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Many expats in Cyprus send their children to private, international schools so they will find themselves among other students speaking the same language, and also have access to high quality education. International schools tend to offer smaller class sizes, more selection when it comes to extracurricular activities, and more attention to each individual student's needs. However, always check each school's CoIS accreditation in order to determine the credibility and quality of each school.

Schools are often based on the US or UK model of education, and many offer either a US system or IB program designed to prepare students for a college education abroad, usually in the US or UK.

Though there will be some local Cypriot students (usually from wealthy families) registered at the private schools, the institutions are mostly designed to cater to international students and families.

The following documents are usually required to register your child with an international school:

• Passport (with at least six months before expiry)
• Non-immigrant ED visa
• All documentation and records from the previous school your child attended
• Birth certificate
• Health certificate
• Immunisation records

Accreditation Associations for International Schools in Cyprus

• Council of International Schools (CoIS) is a non-profit association of international schools and post-secondary institutions which provides educational accreditation to international schools throughout the country, as well as teacher recruitment services, governance assistance, and help with establishing new international schools.
• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) is in charge of accrediting American schools in Cyprus.
• European Council of International Schools (ECIS) gives additional credentials to organizations covered by the first two council and associations.

List of International Schools in Nicosia

The list below ranks the top international schools in Nicosia; there are additional institutions in Larnaca, Limassol, Paralimni, and Paphos.

American International School of Cyprus (AISC)
Address: PO Box 23847 - 11 Kassos Street
1086 Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: 357-22316345
Tuition Rates: 4,635 13,080 euros per year

An American international school, AISC provides serves children from kindergarten to the 12th grade. Instruction is in English and the curriculum is based on the American system, as well as offering the IB program. The school is accredited by MSA, member of ECIS, and is approved by the Cyprus Ministry of Education.

The American College (AEC)
Address: 2 & 3 Omirou Avenue / P.O. Box 22425
1521 Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: 357 - 22661122
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

The American College was founded in 1975 and is based on the American curriculum and system. The school is well known for its transfer opportunities to many prestigious American, British, Canadian, Australian and European Universities.

American Academy Nicosia
Address: 3A Michael Parides Street / PO Box 21967,
Ayios Andreas, Nicosia / 1515 Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: 22-664266
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

The American Academy was founded in 1922 as a finishing school, but has since become coeducational. It is now a private English-speaking Christian school for grades preschool through high school. The curriculum is based on the National Curriculum Guidelines for England. Uniforms required.

The Falcon School

Address: P.O. Box 23640 -1685 Nicosia
Tel.: +357 22 496271, 422398

The Falcon School was founded in 1976, and boasts extensive facilities for studying languages, the sciences, arts, music, and a wide range of sports. The school's curriculum is taught in English; entrance exams are held in order to determine admission.

French International School in Nicosia

Ecole Franco Chypriote de Nicosie
Address: 20 Konstantinou Kavafi street
Aglantzia Nicosia - Cyprus
Tel: 22-459333
Tuition Rates: €2,530 - 5,400 per year

A French language school that is under the joint supervision of the Agency for French Teaching Abroad (EFMA) and the French Ministry of National Education. Serves students from Junior Kindergarten (2 years) to bachelor. French curriculum or a bilingual French-Greek curriculum, with some classes in English.

Kindergarten to secondary school.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The IB program is offered by a number of private schools. It is taught under the supervision of the International Baccalaureate Organisation. All students study languages, social science, experimental science, mathematics and arts.

The IB is divided into three programmes covering the following age ranges:

• Primary Years Programme (PYP) ages 3-12
• Middle Years Programme (MYP) ages 11-16
• Diploma Programme (DP) ages 16-18