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Dr. Benjamin P. Thomas; Janet Murenzi (Interim Director)
School Principal
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages French, Spanish, Mandarin
Strengths STEM, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, High School
Introduction
Kigali International Community School (KICS) is a nonprofit, Christ-centered international school in Kigali, Rwanda, serving PreK–12. It provides a US-based curriculum taught in English and offers Advanced Placement (AP) classes in high school. KICS is the first US-accredited school in Rwanda and holds accreditation from the Middle States Association (MSA) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). The school serves students from 27 nationalities and partners with families and Rwanda's education sector to prepare graduates for university study. A planned 8.8-hectare campus will host centers of excellence in Learning Support, ICT, Science, Performing Arts, and Global Leadership, funded through donor contributions. Beyond academics, KICS offers Fine Arts and Athletics, student leadership, and service opportunities, including mission groups and community projects. The language of instruction is English; Kinyarwanda and French are taught, with Spanish or Mandarin available online in higher grades. The school administers ACT, SAT, PSAT, and AP exams.
Kigali International Community School has 320 pupils, instruction in English.
Location
Rwanda
Stages
PreK-12
Type
International Christian school
Pupil Nationality Mix
27 nationalities represented; international community.
Additional learning support
Learning support available; the school serves students with a range of learning needs.
Country affiliation
Rwanda
Religious affiliation
Christian
Fees
Annual tuition at Kigali International Community School ranges from RWF 7,400 to RWF 21,545 for 2026/27.
Application fee
- Application fee: USD 300 per applicant (payable at application). Payment may be made in cash to the KICS finance office or by deposit/transfer into the school bank account.
One-time and recurring family fees
- New Family Enrollment Fee: USD 1,500 (one-time, per family, for new families only). - Annual Capital Development Fee: USD 900 per year; the schedule notes a maximum of USD 1,800 per family annually. - Re-enrollment deposit: USD 250 per student due on the re-enrollment date; this deposit is non-refundable and is applied toward tuition for the school year.
(Note: per-term amounts above are the annual tuition divided by three, consistent with a three-term academic year.)
Payment schedule and billing terms
- Full payment option: Full tuition payment due on or before July 15 (annual deadline). - Installment option (three scheduled payments): - 10% of the annual tuition due on May 15. - 40% of the annual tuition due on July 15. - Remaining balance (50% of annual tuition) due on December 1.
- Primary payment methods: bank deposit/transfer to the school's USD accounts at Access Bank or Ecobank. Wire transfers should include an additional USD 30 administrative fee. The tuition schedule also notes payment of fees to the specified bank accounts with student names on the bank slip. - Application fee payment options: cash at the KICS finance office or bank deposit/transfer. - Financial aid application processing (FAST) carries a separate application charge of USD 53 payable by credit card (the FAST fee is distinct from tuition payments). Families without a credit card are asked to contact the finance office for payment arrangements.
Boarding and transport
- KICS does not offer boarding. Bus/transportation is not provided.
Uniforms, supplies and other optional costs
- KICS does not require a formal school uniform. KICS T-shirts are available to purchase and are recommended for PE and spirit days. Separate student supplies lists exist for grade levels; parents should budget for recommended supplies and any optional online language course fees (for high school students who choose Spanish or Mandarin online).
Refund information
- The re-enrollment deposit (USD 250) is explicitly stated as non-refundable and is applied to the tuition for the academic year. Other refund terms are not detailed in the tuition & fees schedule.
Other notes on fees and financial aid
- KICS operates a need-based financial aid program and uses FAST to process applications; any financial aid award is determined by the school following FAST analysis. FAST's application fee is USD 53 (credit-card payment). Wire transfers to the school should add USD 30 to cover administrative charges.
Academics
Kigali International Community School teaches American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
The language of instruction is English. The school uses a PreK-12 US-based curriculum and offers Advanced Placement (AP) classes in high school.
Student Teacher Ratio
Small class sizes
Higher Education Progression
Graduates have the opportunity to go to the university of their choice upon graduation.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school has a Social Emotional Learning Coordinator and a Secondary Social Emotional Learning Coordinator who support students' social and emotional needs; the student services team works to support the whole child and collaborates with teachers, families, and the community to provide needed resources and support.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning challenges and gaps are addressed by Learning Support Teachers.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school provides English Language Learning support with an English Language Learning Teacher.
Mental Wellbeing
Social/emotional needs are supported by the Social Emotional Learning Coordinator and the Secondary SEL Coordinator, and college and career guidance counseling is provided.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Confirm eligibility. Kigali International Community School admits students from Pre-K through 12th grade. A child must be 3 years old by October 1 to qualify for Pre-K and 5 years old by October 1 to qualify for Kindergarten. The school strictly adheres to these age cut-offs and does not consider any exceptions. English proficiency considerations are assessed during admissions using the WIDA screener to determine ELL support and admission suitability.
2. Submit online application. Submit the online application for your student. The Admissions Office is available to help you throughout each step of the application process during office hours: Monday–Thursday 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
3. Admission testing and language assessment. Entry testing is required for admissions. All applicants applying for Grade K-12 will be given a computerized test in reading and math, and a WIDA English proficiency screener is also required. The testing lasts approximately 1 hour for students in K–5 and 1.5 hours for students in 6–12.
4. Admissions decision and enrollment instructions. After completing the application process, the Admissions Committee will review your files. An official determination letter will be sent by email, and if admitted, instructions on how to enroll will follow.
5. Financial aid. KICS operates on a need-based financial aid structure. If you wish to be considered for financial aid, you may apply during the online application process. If approved, you will receive a financial aid award letter along with your final acceptance letter.
6. Waitlist. If a student meets the admissions criteria but their grade is full, they will be placed on the waitlist for the remainder of that academic year. If a place becomes available in that grade, you will be contacted and given an option to enroll. If no place becomes available that academic year, you may re-apply for the future academic year.
Scholarships
Need-based financial aid is offered. Applications for financial aid can be submitted during the online application process. If approved, families receive a financial aid award letter along with the final acceptance letter.
Waitlist
Waitlist overview: If admissions criteria are met but the grade is full, students are placed on the waitlist for the remainder of the academic year. If a place becomes available, families will be contacted with an option to enroll. If no place opens that year, families may re-apply for the following academic year.
FAQs
What curriculum does Kigali International Community School offer?
Kigali International Community School offers AP curriculum. The language of instruction is English. The school uses a PreK-12 US-based curriculum and offers Advanced Placement (AP) classes in high school.
What age range does Kigali International Community School cater for?
Kigali International Community School accepts students from age 3 to 18.
What are the fees at Kigali International Community School?
Annual fees at Kigali International Community School range from approximately 7,400 to 21,545. **Application fee** - Application fee: USD 300 per applicant (payable at application). Payment may be made in cash to the KICS finance office or by deposit/transfer into the school bank account. **One-time and recurring family fees** - New Family Enrollment Fee: USD 1,500 (one-time, per family, for new families only).
Is Kigali International Community School co-educational?
Kigali International Community School is a co-educational school. International Christian school.
How do I apply to Kigali International Community School?
The admissions process at Kigali International Community School: 1. Confirm eligibility. Kigali International Community School admits students from Pre-K through 12th grade. A child must be 3 years old by October 1 to qualify for Pre-K and 5 years old by October 1 to qualify for Kindergarten.
Does Kigali International Community School offer scholarships or financial aid?
Kigali International Community School offers scholarships and financial aid. Need-based financial aid is offered. Applications for financial aid can be submitted during the online application process.
Does Kigali International Community School offer boarding?
Kigali International Community School does not offer boarding. It is a day school.
What learning support does Kigali International Community School provide?
Kigali International Community School provides learning support services. Learning challenges and gaps are addressed by Learning Support Teachers. Learning support available; the school serves students with a range of learning needs.
Does Kigali International Community School offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) support?
The school provides English Language Learning support with an English Language Learning Teacher.
What facilities does Kigali International Community School have?
KICS is planning a new campus on an 8.8-hectare site to serve its PreK-12 program. The project is intended to realize the school's vision for a larger, purpose-built home in Kigali. The plan includes centers of excellence in Learning Support, ICT, Science, Performing Arts, and Global Leadership. A d Sports facilities include: The school offers Fine Arts & Athletics Programs and sports and extracurricular activities.
What extra-curricular activities are available at Kigali International Community School?
Kigali International Community School offers a range of extra-curricular activities. Electives include band, film making, visual art, guitar, piano, choir, and art and technology. Music and performing arts are offered, including theatre and choir. Musical theater is among the extracurricular offerings. The school supports creative expression through these activities. Student-led clubs are encouraged.
What languages are taught at Kigali International Community School?
The language of instruction is English. Primary students study Kinyarwanda and French as foreign languages. Middle school students (6th-8th) are required to study French as a foreign language every year.
Who is the head of Kigali International Community School?
The head of school at Kigali International Community School is Dr. Benjamin P. Thomas; Janet Murenzi (Interim Director).
How many students attend Kigali International Community School?
Kigali International Community School has approximately 320 students. The school serves students from age 3 to 18.
When was Kigali International Community School founded?
Kigali International Community School was founded in 2006. KICS was established in 2006 in Kigali, Rwanda. It is a Christ-centered, nonprofit institution serving PreK–12 with a U.S.-accredited curriculum.
What accreditations does Kigali International Community School hold?
The school is accredited through ACSI and MSA and is a full member of CESA. It is the first US-accredited school in Rwanda.
Where do graduates of Kigali International Community School go to university?
Graduates have the opportunity to go to the university of their choice upon graduation.
Does Kigali International Community School have a uniform policy?
The school does not have a uniform requirement. T-shirts are available for purchase and are recommended for use during PE classes and school spirit days.
What is the parent community like at Kigali International Community School?
KICS is an international community with students and families representing 27 nationalities.
