Surprisingly, there are many options of international schools and childcare in Kampala.
Despite many locals prefer not to use nurseries/daycare centers keeping their kids at home with nannies, there are several pre-schools in Kampala, which we can truly recommend.
Kampala Community International Preschool (6 months – 5 year), www.kcipreschool.com
Kampala Parents School www.kampalaparents.com
Kissyfur International Pre/Kindergarten and Day Care (18 months – 6 years) www.kissyfuruganda.com
Blue Moon International school (6 months – 5 years) play-based approach www.bluemooninternationalschool.com
The Nest – children’s center has several locations around town, a playgroup organized of mums or nannies and children of pre-school age https://thenestchildrenscentre.business.site/
All of the pre-schools mentioned above have fully trained high qualified Early Years international teachers and local assistants’ support. They have International teaching practices, methods and resources which they use based on a great respect to children’s individualities and play-based approach. Prices are different due to location, timing and accreditation but doable in general.
Regarding the primary or secondary schools in Kampala, most expats choose from the list below, but there are other options as well. We believe there are no good and bad schools, you will need to find the one which suits your child best.
KISU (Kampala International School of Uganda) is one of the most popular school in Kampala www.kisu.com
Currently it accepts children ages 3 to 16 years old. The school is quite big with about 460 students representing 60 nationalities. State-of-the-art facilities include four science labs, three computer labs, three music rooms, three performance areas, an indoor gym, outdoor basketball court, 25 meters swimming pool, two libraries, smart boards in most classrooms and a five acre playing field. The campus itself is big and beautiful. The price range it quite high starting from $5000 per kindergarten up to $25000-27300 for Year 11 and IB Program annually (they have various discounts options up to 50% in some cases).
ISU (International School of Uganda) https://www.isu.ac.ug/ is most popular among US expats, it is fully accredited and offers IB diploma for children from 3 to 19 years. It has currently over 500 pupils from over 60 countries but its campus is so big giving many opportunities for the school to grow even bigger. The land is over 33 acres with extensive sports facilities includes 3 sports fields, multi-purpose sports hall, running track, 2 swimming pools, 4 tennis courts (all open for visits to its community over weekends) as well as a Science Centre, three computer laboratories with access to the Internet and wireless connectivity campus-wide; a library of over 20,000 volumes and much more. Overall, it is one of the best international schools in Uganda, but its location might be a disadvantage for those families living in central parts of the city. The drive to/from school during morning hours might be over one hour. You can opt to live in Lubowa neighborhood but then be prepared for long drives to/from the office. Tuition varies from $5200 for early years program and up to $27700 for Years 11-12 of IB Program, but it has some deductions for second and third children and school provides scholarship for some children.
AMIS (Ambrosoli International School) https://www.ambrosolischool.com/ is a great option for families with smaller children ages 3-11yo (primary school only) based on English National Curriculum it implements International curriculum into its practice. The school is known for its’ great support to children and families and the sense of community. The campus is rather small but the school is expanding to its’ new buildings and growing not only in terms of students numbers and space but in its’ approach and ideas as well. At present, It has over 270 children from over 40 countries. The location is ideal for families staying in Bugolobi and Mbuya, easy reachable from and to the center of the city. The tuitions are starting at $7000 for kindergarten and to $11200 for Year 6 with flexible payment structure.
GEMS (Cambridge International School) https://www.gemseducation.co.ug/ is growing its popularity in local and expat community due to strong quality of education, infrastructure, its’ campus and boarding facilities as well. It is for pupils aged 3-11 years old who are willing to study English National Curriculum. Tuitions ranges from $6500 for Early Years to $18000 for YR 12-13 (there are siblings discounts and scholarships available). The location is a bit far but Luzira neighborhood offers nice proximity to the lake and might be convenient if you live nearby (Bugolobi and Mbuya) especially if you don’t have to go to town on every day basis or have flexible working hours.
RISU (Rainbow International School of Uganda) http://rainbowinternationalschool.com/ It is beautiful school which today has close to 800 pupils on roll ranging from 2,5 years old up to University entrance level. The campus is big and has the boarding facilities as well. Science labs, library, music classes, swimming pool, football pitch, etc. – it has it all. It teaches National Curriculum for England and fully certified, the school is known for strong academic standards and structure, quite popular between local families and expats. The tuitions are from $5000 for EY to $14500 for YR12-13.
7 Hills International School of Kampala (Kampala located on 7 hills) https://7hillskampala.com/ is a tiny but growing school in Uganda offering secondary education to children 11-15 years old with International Middle Years Curriculum. The best advantage of this school is that it has only over 50 students providing personal support and inclusiveness to every child. Another great thing is its’ location in the middle of the city making it ideal to WB families to drop-offs and pick-ups. The campus and facilities are still developing as the school has recently moved to its new location. The fees structure is very doable as it is $6300-9300 annually depending on payments options. There are also other schools such as Heritage International School and Acacia International School (both teaches American curriculum), Delhi International School, Acorn International School, etc. Feel free to check them out, have an appointment and come see for yourself.
Special needs children care is still developing here in Uganda. Most of International schools accept children with disabilities. As much as schools strive to provide the best care possible in given circumstances, please be aware that the level of training and facilities is still quite low according to US and European standards. Please, contact the desired school directly to find out if they have tutors/facilities available for your special case.
