Cities / Cairo / American International School in Egypt
American International School in Egypt
One of Cairo's largest schools, the American International School in Egypt relocated in September 2025 from New Cairo to a purpose-built 51,500 sq m campus in Uptown Cairo, a hilltop development by Emaar. The school offers an American Diploma and…
In brief
AISE is the largest American-system school in Cairo, with the main campus in 5th Settlement and a sister West Campus in Sheikh Zayed, around 1,880 students on the main site.
American high school diploma from KG to Grade 12, IB Diploma optional in Grades 11 and 12, CIS-accredited. Strong on extracurriculars and sport, and the campus facilities are among the better-equipped in Cairo. Established 1990, so there is a long alumni track and university placement record.
Family signal is mixed and worth weighing honestly. Long-tenured families and many expats rate it as the strongest American school in Cairo for academics and breadth. A different camp of families says teaching quality has slipped and that some hires are below the standard the fees suggest. The pattern fits a large school where experience varies by division and grade. Visit the specific division your child is entering, ask about teacher retention, and meet the homeroom or subject lead before committing.
Fees
| Fee | Age | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 4 | Annual | EGP 90,000 |
| Grades 1-3 | 6 | Annual | EGP 100,000 |
| Grades 4-6 | 9 | Annual | EGP 105,000 |
| Grades 7-9 | 12 | Annual | EGP 110,000 |
| Grades 10-12 (American Diploma / IB) | 15 | Annual | EGP 110,000 |
Reviews
- Cairo-based PreK-12 school running an American curriculum and IB Diploma, founded 1990, with the main campus in 5th Settlement (New Cairo) and a separate West Campus in 6th of October City.
- Parent reviews are polarised. Long-tenured families describe consistent academic and personal development. One parent of a 14-year cohort said there had been no problems with their son's education or development.
- The negative pole is consistent: "used to be a good school," with multiple parents flagging declining standards, low-quality teachers, and management problems. Two reviews on directory sites used some of the harshest language we've seen on AISE, with one telling other families not to enrol.
- Older Reddit signal positions AISE as the embassy-circuit alternative to higher-tier Cairo American College. A 2016 r/politics comment said AISE drew children of ministers, businessmen and foreign military stationed in Cairo.
- AISE is repeatedly grouped with CAC, NCBIS, BISC and Cairo English School in r/Teachers shortlists of Cairo IB schools, but treated as a step below CAC in prestige.
- Two-campus structure means experiences vary by site. Reviews do not always specify which campus, which makes clean theme-by-theme synthesis harder.
Head of school
Elizabeth Johnston
Elizabeth Johnston is the High School Principal at the American International School in Egypt, where she leads a dedicated team of educators in providing a rigorous academic environment. With a focus on student success and well-being, she fosters a culture of inquiry and engagement among students and staff alike.
Accreditations
- Council of International Schools 01
Academic results
- IB Diploma 2020 pass rate 100%
- IB Diploma 2020 average total points 35
- IB Diploma 2020 average grade obtained 5.61
- SAT overall score 2019 1060