American Cooperative School of Tunis
ACSTSecular, Founded 1959
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
IB DiplomaAccreditations
Middle States AssociationLanguages
EnglishThe American Cooperative School of Tunis is a private, independent, American-curriculum school serving international and Tunisian students. Accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges and the International Baccalaureate Organization, it provides a comprehensive education from elementary through high school.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school's mission is to inspire a passion for learning while endowing students with the expertise and confidence to pursue dreams in a global society. It emphasizes a well-rounded education that values academics, athletics, the arts, and service to the community. The school is guided by core values including respect, compassion, curiosity, integrity, and grit.
Programmes
The school offers a structured curriculum spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels. It utilizes inquiry-based learning, concept-driven instruction, and interdisciplinary connections across subjects including reading, writing, mathematics, science, social science, and the arts. In grades 11 and 12, students follow the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
Outcomes
The school is authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for students in grades 11 and 12. Over the last five years, the school has maintained a 91% IBDP pass rate, preparing graduates for success in their continuing education.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides counseling services and maintains learning centers (libraries) to support student academic needs. Dedicated educators utilize inquiry-based learning, concept-driven instruction, and the workshop model to provide daily opportunities for students to explore and comprehend the world around them.
Frequently asked questions(7)
- What curriculum does American Cooperative School of Tunis offer?
- American Cooperative School of Tunis offers IB Diploma.
- How much is tuition at American Cooperative School of Tunis?
- Annual tuition at American Cooperative School of Tunis is $7.5K–$26.8K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does American Cooperative School of Tunis teach?
- American Cooperative School of Tunis enrolls students aged 3 to 18.
- Is American Cooperative School of Tunis a day or boarding school?
- American Cooperative School of Tunis is a day school.
- What accreditations does American Cooperative School of Tunis hold?
- American Cooperative School of Tunis holds accreditations including Middle States Association and IB.
- Is American Cooperative School of Tunis co-educational?
- American Cooperative School of Tunis is a co-ed school.
- Where is American Cooperative School of Tunis located?
- American Cooperative School of Tunis is an international school in Tunis, Tunisia.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Kindergarten 1 - Half Day | — | $7.5K |
| Pre-Kindergarten 1 & 2 – Full-Day | — | $12.5K |
| Elementary School (Kindergarten - Grade 5) | — | $23.9K |
| Middle School (Grades 6-8) | — | $25.5K |
| High School (Grades 9-12) | — | $26.8K |
Other fees(9)
| Application fee· New applicants only. One-time fee paid upon admission. | $200 |
|---|---|
| Registration fee· Registration Fee for New Enrollment (Grades K-12). One-time fee paid upon admissions to grades K-12. Maximum fee per family is $12,000. | $6K |
| Deposit· Deposit for Incidentals. Covers broken, lost or damaged items; transfer fees charged by banks, overage of lunch or snack bar charges. Refunded when the family leaves. | $250 |
| Enrolment fee· Capital Fee (Grades K-12). Supports campus development and facility improvements. | $1.3K |
| Deposit· Reservation Fee for Returning Students ONLY. A re-enrollment deposit payable in May each year to guarantee a seat. | $500 |
| Bus / transport· Full-time/Full-year (Morning pick-up AND afternoon drop-off) transportation fee. | $1.6K |
| Bus / transport· Full-time/Half-year OR Half-time/Full-year (Morning pick-up OR afternoon drop-off only) transportation fee. | $850 |
| Bus / transport· Athletic Late Bus (5:40 p.m.) per season. | $150 |
| Meals· Lunch for Elementary and Middle School can be charged with tuition or invoiced separately if requested. | — |
Admissions
The school maintains an open admissions policy, welcoming students of all nationalities and backgrounds. The application process may require academic records, standardized test scores, and teacher recommendations, with specific requirements varying by grade level. Prospective families are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office to arrange a campus tour.
Calendar
The school year typically runs from August through June. The daily schedule operates from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with after-school activities available until 4:00 PM and high school athletics beginning at 4:00 PM. Detailed academic and event calendars are available on the school's website.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus features modern and continuously improving facilities, including dedicated athletic facilities and learning centers (libraries). The school provides comprehensive support services, including a cafeteria, transportation services, IT support, and health services. The site also includes specialized spaces for arts and extracurricular activities.
Co-curriculars
ACST offers a diverse array of after-school activities, clubs, and organizations, with 97.8% of students participating in these programs or athletics. Offerings include sports, arts, music, community service initiatives, and Model United Nations (MUN). These programs are designed to foster personal growth, build self-confidence, and develop essential life skills.
- Dr. Zak PalshaSuperintendent
Dr. Zak Palsha has served as the ACST Superintendent since July 2023. Prior to his appointment at ACST, he served as a Head of School in Kuwait for 8 years and has experience as a school principal for all levels in the US and internationally.
- Dr. Lauren DillardElementary School Principal
Dr. Lauren Dillard brings over 17 years of experience in education, with a focus on curriculum development, instructional leadership, and assessment. She has worked across diverse educational contexts including the United States, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and now Tunisia.
- Chris BoyleSecondary School Principal
Chris Boyle graduated from Colorado State University and has served as a secondary administrator at schools in Bangladesh and China before joining ACST. He is passionate about experiential learning and has a background in history and educational leadership.
- Kate WoodElementary School Assistant Principal
Kate Wood has 17 years of experience in education, including roles as a classroom teacher and secondary assistant principal in the USA, Panama, and India. She is in her seventh year at ACST and holds dual Master's degrees in Elementary Education and Educational Leadership.
- Ryan JeffersonSecondary School Assistant Principal
Ryan Jefferson has 20 years of experience in education, primarily as a secondary school administrator. His previous roles include Dean of Students, Director of Student Life, and Middle School Principal.
- Rebecca RiddleAthletics & Activities Director
Becky Riddle has over 18 years of experience coaching varsity athletes and previously taught physical education and health in Cairo and Las Vegas. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and two Master's degrees in Administrative Leadership and Curriculum and Instruction.
- Zied MaatarDirector of Finance
Zied Maatar is the Director of Finance at ACST.
- Rihab AfritHuman Resources Manager
Rihab is an HR and psychology professional with extensive experience in Human Resources across multiple countries. She serves as a leadership facilitator and focuses on talent leadership and organizational development.
- Feriel HelalLogistics Manager
Feriel has been with the school since 2011, serving in various roles including bus monitor, teacher assistant, counselor assistant, and admissions officer before becoming the Logistics Manager in 2024. She oversees transportation, the canteen, and the supply room.
- Mourad Ben AmorSafety and Security Manager
Mourad Ben Amor has over 17 years of military experience and has held security leadership roles in various industries and NGOs. He is skilled in risk management, security operations, and personnel management.
- Sameh RomdhaniIT Manager
Sameh Romdhani is an ITIL v4 certified IT Manager entering his seventh year at ACST. He holds a bachelor's degree in Telecommunications and Networks and has previous experience at companies including Fidelity Investments, Sungard, and HP.
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