Baku, Azerbaijan: Baku International School: 2023-2024 Fact Sheet

Quality Schools International – Baku International School (QSIB) is an independent, coeducational, day school, which offers an educational program for students from pre-kindergarten (two years old) through grade 12 for students of all nationalities. The school was founded in 1994 and expanded its program after moving to its new facility during the summer of 2003. The 2023-2024 school year comprises of three terms extending from August 24th until June 21st.

Organization: The school is governed by the Board of Directors of Quality Schools International, the membership of which is formed and set forth in the Bylaws of Quality Schools International. An advisory board, which assists the school in its operation, is composed of six to 10 members residing in Baku and appointed jointly by the president of Quality Schools International and the director of QSIB.

Curriculum: The school offers an outcomes-based educational program with a curriculum similar to that of U.S. public and private schools. The program of study is cooperatively written on a seven-year cycle by a team of qualified teachers from Quality Schools International schools according to U.S. and European educational standards. The school offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and Advanced Placement (AP) International Diploma. Certified teachers from the United States and Canada provide differentiated, project-based instruction that leads students toward mastery of targeted skills and concepts. Instruction is in English, and foreign language options include French and Russian. Running parallel to the regular program of study is an intensive English program for students who need to learn academic English. Intensive English students are mainstreamed into regular classes, sometimes with the help of a teacher’s assistant in the classroom, as they demonstrate their ability to succeed. QSIB is accredited at all levels by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. An active student council and parent support group work with the faculty in providing dynamic after-school activities for students of all ages. Competitive sports are offered throughout the year for students aged nine and up, including soccer, volleyball, cross-country, track and field, and basketball. Additionally, secondary students may participate in the National Honor Society, Model United Nations and other clubs.

Faculty: In the 2023-2024 school year, QSIB has 79 total staff, 30 teachers, 14 of whom are U.S. citizens, 15 host-country nationals, and 1 third-country national. All teaching faculty maintain a current teaching certificate from their country of origin.

Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year, enrollment was 180 students (three-year-olds through grade 12), 29 from the United States, including 76 from Azerbaijan, and 75 third-country nationals.  There are 29 different nationalities represented.

Facilities: QSIB is conveniently located near the Ganjlik district of Baku. The school has gone through a complete remodeling with additional classrooms, science labs, computer lab, portable laptop lab, makers space, two-level library, separate lower elementary library, new security entry, central air and heat, an art center, a full-size gymnasium with basketball and volleyball facilities, indoor climbing wall, an industrial kitchen and cafeteria, a two-level 600-seat auditorium, administrative offices, and a faculty room. The building is outfitted with an elevator to meet the needs of students needing assistance with stairs. Outdoor facilities include a covered preschool playground with artificial turf, outdoor jungle gym complex complete with corkscrew and wave slides on artificial turf, nine swings, and an all-season covered soccer pitch. Students have multiple access points to purified drinking water. Security measures include a centralized fire alarm/intercom system for emergencies, generator backup, a high security wall, safe haven to house all students and staff and an extensive playground under 24/7 guard duty. 

Finances: During the 2023-2024 school year, the school’s income derives primarily from tuition. Annual tuition fees are PK (full-day): $6,900; five-year-old program through grade 12: $25,000; and an annual capital fund fee of $1,600 with up to $1000 discounts available for early payment of school fees. A one-time registration fee of $300 is required of all students. All fees are payable in U.S. dollars. (All fees quoted in U.S. dollars.)

Special Needs: Review the Special Needs Profile for this school to learn more about their capability to support students with exceptionalities.

This Fact Sheet is intended to provide general information. Prospective users of the schools may wish to inquire further of A/OPR/OS or contact the school directly for more specific and up-to-the-minute information. Information and statistics are current as of September 2023 and provided by the school.