Comparing 5 schools side by side in USD.
AISD is situated on a 4.5-acre site within the Baridhara Diplomatic Zone of Dhaka. The campus is at 12 United Nations Road, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh. The Baridhara Diplomatic Zone is a designated diplomatic area in Dhaka. Transportation is provided by a bus service for students living within the Diplomatic Zone, including Baridara, Gulshan, and Banani.
Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12
international school
Over 48 nationalities are represented in the student body; 470+ students are enrolled.
The AISD Student Support Team provides a Learning Support Program and EAL (English as an Additional Language) program to support students with identified learning needs; the team includes a psychologist, speech and language consultant, language learning specialists, learning support specialists, counselors, and administrators.
AISD provides a convenient and safe bus transportation option for students residing within the Diplomatic Zone, including Baridara, Gulshan, and Banani. Upon enrollment, the admission team and transport department determine transportation needs. The service is included with tuition and includes a late bus option.
AISD operates its own cafeteria with on-site kitchens offering vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, and Breezeway Cafe serves light snacks after school and on weekends. NorthEnd Coffee Roasters operates a campus coffee shop.
AISD is governed by a Board of Trustees with nine voting members and one non-voting U.S. Ambassador's Representative. Five voting members are U.S. Embassy direct hires, four are open to any nationality. Members are appointed for a minimum of two years with the option to extend annually; the Board handles strategic planning, fiduciary oversight, legal compliance, and the selection and evaluation of the Head of School.
AISD follows IB (PYP and DP) and American Diploma curriculums. The IB Diploma Programme is offered for Grades 11–12, and AISD also offers the AISD High School Diploma as a graduation option. There are three high school pathways: High School Diploma (HSD); HSD + International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) courses; or IBDP. The IB Diploma Programme requires six subjects across groups, plus Theory of Knowledge (ToK) and the Extended Essay; a minimum of 24 points earns the IB Diploma. English is the medium of instruction, with English as an Additional Language support available as needed. Service Learning is compulsory for all graduating AISD students; students not participating in the IB Extended Essay must complete a Senior Project.
435 students are enrolled and 76 faculty members are on staff, giving an approximate student-to-faculty ratio of 5.7 to 1.
The Class of 2025 had a 100% graduation rate. The IB Diploma Programme is the basis of study for the final two years; students on the IBDP Pathway must earn a minimum of 24 points to be awarded the Diploma. AISD reports IB Diploma results and monitors predicted and actual IB scores to inform teaching and learning and external reporting.
AISD states that its high school curriculum enables students to pursue higher education in the United States, Canada and elsewhere around the world. The High School Profile for the Class of 2025 shows 306 total college applications and 160 acceptances, with acceptances to universities across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, Australia and the Republic of Korea. The profile lists numerous U.S. universities to which AISD graduates have been accepted, illustrating a broad range of U.S. matriculation.
Step One: Submitting an Application. Submit an online Application Form and upload all required documents. All records must be in English; translations must be verified by an official translator; parents may not translate records. A completed online application includes a language survey, confidential teacher recommendations sent directly from the current school, health information, immunization records, transcripts for the past three years, standardized test scores, passport and visa copies for the student and both parents, any evaluations, and any documents AISD requests. There is a one-time application processing fee of US$350, payable online or in Dhaka; online payments incur a 3.99% processing fee; submitting an online application does not guarantee admission. Step Two: Placement Assessments. All students from Pre-K3 to Grade 10 complete placement testing. For Pre-K3 and PreK4, on-campus individual screening sessions are required. For KG–Grade 5: virtual MAP testing plus a writing sample, followed by an interview. For Grade 6–Grade 10: virtual MAP testing plus a writing sample, followed by an interview. Step Three: Application Review. After placement tests, the complete file is reviewed by the admissions team for a final decision. Parents are notified of the decision by email. A confirmation of receipt email is sent within three working days after submission of the online application and fee. The working week in Bangladesh is Sunday to Thursday.
AISD does not offer any scholarships at this time.
AISD does not guarantee seats. Only children of U.S. Government direct hire employees are guaranteed seats provided they meet admissions criteria. Prospective families initiate the process by submitting an online application and paying the US$350 processing fee; the file is added to a pool of candidates. If a seat becomes available, placement screening is conducted and the Admissions Review Committee makes a final decision. The process may take several weeks.
The Aga Khan Academy Dhaka sits on a 17-acre site in Bashundara, Dhaka, at Ka-65/1, Kuratoli, Dhaka-1229, Bangladesh.
Kindergarten to Grade 12; Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme (IB World School).
Private, non-profit, non-denominational, co-educational IB World School; residential programme planned to commence from Grade 6.
IB DP students by nationality: USA 26%; Bangladesh 26%; Canada 21%; UK 11%; Australia 9%; Other 7%.
Bangladesh
Non-denominational; AKDN programmes are conducted without regard to faith, origin or gender.
School bus transport is available; cancellations require two months' notice; if cancellations occur, two months' transport fees will be deducted from the deposit.
Residential programme to commence in the future starting from Grade 6; residences will accommodate boarding students and teachers.
The Aga Khan Academy Dhaka is a private, non-profit, non-denominational, co-educational school and is part of the Aga Khan Academies network within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). The school follows a dual-language programme with instruction in English and Bengali.
The school offers an education of an internationally recognised standard of excellence to prepare students to become intellectually curious, globally-minded citizens of the world. The Academy programme develops students who are committed to positive change and are able to understand and analyse complex issues of local, national and global significance. Our curriculum is rigorous and multidisciplinary, fostering intellectual curiosity, creativity, leadership development, social consciousness and a pluralistic sensibility. We prepare students for admission to the best universities in their own countries and abroad. They should have mastered at least two languages, including English. Through the Aga Khan Curricular Strands, cross-disciplinary areas of study have been developed for the network of Aga Khan Academies.
Graduates are well prepared for higher education and to pursue opportunities in an increasingly interdependent world. They are prepared for admission to the best universities in their own countries and abroad.
The Aga Khan Academy Dhaka integrates social-emotional learning as part of its programmes. The Early Years (IB Primary Years Programme) emphasises social-emotional development and personal growth alongside academic learning, with a focus on global citizenship. The curriculum supports social-emotional development through inquiry-based learning and transdisciplinary themes. Routines at home and the home-to-school connection are emphasised to support children's social-emotional well-being. Staff have engaged in professional development focused on social-emotional learning, including a Responsive Classroom workshop that emphasises safe, engaging classrooms and a positive community. Mental well-being is illustrated by student-led initiatives and school programmes, including a Diploma Programme student who authored a booklet on adolescent mental health and school activities to raise awareness.
The Academy follows a dual-language instruction policy in Bangla and English for Dhaka. Students are expected to master at least two languages, including English. Language Week activities include readings in English, Bangla and Hindi, highlighting multilingual learning within the school community.
Mental well-being is a focus at AKA Dhaka, evidenced by student-led initiatives such as a Diploma Programme student authoring a booklet on adolescent mental health. The DP coordinator notes that the Aga Khan Learner Profile emphasises wellbeing and personal growth. Parent workshops address students' mental well-being and ways to support it. The school's wellbeing culture is reinforced by the Athletic Programme, which links physical activity to social and emotional development and resilience.
Safety and security are priorities at AKA Dhaka; the Transportation and Security Manager states that safety comes first and that campus protocols and disciplinary acts are followed. The campus is large and staff remain vigilant about safety-related issues to ensure a safe and secure environment.
1. Grade placement and eligibility. Entry to Nursery (Kindergarten 1) requires the child to be 3 years old by 31 July of the entry year. For Grade 1 entrants, the child must be 6 years old by 31 August and have completed at least three years of nursery education. Admission is based on a multifaceted assessment that evaluates cognitive, literacy, mathematical and leadership abilities and is competitive and merit-based. 2. Applications. Applications are submitted online through the Academy's online application service and there is no application fee. The online form requires: a completed application form; copies of the last two grade reports; birth certificate or passport; vaccination evidence for Junior School; two passport-sized photographs; and the tax return acknowledgment slip of either parent. 3. Assessments and interviews. Prospective Nursery and Kindergarten entrants participate in assessment exercises addressing communication, social and motor skills. Students entering Grades 2–5 take standard assessments in logic, English and mathematics and complete creativity tasks, followed by personal interviews with Junior School staff. Students entering Grades 6–10 take a standard assessment in logic, English, mathematics and problem-solving, plus interviews with Senior School staff. Diploma Programme (DP) applicants undertake a standardised assessment in English, mathematics and logic and an interview with DP coordinators and Senior School staff. 4. Diploma Programme specifics and merit. Applicants for the Diploma Programme must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and a proven record of civic-mindedness and community service. New students are not admitted in the year of the Diploma exam. Admission remains competitive and based on merit.
ISD is at Plot 80, Block E, Bashundhara R/A, Dhaka-1229.
Playgroup (age 2+) through Grade 12.
ISD is a private co-educational IB World School.
32 nationalities represented in the community.
Learning support documentation reviewed as part of admissions.
Uniform ordering during enrolment.
Cafeteria on campus.
International Baccalaureate: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). Inquiry-based learning approach.
1:5
100% MYP pass rate.
Class of 2025 accepted into 18 of the world's top 100 universities.
Learning support documentation reviewed during admissions.
Six-stage process: apply ($250 non-refundable fee), review, assessments (MAP testing, classroom observations), decision, enrolment, begin school. Deadlines: June 1 for August intake, December 1 for January intake.
Scholarship programme available for qualified students.
The school is located at 3307/A, Moulvi Pukur Par, Arakan Road, Chandgaon, Chattogram, Bangladesh. The Chandgaon area is a residential part of the city with road access via Arakan Road. A school transport service began in the 2024-25 session to support student commuting. The address and contact details are publicly listed by the school.
Play, Nursery, KG, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, and Year 4. The curriculum is Cambridge-based and integrated with Islamic Education, with the program leading to O- and A-Levels.
Private international school offering Cambridge Curriculum integrated with Islamic Education.
Approximately 200+ students are enrolled across seven classes, but there is no public listing of nationalities or the local-to-international ratio.
Public SEN provisions are not listed. The published curriculum includes standard subjects such as English, Bangla, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Islamic Studies, Quran/Tajweed, Arabic, ICT, and ECA, with no explicit mention of dedicated SEN facilities.
Bangladesh
Islamic education is integrated into the curriculum, including Tajweed, Quran and Arabic language components.
The school operates on a July–June academic year (Play to Year 4 in the current session). Daily start and end times are not published on public pages.
There is a school transport service; a transport service was started in September 2024 to support student commuting.
Uniforms: Students are required to wear the school dress for classes and school functions. Specific uniform colors and where to purchase are not provided on the site.
There is a Food Court on campus offering quality foods.
Governance and ownership: The principal is listed as Col. Mohammad Quasem psc (Retd.) in the role of Principal (Honorary). The site also lists an Advisory Committee in the navigation, but no explicit ownership or group affiliation is stated.
Al Hekmah International School offers an integrated Cambridge Assessment International Education curriculum with Islamic studies, leading to Cambridge O-Level and A-Level qualifications. The curriculum runs from Nursery to Year 4, with foundational subjects such as Literacy, Bangla, Numeracy, Understanding the World, Islamic Studies, Quran Tilawah, and Extra Curricular Activities. From Year 1 onward, core subjects include English, Bangla, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science, with Geography introduced in Year 3 and 4, and Arabic Language, ICT, and continued ECAs alongside Islamic Studies and Quran & Tajweed. Islamic Education is designed to develop Aqeedah, Fiqh, Akhlaq, proper Qur'an recitation with Tajweed, and proficiency in Arabic and English. The program emphasizes holistic development with a well-resourced campus, a library, science and computer labs, and small class sizes of 15–20 students.
The school supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a 'care and compassion' approach to teaching, the inclusion of 'Life Skills' in the learning framework, and by offering Parenting Sessions and regular knowledge-sharing discussions for parents.
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision.
English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is not described as a formal EAL program; English language development is supported through English instruction in the curriculum and a 'Spoken English' activity to assist learners with weaker English.
The school emphasizes holistic development including cognitive, emotional, physical and mental fitness as part of its mission.
There is no explicit safeguarding or child protection policy publicly available on the site. The Policy page lists general guidelines rather than safeguarding procedures.
1. Two admission methods are used. For Play Group, an interview or verbal assessment is conducted. For Nursery through Year 3, a written assessment is conducted along with an interview. This approach helps assess readiness and potential while ensuring alignment with the school's pace of learning.
2. Age-based placement follows: Play Group 3+, Nursery 4+, KG 5+, Year 1 6+, Year 2 7+, Year 3 8+. The principal may place a pupil in a different Year Group based on verbal and written assessment.
3. Applications can be submitted either physically or online. The online application form is available via the Application Form link. Required documents include the birth certificate, proof of address, student photo, photocopy of a parent's NID, parent's photo, and the previous school report if available, along with payment of the admission fee.
4. After submission, applicants receive an automatic email reply confirming successful submission. For any inquiries, contact details are provided by the school to assist applicants.
The school does not publish information on any existing scholarships.
The school does not publish information on any existing waitlist.
Haileybury Bhaluka is located in the Dhamshur Economic Zone in Mymensingh, approximately 75 kilometers north of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. The campus is situated on an expansive green landscape, providing a quiet, natural environment away from the city center. For families traveling from the capital, the school grounds are accessible via the main Dhaka-Mymensingh highway.
The school caters to students aged 11 to 18, starting from Year 7 through to Year 13. The academic structure begins with a lower secondary curriculum for Years 7 to 9, transitions into the IGCSE programme in Years 10 and 11, and concludes with the IB Diploma Programme in the Sixth Form.
Haileybury Bhaluka is a fully residential, co-educational boarding school. All enrolled students live on campus in dedicated boarding houses, which are supervised by resident house parents, assistant housemasters, and a pastoral care team.
The school features a dedicated Learning Support Department that provides individual assessments and one-on-one assistance for students in a quiet environment. Specialist teachers offer targeted support for various educational needs, including help with English language proficiency, and work directly with parents to communicate and implement individualized learning plans.
The school is directly affiliated with Haileybury in the United Kingdom and delivers a British-based international curriculum.
Haileybury Bhaluka does not have a specific religious affiliation and welcomes students from all backgrounds and belief systems.
Because it is a full boarding environment, the daily schedule integrates classroom lessons with co-curricular activities and dedicated evening study times. Students balance their core academic subjects with scheduled blocks for sports, arts, meals, and supervised activities within their respective boarding houses.
As Haileybury Bhaluka is a fully residential boarding school, it does not operate a daily bus service for student commuting.
Full boarding facilities with state-of-the-art campus.
Affiliated with Haileybury, UK.
IGCSE and IB Diploma Programme. Cambridge programmes, Pearson/Edexcel qualifications.
Prepares students for top universities globally.
Currently accepting applications for boys and girls.
Scholarship opportunities available.