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Admissions | Acacia International School, Kampala​​​​​​​

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​​Welcome to Admissions at Acacia International School

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If you are exploring schools in Kampala or planning a move to Uganda, we warmly welcome you to Acacia International School. Our admissions process is designed to help families discern whether Acacia is the right academic, spiritual, and community fit for their child.

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We are a selective Christian international school, committed to academic excellence, character formation, and partnership with families.

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Why Families Choose Acacia

Parents choose Acacia because we offer:

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  • A rigorous, internationally recognised academic pathway

  • A Christ-centred approach to education and character formation

  • Dedicated teachers who know and support each child

  • A caring, engaged school community

  • Clear preparation for Middle School, High School, and university pathways

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Our goal is not only strong academic outcomes but also the formation of thoughtful, confident, and grounded young people.

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Admissions Philosophy & Non-Discrimination Policy

Acacia International School seeks to be an open and welcoming Christian community. We view each child as uniquely created in God’s image.

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In admissions and school operations, we do not discriminate on the basis of:

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  • National or ethnic origin

  • Religion or faith background

  • Gender

  • Race or colour

  • Disability

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All teaching staff at Acacia are Christians, and our Christian worldview is integrated throughout school life.

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​Admissions Criteria & Priorities

Admission to Acacia is holistic and selective. All applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee, based on priorities set by the school board.

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1. Family Partnership

We prioritise families who are likely to:

  • Support learning at home

  • Engage positively in the life of the school

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As part of the application process, each family submits a parent essay, helping us understand alignment with Acacia’s values and expectations.

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2. Academic Readiness & Fit

We prioritise students who are likely to:

  • Benefit from a rigorous academic environment

  • Contribute positively to classroom learning

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Admissions decisions consider:

  • Admissions assessments

  • Student interviews

  • Previous school reports

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3. Sibling Consideration

Where possible, siblings are prioritised to help keep families together.

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4. Affiliate Missionary Families

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

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Grade Placement

Students are almost always placed with their age group. Placement decisions take into account age, previous schooling, and developmental readiness.​

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How to Apply to Acacia International School

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Step 1: Visit the School (Recommended)

Families living in Uganda are encouraged to visit before applying.

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Email: admissions@acaciaschool.org

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Step 2: Submit a Complete Application

A complete application includes:

  • Online Application Form

  • Student Health Form

  • Parent Essay

  • Most recent school report

  • Copy of student passport or Ugandan birth certificate

  • Passport-size photo

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Incomplete applications cannot be reviewed.

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Step 3: Admissions Assessments

  • Short-listed students sit English and Mathematics admissions tests

    • Fee: USD 50 (payable before assessment)

  • English Language Learners in Grades 6–12 must complete the
    WIDA MODEL Online English Proficiency Assessment

    • Fee: USD 40

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Step 4: Admissions Decision

The Admissions Committee reviews completed applications and communicates decisions:

  • Within two weeks of completion (often sooner)

  • August intake:

    • Applications due: March

    • Decisions issued: April

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Mid-year applications are considered as they are received.

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Step 5: Confirmation of Place

Once an offer is made:

  • Families must pay the Admissions Fee within two weeks

  • This secures the student’s place​​

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

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Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you are just beginning your search or ready to apply, our admissions team is here to support you.

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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 it 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 cutoff 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.

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​​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.

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

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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.

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 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.

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Contact the Finance Department

Email: finance@acaciaschool.org

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