Cities / Almaty / Tien Shan International School
Tien Shan International School
A small, not-for-profit Christian school in the Karasai district south of Almaty, founded in 1995 and operating K-12 with CIS and ASIC accreditation. Class sizes average 15 students, and fees are available on request.
In brief
Small American-curriculum K to 12 school founded in 1995 by expat families, teaching in English with an explicit Christian worldview. Around 170 students.
AP and SAT pathway with university placements across the US, Canada, Europe and Asia. ACSI and MSA-CESS accredited. Member of the Association of Christian Schools International, which is the defining feature for both the families it attracts and those who rule it out.
Fees sit in the lower band for Almaty international schools, roughly 2.3 to 5.6 million KZT, reflecting the small scale and faith-based mission rather than a premium-resourced model. The right fit for missionary, NGO and faith-aligned expat families who want a values-explicit American education and tight community. Not the right fit for families who want a secular, internationally branded school.
Reviews
A small Christian school in the Karasai district, running an American programme with optional AP. Started in 1995 by expat families serving in Central Asia and still set up around that community: roughly 160 pupils across K to 12, very small classes, a family feel rather than a corporate one. Strong on character formation and pastoral attention; the trade in is brand prestige, an IB or A Level pathway, and an easy city commute.
Positives
- Small community feel. Around 160 pupils, classes average about 15. Children are known by name, and the K to 12 footprint means siblings stay on one campus through to graduation.
- Christian character and values. Faith and character formation sit at the centre of the school, alongside academics. Families who want that environment, and who are comfortable with it threading through the school day, tend to settle in quickly.
- Academic programme. American college-prep curriculum with an Optional AP International Diploma. Four years of language, social science, maths, English and science in the high school, plus arts and music. Designed for US-style university applications.
- Accreditation footprint. Member of the Council of International Schools and the Association of Christian Schools International, with MSA accreditation. Diplomas are recognised for US college admissions.
Considerations
- Location and commute. Semi-rural site south of Almaty near Dolan village. Quiet setting and mountain views, but a real drive from central Almaty, and a car or school transport is effectively required.
- Curriculum scope. No IB Diploma and no A Levels. Families aiming at UK, European or Asian university systems sometimes find the American pathway a less direct fit.
- Staffing model. Teachers come through Christian sending organisations on a support-raised basis rather than conventional salaried contracts. It draws committed staff and keeps fees low, but turnover is tied to family postings as much as classroom factors.
Leadership
Christine Wicker
Christine Wicker is the current Director of Tien Shan International School. She has been involved in school leadership during a period focused on organizational development and child safety initiatives. Her professional background includes significant experience in communications and advocacy, and she has recently overseen the implementation of updated child safety handbooks and community engagement strategies at the school.
Accreditations
- Association of Christian Schools International 01
- Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools 02
Academic results
- Accreditation CIS, ASIC
- Leaving qualifications Advanced Academic Diploma, General Academic Diploma
Location
Karasai District, Raimbek Rural District, South of Village Dolan, Almaty Region 040922, Kazakhstan