Taught languages English, Kazakh, Russian, Korean, Mandarin
Typical class size 20
Strengths Languages, STEM, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Leadership and Professional, Community and Service
Stages Primary School, Secondary School, High School, Middle School
Introduction
Kazakh American International School is a full-day international school in Almaty, Kazakhstan, educating students aged 6 to 19 with class sizes under 20 students to focus on individual progression. Founded in 1998, KAIS integrates the Kazakhstani curriculum with international (IB PYP), American (AP), and British (BTEC and Cambridge English Qualifications) programmes, delivering a trilingual education in English, Russian, and Kazakh. KAIS is an official AP exam test center.
A defining feature of KAIS is its Career Navigation program, pairing high school students with mentors from universities who support real internship placements, SAT and IELTS preparation, and university applications. KAIS also offers high-quality college counseling and one of the first structured GAP year programmes in Kazakhstan.
As a UNESCO Associated School, an independent centre for The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, an NCSS member, and an Almaty School League competitor, KAIS offers wide-ranging leadership opportunities across STEM, sports, debate, and community projects.
Partnering with Kazakh American University, KAIS offers students genuine research opportunities – rare at the school level in Kazakhstan.
In the age of AI, KAIS emphasizes critical thinking and detail-oriented academic writing across all subjects, with AI and cybersecurity courses from an early age. We are one of the most affordable international schools in Almaty offering this breadth of international curricula.
Kazakh American International School (KAIS) has 600 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English, Kazakh, Russian.
Location
KAIS is conveniently located at Toraigyrov Street 43, nestled in an ecologically clean area near the heart of Almaty. Our prime location ensures easy and comfortable access for families commuting across the city.
Stages
KAIS provides a comprehensive educational pathway structured across three stages. A student's journey begins in Primary School (Grades 1 to 4), progresses through Secondary School (Grades 5 to 8), and completes in High School (Grades 9 to 11).
Type
KAIS is a co-educational full-day school. It does not offer boarding facilities.
Pupil Nationality Mix
KAIS proudly welcomes a vibrant and diverse student body. Mirroring the rich multiculturalism of Kazakhstan – a country that cherishes and unites over 130 nationalities – our school deeply values international diversity, fostering an inclusive environment where every global citizen feels at home.
Additional learning support
KAIS provides multi-layered support tailored to each student's academic and emotional journey. Within the classroom, our strict limit of under 21 students allows teachers to focus intensely on individual progression, supporting students as they master each subject. For emotional and developmental well-being, on-site psychologists and speech therapists are available to assist with communication and peer integration. As students advance, support expands to include dedicated SAT and IELTS preparation, alongside our defining Career Navigation Program. This initiative matches high school students with mentors studying at universities who support them with exam preparation and university admissions. KAIS further offers expert college counselling. Our counselors boast 15+ years of global admissions experience and guide the students through university applications, real internship placements, portfolio preparation, and research opportunities in partnership with Kazakh American University.
Country affiliation
While proudly rooted in Kazakhstan, KAIS operates as an independent, globally minded institution. Rather than affiliating with a single foreign country, we offer an international educational experience by integrating the Kazakhstani national curriculum with premier American (AP), British (BTEC and Cambridge English Qualifications), and international (IB PYP) frameworks.
Religious affiliation
KAIS does not have any religious affiliation and operates as a secular educational institution.
School day structure
The school operates on a full-day schedule, with the educational day running from 8:30 to 18:00. This timeframe includes academic lessons, extracurriculars, club activities, supervised periods for completing homework, and scheduled breaks that include four meals in the school cafeteria.
Bus service
KAIS offers a dedicated school delivery service for its students. This transport option provides safe, daily travel from home to the campus and back. Families can utilize this service to assist with managing their daily school commute in Almaty.
Fees
Annual tuition at Kazakh American International School (KAIS) ranges from KZT 2,430,000 to KZT 3,000,000 for 2026/27.
Tuition & Enrollment For the 2026/2027 academic year, monthly tuition is KZT 300,000, making KAIS one of the most affordable international schools in Almaty. A one-time enrollment fee of KZT 300,000 is required upon acceptance to secure a student's place.
Payment Plans & Discounts Invoices are issued prior to the start of the academic year. Families may choose to pay the annual tuition in full by August, which qualifies for a prepayment discount, or opt for a convenient monthly installment plan. We are also pleased to offer a sibling discount for families with more than one child enrolled.
Additional Services To provide flexibility for our families, daily meals and our dedicated school bus service are entirely optional and billed separately.
Academics
Kazakh American International School (KAIS) teaches IB (PYP), Advanced Placement (AP), BTEC Qualification for students aged 6 to 19.
Curriculum
KAIS School follows the obligatory state educational program of Kazakhstan, integrating teaching methods drawn from both Kazakh and American pedagogical science. The academic structure begins with a preschool grade, followed by primary school for grades 1 to 4, basic secondary school for grades 5 to 9, and secondary school for grades 10 to 11. A central feature of the curriculum is its trilingual framework, which introduces English, Kazakh, and Russian in the early years with instructional hours gradually increasing at each subsequent educational stage. As students progress into the upper secondary levels, the academic program differentiates into specialized natural-mathematical and social-humanitarian tracks to focus on specific subject areas. At the conclusion of the 11th grade, students graduate with the official secondary education qualifications of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Student Teacher Ratio
Optimal class size up to 21 students.
Admissions
Admissions
The admissions journey begins with families scheduling a personal interview for their child. Following the interview, students complete English and Mathematics proficiency assessments on our custom-built, digital testing platform. To ensure every student thrives, our admissions team carefully evaluates both the interview insights and test results to offer the most supportive placement – either in our full English-immersion curriculum or our blended mixed-language classes.
Scholarships
KAIS focuses on keeping our baseline tuition affordable. While we do not offer full scholarships at this time, we are fully committed to supporting families through multi-child sibling discounts, flexible installment plans, and prepayment incentives. This structure allows us to ensure a world-class education – providing an exceptionally diverse international curricula and growing student leadership programs – while remaining the core fees affordable.
Waitlist
The KAIS does not provide specific information regarding the operation of a formal waitlist or pool system.
FAQs
Where is KAU School located?
KAU School is in Almaty, near the city center, at Toraigyrov Street 43 in an ecologically clean area. The location is described as being close to central Almaty with safe transport options.
Is KAU School a co-educational day school?
Yes. KAU School is a co-educational day school that operates as part of the Kazakh American University.
What are the school day hours?
The teaching day runs from 08:30 to 16:30 under the supervision of teachers. The school provides meals and transport, with transport available as an optional extra.
What is the relationship between KAU School and the Kazakh American University?
KAU School is a structural division of the Kazakh American University. It has a history of collaboration and aims to prepare students for English-language study at the Kazakh American University.
What is the annual tuition and the one-time entrance fee?
Annual tuition is 3,150,000 KZT (shown as 350,000 KZT per month). There is a one-time entrance fee of 180,000 KZT on enrollment. In some graduating cohorts, the annual figure has been different due to longer billing periods.
Is there a discount for paying the full year upfront?
Yes. A 7% discount applies if the full academic year is paid by the stated deadline (by 25 August).
Is there a family or sibling discount?
Yes, a family/sibling discount is offered. The exact percentage is published on the school pages.
Are meals and transport included in tuition?
Meals are included as part of the tuition. Transport is optional and billed separately at 45,000 KZT per month. Canteen provisions differ by age group.
What payment methods are accepted?
Bank transfers are accepted in KZT, RUB, and USD. There isn't a card-payment gateway listed in the published fee materials.
What is the typical class size at KAU School?
The optimal class size is up to 21 students.
What languages are used for instruction at KAU School?
English and Russian have been used as languages of instruction. English instruction has been used for grades 7–11 since 1999, and Kazakh instruction began in 2006.
Does the school prepare students for higher education in English?
Yes. The mission emphasizes preparing students for English-language study at the Kazakh-American University.
Are there programs for gifted or individualized education?
Gifted students may pursue an individualized educational trajectory.
What facilities does the campus offer for meals and class layouts?
The school is located in an ecologically clean area near central Almaty. The canteen has two halls—one for primary/middle and another for high school—with meals arranged to match age groups; transport is available as an optional extra.
What extracurricular activities are available at KAU School?
Sports sections and art classes are provided, and circles and studios are organized to extend learning beyond lessons. Extracurricular clubs are included in tuition.
Who governs or administers KAU School?
KAU School is a structural division of the Kazakh American University, reflecting its governance under the university structure.
When was KAU School established and what are key milestones?
KAU School opened in 1998 with 11th grade and two 10th-grade classes (one Russian-taught, one English-taught). English instruction began in 1999 for grades 7–11, and Kazakh instruction started in 2006. The school was associated with UNESCO in 2003 and rebranded in 2021 as the School of Multifaceted Opportunities—KAU School.
Is boarding offered at KAU School?
No. KAU School operates as a full-day day school with meals and transport; there is no published boarding/residence option.
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