Astana, Kazakhstan: QSI International School of Astana: 2023-2024 Fact Sheet

The QSI International School of Astana (QSIA) is an independent, coeducational day school which offers an educational program from prekindergarten through grade 12 for students of all nationalities. The school was founded in 2005. The school year is comprised of five quintiles extending from late August until mid-June. QSIA is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (USA).

Organization: The school is governed by the Board of Directors of Quality Schools International, the membership of which is formed as set forth in the Bylaws of Quality Schools International. An advisory board, composed of seven members who reside in Astana, assists the school in its operation. Two members of the board are appointed by the U.S. Embassy. QSIA operates with the approval of the Kazakhstan government and is licensed by the Kazakh Ministry of Education.

Curriculum: The school offers a mastery-learning program taught in English with a curriculum like that of U.S. public and private schools. Instruction leading to individual mastery takes advantage of small class sizes and the diverse educational backgrounds of the students. QSIA provides an average of 10+ Advanced Placement (AP) courses annually on a rotational basis for greater offerings, with an average score of four or better during the annual AP testing window. QSI Astana is recognized as an AP Capstone school, offering the Capstone Diploma to qualified students. As a College Board (SAT) testing site in Astana, most students sit for this university entrance exam during their secondary matriculation. Average scores are above the 75th percentile (for the past three years).

Faculty: In the 2023-2024 school year, QSIA has 92 total staff including 56 teachers, 24 of whom are U.S. citizens, 25 host-country nationals, and 7 third-country nationals representing USA, Canada, South Africa, India, UK, Azerbaijan, Russia, and Kazakhstan.

Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year, enrollment was 301. Of the total, 77 are U.S. citizens, 90 are host-country nationals, and 134 are third-country nationals.

Facilities: QSI Astana moved into a new purpose-built facility in July 2013, adding a separate early education center on campus in 2016. The spacious buildings have 30 classrooms, four computer labs, two science labs, two libraries with 14,000 volumes, a cafeteria, an auditorium, a large gym with two basketball courts, an indoor climbing wall, and numerous playgrounds situated on five hectares. Sports fields include a 400-meter track and a full soccer field with artificial turf, outdoor basketball court, and playgrounds. Indoor play areas are also provided for the winter. QSI preschool and kindergarten, the newest addition to the campus, has 10 classrooms, two sports halls, multipurpose rooms, a library, and playgrounds. An indoor playground has been added to this facility to provide young learners opportunity for after-school play during the winter months.

Finances: In the 2023-2024 school year, approximately 95% of the school’s income derives from tuition. Annual tuition rates are as follows: PK: $7,800 (half-day), $10,800 (full-day); and grades K-12: $26,000. The annual capital levy fee for K-12 is $6,400 for fully sponsored families, $3,200 for families with partial support, and $1,600 for families who pay all or partial fees out of pocket. These 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