QSI Baku International School

Baku International School operates on a mastery learning model, founded on the belief that all students can succeed when provided with the necessary time and resources. The school focuses on "Success Orientations"—including trustworthiness, responsibility, and concern for others—alongside academic mastery. It emphasizes student-centered learning, where time is treated as a resource rather than a boundary, and success is measured by the achievement of clearly defined unit outcomes.

The academic program is structured around Exit Outcomes categorized into Knowledge, Competencies, and Success Orientations. The curriculum covers seven core areas: Mathematics, English/Literature, Cultural Studies, Science, Languages Other Than English, Creative and Applied Arts, and Personal Health. The school offers an Advanced Placement (AP) program and utilizes a mastery-based grading system where students receive 'A', 'B', or 'P' (in progress) grades until they demonstrate full understanding of course content.

The school provides an Intensive English program for students who require additional instruction in verbal and written English to reach academic proficiency. While the school can admit students with limited learning needs, it does not maintain a dedicated resource department. For students with moderate disabilities, the school reviews individual reports and IEPs to determine if it can provide an appropriate program, sometimes requiring families to cover the costs of additional professional services.

Baku International School serves expatriate and local families, offering education based on North American and international standards. Admissions are based on age-appropriate placement for homeroom, while literacy and mathematics are assigned by achievement level. The school requires English language proficiency for secondary students, though it accepts students with no prior English experience from preschool through age 13. Prospective families must provide official transcripts for credit transfers, and preschool applicants must be toilet trained and able to feed themselves.

The school operates on a structured academic calendar, with student status reports sent home five times per year. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled three times annually, once each term. The school provides an online calendar for families to track events and important dates.

Located near the Ganjlik district, the campus is housed in a renovated building that includes a security-screening entry and is built over a seismic-tested bomb shelter. Facilities include a 400-seat auditorium, a gymnasium with basketball and volleyball courts, two libraries with over 16,000 titles, and a makerspace for STEAM activities. Additional amenities include an industrial kitchen and cafeteria, a fitness and cardio room, an Early Childhood center, and outdoor spaces featuring a covered soccer field and gazebos for outdoor learning.

The school emphasizes the development of the "whole child" through its Success Orientations, which include responsibility, trustworthiness, kindness, and group interaction. Students engage in a variety of activities that foster 21st-century skills such as collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. The campus facilities, including a 400-seat auditorium, gymnasium, and makerspace, support a range of student-led initiatives and extracurricular programs.