Kazakhstan International School Astana

Our Story Founded in 1998 in Almaty, Kazakhstan International School (KIS) began as the first Montessori-based kindergarten in the city and has built a 25-year legacy of student-centered, inquiry-based learning. In 2024, KIS proudly opened its purpose-built campus in Astana, welcoming students from Preschool through Grade 9. As an IB candidate school, KIS Astana currently offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP) from Kindergarten through Grade 4, with a defined roadmap to become one of a select number of world schools delivering the full IB continuum: PYP, MYP (Grades 6-10), and DP (Grades 11-12). The school operates as a global learning community of students, parents, teachers, and staff, cultivating a culture rooted in respect, exploration, academic excellence, and social-emotional growth. With 33% expatriate students and 29 full-time foreign faculty working alongside local educators, KIS delivers a truly multicultural environment where diversity is celebrated and every learner is empowered to succeed. Programs & Trainings Early Years Programme, Preschool and Kindergarten for children ages 3-5, offering an inquiry-based, play-rich foundation led by international and local co-teachers in a safe, nurturing setting. Elementary Programme, Grades 1-5 academic program built within the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework, emphasizing transdisciplinary learning and holistic child development. PYP (Primary Years Programme), IB candidate school status for Reception Class through Grade 5; uses Units of Inquiry to foster student agency, conceptual understanding, and global awareness. MYP (Middle Years Programme), Planned future offering for Grades 6-10 as part of the school's phased IB continuum expansion. DP (Diploma Programme), Planned future offering for Grades 11-12 to complete the full IB continuum and provide internationally recognized university preparation. Before & After School Activities, Co-curricular programs extending the academic day through supervised activities that support social, physical, and creative development. Arts & Athletics Enrichment, Integrated strands of arts and sports designed to complement academics and inspire excellence beyond the classroom. Community & Cultural Events, Kindergarten Summer Concerts, International Day, Nauryz Celebration, Kindness Week initiatives, and Parent Committee fundraisers such as the Spring Ball. Parent-School Conferences, Regular 2-Way Conferences for Early Years and Elementary families to support collaborative learning goals and student progress. New Student Orientation, Structured onboarding program held prior to the academic year to integrate families into the KIS community and systems. Specialties International Baccalaureate (IB) framework and continuum development Student-centered, inquiry-based pedagogy Holistic education connecting cultures and building growth mindset Social-emotional learning and community wellness Multicultural, inclusive classroom environments Dual-led instruction pairing international and local faculty Early childhood and elementary international education Transition support for expatriate and local families Methods & Approach KIS applies a student-centered, inquiry-based methodology inherited from its Montessori roots and now aligned with IB standards. Classrooms operate on a co-teaching model with both international and local educators guiding each class, ensuring culturally responsive instruction and language-rich exposure. The curriculum is organized around Units of Inquiry that encourage transdisciplinary exploration, critical thinking, and real-world application. Social-emotional growth is treated as co-equal with academic achievement, and the school culture is deliberately built on trust, respect, and restorative relationships. Mistakes and setbacks are framed as learning opportunities, fostering resilience and a genuine growth mindset across all age groups. Who It's For Families with children from age 3 (Preschool) through Grade 9, including both expatriate and local Kazakh households seeking an accredited international education pathway. Students who thrive in inquiry-based, multicultural classrooms and parents who value a strong school community with active parent involvement. Learners preparing for an IB continuum from early childhood through secondary school, including those who will eventually pursue the IB Diploma for university entrance. Families relocating to Astana who need a world-class, English-medium environment with diverse peer groups and experienced foreign faculty. Facilities & Practical Info The Astana campus is a purpose-built facility opened in 2024, located at the intersection of T. Ryskulova, A. Bokeikhan, and Hussein bin Talal streets. The school offers a virtual campus tour online and maintains a sister campus in Almaty. Admissions are currently open for Kindergarten (ages 3-5) and Grades 1-5 with limited places available. The school uniform is required. Communication and instruction are delivered in English, with website resources also available in Kazakh, Russian, and French. The academic calendar includes orientation days, two-way parent conferences, and signature community celebrations. Location Address: The area of intersection of T. Ryskulova, A. Bokeikhan & Hussein bin Talal streets, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan Hours: See website for academic calendar and daily schedule The "+" IB Continuum Roadmap, on track to become one of the few schools in the region offering the complete PYP, MYP, and DP IB pathway. Truly International Faculty, 29 full-time foreign faculty paired with local teachers in every classroom. Strong Expat Integration, 33% expat student body within a welcoming, multicultural community. Modern Purpose-Built Campus, newly opened Astana campus in 2024 designed for 21st-century learning. 25-Year Heritage, founded in 1998 with a proven track record of global educational impact. Candidate School Momentum, actively pursuing full IB World School authorization with clear academic benchmarks.