Comparing 3 schools side by side in USD.
487 A/F/3 Leopard's Hill Road, Lusaka, Zambia. The campus is on Leopards Hill Road and described as a 25-acre, secure, purpose-built site. AIS Lusaka serves students from preschool through grade 12 and uses an English-medium international curriculum.
preschool through grade 12
independent, co-educational day school
40 nations represented; approximately 21% European, 28% North and South American, and 22% African.
Learning specialists work with classroom teachers to remediate language-processing difficulties and other learning differences. Educational assessments determine current performance levels; IEPs and SAPs are created to ensure access to the curriculum. The Inclusion Team uses RTI, and auxiliary services such as occupational, physical, or speech therapy are provided by external specialists when available.
Associated with the American Embassy (United States)
The school is a day school; boarding is not provided.
AISL has a Tuck Shop; lunch can be ordered from the Tuck Shop. The Early Learning Center Extended Day Program provides lunch supervised by the ELC teaching team; students may bring lunch from home or order hot lunch from the Tuck Shop. The Tuck Shop is managed by The Fat Chef.
AISL is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors. The US Ambassador to Zambia appoints two Board members, and one of the appointed members serves as Chair; the five remaining members are elected by the AISL Parent Association (two affiliated with the US Government and three from the general parent community). Board terms are two years and members may be re-elected. The Board hires the Director, provides fiduciary oversight by approving the annual budget and setting school fees, and establishes broad policy aligned with the school's vision, mission and values. Open Meetings are held; an AGM occurs in Fall and an EGM in Spring.
AISL is authorized to deliver the International Baccalaureate programmes: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). The IB framework emphasizes independent thinking, intercultural understanding, and language development. The IB curriculum provides a continuous program from primary through high school, with the Diploma Programme available for eligible students.
The IB programmes prepare students for higher education at universities around the world.
AISL offers the US Ambassador's Merit-Based Scholarship Programme for highly capable and financially needy Zambian students to attend AISL High School and pursue the IB MYP and DP. Scholarship students are expected to perform at a high academic level and participate in a comprehensive extracurricular program. AISL provides scholarship recipients with full tuition, school supplies including an iPad (later a laptop), a home Internet bundle, all examination and university application fees, university and scholarship guidance, local transport, school lunches, and funded opportunities to participate in school-sponsored trips in Zambia and overseas.
The counseling department at AISL aims to foster healthy self-esteem and self-awareness, as well as a sense of responsibility to self and others. The counseling program supports each student's personal, social, academic and career development through a comprehensive and developmental approach to guidance activities and personal counseling. This is a collaborative effort between home, school and community aimed at fostering personal responsibility, emotional intelligence, and flexibility in an ever-changing world as they work towards becoming confident, well-adjusted, and culturally sensitive global citizens. AISL's Inclusion Policy aligns with IB philosophy, providing a safe and supportive environment for diverse learners and supporting their academic, social, and personal growth. AISL emphasizes the whole-child approach, values every student's voice, and aims to ensure access to services and resources for all students within the school's capacity. There are three school counselors on staff (one Primary, two Secondary) to support students across grade levels.
Learning specialists collaborate with classroom teachers in both Primary and Secondary to remediate language-processing difficulties and provide instructional support for students with identified learning differences. Educational assessments determine a student's current level of academic performance and explore receptive as well as expressive languages, including reading, math and written language. When necessary, the Inclusion Team refers students to external specialists for Speech and Language, Psycho-Educational, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy assessments. Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and Student Accommodation Plans (SAPs) are created to ensure access to learning through remediation, differentiation and targeted technology use. In addition to academic support, teachers and the Inclusion Team address the social-emotional needs of all students. The Inclusion Model uses the RTI framework to promote student success and ensure access to the curriculum across all levels, with periodic communication between home and school. External auxiliary services are provided by specialists, arranged and paid for by families, with AISL facilitating referrals when possible.
As English is the language of instruction, developing competence in English is crucial to students' success in all sections of the school. The EAL program addresses the needs of students from non-English-speaking backgrounds who are developing interpersonal and academic English language skills. The goal is to equip students with English language skills necessary to operate independently within the general classroom at a level that reflects their age and ability. EAL students receive support and specialised instruction from qualified EAL staff on a regular basis. They also receive differentiated support within their grade level and subject area classes from their teachers, including EAL staff, and this service model is consistent in both the Primary and Secondary Schools.
The counseling department aims to foster healthy self-esteem and self-awareness, as well as a sense of responsibility to self and others. The counseling program facilitates each student's personal, social, academic and career development through a comprehensive and developmental approach to guidance activities and personal counseling. This collaboration between home, school and community fosters personal responsibility, emotional intelligence, and flexibility in an ever-changing world as students become confident, well-adjusted, and culturally sensitive global citizens. AISL's Inclusion Policy provides a safe and nurturing environment for diverse learners and supports their academic, social, and personal growth. The Student Services' vision emphasizes self-awareness and resilience so students can reach their individual potential and navigate life's challenges to thrive in society. AISL maintains a safe, supportive environment and access-to-services approach to support students' mental wellbeing, with multiple counselors available across the school.
AISL is committed to keeping children and young people safe from harm and abuse. Creating a safe learning environment, identifying children and young people who are suffering or at risk of harm, and then taking suitable action are vital to ensuring safety at school and home. The school addresses bullying, abuse, or other maltreatment even if it means embarrassment or upset for someone in power, with safety prioritized in activities, rules and policies. Crisis response protocols guide actions for emergencies and child protection, developed by the AISL Crisis Response Team (administration, counselors, security, and IT) and informed by research and documentation from the Association of International Schools in Africa, the American School Counselor Association's National Model and the International Model for School Counseling Programs. In Primary, prevention lessons use Kidpower to teach safety, confidence-building, boundary-setting, positive peer communication and de-escalation; in Secondary, safety and wellbeing are explored through IB MYP Health Education and an Advisory program four times weekly. AISL invites concerns and acts on them in a fair, balanced way in accordance with its policies.
AISL admits students from diverse educational systems and backgrounds for ELC through Grade 12, providing an international English-language education in a mainstream environment. It supports learners with Special Educational Needs and English as an Additional Language, with Learning Support enrollment normally not exceeding 15% of a grade's enrollment and moderate support normally not exceeding 5% of total enrollment, with no more than four moderate students per grade. When spaces are limited, admission follows priorities: children of United States government employees receiving an educational allowance (ELC through Grade 12), AISL faculty children, siblings of enrolled students, siblings enrolling concurrently, and all other applicants. Children of US government employees applying for ELC must apply by April 1 of the previous year; those applying after April may be accommodated as spaces become available. ELC admits up to the first day after the Spring holiday. Students must be toilet trained to be admitted. Kindergarten through Grade 12 cannot be admitted within 30 school days of the end of the school year, and Grade 11 entrants after October 1 are considered case-by-case due to graduation requirements. Students must intend to attend for at least one semester. If a grade reaches capacity, applicants are placed in the Waiting Pool and offered a space as it becomes available based on the admissions criteria; if more applicants exist in a category than spaces, admissions are first-come, first-served within that category. When a space opens, tuition is due from the date the space becomes available, even if the student begins later in the year; for start-of-year admissions, a 25% deposit is due by June 1 to secure the place. Families should regularly check in with the Admissions Manager to confirm continued interest; failure to do so may result in removal from the waiting pool. Acceptance occurs after all paperwork and assessments are reviewed by the Admissions Committee, following a student interview; parents are informed by the Admissions Manager. All acceptances are provisional for the first semester; the school may adjust grade placement or, in rare cases, determine that the needs cannot be met; the school may help locate an alternative education. After acceptance, a non-refundable payment of at least 25% of the tuition is due by 1 June to secure a space; if applying mid-year, an invoice is issued and payment is due within two weeks; failure to pay may revoke admission.
AISL Merit Scholarship Programme provides a Merit Scholarship to attend the high school. Merit Scholars are expected to perform at a high academic level and participate in a comprehensive co-curricular programme. AISL provides Merit Scholars with full AISL tuition fees, a loaned iPad/Laptop and calculator, all examination and university application fees, university and scholarship guidance, transport to and from school on an established bus route, and fully-funded school-sponsored trips in Zambia and overseas. The scholarship does not include boarding, housing, or financial assistance after leaving the school beyond the scholarship contract. A complete application consists of a signed Application Form, birth record or affidavit, Gr. 9 JSSLE results or equivalent (if taken), most recent school report, Writing Assignment, and Mathematics Assignment; the Scholarship Admissions Committee requires a complete application to be considered. A 2026-2027 Application Form is available, and additional information including the Merit Based Scholarship Brochure can be accessed via the Scholarships page. For questions, contact scholarship@aislusaka.org.
Waiting Pool: When a grade level reaches capacity, applicants are placed in the waiting pool and offered a space as soon as one becomes available, based on the admissions criteria; if there are more applicants in a category than spaces, admission is granted on a first-come, first-served basis within that category. Once a space becomes available, tuition fees are due from the date the space opens, even if the student will not begin classes until later in the school year. For the start of a new school year, a 25% deposit of the tuition is required by June 1 to secure the place for August. Families should regularly check in with the Admissions Manager to confirm continued interest; failure to do so may result in removal from the waiting pool. If a place is offered and the family declines but remains in the waiting pool, the student is moved to the bottom of the list for their admission category.
Twin Palm Road, Ibex Hill, Lusaka, Zambia
Kindergarten to Grade 12
Private
Zambia
All students must be in uniform at all times. PE uniform (house colour) is worn on PE days or during sports events. The uniform includes items branded with the school logo; black formal shoes; sports shoes for PE. Uniforms are sold in sets and there is a three-week period at the start of term 1 to purchase proper uniforms.
The school uses a house system; PE uniform is the house colour.
The school is a non-profit owned by Pestalozzi International and is a member of the Enko Education Network of Schools.
Pestalozzi Education Centre welcomes learners from creche to year 12 and offers ECZ (national) and Cambridge programmes, including Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A-levels, as well as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). It is an IB World School offering the IB Diploma Programme with six subject groups, two languages, and the Theory of Knowledge core, plus a focus on independent research via the Extended Essay and the Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) components. The curriculum includes subjects such as English A: Language and Literature, French Ab initio, Geography, Business Management, Expressive Arts, Environmental Systems and Societies, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Mathematics.
Graduates attend international universities and participate in the Knowledge for College (K4C) Career Education and University Guidance Programme, a three-year initiative overseen by a University Guidance Counselor in the final three years of schooling to support higher education applications. Notable destinations include Northwestern University, University of Calgary, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, University of Pretoria, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Wuhan University, the University of Zambia, and Copperbelt University.
Head, Heart and Hands guide Pestalozzi Education Centre's holistic development approach. The Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) Camp provides opportunities for service learning and citizenship. The community is diverse and inclusive, and a broad extracurricular programme supports holistic growth. Inter-house competitions promote teamwork, sportsmanship, camaraderie, collaboration and resilience.
Inclusion Policy, Code of Conduct and Anti-Bullying Policy outline safeguarding and student protection.
1. Get Information Pack. Visit Pestalozzi Education Centre or fill in the online contact form to receive a complete presentation about the school and its curriculum. The pack covers the programmes offered, including the Zambia National Curriculum (ECZ), Cambridge IGCSE, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, and explains how they fit with the school's approach. This information helps families understand what Pestalozzi Education Centre offers and how it supports student development. 2. Pay Registration Fee. The enrollment process requires payment of K500 per student for scheduling an admission test. Additionally, K1500 per student is due as an enrollment fee, K3000 per family as a development levy, and K2500 per student as a refundable security deposit. These payments cover testing, enrollment, development activities, and the security deposit. 3. Submit Required Documents. The required documents include the learner's birth certificate or passport with a study permit, the learner's ID photos, most recent school reports (last two years), and a transfer letter or school fee clearance certificate from the current school. These documents verify identity and academic history and support the application. 4. Write an Entry Assessment. Assessments are carried out for students applying to any grade to evaluate suitability and identify strengths and weaknesses. For students in examination years (Grade 7 and Grade 9), a cut-off point was set in 2020 at 740 and 400 respectively; students who score higher than these cut-offs on national exams are exempt from the admission test and receive direct admission. Students who do not reach the cut-offs will write an admission test. 5. Receive Communication From The School. Communications are sent via email, WhatsApp, social media platforms, the school website, SMS, and phone calls.
The Enko Scholarship programme is available to support talented students who do not have the financial means to afford standard fees. Applicants for scholarships may be assessed on their academic potential during admissions. The policy notes that the Enko Scholarship programme is part of Enko Education standards and practices and is designed to improve access to Pestalozzi Education Centre and other Enko schools. Scholarships are school-based and not intended for higher education progression.
The school is located at 6945 Nangwenya Road, Ridgeway, Lusaka, Zambia (PO Box 50121).
The school serves students from nursery to Year 13, including Early Years, Primary School, Middle School and High School.
The school is an international day school.
The school represents 60 nationalities among learners and staff.
Learning Support and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) are provided across Primary and Secondary.
No religious affiliation; ISL does not align itself to any political or religious creed.
Nursery 08:00–12:00; Preschool 08:00–12:40; Reception 07:05–12:40; Years 1–13 07:05–13:30.
There is a tuckshop on site for snacks; during COVID-19 guidelines the tuckshop was closed.
ISL uses a house system. Students are members of Houses named Zambezi, Luangwa and Kafue, with House Captains and Vice Captains elected and supported by a teacher House Leader. House competitions emphasise maximum participation, fair play and learning how to lose gracefully.
ISL is owned and operated as a not-for-profit association, run by a Board of Governors composed of nine members who are all parents of current students. The Board oversees the running of the School and sets policy; Members serve for three-year terms and may be elected for a second concurrent term. The Head of School is a non-voting, ex-officio member of the Board.
ISL follows the International Baccalaureate continuum, from the Primary Years Programme to the Diploma Programme. In High School, Cambridge IGCSE is offered alongside the IB Diploma Programme. ISL staff are IB (PYP, DP) trained and also trained in Cambridge (IGCSE) and IMYC. ESOL support is provided at Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels in both Primary and Secondary. French and Spanish lessons run from Reception to Year 13, Chinyanja language lessons are offered, Zambian Studies are included, and English for Speakers of Other Languages is available.
There are 721 students and over 80 teachers and teaching assistants, giving a student-to-staff ratio of about 9:1.
The school fosters a community built on mutual respect and understanding, ensuring learners feel welcome, safe, included, and valued.
The school offers an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) support programme at Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels in both Primary and Secondary.
The counselling programme supports the social, emotional and academic growth of the student body by providing a safe and happy environment through communication and support for our diverse student population.
Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Procedures are in place.
1. Confirm eligibility and year placement. The minimum age to join ISL is 2 years by September 1 in the year of admission; Nursery must be over 2, Pre-School over 3, Reception over 4, and Year 1 over 5 by that date. Students are placed by age and school history, and ISL normally will not place a child more than one year outside the year appropriate for their age. 2. Start the online application. Begin via the ISL OpenApply portal by selecting 'Register Your Interest' or 'Apply Now' to start the application process. 3. Submit required documents and pay fees. Provide date of birth, academic records from the previous school, and the intended date of admission; complete the online medical form with vaccination details; the Registration Fee is non-refundable. The Capital Levy (Enrolment Fee) is payable after accepting a place and there is a 50% discount for second and subsequent children. 4. Undergo assessments for placement. ISL has an open admissions policy and an assessment is required for Years 1–13 to ensure correct class placement and to address any specific needs. Primary assessments are done by the class teacher; Secondary assessments cover English and Maths, with potential ESOL or Learning Support assessments if needed. 5. Receive and accept an offer. After an offer is made, acceptance is required and the Capital Levy must be paid by the date stated on the offer. ISL also notes that there is a 50% discount for second and subsequent children. 6. Induction and first day planning. Once an offer is accepted, new families attend a morning induction for Primary families and a New Students Orientation for all new students; new pupils can start the following day or as agreed. Details are shared closer to the start of the school year. 7. Start date and ongoing welcome. New students begin on the agreed start date, with induction and orientation arrangements completed prior to the first day of school.
ISL offers a limited number of scholarships each year for exceptional students. The Scholarship Selection Committee welcomes external applicants who demonstrate excellence in academics and the potential to be a positive and contributing member of the ISL community, with the aim of providing access to an excellent academic programme for families who otherwise may not be able to afford it. There are two scholarships available for external candidates: one for students entering the two-year Year 10–11 IGCSE programme and the other for students entering the two-year Year 12–13 IB Diploma Programme. Beacon Scholarship ISL partners with the Beacon Scholarship programme for students with strong leadership qualities. The Beacon Scholarship provides access for financially disadvantaged students to top-tier secondary schools in their home country and undergraduate programmes at world-class universities in the UK. The programme includes leadership training and mentoring, as well as a goal-setting performance management system; applicants must demonstrate that they are ‘Changemakers'—they are already making a difference and have the capacity to influence others.
ISL maintains waiting lists when necessary due to ongoing turnover; if a class is full, a waiting list is opened for the respective year level concerned.
