Comparing 4 schools side by side in USD.
Kiyovu, Kigali, Rwanda. The school occupies a state-of-the-art campus designed to showcase authentic Montessori education, with both indoor and outdoor experiential learning environments.
Toddler (age 2-3), Early Childhood (age 3-6), Lower Elementary (age 6-9), and Upper Elementary (age 9-12), following Montessori age cohorts.
Private, co-educational international Montessori day school.
A diverse international community of families in Kigali, including expatriate and local Rwandan families.
Each student receives an Individualised Montessori Education Plan (IMEP) based on baseline assessments in Language (English and French), Mathematics, Personal Growth, Normalisation and Work Habits.
International (Montessori). Part of the Braeburn Group of International Schools, an established East African school group.
Non-denominational.
The school day is structured around the Montessori approach, with extended uninterrupted work periods, individual and group activities, and experiential learning. Contact the school for specific hours.
Contact the school for information on transportation services.
The Earth School is a day school only. No boarding facilities are available.
Contact the school for information on uniform or dress code requirements.
Contact the school for details on meal provision and snack arrangements.
The school uses Montessori multi-age groupings rather than a traditional house system. Children are grouped in age cohorts: 2-3, 3-6, 6-9 and 9-12.
In June 2023, the Braeburn Group of International Schools took ownership of The Earth School. Braeburn is an established group of international schools in East Africa.
The Earth School follows an authentic Montessori curriculum, providing creative, experiential and transformative education. Children work within multi-age groups and are guided through self-discovery, growth and identification of their strengths and interests. Each student has an Individualised Montessori Education Plan (IMEP) based on assessments in Language, Mathematics, Personal Growth, Normalisation and Work Habits. The school is bilingual in English and French.
Class groups are limited to 12 children per age cohort, allowing highly personalised attention in the Montessori environment.
As a Montessori school, The Earth School uses individualised assessments and portfolios rather than traditional examinations. Students receive baseline assessments and ongoing progress tracking through their IMEP.
The Earth School serves children up to age 12. Families typically transition to other international schools in Kigali for secondary education.
The Montessori approach naturally supports advanced learners by allowing children to progress at their own pace through individualised work plans.
Personal Growth and Normalisation are assessed and supported as core components of each child's Individualised Montessori Education Plan.
The Montessori approach is inherently individualised, with each child working at their own pace. The IMEP system supports children with varying learning needs.
The bilingual programme supports children developing proficiency in both English and French. Baseline language assessments help tailor support.
The Montessori environment prioritises child wellbeing through self-directed learning, meaningful work and a nurturing community.
The school operates within the Braeburn Group framework with appropriate safeguarding policies for young children.
Admissions are managed through the TADS platform. Students take baseline assessments in Language (English and French), Mathematics, Personal Growth, Normalisation and Work Habits to develop an Individualised Montessori Education Plan (IMEP). The school accepts children aged 2 to 12.
Contact the school for details on any scholarship or financial aid opportunities.
Contact the school for information on availability in each age cohort.
30 KG 9 Avenue, Nyarutarama, Kigali, Rwanda. Located in the upscale Nyarutarama neighbourhood, a popular residential area for international families.
Daycare, Nursery (L'ecole maternelle), Cambridge Primary, Upper Primary enrichment, and Lower Secondary (extended in 2022). Ages approximately 2 to 14.
Private, co-educational international day school.
Over 18 nationalities are represented among the 700+ students.
Dedicated Learning Support Programmes with differentiated learning opportunities. The school provides individualised support for students with varying needs.
United Kingdom (Cambridge) and France (DELF). The school combines both British and French educational frameworks.
Christian ethos. The curriculum is underpinned by the school's Christian vision, values and ethos, including morning devotions. Students of all faiths are welcome.
Full school day including structured lessons, break times, and enrichment activities. After-school activities are available.
Contact the school for information on transportation services.
BAIS is a day school only. No boarding facilities are available.
Yes. Uniform details and costs are outlined in the additional costs document available on the school website.
The school provides nutritious food services for students during the school day.
Contact the school for details on pastoral systems.
Founded and directed by Mrs. Francine N. The school is privately owned and operates with a Principal (Otim John Bosco) and Director of Studies (Mr. Magambo Vincent).
BAIS delivers a bilingual international curriculum combining Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary with the French learning curriculum. The curriculum is broad and balanced, taught through whole class lessons, collaborative small groups and individual work, both in the classroom and outdoors. Students prepare for Cambridge assessments and DELF French language certifications. In 2022, the school extended to Lower Secondary to enable smooth transitions from primary.
With over 700 students and 50+ teachers, the overall student-teacher ratio is approximately 14:1. Teaching is delivered in various formats including small groups and individual instruction.
Students sit Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary assessments and DELF French language examinations (DELF Prim). Contact the school for results information.
The Lower Secondary programme prepares students for continuation to IGCSE and further international qualifications at other schools in Kigali.
An Upper Primary Enrichment Programme provides additional challenges and differentiated learning opportunities for students.
The school's Christian ethos underpins a caring, inclusive community. Morning devotions and values education support social and emotional development.
Dedicated Learning Support Programmes provide differentiated instruction and individual attention for students with varying learning needs.
As a bilingual school, BAIS has experience supporting students developing proficiency in English or French.
A professional nurse is on staff. The school promotes holistic wellbeing through its inclusive education approach.
The school publishes children's rights and responsibilities policies, a discipline protocol, and a student and parent handbook. A professional nurse is available on campus.
Open admissions process accepting learners throughout the year if space is available. Places are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Grade 1+ applicants take an admissions test arranged by the Director of Studies. Nursery applicants attend a developmental readiness visit. Applications can be submitted online or in person.
Contact the school for details on any scholarship or financial aid opportunities.
Families should contact the Main Office to discuss availability. If no space is available, the school may maintain a waitlist.
Kibagabaga, Kigali, Rwanda. The campus moved to Kibagabaga in December 2021. The street address is 10 KG 307 St, Kigali, Rwanda. The area is in Kigali with access via local roads.
The Elementary School includes Pre-K through Grade 5. The Middle School includes Grade 6 through Grade 8. The High School includes Grade 9 through Grade 12.
Independent international secular; non-profit; non-governmental
Learning Support and EAL (English as an Additional Language) services are provided to support students' language development and learning needs.
Secular; no religious affiliation.
Ino Café operates on campus and is open Monday through Friday.
The school is a non-profit, non-governmental international school governed by a School Board and led by the Head of School.
ISK offers a robust and inclusive curriculum for ages 4 to 18. It provides a Western-style education with a focus on diversity and inclusion, aiming to develop critical thinking, creativity, and global citizenship. High School offers Advanced Placement courses, including the AP Capstone Diploma, with electives such as art, music, drama, and Rwandan studies. The Kibagabaga campus opened in 2021 and features facilities like swimming pools, tennis and basketball courts, and football pitches.
In 2024, 81% of ISK students passed AP exams. AP courses include AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Comparative Government and Politics, AP English Literature and Composition, AP French Lang & Culture, AP Spanish Lang & Culture, AP Human Geography, AP Psychology, AP Research, and AP Seminar. ISK also offers the AP Capstone Diploma.
ISK High School is a college preparatory program designed to prepare students for university-level study worldwide. College counseling supports post-secondary planning, including college applications and scholarships, and PSAT 9/10/11 is used for college readiness.
ISK supports social and emotional learning through its Student Support Services. Counseling services promote emotional well-being, and an Advisory Program provides ongoing social and personal guidance. The Student Support Services team collaborates with teachers, parents, and specialists to support students' holistic development. The approach emphasizes inclusivity and belonging as essential to academic success. Service-learning and leadership opportunities further contribute to students' social and emotional growth.
ISK provides Learning Support for students with individualized needs through the Student Support Services. The team collaborates with teachers and specialists to tailor accommodations and targeted interventions for each learner. EAL support is available to help students access the curriculum. Counseling services are available to support emotional well-being as part of the broader support program. The goal is to ensure every student can participate in the curriculum and develop lifelong skills.
ISK embraces linguistic diversity with English as the lingua franca during lessons. English as a Language (EAL) support helps bridge language barriers, enabling students to develop language skills at their own pace and fostering their academic, social, and emotional growth. The Support Services determine a baseline level for each child, from which targets are set in a language learning plan. EAL support may be provided in small groups several times a week while students remain in a language-rich classroom. Teaching staff differentiate and use Universal Design for Learning to cater for speakers of other languages in the mainstream classroom.
ISK is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment where all students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Counseling services promote emotional well-being, and the Advisory Program provides ongoing social and personal guidance. The Student Support Services team collaborates with teachers, parents, and specialists to support students' holistic development. This holistic approach aims to help students manage stress, build resilience, and develop social-emotional skills.
1. Inquire – contact admissions to learn about ISK. 2. Visit – schedule a tour of the campus. 3. Apply – submit the online application. 4. Placement review – ISK reviews school records, considers birthdate, and conducts entrance screenings to determine placement. 5. Conditional acceptance – with school records, the child may be conditionally accepted into a certain grade, and screenings on arrival confirm readiness. 6. Grade level determination – ISK uses a September 1 cut-off date to determine the age-appropriate grade level. 7. Age/grade limits – the school will not normally accept a student who would be over nineteen at graduation. 8. Grade 12 exceptions – generally ISK will not accept students into grade 12 after the start of the academic year unless there are extenuating circumstances; the Director may make exceptions based on previous educational experience. 9. English records – all school records, in English, are required prior to acceptance; placement assessments may also be required. 10. Contact details – 10 KG 307 St, Kigali, Rwanda; Phone +250 786 725 369.
ISK offers a financial aid program to help families afford a quality education. Up to 50% of full tuition may be available, depending on family income. Eligibility includes: A. Both Rwandan and non-Rwandan families; B. New applicants without academic or disciplinary issues in previous schools; C. Returning ISK families experiencing unexpected financial hardship. For high school students: maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA; achieve at least 70% progress of all credits attempted; continue making progress toward the ISK high school diploma each year. Requirements: an ISK application must be completed and the student accepted; families apply for financial aid and provide supporting documentation (business owners must provide certified financial statements; employees must provide current contract and four months of payslips). Process: the Financial Aid committee reviews applications (typically in April for the following school year), conducts a personal interview, and may conduct a home visit. The committee is chaired by the Head of School, and awards up to 50% of tuition on a yearly, renewable basis, requiring annual reapplication. For more information contact admissions@iskr.org or +250 793 762 974.
Rwanda
PreK-12
International Christian school
27 nationalities represented; international community.
Learning support available; the school serves students with a range of learning needs.
Rwanda
Christian
The school does not have a boarding option.
The school does not have a uniform requirement. T-shirts are available for purchase and are recommended for use during PE classes and school spirit days.
The school is governed by the KICS Board; the Head of School reports to the Board. Christine Baingana is Board Chair.
The language of instruction is English. The school uses a PreK-12 US-based curriculum and offers Advanced Placement (AP) classes in high school.
Small class sizes
Graduates have the opportunity to go to the university of their choice upon graduation.
The school has a Social Emotional Learning Coordinator and a Secondary Social Emotional Learning Coordinator who support students' social and emotional needs; the student services team works to support the whole child and collaborates with teachers, families, and the community to provide needed resources and support.
Learning challenges and gaps are addressed by Learning Support Teachers.
The school provides English Language Learning support with an English Language Learning Teacher.
Social/emotional needs are supported by the Social Emotional Learning Coordinator and the Secondary SEL Coordinator, and college and career guidance counseling is provided.
1. Confirm eligibility. Kigali International Community School admits students from Pre-K through 12th grade. A child must be 3 years old by October 1 to qualify for Pre-K and 5 years old by October 1 to qualify for Kindergarten. The school strictly adheres to these age cut-offs and does not consider any exceptions. English proficiency considerations are assessed during admissions using the WIDA screener to determine ELL support and admission suitability.
2. Submit online application. Submit the online application for your student. The Admissions Office is available to help you throughout each step of the application process during office hours: Monday–Thursday 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
3. Admission testing and language assessment. Entry testing is required for admissions. All applicants applying for Grade K-12 will be given a computerized test in reading and math, and a WIDA English proficiency screener is also required. The testing lasts approximately 1 hour for students in K–5 and 1.5 hours for students in 6–12.
4. Admissions decision and enrollment instructions. After completing the application process, the Admissions Committee will review your files. An official determination letter will be sent by email, and if admitted, instructions on how to enroll will follow.
5. Financial aid. KICS operates on a need-based financial aid structure. If you wish to be considered for financial aid, you may apply during the online application process. If approved, you will receive a financial aid award letter along with your final acceptance letter.
6. Waitlist. If a student meets the admissions criteria but their grade is full, they will be placed on the waitlist for the remainder of that academic year. If a place becomes available in that grade, you will be contacted and given an option to enroll. If no place becomes available that academic year, you may re-apply for the future academic year.
Need-based financial aid is offered. Applications for financial aid can be submitted during the online application process. If approved, families receive a financial aid award letter along with the final acceptance letter.
Waitlist overview: If admissions criteria are met but the grade is full, students are placed on the waitlist for the remainder of the academic year. If a place becomes available, families will be contacted with an option to enroll. If no place opens that year, families may re-apply for the following academic year.
