Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Ashgabat
Summary: If you're moving to Ashgabat with kids, choosing a school if often your first decisions and impacts where you'll live. Here are some popular bilingual and international schools in Ashgabat
Ashgabat, the capital city of Turkmenistan, offers a limited number of international and bilingual schools catering to the expatriate and digital nomad community. While the options may not be as extensive as in some of the world's larger cities, there are still reputable institutions that provide quality education for expat children. Among the most popular are the Ashgabat International School and the British School of Ashgabat, which are known for their international curricula and diverse student bodies.
Ashgabat International School (AIS)
Grades: Pre-K through Grade 12
Location(s): Ashgabat
Website: www.qsi.org/turkmenistan/tkm/
Ashgabat International School, operated by Quality Schools International (QSI), is a private, non-profit institution that offers an English-medium education. The school follows a comprehensive, American-accredited curriculum that includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses for older students. AIS boasts modern facilities, including science labs, a library, and sports areas. Extracurricular activities range from athletics to arts and various clubs, ensuring a well-rounded education. Enrollment is open to students of all nationalities, with a diverse international community representing over 30 countries.
British School of Ashgabat
Grades: Early Years through Secondary
Location(s): Ashgabat
Website: www.britishschoolofturkmenistan.com
The British School of Ashgabat offers a British-style education in Turkmenistan, following the English National Curriculum. The school provides a pathway from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to IGCSEs and A-Levels. With a focus on academic excellence, the school also emphasizes the importance of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and drama. The British School of Ashgabat is equipped with modern classrooms, science labs, and IT facilities, and it prides itself on fostering a close-knit community with a strong emphasis on student welfare and development.
Miras International School Ashgabat
Grades: Preschool through Grade 11
Location(s): Ashgabat
Miras International School Ashgabat is part of a network of schools that provide a high-quality international education. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP), with plans to implement the Diploma Programme (DP) for older students. Miras International School boasts a multicultural environment, with a curriculum designed to foster global citizenship and academic rigor. Facilities include a swimming pool, gymnasium, and auditorium, and the school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities to complement its academic offerings.
French School of Ashgabat
Grades: Preschool through Secondary
Location(s): Ashgabat
The French School of Ashgabat, also known as École Française d'Achgabat, caters to the French-speaking expatriate community and offers a curriculum based on the French education system. The school provides instruction from preschool through to the baccalaureate level, with French as the primary language of instruction. The school's mission is to offer a quality education that promotes linguistic proficiency and cultural exchange. Students have access to a range of cultural and extracurricular activities that enhance their educational experience.
Please note that the availability of international schools in Ashgabat may change, and it is always recommended to contact the schools directly for the most up-to-date information regarding admissions and programs.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.