Kigali, Rwanda: International School of Kigali – Rwanda: 2023-2024 Fact Sheet

The International School of Kigali – Rwanda (ISK) is a non-profit, independent, coeducational university preparatory program serving students from pre-K-grade 12 that recently redesigned the management structure and enhanced student life opportunities. ISK is a child-centered community of learners rooted in intercultural understanding, that encourages critical thinking and inquiry, and promotes curiosity while offering transformative experiences in Rwanda. ISK lives its mission and vision through promoting diversity, inclusion, compassion and collaboration. Be Compassionate | Stay Curious.

Organization: The school is governed by a school board with representatives from the parent community, teaching staff, and school administration. The board is a multi-national board inclusive of an appointed U.S. Embassy representative. The PTA is active in social and fundraising efforts and supports student and community life. The administrative team consists of One Head of School who overseas the academics and operations of the entire school. ISK’s Curriculum Coordinator, Finance Manager, College Counselor and Admissions Coordinator have years of experience serving international families.

Curriculum: ISK offers an international curriculum based on the AERO benchmarks and standards which are aligned with the Common Core standards within the United States. For high school students, ISK offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses in all disciplines in addition to the AP Capstone program. The elementary and middle school focus on an inquiry, project/problem-based approach to learning. In addition, all students experience a learning environment emphasizing creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills. All students also have access to more traditional electives such as French, art, drama, and physical education, and learn the design thinking process in our MakerSpace area using 3D printers and other tools for the 21st century. Other electives and clubs include journalism, debate, agriculture, MUN, student council, service learning, robotics, Odyssey of the Mind, and yearbook. All students have access to a 1:1 device learning environment. Middle and high school students use personal laptops and devices of their choice while Elementary school uses school provided devices. ISK is accredited by the Council of International Schools and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Faculty: In the 2023-2024 school year, ISK has 61 total staff including 36 teachers, 14 of whom are U.S. citizens, 12 host-country nationals, and 11 third-country nationals. Our faculty and staff represent 9 nationalities including USA, Canada, UK, French, Belgium, Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, and Rwanda. All teachers are highly qualified and retain teaching credentials from home countries.

Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year, enrollment was 169 (PreK – KG : 17 students; grade 1-5: 68 students; grade 6-8: 48 students; grade 9-12: 36 students). The total of 32 nationalities represented. Of the total, 49 were US citizens, 23 were host-country nationals, and 97 were third-country nationals.

Facilities: In November 2021, ISK relocated to a lush, green hillside in Kibagabaga overlooking Kigali and the rolling hills of Rwanda. The new campus, housed on 2.5 hectares, with a playground, two soccer pitches, two swimming pools, and a tennis and basketball court has allowed the school to grow and offer even more services. Currently, there are over 40 after school activities. Each school section has their own space and a building to allow for more age-appropriate activities at each level. Shared spaces include the cafeteria, art room, and library. ISK recently invested in upgrading all buildings and sports facilities with a 5-year plan for a world-class, purpose-built campus including classrooms, buildings, and social spaces. The school has a dedicated high-speed internet line and is fully networked with Cisco/Meraki products.

Finances: In the 2023-2024 school year, the majority of the school’s income comes from tuition. The annual tuition rates are as follows: PreK $7,800 Kindergarten: $15,971, grades 1-5: $21,622 grades 6-8: $23,096, and grades 9-12: $25,799. Families also incur initial application and registration fees of $500 for Pre-K and KG to $1,000 from G1 to 12 with a family maximum of $2,000. A one-time Capital Development fee of up to $3,000 per student (with a family maximum of $5,000) is levied (on top of any registration fees) for new students being enrolled for SY 2023-2024. (All fees are 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 are provided by the school.