Admission | Acacia

Admissions | Acacia International School, Kampala

A Christ-Centered International Education for Your Child

We welcome families seeking a rigorous, values-centered international education in Kampala.

If you are a prospective parent relocating to Kampala, Uganda, or exploring international schools in your neighborhood, we warmly welcome you to Acacia International School.

Acacia is a Christian international school offering a rigorous academic program within a nurturing, faith-based community.

Book a Campus Tour/Contact Admissions: admissions@acaciaschool.org

Families choose Acacia because we offer:

A biblically grounded Christian worldview
Strong Academic and Co-Curricular Programs
Intentional character and leadership development
A diverse, international community
Dedicated teachers who partner closely with parents

Education from Early Years to High School

Acacia serves students across all key stages, offering a coherent and challenging learning journey from early childhood through secondary education.

Our programs include:

Each stage builds toward academic independence, service, and leadership rooted in Christian character.

How Admissions Decisions Are Made

Admission to Acacia International School is selective. Applications are reviewed holistically by an Admissions Committee, with careful consideration given to the following priorities.

Family Partnership

We prioritize families who are likely to:

Support learning at home
Engage positively in the life of the school

All applicant families submit a parent essay, which helps us understand alignment with Acacia’s values and expectations.

Academic Readiness and Fit

We seek students who are likely to:

Benefit from a rigorous academic program
Contribute positively to an academically rich classroom

Admissions decisions consider:

Admissions assessments
Student interviews
Previous school report cards

Sibling Consideration

Where possible and space allows, siblings are prioritized in order to keep families together.

Affiliate Missionary Families

Priority consideration is given to Affiliate Member missionary families serving in full-time ministry.

How to Apply to Acacia International School

Step 1: Visit or Make an Enquiry

Families living in Uganda are encouraged to visit the campus. Appointments can be arranged through the admissions office.

Step 2: Submit an Online Application

A complete application includes:

Online application form
Parent Essay
Student Health Form
Most recent report card
Passport or birth certificate copy
Passport-size photograph

Step 3: Admissions Assessments

Short-listed applicants complete:

English and Mathematics assessment (USD 50)
WIDA MODEL English proficiency assessment for Grades 6–12 English language learners (USD 40)

Step 4: Admissions Committee Review

The Admissions Committee reviews completed applications. Decisions are typically communicated within two weeks.

Step 5: Confirmation

Upon acceptance, families must pay the Admissions Fee within two weeks to secure the student’s place.

Admissions Timeline

August Intake
Applications due: March
Decisions communicated: April

Mid-Year Admissions
Considered on a rolling basis, subject to availability

Early application does not guarantee placement, and the school does not maintain a long-term waiting list.

Grade Placement

Students are generally placed with their age group. Final placement decisions are based on age, assessment results, and previous schooling, ensuring each child is positioned for success.

An Open and Welcoming Christian School

Acacia aims to be an open and welcoming Christian international school and views each child as a unique person made in God's image. Acacia International School does not discriminate on the basis of national or ethnic origin, religion or faith background, gender, race, colour, or disability. Our teachers are committed Christian educators who serve students from diverse backgrounds.

Begin Your Admissions Journey

Our admissions team is happy to guide you through the process and answer any questions.

Book a Campus Tour / Contact Admissions via Email: admissions@acaciaschool.org

Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions Do you give preference to early applications? No. All completed applications are reviewed equally. Can non-Christian families apply? Yes. Families from all faith backgrounds are welcome, provided they support the Christian ethos of the school. Is English language support available? Yes. English language proficiency is assessed, and support is provided where appropriate. What size are your classes? We have a "soft cap" at 22 but under certain circumstances we will increase up to 24 in consultation with the homeroom teacher. Which grade will my child be in? Children are almost always placed with their age group with a September 1st cut off date. We use the American naming system. so "Grade One" students are six-years-old and turn seven in the course of the year. Grade One is equivalent to Year Two in the U.K. and Primary Two in Uganda. Do you admit and can you support children with special needs? Acacia provides limited support to students with mild special educational needs. During the application for admissions, children with identified special learning needs are considered on a case-bycase basis. Special Needs students will initially be enrolled on a probationary basis. Each child will undergo an independent assessment by a recommended special needs consultant. The parents will be billed for the cost of this consultation. The child’s progress and the school’s capacity to adequately provide for the child’s needs will be re-evaluated annually. Can a student enroll mid-year? Yes. Where we have space, we welcome new students in the middle of the year. Do you have boarding facilities? Not at the moment, but we are in the process of building the Lakeside campus which will have a boarding section. Do you have a bus service? No, however, there are independent bus companies that offer services to some of our students, and some of our parents carpool. Do you offer swimming? Students swim once per week. Confident swimmers are encouraged to join the swimming club and compete with other international schools. What kind of financial help do you offer? You can save money on tuition by paying annually. We also offer a 30% third child discount. We have a limited bursary program available for gifted students enrolling in 9th and 10th grade, for families with financial needs. How would you describe faith at Acacia? We are enthusiastic followers of Jesus. Our faith shapes who we are and what we do. We are not affiliated with any denomination or church and our Board of Directors and staff worship at a variety of churches around the city. We hire teachers who love Christ and we expect our students to attend chapel and participate in bible lessons. We approach learning from a biblical worldview beginning with the idea that all children are created in God's image. We welcome families and children from other faith backgrounds.

Acacia Fee Structure

Please note: Our school fees are all-inclusive and cover field trips, textbooks, stationery, and sports coaching for the International Schools Association of Kampala (ISSAK) league. For students in Grades 10–12, the fees also include external examination entry charges.

2025-2026 Fees: Fee range per year from $6,000-$13,000.

Diplomatic Fees 2025-2026 This applies to children whose tuition is paid by an embassy or foreign government including affiliated development organizations or UN Agencies (UNDP, UNHCR, UNICEF, etc).

Affiliate Member Fees: Affiliate Members and approved Christian missionary organizations have a discounted fee structure. Contact the school for more information (finance@acaciaschool.org).

Ways to Pay

1. Bank Deposit. US$ only

Deposit slips must be brought to the finance office so a receipt can be issued and parents' accounts updated.

Account name: Acacia Education Services Limited
Bank name: Stanbic

Bank Account #: 9030015341377
Branch: Forest Mall, Kampala

2. Check. US $ or UGX

Checks from Ugandan banks are welcome; please make them payable to Acacia Education Services.

3. Wire Transfer (Electronic Funds Transfer). US$ only

Bank Name: Stanbic Bank Ltd

Bank Address: 3A Sports Lane, Forest Mall, PO Box 7131, Kampala, Uganda

Swift Code: SBICUGKX

Sort Code: 040147

Account Name: Acacia Education Services Ltd

Dollar Account Number: 9030015341377

4. Cash is only accepted at the finance office for smaller payments eg. afterschool clubs, uniforms and lunches. All tuition payments should be made at Stanbic Bank.

Contact the Finance Department

Email: finance@acaciaschool.org