American International School of Johannesburg
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$10K - US$38K
Curriculum: American · IB
Age Range: 3-18
Students: ~771
Location: Diepsloot, North Johannesburg, Johannesburg
Updated April 2026
In Brief
If you are on a corporate package and want a genuinely international community from day one, AISJ is the default choice for Johannesburg. Self-funding families should weigh the US$11K capital fee carefully against the running costs.
AISJ sits squarely in the embassy-affiliated mould: a small school (around 771 students) with a US-aligned calendar, the American diploma, and the IB Diploma Programme for senior students. The 2025 IB average of 33.0 places it among Africa's strongest performers. Around 55% of students are non-American internationals, which makes the community genuinely diverse rather than a US bubble.
The Diepsloot campus is purpose-built and spacious - good facilities, small classes capped around 18 students, and a sport-arts-service model that keeps students engaged beyond lessons. The school runs its own bus routes covering Sandton, Bryanston, and Fourways, which matters in a city where driving kids across town takes real time.
Cost is the honest trade-off. The new-student capital fee of ZAR 209,475 on top of annual tuition of ZAR 522,709 - ZAR 703,494 puts this at the premium end of Johannesburg's international market. Teacher nationalities skew towards South Africa (41%), so ask about international staff proportion if continuity with a global curriculum matters to you.
What parents value
- –Genuinely international student body - 34% American, 55% third-country nationals, 10% South African. Strong diversity from day one.
- –IB average of 33.0 in 2025 (Africa top 5). American diploma option gives flexibility for US university applications.
- –Small classes (around 18), US Department of State affiliation, and MSA accreditation. Established since 1982 with strong alumni network.
Points of consideration
- –New-student capital fee of ZAR 209,475 is non-refundable and payable upfront on top of annual tuition. Total year-one cost at high school level exceeds ZAR 900,000.
- –Diepsloot location is north of the city - convenient for families in Fourways or Midrand, but a long commute from Rosebank, Sandton central, or the East Rand.
- –Boarding is not available at the Johannesburg campus. Families needing a live-in option should ask about the Pretoria campus arrangements.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Kindergarten (PK3 & PK4) | 3 | NaN |
| Elementary School (Kindergarten - Grade 5) | 5 | NaN |
| Middle School (Grades 6-8) | 11 | NaN |
| High School (Grades 9-10) | 14 | NaN |
| High School (Grades 11-12) | 16 | NaN |
Fees converted from ZAR. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | NaN |
| Holding Deposit (offset against fees) | NaN |
| New Student Capital Fee | NaN |
Academic Results
| IB Average (2025) | 33.0 |
Key results: IB Average (2025) 33.0.
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's interests.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Johannesburg's international schools serve a highly diverse student body drawn from across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Contact the school for current enrolment and nationality breakdown details.
Leadership
School leadership
Contact the school for details.