QSI International School of Astana

17 Bayan-Sulu Street, Komsomolskiy Village, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan. Located in the Komsomolskiy Village area of Astana. Preschool through Secondary School programs are offered at the school.

Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, Secondary

Over 26 nationalities are represented.

Learning Support and Inclusion Department provides reading, writing and math support and intervention based on a Student Learning Plan. It assists students with diagnosed disabilities and those who experience documented difficulties, and offers push-in services where LS teachers sit in on classes.

Mastery Learning guides education. Exit Outcomes are Knowledge, Competencies, and Success Orientations. The curriculum is organized around Exit Outcomes with Course Outcomes and Unit Outcomes, and covers Mathematics; English / Literature; Cultural Studies; Science; Languages Other Than English; Creative and Applied Arts; and Personal Health. AP Program is offered; AP exams are administered in May. Intensive English supports students with language development, and placement assessments in reading, writing, and mathematics determine appropriate levels. Time is a resource, with flexible pacing and differentiated instruction; small class sizes support mastery.

Empower Curriculum teaches Success Orientations, Social Emotional Development and Child Protection for students of all ages. A trained on site guidance counselor supports students personal, social and emotional needs and can connect them with mental health professionals when needed. The counselor offers individual support when students struggle academically, socially or emotionally. The counselor facilitates positive communication and mediates conflicts between students and between students and teachers. Regular informal check ins ensure every student has a voice and access to essential support. The Empower Curriculum and social emotional focus build character and a safe, supportive school culture.

The Learning Support and Inclusion Department works to help all students succeed. It provides reading, writing and math support and intervention based on each student's Student Learning Plan. It supports students with diagnosed disabilities and those with documented difficulties acquiring new skills or completing their work. It also teaches organizational, study and test taking strategies, and offers push in services where LS and Inclusion teachers join classes to provide targeted help. The department monitors student progress throughout the year and holds conferences with students and parents to review progress and adjust goals. The aim is to foster independence and ownership of learning through self advocacy and individualized support.

The Intensive English program is designed for students whose English proficiency is below the level typically expected for their age. The goal is to create a learning environment in which students acquire English in speaking, listening, reading and writing to enable success in age appropriate mainstream classes. Intensive English classes are smaller than mainstream classes to target individual needs. A student is placed at an appropriate level based on assessments such as the IPT, MAP and F&P Benchmark. The goal is for students to transition into the mainstream classroom as quickly as possible, with ongoing monitoring of oral language, reading and writing, and exit when near native.

A school counselor supports students personal, social and emotional needs by providing a safe, confidential, judgment-free space. Individual support is available when students are identified as needing help academically, socially or emotionally. The counselor facilitates positive communication and mediates conflicts between students and between students and teachers. Regular informal check-ins ensure every student has a chance to be heard and supported. The counselor coordinates with teachers and Learning Support Coordinators to plan appropriate academic support and can connect students with mental health professionals and external resources as needed. The Empower Curriculum supports social-emotional development across grade levels.

The health and safety framework includes safeguarding and child protection measures and the school is committed to safeguarding the well-being and safety of students, staff and visitors through robust policies. It operates a closed campus with 24-hour security on site and guards greet students at the main entrance. The Regional Security Officer from the US Embassy visits the school to help maintain high security standards, including cameras and security fencing. The Empower Curriculum includes child protection lessons for students of all ages. A trained on site nurse provides health services through the School Health Office, maintains health records and handles emergencies, first aid and medication administration as needed. The school works with families and the community to monitor safety and respond to concerns.

Admissions are accepted year-round and admission is based on space availability. To apply: 1. Visit the school; 2) Complete and submit the online application forms and necessary documents; 3) Pay a one-time non-refundable registration fee of $300 USD; 4) Placement Test and Interview. Required documents: online application form, a copy of the student's passport and/or birth certificate, immunization records, 1 passport-sized photo of the student and parents, and previous school records. Placement Test and MAP details: QSI uses the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) computerized adaptive test to provide placement data. Students ages 5 and up take the MAP entrance test evaluating Reading, Mathematics, and Language Usage, with all tests given in English. Students ages 8 and older also complete a written essay. MAP results are one factor in determining readiness and placement, but not the sole determinant.

Scholarships: The school offers Academic Scholarships to children who would otherwise not have the chance to attend. Scholarships and their amounts are subject to the availability of funds, the number of eligible applicants, and age representation by class in a given school year. The main criteria include academic record, age (preference for 11-year-olds and older), willingness of the student and family to participate in school life outside the classroom, financial need, and the student's interests and strengths in sports, arts, and/or culture. Application window is February 1–March 25; applications should be submitted to the School Administration with supporting documentation. Assessments in English and Mathematics will be arranged at the school, and short interviews may be conducted by the Director and/or the Director of Instruction. The Director presents applications, test results, and recommendations to the Advisory Board, which may invite applicants for an additional interview. The Board makes decisions and the families are notified. Scholarships are awarded between 10% and 95% of published tuition, as determined by the Advisory Board. Renewal or revocation of a scholarship is determined by the Advisory Board based on attendance, academic performance, and behavior, per Board recommendations.