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Kazakhstan International School (KIS) is an international IB World School offering Kindergarten through Grade 12 for students aged 2 to 18. The IB framework is followed: PYP for Grades 1–5, MYP for Grades 5–9, and DP for Grades 10–11, with DP authorization completed by 2020. In the early years, instruction is in English and an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program supports non-native speakers. KIS emphasizes inquiry-based learning and provides a continuity pathway from PYP to MYP. The school began over two decades ago as a Montessori kindergarten and relocated to a central campus in 2018, extending to Grade 10 and completing the MYP; in 2020 it became an all-through IB school for ages 2 to 18 with Diploma Programme authorization. In 2023 KIS achieved MSA accreditation. Facilities include a Main Campus uniform store, an optional bus service with annual fees, a canteen with hot meals, and a gym opened in 2023 for secondary students. A 360° virtual tour showcases the spaces.
Al-Farabi Avenue 118/15, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan International School Almaty has 657 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.
Al-Farabi Avenue 118/15, Almaty 050044, Kazakhstan. The Main Campus offers Kindergarten to IB Diploma Programme for 2–18 year olds. The school is located in central Almaty, described as a beautiful location among the green hills with views of the snow-capped Tien Shan mountains and the city of Almaty.
Early Years Programme; Primary Years Programme; Middle Years Programme; Diploma Programme.
International IB World School offering Kindergarten through Grade 12 IB programmes.
English as an Additional Language (EAL) program to support students whose first language is not English.
Early Years: Arrival 8:00–8:30; Half-Day Dismissal 12:00–12:30; Full-Day Dismissal 3:30–4:00. Elementary School: School Starts 8:00; Dismissal 3:00; After-School Activities 3:00–4:15. Secondary School: Before-School Activities 8:00–9:30; School Starts 9:40; Finishes 4:15.
Bus Service: Elementary 08:00 and 15:00; Secondary 09:40 and 16:15. 2025–2026 Bus Fees: One-way route 600,000 KZT; Two-way route 700,000 KZT. ASA Bus Service (for after-school activities): schedule and registration details available; registration deadline August 11, 2025.
Annual tuition at Kazakhstan International School Almaty ranges from KZT 8,650 to KZT 28,900 for 2026/27.
Kazakhstan International School Almaty teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 2 to 18.
IB Programme for Kindergarten through Grade 12. The Primary Years Programme (Grades 1-5), Middle Years Programme (Grades 5-9), and Diploma Programme (Grades 10-11) are part of the IB framework. The language of instruction in the elementary years is English, and an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program supports non-native speakers. The IB approach emphasizes inquiry-based learning and a continuity pathway from PYP to MYP.
Average class size ranges from 8 to 15 students.
Graduates earn three diplomas: the IB Diploma, the MSA American High School Diploma, and the Kazakh State Diploma. College counseling supports university applications, with graduates admitted to universities worldwide including University College London, Cornell University, McGill University, and Notre Dame.
The school emphasizes social-emotional growth as part of student learning.
The school has an Inclusion Policy.
The school has an Elementary EAL Program.
The school has a Child Protection Policy.
1. Apply. Submit the online application via OpenApply. Kazakhstan International School welcomes students of all nationalities to join a diverse, international community in Almaty. After submitting the application, you receive an application portal with an electronic checklist of items to finalize the application. The application opens on August 1 of the preceding school year, and applications are accepted year‑round with rolling placements as space allows; many grade levels fill up by April, so early application is encouraged.
2. Required Documents. After submission, a personalized checklist shows the documents required to complete the application. For Grades 1‑12, required documents include birth certificate, passport, photo 3x4, academic reports, teacher recommendation, and parents' identification; MAP results and IEP/psych reports are optional. For Early Years, required documents include birth certificate, passport, photo 3x4, Early Years Profile, and parents' identification; optional: employment letter, residence permit, health insurance card. After acceptance, enrollment requires signing the KIS Educational Services Agreement and paying the Admission & Reservation Fees, plus submitting any required general or identification documents.
3. Interviews / Assessment. Once the application is complete and all required documents are received, Phase 2 includes student assessments and interviews, varying by grade level. Assessments include CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test) and an English Proficiency Assessment; these assessments typically take 2–3 hours total, with no special preparation. All applicants participate in a 30‑minute in‑person interview conducted by the appropriate administrator: EY Principal for Early Years; Grades 1‑5 Elementary Principal; Grades 6‑10 Secondary Principal; Grades 11‑12 DP Coordinator.
4. Decision. Admissions decisions are made exclusively by the Admissions Committee, which evaluates academic history, behavioral background, level of English proficiency, potential needs for support services, and alignment with the school's environment and educational approach. If admitted, families proceed with the next steps: sign the KIS Educational Services Agreement, pay the Admission & Reservation Fee, and submit the required enrollment documents.
KIS Founder's Scholarship is awarded to outstanding students annually in March. The scholarships are available to current and prospective KIS students who wish to enroll in the KIS IB Diploma Programme (Grade 11). The scholarship covers tuition fees for Grades 11–12 (the duration of the Diploma Programme) and continuation into the second year depends on maintaining a high level of academic performance and co‑curricular contribution; if performance declines, an action plan is implemented and the award may be withdrawn.
Scholarship Application Timeline: February 25—the scholarship applications open; April 7—the deadline for submitting applications; April 15—CAT4 assessments completed; April 23—interviews with shortlisted candidates; April 28—final decisions.
The application for AY 2026‑2027 is open; apply before April 7, 2026.
For questions and the scholarship application, contact Ms. Dana:
Email: scholarship@kisnet.org
WhatsApp: +7 708 516 0707
Phone (weekdays 07:30–16:30): +7 727 356 5000