Primary education in Tunisia starts at the age of 6 years and lasts for 6 years. Primary education in Tunisia is part of basic education and is free and compulsory. There are many primary schools in Tunisia, both private or public. Several international schools offer an international curriculum. The academic year in primary schools runs from September/ October to June/ July. Students are frequently tested as they progress t each stage or trimester, through oral and written tests, and practical examinations.
- Ages : 6-12 years
- Grades : Grade 1-6
- Duration of study : 6 years
- Primary Languages : Arabic
- Terms : 3 terms
- Admission Term : throughout the year
Primary students in Tunisia are introduced to the fundamental knowledge of arithmetic, reading, writing and speaking, artistic, religious, and civic education, to mention but a few.
Curriculum - The primary education curriculum in Tunisia includes a variety of subjects including History, Arabic language, civics, mathematics, French, technical education, Islamic studies, music, scientific awareness, geography, mathematics, science, history, religion, physical education, and art education, to mention but a few.
There are many public, private, and private schools offering primary school education including in Tunisia as follows:
CIS International School of Tunis – this is an international school located in Tunis that focuses on individualized learning for students. It aims to teach children to be critical thinkers who can collaborate with other students from diverse cultural backgrounds, and work creatively to solve challenges and discover their purpose and passions.
- Address: Rue Des Usines, Charguia 1, Tunis, Tunisia
- Language of instruction: English
- Type: co-educational, non-profit
- Tuition fees: 8 500 Euros per year
- Terms: 3
- Learning hours: 8.00 am- 4.00 pm Monday to Friday
- Membership and accreditation: Cambridge International Examinations Board, Cognia
Learning here is tailored according to the individual needs of children and their learning styles. Primary education here is divided into Key Stage 1 (KS1), and Key Stage 2 (KS2). Key Stage 1 encompasses Years 1 and 2 for children aged 5 to 7 years. It covers various subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Computing, Languages, PE, Art and Design, Drama, Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship, and Economic Education (PSHCE) and Music, to mention but a few.
Key Stage 2 is the second stage of Primary School and encompasses years 3 to 6, for children aged 8-11 years. There are 3 core subjects, namely, Maths, English, and Science. Other subjects offered include History, Geography, Computing, Languages, PE, Art and Design, Drama, Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship and Economic Education (PSHCE), and Music. The Cambridge Primary Curriculum is followed from Year 3 to 6 in all subjects. All areas of learning and development here are implemented through planned, purposeful play, Child initiated activities, teacher-led activities, and Individual learning targets.
Prospective students- parents of prospective students intending to enroll here must Submit a complete application form with all the required documents:
- An Application form
- 4 Passport size photograph (3 cm * 4 cm)
- Passport photocopy (for Non- Tunisian applicants)
- Birth Certificate
- Birth certificate
- Good Health Certificate from doctor
- Vaccinations Record copy
- Photocopy of parents’ IDs
- An Official transcript from the previous school (if available)
Carthage Classical Academy
This is an English-medium international school offering a well-rounded American education for students from preschool through 12th grade. The school aims to provide a well-rounded American education in a Tunisian context and produce leaders with a global mindset. The school has a non-discrimination policy and admits students of any race, creed, color, nationality, or ethnicity.
- Address: 15 Rue Ibn Taymia, Menzah 4, Tunis
- established: 2013
- Grade : 1-6
- Duration of study: 6 years
- Primary Languages: English
- Terms : 3 terms
- Admission Term: throughout the year
Why CIS?
- A safe, caring, loving, and well-resourced learning environment.
- A holistic program for children to reach their full potential.
- Offers the well renowned Cambridge or British International English curriculum.
- international focus with respect for diversity.
- Offers a fun learning experience using the latest technology.
- variety of enrichment and extra-curricular activities
- Internationally minded, qualified, and committed teachers.
The Primary school section aims to build a strong foundation for the future learning of the students. The qualified staff here creates learning experiences that are meant to optimize the learning experience.
American Cooperative School of Tunis
This is a non-profit independent international school in Tunis, Tunisia offering an American curriculum from pre-kindergarten to the 12th grade. The school aims to inspire a passion for learning while endowing students with the expertise and confidence to pursue their vision in a global society.
Elementary-school section
- Established: 1959
- Address: BP 150 Cite Taeib M'hiri, Laouina 2045 Tunis, Tunisia
- Duration of study: 6 years
- Student Population: 200
- International Student Population: 40 nationalities
- Primary Languages: French
- Terms : 3 terms
- Accreditation: Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA)
The elementary section here focuses on building a strong foundation of learning and provides unique learning experiences for students from preschool to Grade 5. The language of instruction here is French. Core subjects offered here include literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. Other subjects include visual art, music, Physical Education, English as an Additional Language, Digital Citizenship, and World Language. German and Arabic (Modern Standard Arabic) is also offered for students who speak these as their native language.
Prospective students- the following documents are required from parents who wish to enroll their children in the school.
- A copy of the student's passport (information page )
- Student passport size photo
- Parents passport size photo
- Student Medical Form
- Copy of the Immunization Record
- A copy of each parent’s passport (information page )
- An ACST Confidential Reference Form for each child (from the previous school)
- Previous School Records/Transcripts/Test Reports for the last three school years (where applicable).
- Standardized achievement test scores.
- Psychological, educational, or special education evaluations or records, IEP, or existing individual learning plans.
Note that If the documents are not in English, French, or Arabic they should be translated by an official translator or public notary.
Tuition and Fees- below are some of the fees that are to be paid by elementary students enrolled here. Tuition is charged in US dollars and must be paid before the start of the school year.
Tuition: elementary school (kindergarten - grade 5) $23 246
non-refundable fees
capital fee (grades k-12) $1 150
application fee $200
deposit for incidentals $250
Extracurricular activities- the school offers opportunities for students to participate in a wide range of After School Activities, sports activities, and clubs. These include Volleyball, Soccer, Swimming, Basketball, Cross Country, Track and Field, arts and crafts, drama, musical theater, free play gardening, baseball, taekwondo, papercraft, to mention but a few
