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Cambridge curriculum · Dushanbe
Preschool to middle school, taught in English
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About Qalam International School
In short: Qalam International School is a private, secular, co-ed international school in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. It offers Cambridge. Stages: preschool, primary and middle school (ages 5–13). Taught in English.
Qalam International School (QIS) is a private day school in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, located on Guldast Street near the Pedagogical University. It is registered with Cambridge International as an approved Cambridge school and follows the Cambridge Pathway for its academic programme. QIS takes children from the pre-school year, at around five and six years old, through primary school, and its enrolment form for 2026-27 lists places from Pre-school up to Grade 7. The school describes its approach as individualised: teachers try to adapt the programme to each pupil's needs and pace, and a mentorship scheme pairs pupils with experienced staff for academic support and personal guidance. The teaching team combines local and international educators, including a Cambridge coordinator, an English department, a science lab teacher, a Russian teacher and a school psychologist. Families pay a single tuition that, according to the school, covers extracurricular activities, a morning snack and lunch, books and school, sports and winter uniforms. Scholarships are offered to primary pupils who score highly in the entrance exam. Information and enrolment forms are available in English, Russian and Tajik.
- Type
- Private
- Faith
- Secular
- Gender
- Co-ed
- Ages
- 5–13
- Approach
- General Curriculum
Fees at Qalam International School
Curriculum and languages
International programmes
Qalam is an approved Cambridge International School registered to deliver programmes and qualifications from the Cambridge Pathway. Pupils follow the Cambridge curriculum from primary school onwards, coordinated by a dedicated Cambridge coordinator, with English as the main language of learning. The school presents this choice as a way of giving children in Dushanbe an internationally recognised education and a smooth route to later Cambridge stages.
Languages
English is the main language of instruction at Qalam, as befits a Cambridge school, and the English department is led by a head of department supported by several English teachers. Russian language and literature is also taught by a specialist teacher. The school communicates with families in English, Russian and Tajik, offering its enrolment forms in all three languages.
Stages and ages
The school starts with a pre-school year for children aged five and six and continues through primary education. For the 2026-27 academic year, Qalam accepts applications for Pre-school and for Grades 1 to 7, so the school now reaches the first year of lower secondary. Places in primary can be supported by scholarships awarded on entrance exam results, and families can apply online in English, Russian or Tajik.
Educational approach
Values
Qalam's mission is to offer a caring learning environment in which every child can reach their potential, combining strong academic results with good character and manners. The school believes that every child is unique and can learn and thrive when teaching is adapted to them, an idea it summarises with the saying that no fish should be forced to fly and no bird forced to swim. Teachers are chosen not only for their qualifications but also for their fit with the school's values.
School and family
Facilities and services
Learning facilities
Dining
Services
Tuition at Qalam includes a morning snack and lunch, textbooks and school, sports and winter uniforms, as well as extracurricular activities, so families have few additional costs. A school psychologist and a social coordinator look after pupils' wellbeing, and the mentorship programme gives younger pupils personal guidance and academic support. Merit scholarships are available for Grades 1 to 5.
Learning support and inclusion
Frequently asked questions
Which curriculum does Qalam International School follow?
Cambridge.
What language is Qalam International School taught in?
Lessons are taught in English. It also teaches Russian.
How do I contact Qalam International School?
Press Enquire: your message goes to its admissions team, free.