Compare American Curriculum International Schools in Uganda

Heritage International School is on Kiwafu Crescent in Kampala, Uganda (P.O. Box 7899). The school is in the suburbs of Kampala and sits on a 15-acre campus. Classes are kept to a maximum of 20 students and are double-streamed from Kindergarten through Grade 12.

Early Years, Elementary School, Middle School, and High School (K–12). The school is double-streamed from K through Grade 12 with class sizes up to 20 students.

International Christian school

Inclusive education for students with mild to moderate learning challenges; support includes sessions, writing IEPs, literacy/numeracy catch-up programs, and occasional Personal Assistants; English as an Additional Language support; wellbeing services with a School Counselor and Chaplain.

Uganda

Christian

Yes. Bus services operate for students in selected Kampala residential areas with morning pick-up and after-school drop-off; late buses are available for enrichment activities; drivers are accompanied by a chaperone and buses have tracking devices; an extra charge applies.

Lunch is provided daily with an international menu published monthly in the School Newsletter. Lunches are nut-free and alternatives are available for vegetarians and other dietary requirements, with water provided. The cafeteria has microwaves for packed lunches, and a snack bar offers items priced from 1,000 to 3,000 UGX, with lunches paid for at the beginning of each semester.

Heritage Leadership is Christ-centered and governs the school through a Board of Governors appointed by the Christian mission organizations that own and operate the school. The Board develops policies to ensure the smooth operation of the school based on biblical principles and guiding the overall development; day-to-day operations are led by the Head of School and the Administrative Team, with the Head reporting to the Board.

Blend of international standards. Early Years follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Elementary uses the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) alongside Singapore Math. Secondary works toward a High School Diploma on a credit-based system, with options to sit IGCSE (Cambridge UK) and Advanced Placement (AP) exams. Iowa Assessments are administered annually and results are shared with parents. AP courses are offered in subjects such as Biology, Calculus AB/BC, Chemistry, Computer Science Principles, Environmental Science, Microeconomics, Physics (1 and C), Psychology, World History, and Human Geography.

Average class size is 18 students.

Graduates have gained admission to universities around the world including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Uganda, Kenya, Asia and other European countries, with many students receiving scholarships.

Enrichment for gifted and talented students is provided by the Student Support Service Team.

Heritage provides a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment for students with mild to moderate learning challenges or differences. Support is offered according to the needs of the child and arranged through the Student Support Services following teacher observation and parental communication. A dedicated point person oversees the provision of support, including offering sessions, conducting person-centred reviews, writing IEPs, and coordinating with parents and class teachers. The program includes literacy and numeracy catch-up work and bespoke sensory and wellbeing activities to support in-class learning. Some students receive additional support from a Personal Assistant to help them reach their fullest potential.

Heritage offers inclusive education for students with mild to moderate learning challenges or differences. Support is provided in class as much as possible and adjusted to the child's needs, supplemented by literacy/numeracy catch-up programmes and bespoke sensory and wellbeing activities. Some students receive additional support from a Personal Assistant. A designated department oversees the support with a point person responsible for implementation. IEPs are written to formalize individual learning plans and progress is tracked through achievement assessments.

Our EAL students are evaluated on arrival at Heritage. We implement the support needed to ensure that students attain the language level that enables them to access grade level content in all subject areas. High School admission will be dependent on a good proficiency of English prior to entering the school.

Heritage provides mental wellbeing support through a School Counselor, a School Chaplain, caring teachers, principals and school nurses, all of whom are available to offer emotional or pastoral support where needed. Students can access confidential one-to-one support. We have started a wellbeing program in Sports, Music, Dance and Art to provide students with creative outlets to manage and regulate their own emotions, social experiences and behaviors, with a focus on developing creativity, confidence, resilience and self-esteem. The school takes mental health seriously and can offer advice and support if you or your family are going through a particularly difficult time, with trusted professionals available as needed.

Heritage is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants will be subject to child protection screening. Checks may include past employers, Interpol Police Clearance and/or authorities in other countries.

1. Begin by completing the application form to begin the school admission process. Once submitted, the registrar will contact the family. Admissions are accepted throughout the year.
2. The Head of School, the Elementary Principal, the Secondary Principal, the Head of Student Support Services, and the Registrar determine admission based on past school records, Heritage student assessment, and the school's admissions policies. Admission criteria include the applicant's ability to benefit from the program, space in the appropriate grade level, the capacity of the school to meet the applicant's educational needs, and the family's ability to meet financial obligations.
3. Required forms include Student Application, Student Health Record (including Authorization for Emergency Medical Care), School Fees Agreement, and Photo and Video Release. Required documentation includes Immunization Records, school records (transcripts, IEP and Psych. Assessment if applicable), copy of Birth Certificate or Passport, and, for High School, a chart for courses and hours completed.
4. Student placement follows age-based placement from Pre-School 1 through Grade 12, with exceptions possible when moving from other jurisdictions. Promotions are recommended at the end of the school year based on student performance; if a student is not eligible for promotion, parents will be invited to discuss alternatives. All classroom instruction is conducted within the Christian ethos of the school, and all students participate in religious instruction and activities.
5. An online application is available via heritageis.openapply.com and an inquiry form is available for questions. The Admissions Team and registrar are available to assist, and campus visits can be arranged during office hours.

Located in Kampala, Uganda. The main address is Plot 1222 Zzimwe Road, Kampala, Uganda. The school serves students from Early Years through High School, with a Lakeside Campus development underway to expand facilities.

Levels include Early Years (ages 3–5); Elementary (K5–Grade 5); Middle School (Grades 6–8); High School (Grades 9–12).

The school is a Christian international day school.

Limited support for mild special educational needs; assessed case-by-case with probationary enrollment and an independent assessment; parents billed for the consultant. English language support is available and provided where appropriate.

Christian

There is no school bus service; independent bus companies serve some students and some families carpool.

Kindergarten to Grade 8 follows the Core Knowledge scope and sequence in most subjects. This is a Classical curriculum developed in the United States for a diverse, international classroom. World history is studied through Story of the World, and Mathematics follows Singapore Math. In Grades 9–10, students prepare for Cambridge IGCSEs, with Bible, Physical Education and a Service Project component. In Grades 11–12, Acacia offers an American curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses, culminating in an American High School Diploma with AP.

Class sizes are kept small with a soft cap of 22 students per class, rising to 24 in consultation with the homeroom teacher.

Cambridge IGCSE results (Grade 10) 2025: 109 exam entries; 100% pass rate; 92% achieved 5 A–C including English and Mathematics. AP results (2025): 90% of AP exams scored 3 or higher; 16 AP subjects offered; 8 AP Scholars; 5 AP Scholars with Distinction; 1 AP Scholar with Honor; 1 AP International Diploma; 1 AP Capstone International recipient.

Graduates are prepared for higher education globally, with readiness for universities in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, and Africa.

The school offers a limited bursary program for gifted students enrolling in 9th and 10th grade.

Acacia supports social-emotional development within a Christian community. Early Years emphasizes social-emotional competence as part of a nurturing environment. Middle School describes a holistic approach that nurtures students intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. The curriculum includes Bible study and weekly chapel, which contribute to spiritual and emotional wellbeing. The school aims to balance academics with character formation and pastoral care.

Acacia provides limited support to students with mild special educational needs. During admissions, identified learning needs are considered on a case-by-case basis. Special needs students are initially enrolled on a probationary basis. An independent assessment by a recommended special needs consultant is billed to the parents. The child's progress and the school's capacity to provide for their needs are re-evaluated annually.

English language learners in Grades 6–12 must complete the WIDA MODEL Online English Proficiency Assessment. English language support is available where appropriate.

Acacia emphasizes mental wellbeing through social-emotional development and spiritual formation. Early Years focuses on social-emotional competence in a nurturing environment. Middle School nurtures the whole person—intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually—through Bible study and chapel. High School includes spiritual life with chapel leadership and service projects, reinforcing wellbeing and purpose.

Step 1: Visit the School (Recommended). Visiting before applying is encouraged for families in Uganda. The visit helps families assess fit with Acacia's rigorous academics, Christ-centered approach, and sense of community.

Step 2: Submit a Complete Application. A complete online application includes the online application form, student health form, a parent essay, the most recent school report, a copy of the student's passport or Ugandan birth certificate, and a passport‑size photo. Incomplete applications cannot be reviewed.

Step 3: Admissions Assessments. Short-listed students take English and Mathematics admissions tests (USD 50). English Language Learners in Grades 6–12 must complete the WIDA MODEL English proficiency assessment (USD 40).

Step 4: Admissions Decision. The Admissions Committee reviews completed applications and communicates decisions within two weeks of completion (August intake: applications due in March; decisions issued in April). Mid-year admissions are considered as they are received.

Step 5: Confirmation of Place. Upon an offer, families must pay the Admissions Fee within two weeks to secure the student's place. Early application does not guarantee placement, and the school does not maintain a long-term waiting list.

A limited bursary program is available for gifted students enrolling in 9th and 10th grade, for families with financial needs.

Early application does not guarantee placement, and the school does not maintain a long-term waiting list.