The information on this school’s profile is taken from publicly available sources, and has been collated by AI and curated by human moderators. Every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy, but factual inaccuracies are possible. If you would like to report inaccurate information please email support@doris.school
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, Secondary School
Introduction
Ashgabat International School (AIS) is a private, nonprofit, coeducational international school serving ages 2–18. It provides English-language instruction within an American-style international framework. AIS follows a Mastery Learning model via the QSI Curriculum, organized into 10 instructional units with The Student Will Statements, and core areas of Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science and Cultural Studies, plus Art, Library Skills, Music, Physical Education and Technology. After mastering English, students may study additional languages; Russian, Spanish and French are offered. AIS is a testing center for MAP, PSAT, SAT, GRE, TOEFL and AP courses, with MAP Growth assessments used in fall and spring to measure progress. The campus near U.S. Embassy features a library, equipped classrooms, five Computer Labs/Smart Hubs, a cafetorium, spaces for music, art and fitness, and outdoor fields plus a gym. The school runs Summer Camps, Saturday School, and events such as Science Fairs, Talent Shows, Language Nights, Literacy Weeks.
Ashgabat International School has 283 pupils, typical class sizes of 5, instruction in English.
Location
Berzengi, Ataturk St., Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Stages
Pre-K through Secondary IV (Pre-K through 12)
Type
Private, nonprofit international school; coeducational; college-preparatory; English-language instruction; American-style international curriculum
Pupil Nationality Mix
Students from over 29 nationalities
Additional learning support
Intensive English language support for non-native English speakers; intensive English classes offered for up to two years
Country affiliation
Affiliated with the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools (AOS)
Fees
Annual tuition at Ashgabat International School ranges from TMT 111 to TMT 23,900 for 2026/27.
Application fee - One-time non-refundable application (registration) fee: US $300.
Capital Fund fee - Annual Capital Fund fee for students aged 5 years and older: US $1,600. This fee may be paid in full or divided across terms. No Capital Fund fee is required for Turkmen (host‑country) families.
Tuition fees — 5 year‑old class and above (per term and per year) - Term 1: US $9,500. - Term 2: US $7,200. - Term 3: US $7,200. - Total per year (sum of three terms): US $23,900. - Late enrollment fee (5 year‑old class and above): US $2,400.
Tuition fees — 2, 3 & 4 year‑old classes (per term and per year; half‑day and full‑day options) - Term 1: Half‑day US $3,000; Full‑day US $4,100. - Term 2: Half‑day US $2,400; Full‑day US $3,100. - Term 3: Half‑day US $2,400; Full‑day US $3,100. - Total per year: Half‑day US $7,800; Full‑day US $10,300. - Late enrollment fee (preschool 2–4 year‑olds): US $800.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition and the Capital Fund are presented on a three‑term billing basis (Term 1, Term 2, Term 3). The Capital Fund may be paid in full or divided across terms; specific due dates and penalty/discount rules are not published on the tuition page. Late‑enrolment fees are specified for both preschool and 5+ age groups.
Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. Ashgabat International School operates as a day school.
Other costs and typical additional charges - Exam / testing: the school is a certified SAT and TOEFL iBT testing center and the SAT registration fee is listed as US $111 (2025). Individual test registration fees apply and are charged separately. - Late enrollment fees and the Capital Fund are additional to tuition (amounts shown above). - The published tuition schedule does not itemize separate mandatory charges for uniforms, textbooks, school bus/transport, or boarding; those items are not listed on the public tuition page.
Refund and withdrawal information - The tuition page does not publish a detailed refund or withdrawal schedule (specific refund percentages, deadlines, or administrative penalties are not listed on the tuition page). Refund or withdrawal terms are therefore not specified in the published tuition summary.
Fee payment options - The publicly available tuition summary lists the fees and term structure but does not list accepted payment methods (for example, bank transfer or credit card) or online payment instructions on the tuition page. Accepted payment methods are not specified in the published fee schedule.
If you require these figures formatted for a database entry, they are provided above as clear per‑term and per‑year amounts for each age group, with the separate application, Capital Fund, and late‑enrolment fees called out.
Academics
Ashgabat International School teaches Advanced Placement (AP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 2 to 18.
Curriculum
The school follows a Mastery Learning model. It offers a comprehensive Mastery Learning curriculum from age 2 through graduation. The QSI Curriculum embeds 21st Century skills and aligns with US standards, organized into 10 instructional units with The Student Will Statements. Core areas are Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Cultural Studies, with Art, Library Skills, Music, Physical Education and Technology also taught. If students have mastered English, they may study additional languages; Russian, Spanish and French are offered. AIS is a testing center for MAP, PSAT, SAT, GRE, TOEFL and AP Courses, with MAP Growth assessments used in fall and spring to measure progress.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school believes in meeting the academic, social, and emotional needs of students and offers many programs and student services. A team of teachers meets weekly to address and develop plans for students who might need support in the classroom. There is a virtual school counselor who can assist students with social and emotional needs. A virtual college counselor supports secondary students with college applications. The Intensive English Department assists students who are learning the English language.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
There is no stand-alone student support services teacher. A classroom support team meets weekly to address students' academic needs and to develop individualized plans. The team collaborates to support students with academic challenges. The school provides language support through the Intensive English Department for learners of English. The approach focuses on in-classroom strategies and teacher collaboration to support students.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Language of instruction is English. The Intensive English Department provides targeted support for students learning English. English language learners receive assistance to help them participate in academic work. The program aims to develop academic English proficiency. This support complements classroom instruction.
Mental Wellbeing
AIS supports mental wellbeing through a virtual school counselor who assists students with social and emotional needs. The school emphasizes meeting social and emotional needs as part of its student services. A virtual college counselor supports secondary students with college applications. Weekly teacher collaboration helps create supportive learning plans, contributing to a positive school climate. Health and safety measures, including drills, contribute to a sense of security and wellbeing on campus.
Safeguarding
Ashgabat International School commits to safeguarding and protecting the children in cooperation with local and international authorities. CEESA Safeguarding and Child Protection Statement is applied, prioritizing safeguarding across school environments. CEESA supports safeguarding through prevention and intervention and collaborates with international agencies to apply best practices. All CEESA schools uphold the CEESA Safeguarding and Child Protection Statement and implement school-based safeguarding policies and regular training. QSI Child Protection Statement emphasizes providing a safe and secure environment for all students, regardless of ethnic origin, beliefs, or culture. The school expects that all members of the school community follow the agreed child safety and protection plans.
Admissions
Admissions
Enrollment requires submitting AIS Application Form, AIS Health Questionnaire, AIS AUP form, Code of Conduct form, Preschool sign up form (for 3–4 year olds), AIS Student Handbook, two photographs, copies of parent and student passports, a copy of previous school records (for students aged 6 and older), and a $300 non-refundable registration fee. A date to assess language and math proficiency is scheduled after registration and lasts about 2 hours. AIS offers English-language instruction for preschool through secondary, with Intensive English available for up to two years for students not yet proficient in English. There is no deadline for applying; applications are accepted year-round. New student placement is determined by age, past performance, and records, with the Director making the final decision after consultation with parents. There is no school uniform. The admissions process may take up to one week to complete after all records are processed.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for Turkmen students, including current AIS students. The 2025–2026 scholarship timeline includes: application window April 7–18, 2025; tests April 21–23, 2025; scoring April 30, 2025; top 12 applicants interviewed May 5–6, 2025; recipients notified mid to late May 2025. Applications and the Scholarship Application form can be downloaded from AIS; scholarships are awarded by the Advisory Board based on academic excellence, financial need, and the applicant's potential to contribute to Turkmen people and culture as an adult. There are limited openings.
FAQs
What curriculum does Ashgabat International School follow?
AIS follows a Mastery Learning model using the QSI Curriculum, aligned with US standards. Core areas include Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Cultural Studies, organised into 10 instructional units.
What ages does the school serve?
AIS serves students from age 2 through to age 18, covering Pre-K through Secondary IV (equivalent to grades Pre-K to 12).
What are the tuition fees?
Annual tuition is USD 23,900 for ages 5 and above, split across three terms. There is a one-time application fee of USD 300 and an annual Capital Fund fee of USD 1,600 (waived for Turkmen families).
How diverse is the student body?
AIS has 283 students representing over 29 nationalities, creating a diverse international community in Ashgabat.
What learning support is available?
A classroom support team meets weekly to address students' academic needs and develop individualised plans. The Intensive English Department provides up to two years of targeted support for English language learners.
Is there a school counsellor?
AIS has a virtual school counsellor who assists students with social and emotional needs. A virtual college counsellor supports secondary students with university applications.
What languages are taught?
English is the language of instruction. French, German, and Russian are offered as foreign languages for elementary students. Intensive English classes support non-native speakers.
What facilities does the campus have?
The purpose-built campus near the US Embassy includes a library, five computer labs, science labs, music and art rooms, a gymnasium, soccer field, track, tennis court, and separate playgrounds for younger and older students.
What extracurricular activities are available?
Activities include after-school clubs, a Whole School Science Fair, talent shows, Beatnik Poetry Night, Art and Music Extravaganza, and Saturday Family Recreation events.
When was the school founded?
AIS opened in April 1994 with about 15 students. It has grown to over 280 students and was for many years the only international school in Turkmenistan.
What safeguarding measures are in place?
AIS follows the CEESA Safeguarding and Child Protection Statement. The school cooperates with local and international authorities to protect children across all school environments.
Are scholarships available?
Scholarships are available for Turkmen students. The application process includes testing and scoring, with results communicated to families on a published timeline.
What is the EMPOWER programme?
EMPOWER provides weekly class time focused on social-emotional learning and safety, incorporating Success Orientations and building leadership-related skills alongside independent exploration.
