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Curriculum Finnish Curriculum, IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages French, Burmese
Strengths STEM, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional
Stages Early Years, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School
Introduction
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.
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.
Academics
Kelem International School teaches Finnish Curriculum, IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 2 to 14.
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.
Wellbeing
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
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.
FAQs
What curriculum does Kelem International School follow?
Kelem blends the Finnish education system with the International Early Years Curriculum, using student-centred, inquiry-based approaches. The Finnish curriculum is rooted in a play-based early education model.
Does the school offer learning support?
Yes, the learning support department assists students who have learning differences, providing assessments and support after identifying individual needs.
How many students attend the school?
Approximately 400 students attend Kelem International School, a not-for-profit school serving students aged 2 to 14 in Addis Ababa.
Is the school religiously affiliated?
No, Kelem International School is a non-religious institution, welcoming students of all backgrounds.
What age range does the school serve?
The school serves students aged 2 to 14, from early years through lower secondary level.
