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Curriculum American Curriculum, Christian Curriculum
Taught languages English
Typical class size 15
Strengths Sport, STEM, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction
Tien Shan International School
is an English-medium international school located near Almaty, Kazakhstan, serving students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Founded in 1995, the school has approximately 160 students and offers an American-style curriculum within a Christian educational environment. Classes are relatively small, with an average size of around 15 students, allowing teachers to work closely with students across different age groups.
The campus is located in the Karasai District south of Dolan village, in a quieter rural setting outside the city. Students participate in athletics and interschool activities through organisations including COASH and CAFA, with sports such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, badminton, and cross country. The school is accredited by ACSI and MSA/CESS. In addition to academics, the school places emphasis on community involvement and service activities, reflecting its long-standing focus on supporting international and locally based families in Kazakhstan.
The school is in the Almaty region, Karasai District, Raimbek rural district, south of the village Dolan (postal code 040922), near Almaty in Central Asia, in a rural campus setting.
What grade levels does TSIS serve and how many students are there?
TSIS offers Kindergarten through Grade 12 and has about 160 students from around 80 families.
What curriculum is used, what language is the instruction in, and what diplomas are offered?
All instruction is in English. The high school follows an honors‑level program with four years of foreign language and a broad core plus arts options. Students can earn an Academic Diploma (24 Carnegie credits) or an Advanced Academic Diploma (27 Carnegie credits); an optional AP International Diploma is also available.
Are tuition fees and application fees publicly published?
No—there is no publicly listed itemized tuition schedule or application fee amount. Exact figures are provided by the registrar on request.
What is the admissions process and who should I contact for more information?
Admissions cover Kindergarten through Grade 12, with inquiries handled by the registrar. Contact registrar@tienshanschool.org or +7 708 344 12 66 for details and next steps.
Are scholarships or waitlists available at TSIS?
Public materials do not list scholarships or waitlists; please check with Admissions for current options and availability.
What are the Carnegie credit requirements for the school's diplomas, and is the APID available?
The Academic Diploma requires 24 Carnegie credits, and the Advanced Academic Diploma requires 27 Carnegie credits. The AP International Diploma is available as an option.
What languages are taught and how is language studied across the school?
All instruction is in English. Elementary students study a foreign language as part of the core program, and the high school offers four years of foreign language study.
Which universities have TSIS graduates attended?
Graduates have been accepted to high‑ranking universities in the United States, Canada, South Africa, South Korea, China, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Russia, Australia, Germany, and other countries.
What facilities and campus developments are planned or available?
Current plans include Project Nehemiah II: additional classrooms, science labs, middle school classrooms, and a multipurpose gym as part of a US$2.5 million fundraising goal.
What sports and academic facilities does the campus offer?
The campus includes science laboratories and a multipurpose gym; students participate in soccer, basketball, volleyball, and other sports through regional federations.
What arts and elective options are available on campus?
Electives include orchestra, speech, drama, yearbook, TESOL, choir, art, technology/engineering, and more; there are two major concerts each year and opportunities to engage in arts and honors activities.
What extracurricular activities and clubs can students join?
In addition to sports and arts, students can participate in Student Government and Leadership Development activities, with a range of electives and project work.
How does student leadership and governance work at TSIS?
Over 40% of the secondary student body participates in Student Government, and more than 75% of graduates participate in Student Government and complete Leadership Development courses.
What annual events and cultural activities do students participate in?
Annual events include the Fall Festival, a middle school camping trip, dances, the Spring Banquet, and two major music concerts; students may also participate in regional honors music events.
What wellbeing and social‑emotional supports does TSIS provide?
Wellbeing is integrated into the program; the Middle School focuses on meeting students' academic, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs, supported by House Teams and student leadership.
Is English language support available for non‑native speakers?
English is the medium of instruction; TESOL is offered as an elective to support English language learners.
What safeguarding policies and practices does TSIS have?
The school follows safeguarding practices with a TSIS Child Safety Handbook and Code of Conduct, plus a Community Safety Form to raise concerns; staff receive ongoing training and policy development.
How does the house system work at TSIS?
There are four house teams—Abai, Zhambul, Auezov, and Sefulin. Students earn house points for academics and other positive actions, and Sports Day features house competition with a plaque awarded to the winner.
Who governs TSIS and what is its organizational status?
The school is registered as Tien Shan Educational Center, a cooperative NGO in Kazakhstan since 1999, with an educational license obtained in 2002.
