces designed for outdoor learning. Green Learning Zones provide shaded outdoor classrooms, and a dedicated Nursery/Lower Primary play area supports early years learning. A performing arts theatre is under construction, and planned facilities include a competition swimming pool, a training pool, and an outdoor tennis court. After-school programmes, clubs and community service activities enrich academics and personal development.

Stages

EYFS, Primary, and Secondary (IGCSE and A‑Level pathways). Ages 3–18.

Type

Private international school offering the National Curriculum for England. Pearson Edexcel accredited.

Country affiliation

England

Bus service

School transport with a fleet of well-maintained buses, GPS tracking, and safety features; routes are designed to accommodate a variety of locations.

Uniform Requirement

The school has a designated uniform. All students wear the school uniform, which reflects unity, equality, and pride in belonging to the school. Uniforms promote a professional atmosphere and help reduce distractions and social pressures.

Food Options

The catering service provides nutritious, well-balanced meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Menus accommodate dietary needs and celebrate cultural diversity, and the program emphasises sustainability and reducing waste.

Governance and Ownership

Governance is provided by a Board of Trustees; day-to-day management is led by the Principal and leadership team. Cambridge Academy Ethiopia is licensed by Ethiopia's Ministry of Education to operate as a British-curriculum international school and is accredited by Pearson Edexcel.

Tuition fees (annual and per term by year group — Academic year 2025–2026)
- Nursery (N): Annual USD 6,231.51 — Per term (three-term billing) USD 2,077.17.
- FS1: Annual USD 6,571.41 — Per term USD 2,190.47.
- FS2: Annual USD 6,571.41 — Per term USD 2,190.47.
- Years 1–3: Annual USD 6,798.00 — Per term USD 2,266.00.
- Years 4–6: Annual USD 7,364.49 — Per term USD 2,454.83.
- Years 7–9: Annual USD 8,497.50 — Per term USD 2,832.50.
- Years 10–13: Annual USD 10,593.54 — Per term USD 3,531.18.

Application and joining fees
- Application fee (new students): USD 150 due on submission of application; refundable only if a place is not offered.
- Registration deposit (to secure an offered place, new students): USD 300; non-refundable once an offer is accepted.
- Re-registration deposit (returning students): USD 250 per year to guarantee a place for the following academic year; non-refundable.

Capital levy (one-off/annual capital contribution)
- Capital levy depends on year of enrolment for new students and for students already registered prior to 2025–26. New-student capital levy ranges from USD 500 up to USD 1,800 depending on entry year/grade. For students registered before 2025–26 the levy varies by year group (examples in the published schedule show amounts from USD 250 up to USD 750 depending on year of enrolment). Exact levy is set by year group at enrolment.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Billing structure: tuition is treated on a per-term basis. The first term's tuition must be paid at least two weeks before the start of term for returning students; for new students the application fee, registration deposit, capital levy and the first term's tuition must be paid prior to the student's first day. Subsequent terms require tuition payment two weeks before the start of each term. Company-sponsored accounts are expected to settle the full year's tuition in advance.

Currencies and local payment note
- International students: fees payable in convertible currencies (USD, EUR or GBP).
- Ethiopian (local) students: fees payable in Ethiopian Birr with a required smaller portion paid in USD; the USD portion for local students is shown as between USD 500 and USD 750 depending on the year of enrolment.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable; the school operates as a day school and publishes fees for tuition and associated day-school charges (transport, catering, etc.) rather than boarding packages.

Other charges and typical additional costs
- Transport: a school transport service is provided; transport charges are additional to tuition (specific route and fare schedules are set separately by the school).
- Catering (meals): catering is available and charged in addition to tuition; menus and catering arrangements are managed by the school's catering service.
- Uniforms and textbooks: uniforms and textbooks are listed as additional fees and are required items for families to purchase; the school groups these under ‘other fees' and applies charges for them as part of overall school costs.
- Optional extras: extra-curricular activities, trips, specific learning support or exam fees may incur separate charges and are billed in addition to tuition when taken.

Discounts and concessions
- Sibling discount on tuition only: 5% for second child, 10% for third child and 15% for fourth child from the same family.
- Early-payment discount: 5% off annual tuition when full annual tuition is paid before the start of the school year (does not apply to company-sponsored fees). These discounts apply to tuition only and not to registration, capital levy or other fees.

Refund and withdrawal policy
- Registration and re-registration deposits are non-refundable.
- Tuition refunds: if a student withdraws before the academic year begins, tuition paid is refunded minus the deposit. For students who have attended, refunds are calculated from the official withdrawal date: enrolment up to two weeks results in a one-month deduction; enrolment between two weeks and one month results in a two-month deduction; enrolment beyond one month requires full payment of the term's fees. Refunds are calculated from the official date of withdrawal request.

Non-payment and late payment consequences
- If fees remain unpaid six weeks after the due date, the school may suspend a student's attendance and participation in events until outstanding balances are cleared; report cards, transfer certificates and re-registration may be withheld. Students are not prevented from sitting examinations. The school may consider payment plans in cases of genuine hardship at the discretion of the finance office and school board.

Accepted payment methods (currencies noted above)
- The school publishes the accepted currencies for international and local billing (USD, EUR, GBP and Ethiopian Birr with a USD component for local students). Specific payment channels (for example bank transfer, in-person card payment or online payment portals) are managed by the school's finance office and are applied according to the school's billing instructions for each family account.

Curriculum

Follows the National Curriculum for England from Early Years through to secondary. EYFS: Ages 3–5; KS1: 5–7; KS2: 7–11; KS3: 11–14; KS4: 14–16 (IGCSE preparation); KS5: 16–18 (A Levels). Languages studied are English, French, and either Amharic or Afan Oromo. Cambridge Academy Ethiopia is Pearson Edexcel accredited. Core subjects are taught across the stages with a broad range of foundation subjects.

Student Teacher Ratio

Approximately 4.8:1 (based on 1,400+ students and 290+ staff).

Higher Education Progression

The school provides a University Counsellor to support progression to higher education; graduates pursue universities around the world.

Gifted and Talented

Advanced learning plans and provisions for gifted and talented students are included in admissions documentation.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Social, emotional, and physical wellbeing are a core focus. The school provides a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where learners are known and supported. Pastoral care and caring relationships foster wellbeing, and the school emphasises connection, belonging, and partnership with families to support social and emotional development.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The language program includes English as a core subject; languages studied are English, French, and either Amharic or Afan Oromo.

Mental Wellbeing

Sport is an essential part of education; physical activity supports mental well being, reduces stress, and builds emotional resilience.

Safeguarding

The school provides a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment in partnership with parents to protect and support every learner.

Admissions

1. Schedule a visit to Cambridge Academy Ethiopia to tour facilities, meet staff, and experience the learning environment. Families are welcome to visit prior to registration. Tours are available Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with weekend visits possible on request. To arrange a visit, contact the Admissions Office by email or phone. 2. Complete the Online Application Form with all required information and upload the necessary documents, including academic records, birth certificate, passport copy or ID, and any relevant reports (e.g., medical or learning support needs). After submission, the Admissions Team will confirm receipt and guide the family through the next steps. 3. For Early Years applicants (Nursery, FS1, FS2), all are welcomed without formal entrance tests. A gentle school readiness assessment is conducted to observe interaction with peers and adults, identify developmental milestones, and assess English language proficiency (for EAL learners). The purpose is to tailor support from day one, not to determine admission eligibility. 4. Admission of Students with SEN: The school provides an inclusive learning environment with support for students with mild to moderate SEN, including targeted intervention plans and ongoing collaboration with families and specialists. If additional support is required, a tailored readiness assessment may be requested to plan appropriate interventions. If the school cannot meet a child's needs adequately, this will be communicated transparently with the child's best interests in mind. 5. Offer and acceptance: After an offer is made, the family confirms acceptance and completes payment steps. A $300 registration deposit is required to secure the student's place, and a capital levy is charged to support facility investments (amount varies by year of enrolment, from $500 to $1,800 for new students and $250 to $500 for students enrolled before 2025–26). Returning students pay a $250 re-registration deposit to guarantee their place for the next academic year. 6. Fees and payment terms: Returning students must settle the first term's tuition at least two weeks before the term starts, and all registration and levy fees for the following year before the current year ends. For new students, all required fees—including application, registration, capital levy, and the first term's tuition—must be paid before their first day. International students pay in USD, EUR, or GBP; Ethiopian students pay in Birr with a small portion in USD. Discounts include a 5% sibling discount for the second child, 10% for the third, 15% for the fourth, and a 5% early payment discount for paying the full annual tuition. 7. Refunds and non-payment: Registration and re-registration deposits are non-refundable. If a student withdraws before the academic year begins, tuition paid is refunded minus the deposit. If attendance begins, refunds follow an attendance-based schedule: up to two weeks' attendance yields one month's deduction, up to one month's attendance yields two months' deduction, and attendance beyond one month requires full payment of the term's fees. If fees remain unpaid six weeks after the due date, attendance may be suspended and report cards or re-registration may be withheld; families may request a payment plan through the finance office, which is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded to Ethiopian students who demonstrate outstanding merit, whether through academic excellence, exceptional talent, or athletic achievement. These awards are highly competitive and may provide partial or full support toward tuition fees, textbooks, and other educational costs. Bursaries are means-tested financial assistance based on demonstrated need and may cover tuition in full or in part, with no repayment required. Fee Waivers are available for a select group of staff members as part of supporting the school's workforce.

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International Community School of Addis Ababa

Instructs in English

Ages 3 - 18 years

Fees ETB 2,609,354 - 36,520

Pupils 1000

Type Co-educational

International Community School of Addis Ababa is a non-profit international school in Ethiopia serving students aged 3 to 18. It is an IB World School offering a full continuum: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), and Career-related Programme (CP). In addition, the school provides a BTEC qualification and a bespoke curriculum. The DP has been offered since 1982, with the CP added to complete the continuum. The 15-acre campus hosts two grass fields, a FIFA-certified pitch, a 25-meter Aquatics Center and hubs for Elementary and Middle School, plus High School Art Room. An Office of Learning Garden anchors outdoor learning with a student-run garden. ICS draws from over 70 nationalities and offers 200+ activities, 17 service clubs, Model United Nations, a STEAM team, ISSEA participation. The Eagles Leadership Program and Home Language Program with eight languages reinforce student leadership, service, and intercultural engagement globally.

Location

Mauritania Rd, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Stages

Early Years 3 to Grade 12 (Primary, Middle, and High School)

Type

Non-profit international school

Pupil Nationality Mix

80+ nationalities represented among our school community

Additional learning support

Learning Support in each grade; English as an Additional Language (EAL); Occupational Therapy; Speech and Language Therapy; Counseling; Evaluations; Student Transition Educational Program

Country affiliation

Ethiopia

School day structure

School hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00 AM–3:20 PM (3:25 PM for MS/HS); Wednesday 8:00 AM–2:00 PM (2:05 PM for MS/HS); After School Activities 3:30–4:30 PM

Uniform Requirement

Uniform for physical education and sports is required for grades 4–12.

Food Options

Lunch is an additional expense. There is an informal weekly on-campus food market called Food makes us happy, organized via a PTO WhatsApp group for preorders.

Governance and Ownership

ICS Addis is a not-for-profit independent school governed by a Board of Governors acting on behalf of the ICS Association (parents and staff). The Board oversees the Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan and fiduciary oversight, and delegates operational authority to the Head of School. There are two standing committees, Finance and Governance, and statutes and bylaws govern the association.

Tuition fees (annual and per semester, by grade level)

- Early Years 3–4 (Half Day): Annual tuition USD 11,760 — Per semester USD 5,880.
- Early Years 3–4 (Full Day): Annual tuition USD 19,130 — Per semester USD 9,565.
- Early Years 5 (Kindergarten) / Grades 1–5: Annual tuition USD 29,520 — Per semester USD 14,760.
- Grades 6–8 (Middle School): Annual tuition USD 33,480 — Per semester USD 16,740.
- Grades 9–10 (High School): Annual tuition USD 35,120 — Per semester USD 17,560.
- Grades 11–12 (High School): Annual tuition USD 36,520 — Per semester USD 18,260.

All tuition figures are in United States dollars (USD). Semester tuition is half of the annual tuition; semester tuition and the annual capital fee must be paid in full for any student enrolled for any portion of a semester.

Application, registration and capital fees

- New student application fee (all grades): USD 300 (non‑refundable).
- New student capital fee:
- Early Years 3–4: USD 300 (credited toward the EY5 capital fee).
- Early Years 5 – Grade 12: USD 10,000.
- Returning student registration fee (credited toward next year's tuition): USD 300 (non‑refundable).
- Returning student capital fee:
- Early Years 3–4: USD 300 (credited toward EY5).
- Early Years 5: USD 10,000.
- Grades 1–12: USD 1,500.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The school year is divided into two semesters. Tuition and capital fee payments are due two weeks before the first day of each semester.
- Payment deadlines (example schedule): organizations pay annual tuition and capital fee by 31 July; individuals must pay first semester tuition and full capital fee by 31 July and second semester tuition by 26 December. Tuition and capital fees must be paid in full before a student may attend classes.
- Late payment finance charges: up to two weeks after invoice due date — 2.5% of the total amount due; between two and six weeks — 5% of the total amount due. If payments are not made within six weeks of the original due date, the student(s) will not be permitted to attend classes or participate in school events until all amounts and finance charges for the entire semester (or year for organizations) are paid in full.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not charged; there are no separate boarding fees listed (no boarding programme fees apply).

Other costs and optional fees

- Lunch (charged separately; lunch deposits must be made in cash).
- Laptop deposit (Grades 6–8) and laptop purchase (Grades 9–12).
- International athletics and activities trips (variable, charged as applicable).
- Uniform for physical education and sports (Grades 4–12).
- Specialized student support (when required):
- Speech and Language Therapy (annual): USD 1,950.
- Occupational Therapy (annual): USD 1,950.
- STEP Program Level 1 (annual): USD 5,880 (includes SLT and OT services).
- STEP Program Level 2 (annual): USD 9,790 (includes SLT and OT services).
- Specialized assessments: If required by the school — one‑time USD 500; if requested by the family — one‑time USD 2,000.
- Families with more than two children receive tuition reductions applied to the third and subsequent children: 3rd child = 5% reduction; 4th child = 10% reduction; 5th and subsequent = 15% reduction (applies to annual tuition only).

Refund information and cancellation policy

- Cancellation of enrollment must be communicated to the Registrar in writing.
- If cancellation is received before the first day of a semester: tuition and capital fee payments already made will be refunded in full for semester 1 cancellations; if cancellation is before semester 2 begins, semester 2 tuition will be refunded in full.
- If cancellation is communicated on or after the first day of a semester: there is no refund of the semester tuition or the capital fee.
- Application and registration fees and the annual capital fee are paid in full and are not prorated or refundable.
- If the campus is closed and the school moves to online delivery for reasons beyond the school's reasonable control, tuition will not be refunded.

Fee payment options and practical payment details

- All tuition and fees must be paid in USD or other hard currency. Accepted payment methods: cash, personal USD check, wire transfer, NR check or FCY check. Cash and checks may be submitted to the Cashier Office; cash payments over USD 2,000 must be deposited directly at the bank.
- Credit card payments can be accepted directly at the school cashier for small transactions (for example, application fee or laptop deposit); larger tuition payments are normally handled by check or wire transfer. Lunch deposits must be made in cash. The school cannot provide refunds in USD cash; refunds are made in Ethiopian birr cash, USD check, or by bank transfer.
- Wire / bank transfer details: the school maintains a US bank account (TD Bank NA) for USD transfers and provides routing and SWIFT instructions; parents are instructed to include the student name and grade on the transfer and to submit transfer confirmation to the Business Office. All bank transfer costs and fees are the responsibility of the payer. Contact the Business Office / Accounts Receivable for full payment details.

Curriculum

ICS Addis is an IB World School offering a full IB continuum. It provides the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Elementary, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6–8 in the Middle School and Grades 9–10 in the High School, the Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11–12, and the Career-related Programme (CP) for Grades 11–12. The DP has been offered since 1982 and the CP was added to complete the continuum. The MYP is taught in the Middle School (Grades 6–8) and High School (Grades 9–10).

Student Teacher Ratio

Student-Teacher ratio: 8:1.

Exam Results

High School Profile 2025-26 shows DP candidates: 35; bilingual diplomas awarded: 9; highest DP points awarded: 40. SAT score averages: total 1133 (Reading and Writing 565; Mathematics 568).

Higher Education Progression

Graduates attend a wide range of universities worldwide, including Quinnipiac University, Randolph-Macon College, RISD, and others in the United States. Universities listed also include the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia, among several institutions in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and beyond.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Social-emotional learning is at the forefront of the Middle School Advisory program. Positive Action is an international curriculum that teaches self-management and responsible decision-making. Advisory meetings run 45 minutes at the start of school four days each week, with small groups that help students build connections with peers and a trusted adult. The focus of Advisory centers on promoting student wellbeing, gaining self-management skills, and taking ownership of their path to success through goal-setting. A focus on SEL is associated with improvements in academics and overall wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The Department of Student Support Services includes Learning Support, English as an Additional Language (EAL), Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Counseling, Evaluations, and a Student Transition Educational Program. Learning Support is offered in each section, with a learning support teacher in every grade from Early Years to Grade 5. EAL provides support for students developing their English language proficiency. A Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) with RTI identifies and addresses academic, emotional, and behavioral needs, providing Tier 1–3 interventions as appropriate. The school describes itself as responsibly inclusive and remains transparent about the scope of services offered.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

EAL provides support for students developing their English language proficiency.

Mental Wellbeing

Counseling provides emotional and social support to students, as well as university and career guidance to help students plan for life beyond school. A Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) is used to identify and address students' academic, emotional, and behavioral needs, with tiered interventions as required to support growth and wellbeing. The school is committed to supporting the academic, social, and emotional wellbeing of students.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding and Child Protection are prioritized to prevent harm to children's health or development, with safeguarding living up to a whole-community responsibility. Staff, students, and families are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the safeguarding handbook to identify and respond to concerns. Key safeguarding practices include a rigorous approach to suspected abuse, comprehensive community education, safe recruitment, clear reporting channels, and campus safety. There are clear reporting channels and confidential forms, with a dedicated safeguarding response team available to support the community.

Admissions

1. Preparing to apply to ICS. The admissions team supports families through transition and aims to make the process welcoming and transparent. The school is committed to ensuring that all students learn and engage at high levels, and this begins during admissions as the applicant is met and assessed to understand their learning profile and how they might benefit from the ICS program.

2. Applying to Early Years 3 and 4. Early Years 3 and Early Years 4 include students aged 3 to 5. Applications open on November 1 for the next school year. EY3 and EY4 students may start school at any time; there is no deadline. For Admissions Regulations and placement, access the More Information option.

3. Applying from within Ethiopia. Local applicants are those living or attending school in Ethiopia. The local applicant process aims to support a planned transition for these students. Applications open on November 1 for the next school year; Starting School is August enrollment only; Deadline is May 15 for the next school year. For local applicant regulations, access the More Information option.

4. Applying from outside of Ethiopia. International applicants are considered in order of receipt of all application requirements and are admitted on a space-available basis if they meet admissions criteria. Applications open on November 1 for the next school year. Starting School is Open throughout the school year for Early Years 5 to Grade 8; contact ICS for Grades 9–12. Deadline is None. For Admissions Regulations, access the More Information option.

5. Space Availability. Spaces may be limited in some grade levels and in some student support services programs. Families with children who might need special services are encouraged to contact ICS early to determine if appropriate supports can be provided. As an international community school, spaces for Ethiopian citizen students are limited. Contact the Admissions Office for up-to-date information on space availability.

6. Take the Next Step. Online Application: Complete the initial application form on a computer and upload electronic passport-style photos of the applicant and parents/guardians. You can access your account and stay up-to-date with the application through the OpenApply mobile app.

Application Requirements: After submitting the application form, a personalized checklist of requirements is shown; Parents are responsible for obtaining the application requirements.

Application Review and Feedback: After all admissions requirements are received, the Admissions Committee will review the applicant's file and may request additional information, including assessments, interviews or observations, to determine the best fit. During the school year, feedback is provided within two weeks of receipt of a completed application.

Admissions Decision: If accepted and space is available, an offer of acceptance is issued with an Enrollment Contract. If accepted but no space is available, the applicant is placed on the wait list or wait pool based on Applicant Priority Guidelines. If the school cannot meet the applicant's needs, the family is notified and the admissions team can provide recommendations for alternative schooling options in Addis.

Enrollment: Upon receiving the Enrollment Contract, the space is confirmed. If applying for enrollment at a future date, the Admissions Office will stay in touch to support the transition and start of school. If applying for immediate enrollment, internal enrollment processes are initiated and family orientation is organized prior to the first day of school.

Admissions Policy: The school serves the educational needs of the international community in Addis Ababa. ICS Addis accepts students who can be successful in the regular academic program and does not discriminate on religion, ethnicity or national origin, or gender in its admissions and educational policies. Admission is based upon completed application forms, previous school records, and results from previous or current academic testing to determine the applicant's potential to benefit, the school's capacity to meet educational needs, and the ability to meet behavioral or emotional needs.

Scholarships

ICS Addis provides four merit scholarships each year to high achieving Ethiopian students entering Grade 9. The merit scholarship is need-blind and based on merit. Applicants must be nominated by their school and cannot apply independently. Applicants take a three-hour exam in English, mathematics, and cognitive ability. Each year there are 16 scholarship students in Grades 9–12. The scholarship covers full-tuition for four years, enrolling each scholarship recipient into ICS throughout High School.

Waitlist

Waitlist. If an applicant is accepted but no space is available, the applicant is placed on the wait list or wait pool. The wait list/pool is used to fill spaces as they become available. Decisions regarding placement follow the Applicant Priority Guidelines.

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Kelem International School

Instructs in English

Ages 2 - 14 years

Fees ETB 6,593 - 9,370

Pupils 400

Type Co-educational

Kelem International School is a not-for-profit international school in Addis Ababa serving students aged 2 to 14. The curriculum blends the Finnish system with the International Early Years Curriculum for early years and a bespoke program through Grade 9. In the early years, IEYC informs play-based learning alongside Finnish ECEC. From Grades 1–4, core subjects are taught by class teachers, while specialist subjects include Amharic and French, PE, Music, Visual Arts and Craft. From Grades 5–9, biology, chemistry and physics are studied with a STEM focus, and ICT and GIS are integrated into social studies. The school emphasizes inquiry-based learning, student ownership, and cross-disciplinary study across science, social studies, maths, arts, and languages. Facilities include a library managed with Librarika and a suite of digital tools (Kerboodle, OTAVA Star Maths, OPIQ, Twinkl, Google Classroom, IXL, White Rose). Programs include after-school clubs, a student council, and Summer/Winter Camps, with meals included.

Location

Kazanchis in front of Meles Zenawi foundation

Type

Not-for-profit international school

Country affiliation

Sweden (historical)

Religious affiliation

Non-religious

Application & registration fees
- Application fee: USD 100 (non-refundable).
- Registration (one-time) fee: USD 1,000.

Tuition fees by year group (annual)
- KG3 – KG5: USD 6,593 per year.
- Prep: USD 7,042 per year.
- Grade 1 – Grade 3: USD 7,934 per year.
- Grade 4 – Grade 6: USD 8,382 per year.
- Grade 7 – Grade 8: USD 8,832 per year.
- Grade 9 – Grade 10: USD 9,370 per year.

Tuition fees per term
- The publicly available fee summary lists annual tuition by year group (amounts shown above). A term-level billing breakdown (per term amounts) is not published in the public summary. The school's official tuition document provides the detailed billing schedule and instalment options.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Parents are instructed not to make admission or registration payments before communicating directly with the Admissions Office; admissions contact details are provided for enrolment and fee queries. Specific billing dates, instalment deadlines, late-payment penalties, and invoice timing are set in the school's official tuition document (not published in the public summary).

Boarding fees
- No boarding fees are listed in the public fee summary; the available public information presents Kelem International School as a day school without published boarding provision. For confirmation of boarding availability or related charges, refer to the school's official tuition document or Admissions Office.

Other costs and typical additional charges
- The publicly reproduced fee summary identifies the Application and Registration fees and the annual tuition bands above. Other typical school charges such as uniforms, textbooks, book-deposit, school transport (bus), meals, extracurricular activity fees, examination fees, and special trips are not itemised in the publicly available summary. These additional charges are normally specified in the full tuition schedule.

Refund information
- A refund policy for registration, deposits, tuition, or other payments is not specified in the publicly available fee summary. Refund and withdrawal terms (for example notice periods or refundable deposits) are set out in the school's formal tuition and fee policy document.

Fee payment options
- The public fee summary does not list accepted payment methods or the school's banking details. The school's official tuition document and Finance/Admissions teams specify accepted payment channels (for example bank transfer, card payment, or in-person payment) and any handling fees. Admissions contact details are provided for payment queries.

Effective academic year for figures above
- The annual tuition and initial fee figures above reflect the latest publicly reproduced fee summary found for the school's published academic fee schedule (annual amounts reproduced in public summaries). The detailed official tuition document referenced on the school's Admissions page contains the full billing schedule and terms.

Summary of availability: I located an Admissions page that links to an official tuition document and multiple public summaries that list an Application fee (USD 100), a one-time Registration fee (USD 1,000), and the annual tuition bands by year group shown above. The public summaries do not publish term-level billing amounts, itemised ancillary charges (uniform, transport, meals, exam fees), refund terms, or accepted payment methods; those items are specified only in the school's full tuition/finance document.

Curriculum

The school follows the Finnish curriculum rooted in the Finnish education system, with a student-centered, inquiry-based approach. In early education, the Finnish ECEC is infused with the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) to meet KG needs. From Grades 1–4, core subjects (Math, English Language Arts, Science, Social Studies) are taught by class teachers, while specialist subjects—World Language (Amharic and French), PE, Music, Visual Arts, and Craft—are taught twice a week. The math program uses the international edition of Finnish Star Maths alongside White Rose Maths for Grades 1–8. Social Studies engages with culture, geography, change, government and economics, using the Oxford International Curriculum for history and geography in conjunction with the ethics and religion aspects of the Finnish curriculum. STEAM education emphasizes integrating mathematics, science and arts through a hands-on, inquiry-based framework.

Gifted and Talented

The learning support department provides in-class or pull-out support for gifted students.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The heart of the curriculum is the holistic development of every learner — academic, emotional, social, and ethical — supporting them in becoming capable and responsible members of society. Joy in learning, curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving are actively nurtured. The well-being of both students and the entire school community is important. A professional guidance counselor is available to support students' emotional and social development.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The learning support department assists students who have learning differences after assessments, providing in-class support or pull-out support, including for gifted students. The school emphasizes inclusion and collaboration among staff, parents and students to meet the educational, social, and emotional needs of every child and adult.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

World Languages include French and Amharic. English Language Arts develops reading, writing, speaking, and language conventions to support language development.

Mental Wellbeing

The well-being of students and the wider school community is prioritized. A professional guidance counselor supports emotional and social development, and positive well-being is integrated into the curriculum through safe and supportive learning experiences.

Safeguarding

Safety is prioritized with constant supervision, a dedicated safety team, and a Critical Incident team.

Admissions

Begin by contacting Kelem International School's Admissions Office to start the application or inquire about available spaces. Do not make any admission or registration fee payments before directly communicating with the Admissions Office. Complete and submit your application online; the Admissions Office will review it and contact you with next steps.

Scholarships

Currently, Kelem International School does not offer scholarship programs or financial aid options.

Waitlist

The admissions office will notify parents on the waiting list as soon as space becomes available.

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Lycée Guébré-Mariam

Instructs in French

Ages 3 - 18 years

Fees ETB 1,114,797 - 716,440

Pupils 1800

Type Co-educational

Lycée Guebre-Mariam is a French–Ethiopian lycée on Churchill Avenue in Addis Ababa. It functions as an Établissement en Pleine Responsabilité (EPR) of the Mission Laïque Française and is a signatory of an AEFE convention, certifying the French model of education and enabling it to serve as centre for Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB) and Baccalauréat. The school runs a double curriculum (French and Ethiopian) during compulsory schooling and a multilingual program described as "Two cultures, three languages," with French as the language of schooling, plus English and Amharic; Spanish is available from 5ème. In Première and Terminale, students may specialize in Langues, Littératures et Cultures Étrangères. Centre de Documentation et d'Information (CDI) provides a reading area and 12 computers, and the campus includes a gym and a catering service added in 2025. Most graduates pursue higher education in France or North America, with transfers to other establishments worldwide possible.

Location

Churchill Avenue, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (P.O. Box 1496).

Stages

Preschool through high school, comprising Maternelle (preschool), Elémentaire (elementary), Collège (middle school) and Lycée (high school).

Type

French-Ethiopian lycée (French international school) affiliated with Mission Laïque Française and AEFE.

Country affiliation

France

Uniform Requirement

The school maintains a general dress code and clothing should be neat. Sportswear and appropriate shoes are required for physical education, and cleats are forbidden outside the football field. Clothes must be labeled with the students name; discreet religious signs are tolerated, but ostentatious signs promoting proselytism or discrimination are prohibited.

Food Options

A catering service for meals begins on September 8, 2025. Families provide a lunch box labeled with the childs name, a water bottle labeled with the childs name (metal bottles are not permitted), and a cap labeled with the childs name; a pair of sports shoes and a school bag are also required. We advise bringing lunch and water for children staying in the afternoon; soft drinks are not allowed and meals delivered at lunchtime are prohibited.

Governance and Ownership

The school is a Mission Laïque Française establishment within the AEFE network.

Application and registration fees

- First (one‑time) enrolment fee: Ethiopian students / students under Ethiopian law — 296,400 ETB (equivalent shown as €1,950). French students and students of other nationalities — €3,900.
- Annual re‑registration fee (payable each year at re‑registration): Ethiopian students / students under Ethiopian law — 18,240 ETB (equivalent shown as €120). French students and students of other nationalities — €240.

Tuition fees by school level (annual and per term)

- Structure: tuition is charged for two terms (first term covers September–December; second term covers January–June). The per‑term amount equals half the annual tuition and is payable according to the billing schedule.

- Primary (annual / per term):
- Ethiopian students and students under Ethiopian law — 401,800 ETB annually (per term 200,900 ETB). An equivalent Euro figure is shown as €2,643 annually (per term €1,321.50).
- French students — €6,750 annually (per term €3,375).
- Students of other nationalities — €8,800 annually (per term €4,400).

- Secondary (annual / per term):
- Ethiopian students and students under Ethiopian law — 420,000 ETB annually (per term 210,000 ETB). An equivalent Euro figure is shown as €2,763 annually (per term €1,381.50).
- French students — €7,150 annually (per term €3,575).
- Students of other nationalities — €9,550 annually (per term €4,775).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Invoicing and due dates: tuition and associated fees are invoiced in two instalments (September and January). Invoices are payable within 15 days of issuance. A family may choose to pay the full year in a single payment beginning in September.
- Late payment: a penalty (majoration) of 5% may be applied on overdue amounts. Non‑payment after reminders can lead to formal notice and, ultimately, exclusion of the pupil.
- Currency and local payment rule: for Ethiopian nationals (and students under Ethiopian law) tuition and ancillary charges are payable in Ethiopian birr at the rate applied by the school (1 EUR = 152 ETB is used in published tariff conversions). For non‑Ethiopian nationals, payments are required in euros or US dollars where indicated.

Boarding fees

- No boarding (internat) fees are published in the current fee schedules and financial regulation; the published tariffs and payment rules cover day‑school tuition and ancillary charges only.

Other costs and typical ancillary fees

- Supplies / materials (annual):
- Kindergarten (individual supplies) — €110 (16,720 ETB).
- Elementary / Collège / Lycée (individual supplies) — €200 (30,400 ETB).
- Textbook hire (Collège and Lycée) — €150 (22,800 ETB).
- Additional French books for Première students — €50 (7,600 ETB).
- Equipment (one‑off / level specific):
- Collège calculator — €20 (3,040 ETB).
- Lycée calculator — €90 (13,680 ETB).
- Laptop (for Seconde and Première) — €700 (106,400 ETB).
- Entrance, examination and certification fees (per instance):
- LGM entrance test (placement test) — €40 (6,100 ETB).
- Diplôme national du Brevet (DNB) — €50 (7,600 ETB).
- Épreuves anticipées du Baccalauréat (EAB) — €150 (22,800 ETB).
- Baccalauréat (final) — €300 (45,600 ETB).
- DELF — €16 (2,430 ETB).
- Cambridge exam — €50 (7,600 ETB).
- Transport and school catering: these services are organised by the school but specific annual or per‑term rates for transport and catering are not listed in the main published tuition schedule. For budgeting purposes, expect separate billed charges for canteen/meal plans and optional transport if used.

Refund and cancellation rules (financial commitments)

- The first enrolment fee (admission fee) and the annual registration/re‑registration fee are not refundable, including in the event of early departure. "Tout mois commencé est dû" (every started month is due) applies for arrivals or departures during the school year; fees are adjusted only to reflect months of actual presence. Examination fees are not refundable after administrative registration for the exam. Failure to settle outstanding fees prevents re‑enrolment.

Accepted payment methods and practical payment notes

- Accepted methods: bank transfer, cheque payable to "Lycée Guebre‑Mariam", or cash at the school cashier. For non‑Ethiopian nationals, payment is made in euros or US dollars where required. Credit card payment is not listed among the standard methods in the published financial regulation.
- Timing: invoices are issued for each term (September and January); tuition must be paid within 15 days of invoice date unless an annual prepayment is made in September. Late payments may incur the stated penalty and can affect the pupil's continued enrolment.

Discounts, scholarships and staff exemptions

- The school publishes an internal scholarship policy and may grant partial or full tuition abatements on a case‑by‑case basis. Staff with permanent contracts may receive school staff exemptions for a limited number of children according to the school's policy. These measures are discretionary and handled by the administration.

Curriculum

The school is an Établissement en Pleine Responsabilité (EPR) of the Mission Laïque Française (MLF) and is a signatory of an AEFE convention, certifying the French model of education and enabling it to serve as a center for the Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB) and the Baccalauréat. The French education system is organized in three cycles here: Ecole élémentaire (5 years), Collège (4 years), and Lycée (3 years). At the end of collège, students take the DNB; at the end of lycée, they take the Baccalauréat. The school offers a double curriculum (French and Ethiopian) during compulsory schooling and provides a multilingual program described as “Two cultures, three languages,” with French as the main language of schooling, plus English and Amharique, and Spanish available from the 5ème; In Première and Terminale, students may specialize in Langues, Littératures et cultures étrangères. Most graduates pursue higher education in France or North America, and the school allows transfers to other French establishments worldwide.

Exam Results

Baccalauréat 2025: 100% pass rate; 80% earned a mention, including 44% with Good (Bien) and Very Good (Très Bien) mentions. Brevet 2025: 96% pass rate; 89 mentions, including 64% with Good or Very Good mentions. Grade 8 (Ministry Exam) 2025: 87% pass rate for Ethiopian-nationality students in 5th grade.

Higher Education Progression

For entry into higher education, the Lycée prepares students to obtain the French Baccalauréat; after graduation, the majority pursue studies in France or in North America (Canada and the United States).

Gifted and Talented

Excellence-Major scholarships are offered, funded by the French government through AEFE and MEAE to support top foreign baccalaureate graduates in pursuing advanced studies in France; eligible candidates must be non-French, in Terminale at a French school abroad, have excellent academic results, and intend to pursue French higher education; candidates must apply via Parcoursup or institutional procedures, and recipients must obtain a Very Good or Good grade at the baccalaureat.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The Vie Scolaire manages daily student life, including handling lateness and absences and maintaining a strong link with families. The team includes a CPE (Conseiller Principal d'Education), the Vie Scolaire secretariat, and an Assistant d'éducation. It runs études, the CDI (library), Devoirs faits, the Association Sportive, sports clubs, and a reading club in Amharic. AED provide personalized support to students or groups facing difficulties in school life or personal difficulties. The Vie Scolaire actively fosters close relationships with families to ensure a calm, supportive climate that underpins learning.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Elèves à Besoins Educatifs Particuliers are cared for through a dedicated SEN pole, enabling inclusion for all pupils in line with directives from the French Ministry of National Education.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

From Moyenne Section, children benefit from 3 hours of initiation to foreign languages as part of the language pathway. The learning of French remains a priority in the school's educational project. The Plus de Maîtres que de Classes approach supports oral French instruction and addresses difficulties faced by some pupils. The maternelle program includes a language track with English or Amharic as the dominant language.

Mental Wellbeing

The school emphasizes pupil development and well-being through projects that foster growth and engagement with digital tools. The Vie Scolaire maintains close links with families to ensure a calm climate conducive to learning. The inclusion and well-being focus runs across the early years and throughout the school.

Safeguarding

The Vie Scolaire unit works with families and school leadership to guarantee a serene climate and to support student safety and well-being. The dedicated SEN pole and ongoing family engagement contribute to safeguarding and inclusive practices.

Admissions

1. Determine the appropriate admissions stream. The Lycée Guebre-Mariam accepts new students in Petite Section (PS) for early childhood, MS-CM2 for the elementary to lower primary range, and 6th to Terminale for secondary. Each stream has its own application process and timing for the 2025-2026 academic year. 2. Submit the application via Eduka. Dossiers must be completed on the Eduka platform using the school code 544899. If a family already has an existing account for another child, use the same login (your registered email) and follow the instruction walk-through; the school provides information in a Tutoriel and an English admission page for English speakers. 3. Prepare and attach required documents and a motivation letter. In all streams, a letter of motivation is required; the letter may be written in French, English, or Amharic and will be used to assess interest in the school and the proposed schooling project. In PS, MS-CM2, and Secondary, incomplete dossiers will not be processed, and some documents may be treated as confidential (financial documents, medical form). 4. Complete dossier review and response. After the dossier is complete and accepted, the school will email an acceptance notice and request payment of the registration fees; once the payment is received, the registration is definitively validated. 5. Tests for admission (where applicable). For MS-CM2 and CP-CM2 applicants from non-homologated schools, placement tests are held in the second half of June and are contingent on initial dossier validation; for 6ème-Terminale applicants from non-homologated schools, placement tests occur in the last days of August with dates communicated in due course. 6. Ethiopian nationals and passport alignment. For Ethiopian children, registration is done according to the passport, and there is an age-to-class equivalence framework published for reference; it is advisable to consult the Equivalence age/class guidance when planning entry. 7. Admission in English option. An English-language admission page is available for each stream, providing the English version of the process and links to English-language registration where offered. 8. General notes. The school provides an English and a French version of admission information and maintains a dedicated contact channel for admissions inquiries and financial questions through the listed addresses and office contacts.

Scholarships

1. AEFE scholarship. The consular section of the French Embassy in Ethiopia informs French residents that the second scholarship campaign for the 2022-2023 academic year is open. The local commission will examine requests from families in the consular district after the first commission or in cases of financial need, and there are provisions for revision and renewal requests. Documentation procedures and the required forms (including the scholarship application form and the list of documents) are provided, with a deadline for submissions; renewals are handled by the French service, and first-time requests require appointment through the diplomatic channels. This program is part of the AEFE network and is administered for French residents living abroad. 2. Bourse Excellence-Major. The French government, through AEFE and MEAE, funds Excellence-Major scholarships to support top foreign high-school graduates in pursuing higher education in France. Eligibility requires not having French nationality, being in terminale at a French-education abroad school under homologation, achieving excellent academic results, presenting an orientation project in the French education system, and intending to pursue demanding studies in France. Applicants must also submit Parcoursup or the equivalent application pathway, demonstrate motivation and adaptability for life in France, and have their dossier digitized and evaluated by the AEFE via the cooperation and cultural action service of the French Embassy. Selected candidates must have a top-tier baccalauréat result and be admitted to a French higher education program. 3. Bourses d'étude du Gouvernement Français (bourses scolaires for French children abroad). A formal government scholarship process exists for French children living abroad, with a dedicated application form and detailed family financial information. The form requires data on family composition, resources, housing, assets, and potential supports, along with a declaration of truth and a data-protection notice. Submissions use the official government channels, and data are processed under applicable education and privacy rules with the AEFE responsible for handling the dossier. The forms and guidance are published on the school site, including editable PDFs and instruction documents, to assist families in applying for these government scholarships.

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Sandford International School

Instructs in English

Ages 3 - 18 years

Fees ETB 6,575

Pupils 400

Type Co-educational

Sandford International School is an Ethiopian international school serving ages 3 to 18. It offers the British Curriculum, IPC, Cambridge IGCSE, and the IB Diploma Programme. The Primary Curriculum uses English as the language of instruction, with Amharic and French classes, while secondary students study Cambridge IGCSE in Years 10–11 and the IB Diploma in Years 12–13. The school traces its origins to the 1940s, founded to provide an English-speaking option for local and expatriate families; it re-registered in 2001 and began offering the IGCSE Cambridge examinations and the IB for Years 11 and 13. The campus features modern classrooms, a well-stocked library, and facilities designed to support outdoor learning and creativity. Extracurricular activities include Model UN, Taekwondo, culinary and business clubs, and arts and sports programs. Pastoral care, mentoring, and PSHE support wellbeing and development, while language and cultural activities foster citizenship within a co-educational, non-boarding environment.

Location

Sandford International School is located on Shewareged Gedle Street, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It markets itself as providing quality international education in Addis Ababa. The school serves three levels: Early Years (ages 3-5), Primary (ages 5-11), and Secondary (ages 11-18).

Stages

EYFS Ages 3-5; Primary School Ages 5-11; Secondary School Ages 11-18.

Type

The school is an international school.

Application fees

- No specific, school-published application or one‑time enrollment fee amount is publicly available for Sandford International School. Searches of the school's School Fees page and admissions information do not list a published application fee.

Tuition fees by school year (per term / per year)

- Sandford does not publish a detailed, grade-by-grade fee schedule for the 2026/27 or 2025/26 academic years. There is no publicly available breakdown showing exact fees per term for individual year groups.

- Independent and international school databases provide estimated annual day‑tuition ranges for Sandford for recent years: US$3,150 to US$10,000 per year (reported in one international school directory) and, in local currency estimates for 2025/26, approximately 2,609,354 ETB to 4,981,371 ETB per year in other aggregated listings. These figures are presented as external estimates rather than a published school fee schedule. Sandford is listed as a day school (non‑boarding).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The school operates on a three‑term academic calendar (Term 1, Term 2, Term 3) for the 2025/26 academic year with the term dates published by the school. It is common for international schools in the region to align billing with the academic terms, but Sandford has not published an explicit public billing timetable (e.g., whether invoices are issued termly, monthly or annually) or the precise payment deadlines for each term. The school's term dates are: Term 1 (27 August 2025 – 19 December 2025), Term 2 (12 January 2026 – 17 April 2026), Term 3 (4 May 2026 – 26 June 2026).

- There has been public reporting that Sandford's management previously quoted fees in US dollars and allowed nationals to pay in Ethiopian Birr at the prevailing exchange rate, and that this practice was subject to regulatory scrutiny and parent complaints; this history may affect currency and billing arrangements for families. No single, current public statement listing accepted currencies and exact payment deadlines was found.

Boarding fees

- Sandford is identified as a day school and is reported as non‑boarding; therefore there are no published boarding fees for the school.

Other costs and likely additional charges

- No detailed, school‑published schedule for additional costs (uniforms, transport, exam fees, activity fees, school lunch, school supplies or capital levies) was located. External guides for international schools in Addis Ababa note that families commonly pay additional charges for uniforms, textbooks, transport, external exam fees and occasional capital or registration levies, but Sandford's specific amounts for these items are not publicly listed.

Refund information

- There is no publicly available, school‑published refund policy or fee‑refund schedule located in the materials reviewed. No precise statement was found that sets out conditions for refunds of tuition, deposits, or registration fees.

Fee payment options (methods)

- A definitive, published list of accepted payment methods (for example, bank transfer, credit/debit card, cash, mobile money) was not found. Historical reporting about Sandford's billing practice refers to invoicing in foreign currency (US dollars) with local Birr payment options at exchange rates, but specific modern payment methods accepted by the school are not published in the publicly available materials reviewed.

Summary of findings and limits of available information

- Sandford International School's public pages do not contain a complete, grade‑by‑grade fee schedule, per‑term amounts, or a detailed published refunds and payment‑methods policy for the 2026/27 or 2025/26 academic year; a dedicated School Fees page is present but marked under construction. Published third‑party directories and news reports provide estimated annual ranges and background context (including a currency/billing dispute and tax/regulatory attention), but those external figures are not a formal school fee schedule. The most load‑bearing public references consulted include the school's own pages (term dates and school fee placeholder), international school directories that provide estimated annual fee ranges, and recent news coverage about the school's fee and currency practices.

Curriculum

Primary Curriculum uses English as the language of instruction, with Amharic and French classes. Secondary Curriculum offers IGCSE and the IB Diploma Programme.

Student Teacher Ratio

A dedicated teacher and teaching assistant support each primary classroom.

Exam Results

IGCSE Section features 17 timetabled courses with 9 examinations each year; subjects include Mathematics, English, a modern foreign language, at least one Science, and one Humanity; results surpass the world average.

Higher Education Progression

Over 90% of Sandford graduates attend university within one year of graduation; most go to universities in the United States and United Kingdom. Destination universities include Bentley University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Santa Clara University, Goldsmiths, University of London, Addis Ababa University, and Carnegie Mellon University-Qatar, among others.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Sandford International School provides pastoral care that supports students' emotional and social development alongside academics. The pastoral care team comprises experienced counselors who offer confidential one-on-one counseling. They also run group counseling to address issues such as stress, anxiety, and peer pressure. The team collaborates with teachers and parents to identify students who may be struggling and to provide timely support. The school runs a peer mentoring program where older students support younger students, helping to foster a caring and inclusive community. Overall, the pastoral care program contributes to the holistic development and well-being of students.

Mental Wellbeing

The PSHE program covers topics such as healthy living, relationships, personal safety, financial management, and global citizenship. It is taught by experienced teachers using a variety of teaching methods and is supported by extracurricular activities to reinforce the program. The program aims to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being and to enable students to become responsible, engaged members of the wider community. Wellbeing provisions include confidential one-on-one counseling and group counseling as part of the pastoral care offering. Students are encouraged to speak up and report issues to ensure timely intervention. The school's wellbeing and safeguarding efforts work together to support mental health across the year groups.

Safeguarding

Sandford is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children; child protection lies at the core of all we do. The safeguarding framework includes a dedicated pastoral care team, site security measures, and formal reporting channels for safeguarding concerns. There are safeguarding and bullying reporting forms available for use by students, staff, and families. The school emphasizes partnerships with families to achieve child safety. Site security measures include uniformed guards, a 24/7 CCTV system, staff sign-in with face recognition, and gate passes for visitors. All community members are expected to uphold equality and reject discrimination.

Admissions

1. Submit an online application. Sandford uses an interactive online Application Form as the standard method of applying for international admissions. The application has a nonrefundable fee of 2,000 birr for Ethiopian applicants or 50 USD for international applicants. The Admissions Department acknowledges receipt of the application immediately and posts the names and grades of applicants to ensure transparency. 2. Prepare and submit required documents. Before admission, the following must be submitted: the Signed Student Application Form with a passport photo; transcripts covering two complete years (in English or with translations); school testimonials of good conduct; parents' documents (passports, work permit and residency/visa); and vaccination cards. The Admissions Committee may request additional documents and may conduct interviews or school visits as needed. 3. Undergo assessments. For Nursery, Reception and Year 1, an EYFS assessment/observation is conducted by the Primary School; for other years, CAT4 tests are administered by the Admissions Committee. CAT4 targets include Verbal, Non-Verbal, Quantitative and Spatial reasoning, with CAT4 scores above 100 (Stanine 5) used in decision-making. 4. Admissions decision and timelines. Applications are reviewed weekly by the Admissions Committee, and a decision is typically issued within five days of a completed application. The Admissions Committee's decision is usually final, though an appeal may be considered in exceptional cases. 5. Admission categories and priority. Students are categorized as National, International, Staff or Scholarship; National parents cannot gain a place merely by paying fees. There is allocated space balancing between international and national admissions, and the Board of Governors may admit up to five students per year under certain conditions (e.g., government or school contribution) but only if space and CAT4 criteria permit. 6. Lottery and waiting lists. National Nursery and Year 1 admissions are through a Lottery system or sibling placements; international spaces are reserved where available. If no immediate vacancy exists, applicants may be placed on a Waiting List (and cannot be CAT4 tested until a vacancy appears). 7. Registration and induction. An accepted applicant's place is guaranteed only after a completed Enrollment Contract, the Registration Fee, and any required contracts are received and the remainder of tuition is invoiced. A formal re-registration process occurs annually in May/June with a Registration Contract and Deposit due by the stated deadline. Successful applicants complete an induction program, and new student files are handed to the relevant school offices with orientation procedures to follow. 8. Follow-up procedures. Before the start of the school year, new student files are reviewed by the appropriate year and there is an orientation session for new Primary students (Nursery–Year 6) to ensure a smooth transition.

Scholarships

Scholarships are offered for admission to Sandford International School. A scholarship opportunity is available for Year 7 entrants (as announced for 2024/25), with up to twenty places per year; Ethiopian nationals in government schools are eligible, must be nominated by their current school, and must meet criteria including a high Year 6 national exam score, an entrance examination in English and Maths, a CAT4 test, excellent behavior and attendance, consistent prior performance, and a suitable age (eleven to thirteen) at entry. Government schools are notified of this opportunity, and nominations proceed to a scholarship committee for evaluation. In addition, scholarships may be awarded to new Secondary-level students based on policy and available space, with criteria set by the Ministry of Education and the Board of Governors.

Waitlist

National Nursery and Year 1 admissions are via Lottery or sibling placements. If demand exceeds places, a Waiting List may be used, and applicants on the Waiting List cannot be CAT4 tested until a vacancy exists. When placed on the Waiting List, applicants receive notification by letter or email about their status. Waiting List procedures and lottery-related appendices are described in the admissions policy.

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British International School - Addis Ababa

Instructs in English

Ages 3 - 18 years

Pupils 307

Type Co-educational

British International School - Addis Ababa offers a British-Ethiopian curriculum for learners aged 3 to 18, delivering a coherent path from Early Years through IGCSE and Grade 12 national examinations. The programme is delivered in English, with English as a First/Second Language option and French as a modern language, and includes a bespoke curriculum tailored to Ethiopian contexts. Subjects span English Language, ESL, English Literature, French, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Business Studies, Information Technology, Geography, History, and Development Studies. The Edexcel framework underpins IGCSE, AS and A2 assessments, enabling university admissions in Ethiopia and internationally. Preparatory-level courses prepare students for higher education abroad while retaining local recognition. The network operates eight campuses across Addis Ababa for 2025-2026: Unity-Gerji-KG, Summit-KG, Haya-Hulet KG; Unity-Primary, Unity-Primary-No.2, Summit-Primary, Lemi Kura; Sherif-Bole-Secondary; and the Head Office. The Sherif Building on Bole Ring Road is five minutes' drive from Addis Ababa International Airport.

Overview

The British International School – Addis Ababa does not publish a public fee schedule for the 2026/2027 academic year; yearly tuition figures, application charges, billing schedules, refund and payment-term details are not publicly available.

Application fees

- No public figure is published for an application or registration fee for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Tuition fees (by year group: per term / per year)

- The school has not released a public breakdown of tuition by year group or per term for 2026/2027. Yearly and per-term tuition rates for specific year groups are not available in public sources.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- A published billing schedule (for example: number of instalments, due dates for terms, or penalties for late payment) for the 2026/2027 academic year is not available publicly. No public statement of standard payment terms was found.

Boarding fees (if applicable)

- No boarding provision or boarding fees are listed in the publicly available school profile; the school is presented as a day school in public sources and no boarding fee schedule is published.

Other costs and incidental fees (uniform, transport, exam or activity charges)

- Uniform is required. The cost of school uniform, transport (school bus) fees, examination fees and other incidental charges are not published publicly by the school for 2026/2027.

Refund information

- No publicly available refund policy or schedule (for withdrawal, term cancellations, deposits or registration fees) was found for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Fee payment options

- Accepted methods of payment (for example: credit card, bank transfer, cheque or electronic payment) are not published in publicly accessible sources for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Summary of availability

- Publicly available school profiles and directories indicate the school does not make fee figures public for 2026/2027; therefore exact application fees, per-term and per-year tuition by year group, billing schedule, boarding charges (if any), uniform costs, refund terms and accepted payment methods cannot be provided from public sources for that academic year.

Curriculum

The school offers a British-Ethiopian curriculum from the Early Years Foundation Stage through IGCSEs and Grade 12 National Examinations. The International Curriculum works toward IGCSE, AS and A2 examinations, offered by Edexcel (London). Subjects include English Language, English as a Second Language, English Literature, French, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Business Studies, Information Technology, Geography, History, and Development Studies. Preparatory-level courses are planned to enable university admissions in Ethiopia and elsewhere, including AS level offerings in English Language and Literature, Mathematics (Pure, Applied and Statistics), Business Studies, Physics, Chemistry, and Development Studies.

Higher Education Progression

The upper part of the school prepares students for higher education at universities and colleges throughout the world as well as universities within Ethiopia. The national track specializes in the sciences. BTec courses in ICT and Health and Social Care are offered under Edexcel (London) examinations.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The Early Years Foundation Stage emphasizes Personal, Social and Emotional Development.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

A Learning Support Consultant supports students with Special Educational Needs; EAL and SEN assessments are conducted where necessary; acceptance is conditional on available resources.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English Language and English as a Second Language are offered.

Admissions

1. Priority of admission is according to order of application. BIS serves children from both overseas and local communities. In principle BIS is non-selective, but admissions occur only if BIS can cater for the child's personal, social, academic and physical needs. Some places are reserved for expatriate children who join the school during the academic year. 2. Application forms may be obtained from Admissions and completed forms should be returned. A tour of the school can be arranged by appointment. Registration is completed when the registration is accepted and validated by the school stamp, which guarantees a place. 3. Applications are considered in strict order by date of application. In the event of over-subscription, pupils will be given preference in the following year's admissions. Preference is also given to siblings of current or past pupils. 4. Requirements and assessments: The sequence includes written assessment tests in Maths and English and an interview, with possible additional spoken and written EAL and SEN assessments as needed. A place may be offered based on a Learning Support Consultant's assessment at the parent's cost. Placement may be deferred if there are no vacancies or if BIS cannot meet the child's needs. 5. Knowledge of English and SEN: Students with less than fluent English may need additional support. For the final four years, English proficiency is assessed by interview to determine course availability. Acceptance for students with Special Educational Needs is conditional on resource availability and may incur additional charges. 6. Placement in the class: Children joining BIS from other systems are placed in the class that will best support their progress. Each class tends to have an age span wider than one year but normally less than two years, with one mixed-ability class at each level from Pre-kindergarten upwards. Some subjects may be organized into sets, and above Grade 6, options allow differentiation. Progression to the next year occurs automatically unless exceptional circumstances; placement depends on English fluency and prior educational background and ability.

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German Embassy School Addis Ababa

Instructs in German, English

Ages 1 - 18 years

Fees ETB 11,604 - 18,472

Pupils 100

Type Co-educational

German Embassy School Addis Ababa (DBSAA) serves over 300 students from Kindergarten to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme on a campus within the German Embassy grounds. The school teaches the German curriculum across Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary, with English instruction to promote multilingualism. Kindergarten groups of 16–20 learners are led by German-speaking educators alongside Ethiopian teaching assistants. Primary School (grades 1–4) enrolls around 105 students in small classes of about 15, delivering the German curriculum supplemented by English. Secondary School (grades 5–10) has about 100 students in classes of 12–15 and follows the German state of Thuringia's framework. The international Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is offered as a two-year pre-university option and IB accreditation was achieved in 2014. Facilities include a library, on-site health services, and a cashless cafeteria. Extracurriculars span science, arts, sports, and service, with cultural exchanges and a German School Association supporting student leadership and community engagement today.

Location

Lorenzo Tiezaz St (Aware), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The campus is in Addis Ababa. Postal address: P.O. Box 1372, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Stages

Kindergarten (ages 1-6); Primary School (grades 1-4) with around 105 students; Secondary School (grades 5-10) with around 100 students; International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) offered as a two-year pre-university curriculum.

Type

German Embassy School Addis Ababa

Country affiliation

Germany

Administrative / application fees

- There is no separate application fee listed. An annual administrative fee is charged per child and must be paid in full even in cases of registration or deregistration during the school year: Full-payer administrative fee: EUR 1,500. Self-payer administrative fee: EUR 750.

Tuition fees by school level (annual amounts)

Full-payer annual fees (first, second, third, fourth child):
- Toddlers' group: EUR 10,104 / 10,104 / 10,104 / 10,104.
- Kindergarten: EUR 7,787 / 7,398 / 7,009 / 6,619.
- Preschool: EUR 9,226 / 8,765 / 8,304 / 7,842.
- Primary School (Grades 1–4): EUR 16,972 / 16,123 / 15,275 / 14,426.
- Secondary School I (Grades 5–10): EUR 19,097 / 18,142 / 17,187 / 16,232.
- Secondary School II (Grades 11–12): EUR 20,209 / 19,198 / 18,188 / 17,177.

Self-payer annual fees (first, second, third, fourth child):
- Toddlers' group: EUR 8,920 / 8,920 / 8,920 / 8,920.
- Kindergarten: EUR 6,328 / 6,011 / 5,695 / 5,378.
- Preschool: EUR 7,200 / 6,840 / 6,480 / 6,120.
- Primary School (Grades 1–4): EUR 7,564 / 7,186 / 6,808 / 6,429.
- Secondary School I (Grades 5–10): EUR 8,198 / 7,788 / 7,378 / 6,968.
- Secondary School II (Grades 11–12): EUR 8,556 / 8,128 / 7,701 / 7,273.

- Notes on the above: Items marked include afternoon care (NAMI). Secondary School II amounts exclude International Baccalaureate (IBO) examination fees, which are billed additionally.

Per-term / per-semester detail and invoicing frequency

- Full-payers: Fees are invoiced annually. Unless an alternative is agreed, the full-year invoice is due by July 31. Semi-annual invoicing for full-payers is possible in exceptional cases on request; when used, each semester invoice corresponds to half of the annual amount.
- Self-payers: Fees are invoiced per semester and in advance. Unless stated otherwise on the invoice, payment deadlines are July 15 for the first half and January 15 for the second half. For self-payers, a semester invoice equals 50% of the annual fee amounts shown above.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Invoicing: Full-payer invoices (annual) and self-payer invoices (per semester) are sent by e-mail to the address given at registration. Invoices and reminders are deemed received when sent to the registered e-mail.
- Deadlines: Full-payer annual invoices are due by July 31 unless otherwise stated on the invoice; self-payer semester invoices are due by July 15 and January 15 respectively. Late or missed payments will incur reminders and interest as described under late-payment terms.
- Currency and accounts: Fees for children with non-Ethiopian nationality must be paid by bank transfer in EUR to the school association's Commerzbank account (IBAN and bank details provided on invoices). Fees for children with Ethiopian nationality are invoiced in Ethiopian Birr (ETB) and must be paid by bank transfer to the school's Dashen Bank ETB account. Transaction costs must be covered by the payer and proof of payment must be submitted to the school administration.

Fee payment options

- Bank transfer is the required payment method specified for school fees:
- EUR payments (non-Ethiopian nationality) to Commerzbank Düsseldorf, account holder Deutscher Schulverein in Äthiopien, IBAN: DE28 3004 0000 0104 4015 00.
- ETB payments (Ethiopian nationality) to Dashen Bank, German Embassy School, Balderas Branch, Account No.: 0089 1493 410 11 (SWIFT: DASHET AA XXX).
- Payers must ensure invoice amounts are received in full; transaction charges are the responsibility of the payer. No credit-card payment option for school fees is listed; payment by bank transfer is the specified method. Proof of payment should be submitted to the school administration email specified on invoices.

Boarding fees

- The school fee schedule does not list any boarding fees or boarding services. Boarding facilities are not part of the fee schedule. No boarding charges are applied because no boarding program is listed.

Other costs and additional fees

- IBO examination fees for students in Secondary School II (Grades 11–12) are charged in addition to the tuition amounts listed.
- Other possible additional charges during the year may include school materials, school-bus fees, extracurricular activity fees, and specific examination fees. These are invoiced separately as required.
- Afternoon care / late pickup: For children not collected from afternoon care by 17:30, the administration charges EUR 18 per hour or part thereof (monthly billing).
- Cafeteria: A cashless payment system is in use for the cafeteria (Amole/Dashen Bank platform) for meal purchases; cafeteria charges are separate from tuition.

Refund information, deregistration and temporary leave

- Deregistration must be made in writing and is possible at the end of a semester or at the end of the school year. Full-payers who deregister during the school year are charged the full-year fee unless they provide proof that employer subsidies cover the months after departure.
- Administrative fee: The administrative fee is invoiced annually and must be paid in full even if a child is registered or deregistered during the school year.
- Temporary deregistration (re-entry) is possible if a child will be absent for at least 50% of a semester. In such cases, a 30% reduction of the invoice for that semester may be applied provided the application is submitted before the invoice due date for that semester. Applications for deferment or reductions must follow the deadlines stated in the fee schedule.

Late payment and enforcement

- If an invoice is unpaid ten calendar days after the first payment deadline stated on the invoice, a reminder will be sent with a second payment deadline ten calendar days later. If unpaid after the second deadline, late-payment interest is charged in accordance with the German Civil Code and further measures follow. If overdue beyond the second reminder and an additional ten calendar days, the child may be excluded from further kindergarten or school attendance until the invoice amount is paid in full. In general, attendance requires timely payment of fees.

Fee arrangements for DBSAA employees

- DBSAA employees with a fixed contract of at least 50% FTE and a contract term of at least one year pay 5% of their basic annual salary for one child's care/schooling and an additional 1% for each additional child. Other staff categories have defined reduced fee contributions or percentages as set out in the fee schedule; employee fees are normally deducted from salary payments.

Summary of key figures (annual examples)

- Administrative fee (full-payer): EUR 1,500. Administrative fee (self-payer): EUR 750.
- Example annual tuition (full-payer, Primary School): EUR 16,972 for the first child.
- Example annual tuition (self-payer, Primary School): EUR 7,564 for the first child.
- IBO exam fees and other ancillary costs are additional and billed separately.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school develops empathetic, self-directed, critical thinkers who don't give up when faced with challenges.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The academic program covers the German curriculum plus English to promote multilingualism.

Safeguarding

A nurse is available on campus every weekday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to attend to student medical needs; parents are contacted to pick up children who are unwell; emergency contact details are kept in the child's file; gate security requires the designated driver's name and vehicle information when picking up students.

Admissions

1. DBSAA is an accredited German school abroad that brings together a diverse student body of Ethiopian, German, and other nationalities for a German-language education grounded in global perspectives. The admissions process aims to build a motivated, engaged student community with connections to the German language and culture, and it assesses each applicant individually to ensure the programs can meet their needs and support their success.
2. Getting started: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis year-round for most grade levels, but deadlines are recommended to allow sufficient processing time.
3. Key deadlines by grade: Kindergarten applications are due by April 1 for ages 3–6; Primary School requires 1st Grade applicants to be at least 6 years old by June 30; Secondary School covers Grades 5–10; the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (Upper Secondary) covers Grades 11–12 and requires completion of Grade 10. Spaces are limited.
4. To begin, review the admissions requirements and criteria for the desired program and gather all necessary documents early.
5. Submit a completed application form with all supporting materials either electronically to the protected email or as hard copies in person to the office.
6. After applications are received, the Admissions Team reviews materials for completeness and assessments are scheduled as needed.
7. Admissions decisions are made based on a thorough review of all documents, assessment results, and current enrollment availability.
8. If accepted, families must confirm their registration by submitting any additional required paperwork and fees.
9. Kindergarten/Preschool admissions: German language exposure, ages 3–6, interview, and availability.
10. Primary School admissions: Age 6+ by June 30, German language skills, preschool records, and availability.
11. Secondary School admissions: German language proficiency, qualifying prior school records, and availability.
12. International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme admissions: German proficiency, successful completion of Grade 10, competitive Grades/Scores, an interview, and availability.
13. The Head of School makes final admissions decisions in careful consultation with division heads, teachers, and admissions staff, based on defined criteria, current space availability, and school resources.
14. Applicants receive written notification of the admissions decision, with instructions for next steps if accepted; support is offered if the school determines a different academic path may be advisable based on the child's needs.
15. Strong preference is given to applicants with German language backgrounds, multicultural life experiences, international mobility, or any amount of prior German-language schooling.
16. Language assessments are required for certain grades: all incoming Primary School students take a German language proficiency assessment, with added instruction if needed.
17. A review of preschool progress reports and recommendations is conducted as part of the process.
18. Records demonstrating satisfactory prior school progress are required, and an evaluation may determine any needed academic support.
19. The IBDP (Grades 11–12) involves study across six subject areas and independent research, culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma; admission requires German proficiency, completion of Grade 10, and competitive grades with an interview.
20. The school may provide additional guidance or adjustments as needed to support a successful placement.

Scholarships

Bildung4Kids (B4K) – German Embassy School: DBSAA collaborates with Bildung4Kids e.V. to support gifted children from the German Church School in pursuing education or studies in Germany. With the scholarship from DBSAA and Ethiopia – Bildung4Kids e.V., a dream comes true: to be able to support oneself later and contribute to the life of the family. Lidiya, Frezer, and Kalkidan are already working successfully in Germany. In 2023 Mahlet and Dibora received a scholarship at DBSAA. Transportation, school materials, books, meals, etc. are funded by donations. Your donations or membership help gifted students attain higher education. Further information is available through Bildung4Kids; DBSAA notes that donations support these opportunities.” }) |>} } |> } 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 02 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

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Istituto Statale Italiano Omnicomprensivo di Addis Abeba

Instructs in Italian

Ages 3 - 18 years

Fees ETB 37,500

Type Co-educational

Istituto Statale Italiano Omnicomprensivo di Addis Abeba is an Italian state school operating abroad that provides continuity of education from kindergarten through upper secondary within the Italian system. Established in Addis Ababa, it forms part of the Italian cultural presence in Ethiopia and shares a campus complex with the Italian Institute of Culture. Three purpose-built buildings host primary, lower and upper secondary sections, enabling coherent progression across all levels. The school implements the Italian national curriculum at all stages, with a paritarian kindergarten and curriculum features that include Italian, English and Amharic L2 for eligible students, plus broad core timetable and cross-curricular Education Civica integrated through upper secondary. In upper secondary, students may pursue tracks such as Liceo delle Scienze Umane Sperimentale and Istituto tecnico Costruzioni, Ambiente e Territorio, with Istituto tecnico Informatica e Telecomunicazioni introduced in 2024/25. Laboratories, sport facilities and specialist labs support practical study across the campus.

Location

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It is located on Belai Zeleke Street in Addis Ababa; the campus comprises three buildings (one for primary, one for lower secondary, and one for upper secondary) within a complex that includes the Italian Institute of Culture. The postal address is P.O. Box 970, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Stages

Preschool (3-5), Primary (6-10), Lower Secondary (11-13), Upper Secondary (14-18)

Type

Italian state school operating abroad

Country affiliation

Italy

Application fees

- There is no separate application fee charged. At enrolment the payment required is the first instalment of the tuition plus the insurance/materials contribution.

Tuition (annual) — amounts by year group and per term

- Annual tuition (all school levels: scuola dell'infanzia, scuola primaria, scuola secondaria di I grado, scuola secondaria di II grado): ETB 30,000 per year.
- Insurance and contribution for transport, teaching materials and books shipped from Italy: ETB 7,500 (charged in addition to the annual tuition).
- Instalment schedule (per academic year):
- First instalment: 50% of the annual tuition (ETB 15,000) plus the ETB 7,500 insurance/materials contribution = ETB 22,500, payable at enrolment.
- Second instalment: remaining tuition ETB 15,000, payable by the published deadline (example deadline shown: 30 May).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The first payment (ETB 22,500) is due at the time of enrolment; the second payment (ETB 15,000) is due by the school's published deadline (example: 30 May). Late-payment procedures and reminders are applied by the school administration.
- Employees of the school (docente or ATA in servizio) pay a reduced contribution equal to 50% of the tuition (ETB 15,000) plus the ETB 7,500 insurance/contribution; this may be payable in one or two solutions consistent with the general schedule.
- Scholarships: the school awards a quota of scholarships for families in economic hardship (approximately 21% of enrolled places) and additionally grants six merit scholarships of ETB 9,000 each to be deducted from the annual tuition.

Boarding fees

- The institution is organised as a day school with separate buildings for each school order; there are no boarding facilities and therefore no boarding fees.

Other costs and incidental fees

- The ETB 7,500 contribution covers insurance and the cost of transport and delivery of teaching materials and books from Italy.
- Textbooks approved by the school have been provided on loan (comodato d'uso) to students; families should expect to cover personal school supplies and any costs tied to optional extracurricular activities.

Refund information

- Fees and contributions paid are non-refundable; the school's enrolment documentation specifies that payments already made cannot be refunded.

Fee payment options

- Payments can be made by bank transfer to the school's designated bank account as indicated in the school's billing/collection notices.
- The school's enrolment forms include fields for recording payments in Ethiopian Birr and issuing a receipt, which indicates that in-person payments (cash) are recorded and receipted by the administration.

Summary of key amounts (displayed for clarity)

- Annual tuition (all levels): ETB 30,000.
- Insurance / materials / transport contribution: ETB 7,500.
- First instalment at enrolment: ETB 22,500 (ETB 15,000 tuition + ETB 7,500 contribution).
- Second instalment: ETB 15,000, payable by the school's stated deadline.

Curriculum

The institute follows the Italian national curriculum across all levels. In the Primary School, compulsory subjects are Italian, English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, History and Geography, Music, Art and Image, Physical Education, and Amaric Language and Culture; Amharic L2 is available for non-Ethiopian students, and I.R.C. or an Alternative to I.R.C. The primary timetable totals 25 hours per week (8:00–13:00) with per-subject allocation: Italian 8, English 1, Mathematics 6, Science and Technology 1, History and Geography 2, Music 1, Art and Image 1, Physical Education 1, Amaric/L2 3, I.R.C./Alternative 1. In the Secondary School (First Grade), there are 174 students taught by 14 teachers; the weekly allocation is Italian, History and Geography 9 hours; Science and Mathematics 6; English 3; French 2; Technology 2; Music 2; Art and Image 2; Physical Education 2; Religion 1; totaling 30 hours; timetable runs 8:00–14:00. Upper Secondary offers three study tracks: Technological Sector – Costruzioni, Ambiente e Territorio (five-year); Economic-Social Sector – Liceo delle Scienze Umane (four-year) with classes I–III; and a third track. Education Civica is integrated as a transversal program across levels, with dedicated coordination and at least 33 hours per year at upper secondary, reflecting a cross-curricular approach across the school.

Student Teacher Ratio

Primary: 313 students with 29 teachers (25 MAECI from Italy; 3 local teachers funded by the school; 1 MAE appointee); approximate primary student–teacher ratio about 11:1; average primary class size around 21 students. Secondary I: 174 students with 14 teachers; approximate ratio about 12–13:1. Secondary II details vary by track, with 15 teachers reported for upper secondary.

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Reach International Center of Education

Instructs in English

Ages 3 - 18 years

Fees ETB 2,180 - 3,280

Type Co-educational

Reach International Center of Education (RICE) is a Cambridge International School in Ethiopia offering Cambridge Primary and Secondary education, Cambridge IGCSEs, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, and a bespoke curriculum. The school serves learners aged 3 to 18 across two campuses, Meskel Flower (Year 1–6) and Agona (Year 7–13). Cambridge qualifications are delivered by Ethiopian teachers, with dedicated science laboratories at the Agona Campus and a central hub for research and reading that anchors Curriculum, Character and Community. In 2017, RICE became a registered Cambridge International School, and in 2022 the High School earned Cambridge accreditation, connecting students from early years to A Levels. Extracurriculars include a yearly Science Fair and community activities, with clubs that cultivate 21st-century skills. The school emphasizes character development, community service, and cross-cultural engagement, integrating well-being and digital literacy into daily learning. The campus environment supports inquiry, collaboration and responsible use of technology.

Location

RICE is located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It operates two campuses: Meskel Flower Campus for Year 1-6 in the Meskel Flower area, and Agona Campus for Year 7-13 in the Agona Cinema area. The school began in 2014 in Addis Ababa.

Stages

RICE follows the Cambridge International curriculum for ages 3-19, from Cambridge Early Years through Cambridge Advanced. Cambridge IGCSEs and AS/A Levels are offered. The medium of instruction is English, with Amharic taught as a second language.

Type

Cambridge International School

Country affiliation

Ethiopia

Application & registration fees
- New family registration fee: USD 500 per child.
- Capital development fee: USD 600 per family (one-time, per family).

Tuition fees by year group (annual and per term)
- Year 1–6 (Preparatory to Grade 5)
- Annual tuition: USD 2,180.
- Per term (three-term academic year — annual divided into three equal instalments): USD 726.67 per term.

- Year 7–9 (Grade 6 to 8)
- Annual tuition: USD 2,320.
- Per term (three-term academic year — annual divided into three equal instalments): USD 773.33 per term.

- Year 10–13 (Grade 9 to 12)
- Annual tuition: USD 2,420.
- Per term (three-term academic year — annual divided into three equal instalments): USD 806.67 per term.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Families are asked to register interest in January and current families are asked to make a commitment for the following school year in May; specific billing deadlines, instalment plan details, and formal payment deadlines are not published in the admissions information.
- Annual tuition figures above are presented; per-term figures shown are calculated as the annual tuition divided by three, consistent with the common three-term academic structure used by international schools in Addis Ababa.

Boarding fees
- Reach International Center of Education operates separate day campuses for Year 1–6 and Year 7–13; no boarding programme or boarding fees are listed in the publicly available campus/admissions information.

Other costs and fees
- Cambridge examination fees (IGCSE/A Level) are not included in the tuition amounts and are charged in addition to the tuition.
- Capital development fee (USD 600 per family) and the registration fee for new entrants (USD 500 per child) are additional to the annual tuition.
- No specific mandatory uniform, transport, meals, learning materials, or textbook fees are detailed in the published admissions material; separate examination fees and any activity-specific charges should be expected where applicable.

Refund information
- A public refund policy for registration or tuition payments is not included in the published admissions information. Families should note that examination fees are charged separately and may follow the exam board's own refund rules.

Fee payment options
- The admissions information does not list specific payment methods (for example: bank transfer, credit card, or cash). Contact details are provided for enquiries.

Notes for parents
- Annual tuition amounts and the named additional fees above are the fee components published in the school's admissions information. Parents should plan for separate Cambridge examination fees and any activity-specific charges in addition to the tuition, capital development, and registration fees.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

RICE emphasises developing the whole child through Curriculum, Character, and Community. The vision states that students are shaped emotionally, socially, physically and spiritually as part of being a ‘whole child.' The mission highlights character development with core values such as resilience, integrity, and a Community of Grace. The school fosters a sense of community by working with parents to support students' growth. The program includes 21st Century life-skills to prepare graduates for success after leaving RICE. The overall aim is to enrich lives through learning and to develop the whole child.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The medium of instruction is English, with Amharic taught as the next main language. Cambridge IGCSE includes English as a Second Language (ESL) as one of its subjects. Amharic is included in the Ethiopian National Curriculum for Years 1-11. RICE facilitates students who want to take the national Grade 6, 8, and 12 exams, and offers Saturday revision classes for these exams. From Year 1 to Year 9, Cambridge subjects include Global English, Mathematics, Science, Global Perspectives and Computing, with progression tests to monitor progress.

Mental Wellbeing

The school shapes students emotionally, socially, physically and spiritually as part of its holistic approach. Resilience is a core value that helps students withstand challenges. Integrity and a Community of Grace foster a caring and supportive environment for well-being. Community involvement with parents supports student growth in a safe and nurturing setting. The mission includes equipping students with 21st Century life-skills to support personal development and future success. The Belief value underlines the dignity of each person and reinforces a caring school community.

Admissions

1. Registration for the 2026-2027 school year is open and will close at 5pm Ethiopia Time on February 28, 2026. A Google Forms registration link is provided for applicants. Campus visits can be arranged on Thursdays from 10:00 to 13:30 through February 26, 2026. 2. Registration for Year 1 (Preparatory) requires the child to be aged 5 by the start of the school year. Siblings of children already at RICE receive priority. The Entrance Assessment covers English, Math, and Amharic, and includes cognitive and aptitude evaluation. A passing result is required, followed by an interview with parents. 3. Registration for Year 2–13 (Grade 1–12) begins in May when current families commit for the following year. Space availability determines invitations for new entrants to join for an Entrance Assessment. The Entrance Assessment covers English, Math, and Amharic (Years 1–6) and includes a cognitive/aptitude component for Year 2; Years 7 and above are assessed in English, Math, and Science. A child must pass these assessments, and there is an interview with both student and parents. 4. Admission process timeline: The admissions process begins in January with families registering their interest online. The waiting list remains open for four weeks from the start date. The waiting list is reviewed February and March, with priority given to siblings and to those who have registered for the third year in a row (or longer). By April and May, assessments for Year 1 are conducted, and by late May there is clearer information about spaces for Years 2–13; invitations for assessments are issued when spaces are available, followed by interviews. 5. Notes: The process is not first-come-first-served. The waiting list identifies priority and available spaces. Registration on the waiting list does not carry forward to the next year. If a family has registered for the third year in a row, they receive priority after siblings, where spaces are available. 6. Tuition Fees 2025–2026: Annual fees are $2,180 for Year 1–6, $2,320 for Year 7–9, and $2,420 for Year 10–13; Capital Development Fee per family is $600; Registration Fee for new families is $500. Cambridge exam fees are not included in tuition. Placement considerations and class size restrictions apply, with a maximum of 24 students per class.

Waitlist

Registration for the waiting list is open for four weeks from the start date in January. The waiting list is reviewed in January through February to determine spaces and invitations for Year 1 assessments. Priority is given to siblings and to families who have registered for the third year in a row (or longer), where spaces are available. The waiting list is not carried forward to the next year and the school does not operate on a first-come-first-served basis.

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Compare International Schools in Addis ababa, Ethiopia

Stages

Type

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Bus service

Uniform Requirement

Food Options

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Student Teacher Ratio

Higher Education Progression

Gifted and Talented

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

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Safeguarding

Admissions

Scholarships

Location

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Safeguarding

Admissions

Scholarships

Waitlist

Location

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Location

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Uniform Requirement

Food Options

Governance and Ownership

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Exam Results

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English as an Additional Language (EAL)

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