Compare American Curriculum International Schools in Kyrgyzstan

127B Gogol St., Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The campus comprises three buildings with 14 classrooms, a science lab, an art room, an assembly hall, a 17,000-volume library, a playground, and a sports field. All classes are taught in English; foreign languages offered include Korean and Russian. Hope Academy serves 172 students from 24 countries and offers Honors and AP courses at the High School level.

Elementary (K–5) and Secondary (Middle School 6–8; High School 9–12).

English-medium international school.

172 students from 24 countries; approximately 70% speak a language other than English at home.

Special Education Coordinator provides support for teachers, students, and families; accommodations and adjustments are made where possible, including test accommodations and IEPs in rare cases; admission is case-by-case for students with special needs.

Kyrgyzstan (located in Bishkek).

Christian.

Elementary: 8:30–14:50; Secondary: 8:30–15:40.

School does not provide bus service.

There is no mandatory uniform; students dress neatly, modestly, and appropriately.

No lunches are provided; parents send packed lunches.

Founded as a parent cooperative in 1998; governance is provided by a Senior Management Team chaired by the school director.

Hope Academy provides an English-medium education from kindergarten through grade 12. Elementary core subjects are language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and ethics, with enrichment in music, art, foreign language, and physical education. Mathematics follows the English National Curriculum for Key Stage 1. The secondary program includes Honors and AP courses at the high school level, with electives such as public speaking, creative writing, graphic design, photography, outdoor education, music theory, drama, and cooking. The school supports college preparation through advanced coursework and standardized testing, and operates as an official SAT and AP testing center. The language of instruction is English.

172 students and 26 teachers yield approximately 6.6 students per teacher.

AP exams are offered in Grades 11-12, with a record of 182 exams taken from 2017-2022 and 83% scoring 3, 4, or 5. AP exams taken include Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, English Language, English Literature, Environmental Science, Human Geography, Psychology, Statistics, and Modern World History. Hope Academy is an official SAT and AP Test Center; SAT results across 83 exams from fall 2018 to summer 2022 averaged 1234 (EBRW 596, Math 642).

Graduates have enrolled in colleges and universities around the world, including Carleton College, University of Michigan, University of Maryland College Park, Penn State, University of Auckland, Seoul National University, Providence University College, and Tel Aviv University, among others.

Gifts and talents are developed through opportunities in art, music, drama, community service, and sports. The secondary program emphasizes developing nine graduating skills, including ethical decision-making, communication, and problem-solving, to cultivate students' gifts. A guidance program supports identifying strengths and preparing for higher education and college opportunities.

Guidance Program includes scheduling, assemblies, and staff trained to help students enjoy their time in school, learn about the world after graduation, and develop their ability to make wise choices about their future. Regular weekly assemblies promote spiritual, physical, social, emotional, and creative growth and instill worldviews that equip students for effective service to society. Special courses in secondary include study-skills courses and seminars to prepare for high school success, helping students identify their skills, interests, and gifts and apply them to further study and career choices. Guidance Counseling is available for scheduled appointments or impromptu meetings focusing on stress, conflict, academic and career planning, or other topics. Transition support helps Grade 5 students join middle school, fostering relationships and providing buddy-system support for new students.

Hope Academy affirms and values the diversity of students with special behavioral, emotional, and physical needs. It recognizes that staff do not have the capacity to help all students, and some may need to seek help elsewhere. A Special Education Coordinator provides support for teachers, students, and families. Admission of students with special needs is on a case-by-case basis, at the Director's discretion, based on the ability of suitable staff and resources to maintain a quality education for the rest of the school. Learning Support offers adjustments in student/teacher ratio, curricular adjustments, methodology adjustments, and exam adjustments, and in rare cases an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) may be designed with parents, teachers, administrators, and specialists. Collaboration with parents is essential to support progress for students with special needs or limited English proficiency.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) supports students whose first language is not English by addressing each student's strengths and challenges. EAL classes provide lessons designed to meet English level and grade fluency objectives. In-class support offers adapted content and materials to assist language development, with extra assistance possible in class when approved by the EAL coordinator and principals. Enrollment of students with strong EAL needs is usually limited to primary grades due to capacity, and Grades 11–12 study without additional EAL support. All students whose native language is not English must take an English proficiency test and demonstrate proficiency within one grade level to be admitted. Admission of ELLs is on a case-by-case basis based on staff and resource availability. All classes are taught in English, and foreign languages are offered such as Korean and Russian.

Mental wellbeing is integrated into the school's social-emotional program through the Guidance Program and weekly assemblies that promote emotional, social, spiritual, physical, and creative development. The Guidance Counselor is available for scheduled and impromptu meetings to address stress, conflict, and wellbeing alongside academic and career planning. Secondary students receive targeted guidance through study-skills courses and seminars that build resilience and coping strategies. Transition support and buddy systems help students form supportive peer relationships during school changes, contributing to emotional stability. The program emphasizes healthy relationships, personal safety, and overall wellbeing as part of a holistic education.

The welfare and safety of children are paramount in HAB's policies and procedures. A Child Safety Officer oversees safeguarding, with a flow chart that shows how concerns are reported, evaluated, and acted upon. A Child Safety Concern Reporting Form is available to confidentially report concerns, and all reports are reviewed by the Child Safety Officer according to the response protocol. The safeguarding framework includes a direct contact path via email for the Child Safety Officer. The overall aim is to provide a safe and loving environment where children are nurtured and protected.

The school welcomes applications from expatriate families seeking an English-medium, international education in Bishkek. The submission includes a completed application packet and an application fee of 50 USD per child. Copies of passports for the student and parents, academic records or writing and math samples, the results of standardized tests, and an immunization record are required. After submission, materials are reviewed and next steps may include testing for English proficiency and grade placement if necessary, followed by an interview of parents and child. 2. Testing for English proficiency and grade placement if necessary. If English proficiency or grade placement is in question, testing is conducted to determine appropriate placement. The assessment informs language support needs and grade level. Results may influence subsequent steps in the admissions process. Families will be informed of the outcome. 3. Interview of parents and child. The interview helps confirm information and assess fit. Both parties participate and the interview informs the next steps in the process. 4. Decision made and family notified. A decision is made regarding the application and families are notified via email or phone within two weeks or as spots become available. If accepted, families proceed with enrollment. 5. Enrollment. Enrollment forms and documentation are submitted for review and placement confirmation. The school reviews enrollment materials for eligibility and requests any missing documents. Additional steps, if required, will be communicated by the admissions team. 6. Testing. Testing for English proficiency and grade placement if necessary. The tests determine placement and any language support needs. Test results guide enrollment actions and class placement. Tests occur after enrollment materials are received. 7. Interview. An enrollment interview is scheduled for the parent and student. The interview confirms information and readiness for enrollment. Both parties should participate. The interview outcomes are recorded as part of the enrollment decision. 8. Confirmation. The family receives official acceptance confirmation of enrollment. Enrollment is finalized and next steps for start dates and orientation will be provided.

14A Tynystanova Street, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 720055. The school provides English-language education and serves Preschool through Secondary School.

Preschool through Secondary

International school

Students from over 13 different nationalities.

Learning support and intensive English classes are available.

Kyrgyzstan

Clothing must be clean, neat, and modest: no exposed midriff or spaghetti straps; tank tops may be worn outside but inside the school building they must be covered by a sleeved shirt. Short skirts or shorts are not allowed, and jeans or trousers must not have holes in inappropriate places; prints must not convey profanity or references to drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, and clothing should not disrupt learning or offend others. If any rule is violated, the student must change or cover the clothing; a note will be filed in the student's records, and the student must call their parents to explain the violation.

QSI International School of Bishkek is a nonprofit organization. It is founded by Quality Schools International Ljubljana (Slovenia), which runs 35 schools worldwide and provides a common curriculum and teaching materials.

The school teaches in English. The program follows North American and international educational standards and uses Mastery Learning and Performance-Based Education (PBE) methods. The Preschool program uses Frog Street and develops Language/Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies/Health, Gross and Fine Motor Development, Fine Arts, Social/Emotional Development, and Independence. Elementary (5-year-old and 6–11-year-old) provides mathematics, literacy, science, cultural studies, art, music, technology, and physical education; students may select Russian, French, or Kyrgyz as a foreign language, and Intensive English is available for non‑native speakers. Middle School offers mathematics, reading, writing, science, cultural studies, art, music, technology, and physical education; Russian, French, or Kyrgyz are the foreign languages offered, with Intensive English provided. Secondary focuses on mathematics, science (biology, physics, chemistry), world cultural studies, history, economics, literature and writing, art, music, physical education, foreign language, and technology; students complete a year‑long research project, and diplomas include General Diploma, Academic Diploma, and Academic Diploma with Honors; AP courses are offered, and the AP Capstone program is part of the curriculum.

Graduates have progressed to universities around the world, including University of British Columbia, Virginia Tech, King's College London, Prague Medical College, and University of Manchester, among others.

Counseling is provided to help elementary students adjust, develop social skills, and receive extra support when needed. The elementary teachers and counselor work to create and provide a comprehensive social emotional learning program for all students. The Preschool program includes a social-emotional development focus within Frog Street curriculum. Success Orientations take into account the 'whole child' and are taught across virtually all areas of the curriculum. These orientations are evaluated independently from academics and reinforced across the school.

Elementary Student Services include Counseling, Intensive English, and Learning Support. A regional Learning Support Coordinator helps provide additional learning support and accommodations for students identified with special educational needs. Intensive English classes are smaller than mainstream classes to target individual needs and support English language development. The Learning Support program may include curriculum accommodations and modifications when necessary to help students succeed in the QSI environment.

Intensive English classes are provided for students who do not speak English as a first language. Intensive English classes are smaller than mainstream classes to allow targeted support for individual needs. The program aims to develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in English. Students may also study Russian, French, or Kyrgyz as a foreign language, with host language support for native and non‑native speakers.

Elementary counseling ensures all students are well adjusted and receive extra social‑emotional support. The comprehensive social-emotional learning program supports students' mental wellbeing. The Success Orientations emphasize personal wellbeing as part of everyday learning and are integrated across the curriculum. The Preschool social-emotional development focus also contributes to students' emotional wellbeing. The school adopts a whole‑child approach through these programs.

QSI Bishkek adheres to the CEESA Safeguarding and Child Protection Statement and Commitments, prioritizing safeguarding and child protection in all operations. CEESA requires safeguarding policies, regular onsite training, and safe recruitment practices at all schools. The CEESA framework includes a Child Safeguarding and Protection Program and Child Protection Instruction. Teachers educate students on safety and safeguarding, aligning with the Success Orientations (e.g., concern for others, group interaction, and responsibility). The school maintains a policy handbook and a child protection team to respond to concerns.

1. Learn about QSIB. Prospective families familiarize themselves with QSIB's school and educational program through the QSIB website and the full school video. This provides an overview of the program and campus. It helps families determine fit before visiting.
2. Arrange a visit to our school. The Director will lead a tour of campus facilities and classrooms, describe the learning program, and introduce prospective families to the teaching staff, office staff, and other administrators. This personal tour helps families meet key staff and see classrooms.
3. Complete and submit the application forms and necessary documents. Applications are accepted throughout the year. All applications must be completed online at https://qsi-bishkek.openapply.com/; create a profile under 'Register Now' and complete an application for each child. Submit the required documents: Recent Passport Size Photo (Child); Academic Records; Copies of Passports (Child and Parents) with translation into Russian; Birth Certificate; Immunizations.
4. Pay the one-time, non-refundable registration fee of $300 USD. The fee is a one-time payment and accompanies the application process. The fee is non-refundable.
5. Take the placement test and interview. Organize a time to take the placement test and an interview with the Academic Coordinator. The MAP placement examination is given to applicants aged seven and older to determine placement and covers reading, language arts, and mathematics. A writing prompt may be used at the secondary level to assess writing proficiency and credit transfer. Screening is carried out by the classroom teacher during the first weeks in the class.

Scholarships are awarded by the Advisory Board of QSIB to families in need of financial assistance to support the educational needs of their children, and to support the school's goal of expanding the educational programming available to all children.

Application And Notification: Scholarships will be awarded to the oldest eligible child of a family with more than one child applying, and will not exceed one full award per family, unless extenuating circumstances apply. Scholarships will be considered for students ages 5 years old and older. All new applicants for scholarships must meet with the Director before the scholarship application will be reviewed. If a parent is applying for a scholarship and also serving on the Advisory Board, he/she will recuse themselves from all discussions regarding the review of scholarship applications and allocation of funds. Scholarship renewal amounts will be decided upon no later than May of the preceding school year. This policy will be reviewed annually and may be amended by majority vote of the Advisory Board.

Available Funding: Each school year, the amount of money to be made available for scholarships will not exceed 10% of the regular school fee income for students paying full fees in the 5 year old class and older. The parents will pay the $300.00 registration fee if accepted for a scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria: Students must be in good academic standing in their respective age level and be an asset and contributor to the positive social climate of the school. Families of scholarship students are expected to contribute to the school in the form of volunteer hours, or other in-kind contributions. To be considered for a scholarship, the child must demonstrate they will benefit from the school's educational program. The Advisory Board will weigh the relative merit of each case before awarding a scholarship.

Maintaining Eligibility for Financial Aid: Students must maintain acceptable grades and satisfactory ratings for success orientations. Scholarship students must contribute to the social climate of the school. In all cases, the decision of the Advisory Board is final.

Scholarship Application Form. 14A Tynystanova Street, Bishkek, 720055, Kyrgyzstan. +996-312-56-31-39