Compare American Curriculum International Schools in Iraq

CADMUS International School – Iraq Gate is a purpose-built K–12 campus in the Iraq Gate Residential Complex, Baghdad, operated under the SABIS Educational System and part of the CADMUS network. The school delivers a British-based curriculum featuring Edexcel IGCSE examinations and the AP program, with the Edexcel UK qualification available as a Pearson International Exam Center. Students learn in English, Arabic, and Kurdish, plus an additional world language of their choice, reflecting a trilingual framework from Kindergarten through graduation. The campus includes modern science laboratories, interactive whiteboards in all classrooms, a dedicated kindergarten area, outdoor playgrounds, a mini-soccer field, and an outdoor basketball court, plus a bright cafeteria. Music and art are integral; choirs, concerts, and visual arts are highlighted. Student Life Organization drives leadership, service, and clubs across nine departments, emphasizing 21st-century skills through a student-led day. Opened in 2020, the school operates within the SABIS global network, preparing students for international exam pathways and higher education worldwide.

CADMUS International School Baghdad – Al Nakheel is a SABIS concept delivering international education on a new, purpose-built campus. The school will welcome students from Pre-KG to Grade 6 in the 2026-2027 academic year, adding a grade level each year to reach Grade 12, with local educators and staff supporting operation. The campus features interactive whiteboards in all KG1–Grade 12 classrooms, modern science laboratories, an independent Kindergarten, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated sports facilities including a mini-soccer field, outdoor basketball court, and a bright cafeteria. The curriculum blends a Bespoke Curriculum with Cambridge IGCSE and Advanced Placement (AP) examinations. From Kindergarten through Grade 12, students study English, Arabic, Kurdish, and a world language in upper grades. The Student Life Organization coordinates a wide range of activities, including arts and music, leadership roles, peer tutoring, and community service, fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and responsible citizenship. Students grow academically, socially, and ethically prepared.

CADMUS International School – Basra is a modern K–12 campus located facing Southern Technical University on Al Zubair Street, Basra, Iraq. It opened in September 2025 with 80 students in Kindergarten through Grade 6 and plans to add one grade level each year to become a full K–12 program. The school combines a bespoke curriculum with Cambridge IGCSE and Advanced Placement (AP) options, underpinned by the SABIS Educational System. The SABIS program supports fluency in English and Arabic, plus a third language in upper grades, enabling diverse international pathways. All KG1–Grade 12 classrooms feature Interactive Whiteboards, and an independent Kindergarten section provides space for younger learners. Modern science laboratories support hands-on experiments, while outdoor facilities include playgrounds, a mini-soccer field, and an outdoor basketball court. The campus emphasizes Student Life Organization (SLO), a nine-department structure that integrates Academic, Wellness, Outreach, Sports, Arts, and Social Responsibility activities to develop leadership and collaboration.

International Academy of Iraq (IAI) is a Basra-based international school offering a distinctive dual curriculum that blends the American Program with the Iraqi National Curriculum. English is the language of instruction, and the school welcomes students of all nationalities. The American Program is delivered to California Common Core standards where compatible with Iraqi policy, with MAP, SAT and ACT assessments and internal evaluations aligned to Common Core and NGSS. The IGCSE curriculum is delivered through Pearson Edexcel, and the school is accredited to offer both the American Program and IGCSE, with membership in the College Board and ACAC. From kindergarten to preparatory school, IAI focuses on college readiness and leadership development. World-class facilities include dedicated classrooms, a scientific laboratory, music and art studios, and indoor and outdoor sports facilities. Located on Al-Zubair Road beside Toyota, in front of the Technical College, it serves a diverse international community and lifelong learners.

American International School of Duhok is a Duhok-based learning community offering an American curriculum aligned with local Ministry of Education requirements. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools. AISD is introducing a high school pathway for Grades 9–12, with Grades 9–10 open in 2026–2027, Grade 11 in 2027–2028, and Grade 12 in 2028–2029. The campus on Didivan Street, Malta, Duhok, includes on-site buildings and a running track. Student progress is monitored with MAP Growth assessments. Governance is provided by a Board of Trustees. Registration for 2026–2027 is open for Pre-K to Grade 10, with Grade 10 currently open. Extracurriculars emphasize Creativity & Arts, Teamwork & Leadership, Exploration & Learning, and Confidence & Growth, and encompass Sports and Activities, supporting self-expression, collaboration, and personal growth. AISD emphasizes mastery-based progress through MAP Growth assessments and a college-preparatory mindset.

CADMUS International School in Duhok sits on Sumail Street in the Marina Area, Duhok, Kurdistan, Iraq. Opened in 2018 as the first CADMUS campus in Iraq, it welcomes students from KG1 to Grade 12 and operates within SABIS educational network. The curriculum blends SABIS framework with Cambridge IGCSE and Advanced Placement (AP), while ensuring fluency in English, Arabic, Kurdish, and a world language of the student's choice. English and mathematics are emphasized, with the sciences highlighted in secondary years to prepare for external exams such as IGCSE and AP. The campus is purpose-built and modern, with all KG1–Grade 12 classrooms featuring Interactive Whiteboards, independent Kindergarten section, outdoor playgrounds and fields, a mini-soccer pitch, an outdoor basketball court, a bright cafeteria, and science laboratories. Music and art are integral, supported by the Student Life Organization, which runs clubs, events, and leadership opportunities across nine departments and multiple cultural and service activities.

Classical School of the Medes – Duhok is part of a Christian school network in Iraqi-Kurdistan, offering English-based instruction within a Christian Classical framework. The Duhok campus serves Kindergarten 1 through Grade 12. English is the language for Grades 1–3, with Kurdish and KBK in early years. The Academic Units Hub delivers units across English, Kurdish, KBK, Science, Humanities, Math, Music, PE and Art. Graduation (Grades 9–12) requires Mathematics, Language Arts, Humanities, Science, Arabic, Kurdish, Electives, Fine Arts, Civics, and Health & Physical Education; diploma and transcript are issued on graduation. Honors include Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude, with a CSM Top Student award tied to GPA and SAT/AP performance. For university admissions, AP and SAT exams are used with scheduling and support. The school emphasizes moral development and non-discrimination regarding religion, race, color, gender, economic status. Facilities include classrooms, a library, and sport clubs for visitors.

The British International School in Kurdistan (BISK) sits on Mosul Road in Erbil, Iraq, offering a U.K.-aligned international education from Early Years through Secondary. The school delivers the Early Years Foundation Stage, followed by the Pearson Edexcel British International Curriculum in Primary and Secondary, with a senior pathway that includes an American Curriculum option. The school's ethos emphasises progress and opportunities, with facilities across the campus. The Early Years building provides open-plan, naturally lit spaces and outdoor learning, while the Primary School houses collaborative classrooms and specialist areas for Art, Music, Computing and Physical Education. Kindergarten is supported by language, music, drama, sports and IT specialists. Extracurriculars feature Performing Arts, and productions such as Around the World in 80 Days (2025) and Jungle Book planned for 2026. A multilingual BISKonauts Programme supports Arabic, Kurdish and English, and the House system underpins leadership, service and community activities for students and families.

CADMUS International School – Erbil is a K–12 campus operating within the SABIS Educational System, delivering an international curriculum designed to prepare students for opportunities. The Erbil campus opened in 2023–2024 and is purpose-built to support active learning, with classrooms equipped with Interactive Whiteboards, science laboratories, and a Kindergarten section. The school teaches in English, Arabic, and Kurdish, with a world language offered in upper grades, and places strong emphasis on English, mathematics, and the sciences in Secondary School. Students prepare for external exams such as IGCSEs and the AP program, while exploring a broad range of subjects including social studies, music, fine arts, physical education, psychology, business and economics, and computer studies. Technology and e-learning are supported by SABIS tools, a digital platform, and the SABIS Parent app. The Student Life Organization (SLO) coordinates nine departments to run clubs, events, community service, and leadership activities, fostering teamwork and awareness.

Canadian International School Erbil sits on Permam Street in Erbil, delivering Cambridge-based education to students aged 4–18. The Kindergarten uses a bilingual English–Arabic foundation (KG1–KG3) with small classes up to 20 students. Elementary (Grades 1–5) follows the Cambridge Primary curriculum with Arabic, English and French language study, plus STEM, music and sport. Middle School (Grades 6–8) uses Cambridge Lower Secondary (Checkpoint) with subject-specialist teachers and programmes such as robotics, MUN and service learning. High School (Grades 9–12) offers IGCSE and A-Levels, along with Advanced Placement courses and university guidance & SAT prep. Cambridge International and Lebanese National pathways are offered under one roof; Cognia accreditation ensures global standards. Average class size is 18–22 students and the school belongs to a network of 1,400+ scholars across four campuses in Iraq and Lebanon. Distinctive features include a strong STEM and MUN focus, multilingual education, and university admissions support and global study opportunities.

Classical School of the Medes – Hawler is a private Christian school in Erbil, Iraqi-Kurdistan, at 20 St. Erbil Bakhtiari. It is part of a network of Classical Christian schools in Sulaymaniyah, Duhok and Erbil, serving Kindergarten through 12 with English-based instruction and Kurdish language offerings. The school operates with permission from Kurdistan Ministry of Education. The curriculum combines Advanced Placement (AP), a Christian Curriculum, and a Bespoke Curriculum designed with educators from United States; students prepare for AP and SAT examinations with guidance from Franklin Classical School. The school emphasizes moral development within the Christian Classical model and welcomes students regardless of religion or background. Facilities include safe classrooms, a library, and an Academic Units Hub with study units and international exam options. Extracurriculars feature sport clubs and a podcast program, and cultural events such as Newroz; instruction is English-majority in core subjects, with Kurdish taught in designated courses.

Eastwood International School Erbil is a private international school on Bahrka Road in Erbil, offering an American curriculum integrated with the IB Primary Years Programme and a Middle Years Programme candidate status. The school teaches in English and provides Kurdish and Arabic language immersions alongside English Language Arts, with a focus on global contexts. The Primary Years Programme is IB-aligned and delivered in English, using 21st-century learning tools; early years emphasize a student-centered approach that values curiosity, resilience, and compassion. The Middle Years Programme for ages 11–16 challenges students and prepares them for high school and university, while pursuing IB World School authorization. Eastwood was founded in 1973 and now operates three campuses serving over 1,000 students. Distinctive features include mindfulness, music and movement, performing arts, and trans-disciplinary studies such as Maths + Coding, Science, and Languages within a holistic programme. It emphasizes global awareness, international-mindedness, and social responsibility throughout.

The International School of Choueifat – Dream City is a private English-medium day school in Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq that opened in 2012. It forms part of SABIS Educational System, guiding an international curriculum drawn from American, British, and Iraqi traditions. English is the language of instruction, and the school prepares students for higher education and exams such as SAT I and II, TOEFL, AP, IGCSE, O'Levels, AS and A‑Levels. After Grade 4, students can transfer to ISC-Erbil to continue the same SABIS program and exam preparation. The campus is purpose-built with play areas, a cafeteria, a football pitch, art and science facilities, music rooms, and computer labs, plus a campus-wide tablet network for PQT and myON reading. KG1–Grade 4 classrooms include Interactive Whiteboards. The school offers sports including swimming, football, ballet, tennis, and horseback riding, and a range of clubs and leadership opportunities through the SABIS Student Life Organization globally.

International School of Choueifat – Erbil sits on a campus along Massif Road in Erbil and operates as a private, English-medium, day school within the SABIS network. Opened in 2006, ISC-Erbil draws on a blended curriculum that combines American, British, and Iraqi educational traditions, preparing students for higher education with AP, SAT, IGCSE, AS/A Levels, and O Levels. The school offers English as the first language with Kurdish and Arabic as second/third languages, and French from Grade 5. The campus features a theatre, indoor pool facilities, a large sports hall, outdoor fields and basketball courts, a science block, computer laboratories, a 324-computer SABIS Integrated Testing and Learning Hall, and a 10,000-book library with a MyOn virtual extension. Extracurricular life is coordinated by the SABIS Student Life Organization, with programs in sports, music, arts, and STEAM; service campaigns and environmental initiatives are integral. Graduates have university progression tracks and exam opportunities.

Meltho International School sits on a purpose-built campus in Ankawa, Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq. It follows the SABIS Educational System within a trilingual program for Kindergarten through High School (KG 1–12). The curriculum combines a SABIS framework with an international approach and emphasizes reading, phonics, languages, and mathematics in the early years. Modern teaching methods integrate technology and e-learning, with Interactive Whiteboards in all classrooms, science and computer laboratories, art rooms, and a cafeteria and clinic. The school uses the SABIS Digital Platform for practice, assessments, and parent monitoring. A university counselling service supports students across all grades planning higher education. Founded by the Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese of Mosul, Meltho honors Syriac heritage; the name means 'the word'. The campus offers sports facilities, after-school activities, and clubs including arts, drama, music, debates, and science. Students benefit from a close-knit, supportive community with opportunities to participate in competitions and service initiatives.

RISE International School Erbil is a private international school located in Future City, Erbil, Iraq. The school delivers a blended American curriculum aligned with Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards while integrating Kurdish, Arabic, Social Studies, Social Values and Religious Studies in compliance with Kurdistan Regional Government requirements. Grades 9–12 are prepared for SAT, AP exams, and international university admissions, with AP courses including Calculus AB, Biology, Chemistry, Physics C: Mechanics, Human Geography, Psychology, and Computer Science A. English is the language of instruction in core subjects, with Kurdish and Arabic taught as mandatory languages. The campus features technologically equipped classrooms and laboratories and a cafeteria, with rich online resources. RISE is accredited by ASIC (Premier Status) and City & Guilds for International Education Programmes. Notable programs include robotics, chess, theatre, and community service, alongside leadership and college counseling to support university pathways for students worldwide today.

Classical School of the Medes – Sulaymaniyah is part of an international Christian network of private schools in Iraqi-Kurdistan. Established in 2001, the Sulaymaniyah campus serves over 2,500 students and operates with the Kurdistan Ministry of Education's permission, guided by Franklin Classical School in the United States. The school offers a Christian Classical program taught in English, with a non-discrimination policy. The Kindergarten 1–Grade 3 curriculum covers English, Kurdish, KBK, Science, Humanities, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, and Art; English is the main language in most subjects, while Kurdish is taught as a language subject. Grades 9–12 require Mathematics, Language Arts, Humanities, Science, Arabic, Kurdish, Electives, Fine Arts, Civics, and Health & Physical Education. Graduates receive a diploma and transcript detailing grades and credits, with Latin Honors (Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Cum Laude) and a Top Student designation. AP and SAT preparation and a College Preparatory Program support higher education; facilities include well-equipped classrooms, a library, sport clubs, and after-school programs.

International School of Choueifat Sulaimani is a SABIS-operated, co-educational, English-medium day school in Sulaimani, Iraqi Kurdistan. Opened in October 2009, it forms part of the SABIS network and serves Kindergarten through Grade 12, with growth plans under way. The academic program is SABIS-designed, using the SABIS Point System with regular assessments to build a solid foundation and ongoing learning. The school operates in a temporary campus on Qasimlu Street while a permanent 100,000 square metre campus in the Rapareen Quarter is developed, featuring modern facilities and dedicated spaces for sport, arts, and study. The campus offers basketball and football courts, a third multi-purpose area, and an adventure playground for younger pupils. The multicultural, English-medium environment supports non-selective enrolment. Extracurriculars are coordinated through the SABIS Student Life Organization (SLO) and SABIS Academic Management System (AMS), with swimming partnerships and student-led arts, sports, and cultural activities. Opportunities for students worldwide and beyond.

United Science International School (USIS) is a K–12 international campus in Sulaymaniyah, Iraqi Kurdistan, offering an accredited college‑prep education. The campus features state‑of‑the‑art facilities, with technology‑equipped classrooms and laboratories to support cross‑disciplinary learning. USIS delivers a multi‑framework curriculum: Early Years and Primary follow a blend of British National Curriculum, International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), Cambridge International Primary Program, and Kurdish National Curriculum; Middle and High School follow an American program aligned to the Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. The SAT program is integrated within the curriculum, and 38 AP courses are available in Grade 12. A Ministry of Education graduation requirement requires students to score 400 in English and 400 in Mathematics, totaling 800/1600. Prospectuses for Preschool, Primary, and Middle/High are downloadable. The school emphasizes online resources and ongoing assessment to support learning. Extracurriculars include robotics, brain games, spelling bee, chess, Kurdish language activities, and field trips, reflecting local heritage and international opportunities. The cross‑framework model is a distinctive feature of USIS.