
American International School of Cape Town
Secular, Founded 1997
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
Languages
The American International School of Cape Town is a private, not-for-profit, co-educational institution founded in 1997 that serves students aged 2 to 18. It provides a rigorous, American-based university-prep curriculum to a diverse community of approximately 580 students.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school is guided by three pillars of character: respect, responsibility, and integrity. It aims to provide a diverse learning community that empowers students with the confidence to positively impact the world. The educational approach focuses on inquiry-based learning, fostering student agency, curiosity, and critical thinking.
Programmes
The school offers a comprehensive American curriculum across four sections: Early Childhood Development (Grizzly Cubs to Kindergarten 1), Elementary School (Kindergarten 2 to Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12). High school students may pursue a USA High School Diploma and have access to College Board Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including the AP Capstone Program. Instruction is supported by standards such as Common Core for English and Math, NGSS for Science, and ACTFL for world languages.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides a learning support program designed to assist students with diverse needs. Teachers utilize differentiated instruction to adapt lessons to various learning styles, ensuring both academic rigor and accessibility for all students. The faculty includes specialists dedicated to English Language Learning (ELL) and student counseling to support holistic development.
Frequently asked questions(6)
- What curriculum does American International School of Cape Town offer?
- American International School of Cape Town offers Advanced Placement.
- How much is tuition at American International School of Cape Town?
- Annual tuition at American International School of Cape Town is ZAR 80.9K–ZAR 296.1K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does American International School of Cape Town teach?
- American International School of Cape Town enrolls students aged 2 to 18.
- What accreditations does American International School of Cape Town hold?
- American International School of Cape Town holds accreditations including WASC and CIS.
- Is American International School of Cape Town co-educational?
- American International School of Cape Town is a co-ed school.
- Where is American International School of Cape Town located?
- American International School of Cape Town is an international school in Cape Town, South Africa.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Grizzly Cubs Half-Day | 2–3 | ZAR 80.9K |
| Grizzly Cubs Full-Day | 2–3 | ZAR 115.5K |
| Kindergarten 1 & 2 | 4–5 | ZAR 160.6K |
| Grades 1-5 | 6–10 | ZAR 211.6K |
| Grades 6-8 | 11–13 | ZAR 249.7K |
| Grades 9-12 | 14–18 | ZAR 296.1K |
Source:PDFAISCT-School-Fees-2026-2027.pdfPDFWorld-ReadinessStandardsforLearningLanguages.pdfPDFWIDA-ELD-Standards-Framework-2020.pdfPDFsocialstudies.pdf
Other fees(6)
| Application fee· Non-refundable application fee. | ZAR 1.5K |
|---|---|
| Deposit· Non-refundable advance seat deposit, deductible from tuition fee if paid in full or credited towards Semester 2. | ZAR 20K |
| Registration fee· Capital fee paid annually for five consecutive years by students joining Kindergarten 1 through Grade 12. | ZAR 50K |
| Bus / transport· Annual bus fare (or R22,000 per semester). | ZAR 44K |
| EAL· Once-off fee for newly enrolled English Language Learners (ELL). | ZAR 26.5K |
| Enrolment fee· Learning Support fee paid annually by newly enrolled students. | ZAR 25K |
Discounts
- Early-bird discount: 3%
- Full-payment discount: 5%
Admissions
The school welcomes inquiries and personal campus tours, which can be arranged by contacting the admissions team. Prospective families are encouraged to review the admissions policy and fee information available on the school website. The admissions process includes a grade placement assessment to ensure appropriate enrollment for students.
Calendar
The school operates on a northern hemisphere academic calendar, with the school year beginning in August and concluding in June. The school day runs from 08h00 to 14h50, Monday through Thursday, and ends at 13h45 on Fridays to accommodate teacher professional development.
Facilities
About the campus
Located on a 28-acre campus in Constantia Hills, the school features facilities including a Little Theatre—a historical landmark—and various sports and academic spaces. The campus is equipped with modern security systems, including 24-hour on-site security, CCTV monitoring, and license plate recognition. Sustainability initiatives include solar panels, LED lighting, and a water collection system that utilizes rainwater and groundwater.
Co-curriculars
Students have access to a wide range of after-school activities, which typically take place between 15h00 and 17h00 on weekdays. Offerings include traditional core subjects as well as specialized programs such as robotics, design technology, musical theater, band, and vocals. The school also emphasizes sports, arts, and service learning as integral parts of the student experience.
- Dr. Daniel JubertHead of School
- Peter ThorpeUpper School Principal
Peter Thorpe has 19 years of experience as an upper school principal and vice-principal in Germany, China, and the UAE. He holds a master’s degree in international education from Endicott College and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta.
- Rachel RubioLower School Principal
Rachel Rubio joined AISCT in July 2023, having previously served as a preschool and elementary administrator at the American School of Valencia in Spain and as an elementary principal and assistant principal in Colorado for ten years. She holds a master’s degree in school leadership and administration from the University of Colorado and a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Texas-El Paso.
- Dr. Porsha ChildsDirector of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation
Dr. Porsha Childs joined AISCT in March 2023, bringing over a decade of classroom experience and a background in psychology, education, and linguistics. She has designed and implemented numerous co-curricular programs and is passionate about expanding learning beyond the classroom.
- Julian SaundersTechnology Director
Julian Saunders holds a Master of Science degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and has a background in research, including primate evolution and conservation. He promotes the use of technology, such as coding and robotics, to help students solve problems and tackle global challenges.
- Gillian RabiePerforming Arts Director
- Robyn KlaasenSports & Activities Director
More international schools in Cape Town
- International School of Cape TownCambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary, IGCSE
- Hout Bay International SchoolIB PYP, IB MYP, IB Diploma
- IES Hout Bay International SchoolIB PYP, IB MYP, IB Diploma
- Blouberg International SchoolBritish EYFS, Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary
- Reddam House ConstantiaIB PYP
- SACS High SchoolIGCSE, Cambridge A-Level
Advanced Placement
WASC
CIS