Frequently Asked Questions

These questions have been prepared as a guide to parents and students considering registration at the Canadian International School of Egypt (CISE).

The questions and answers are general in nature. Parents are encouraged to contact and visit the school for a more appropriate discussion of whether CISE is right for their son or daughter.

Thank you.

 

 CISE is a Junior Kindergarten to Grade Twelve International School in Cairo (Kattameya – New Cairo) approved by the Egyptian Ministry of Education and licensed as a Canadian School by the Ontario Ministry of Education.

Its administration and over 85% of its teachers are trained and licensed (certified) in Canada. The school uses a Canadian curriculum, teaching and classroom management techniques and Canadian learning materials (text books, computer software and audio-visual aids)

Students study French and Arabic in addition to the regular core subjects in modern facilities which include features such as:

• computer labs
• science labs
• gymnasium
• swimming pool
• squash and tennis courts
• cafeteria
• library

At the end of Grade Twelve students can graduate with a Canadian ( Ontario) High School Diploma which is recognized and respected by colleges and universities throughout the world.

The Hammams, a prominent Egyptian family, decided to establish an international school as a means of ‘giving back’ something of value to Egyptian society. Under the guidance of Mr. Hassan Hammam and encouraged by the family’s Canadian business experiences, the decision was made to establish a Canadian International School.

The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), a non-governmental organization which facilitates international education projects, was chosen as the school’s Canadian partner and facilitator. Through CBIE’s efforts, the Ontario Ministry of Education in Canada gave its approval, subsequent to successful completion of the accreditation process, for the school to operate, grant credits and award the high school diploma.

The school opened its doors in September, 2002. In June of 2006 it will honour its first graduating diploma class, many of whom have already been awarded university acceptance.

The school is growing. Its staff complement is increasing. The future is bright indeed.

There are many fine international schools in Egypt. Each has its own attractive features. The Canadian International School is unique.

The school is Canadian in far more than name. It intentionally strives to create an atmosphere and environment which is distinctly Canadian. Our students are expected to understand and accept the Canadian ‘way of things’. This does not mean that we are trying to change our Egyptian students and other foreign nationals into Canadians. Rather we are asking our students to embrace their cultural heritage at the same time as they learn from their Canadian teachers, other ways of thinking, behaving and growing.

We often reflect on a very important educational goal for our students – to learn to think and problem – solve as Canadians do, while honouring the gifts of their own culture.

Our students learn to live in two cultures at the same time and to learn from both.

Student candidates for CISE, along with their parents, participate in an assessment process to confirm that CISE is the school that will best meet their needs, that process includes:

1. separate parent and student intake interviews
2. an academic assessment of the student
3. joint parent/student interview to compare perspectives
4. review of educational history

After this assessment process is completed, parents are given a summary of the results. If the student is not accepted, parents have some useful information to help them plan their child’s educational future. If the student is accepted, CISE has important information to begin planning that student’s school program for the up-coming year.

• Basic tuition for Junior Kindergarten through to and including Grade One is 30,900 L.E. Tuition for students from Grade Two through to and including Grade Eight is 40,000 L.E. High School tuition is 48,100 L.E.

• In addition to the basic tuition, there are several other fees including:

• Registration Fee (non-refundable) for the student assessment process: 1,300 L.E
• School Development Fee (for program enhancement) 5,500 L.E.
• Transportation 4,000 L.E.
• Activity Fee (fieldtrips) 500 L.E.

• There is a 5% discount for paying the full year tuition in advance.

• There is a 10% discount for a second child and a 15% discount for all additional children.

• Fees can also be paid in three equal installments in the first weeks of September, December and March.

 

 

Students who choose, with the support of their parents, to attend CISE are expected to respond to the expectations contained within the School’s Code of Student Conduct including.

 

• Coming to school regularly, on time and ready to learn
• Arriving prepared for classes
• Showing respect for themselves and others
• Co-operating with other members of the school community
• Showing courtesy
• Developing self-discipline
• Taking responsibility for their own actions
• Contributing to the well-being of all students and staff.

In short, students are expected to work hard, practice good citizenship be personably responsible and be focused on their future!

CISE expects that parents will serve as examples for their children of responsible, hard-working, caring adults.

They should:

• Be interested in their child’s efforts and progress
• Be in regular communication with their child’s teacher(s)
• Be as often as possible, a participant in significant school events.
• Be eager to assist their child to demonstrate the behaviours the school’s code of Conduct expects.
• Be partners with school staff in dealing with student needs and challenges.

In short, parents are expected to provide their children with support, direction, correction and praise as their children move towards their own adulthood.

Memories, mostly pleasant we hope, well-developed work habits, a focus on the future, self-respect, tolerance, a sense of justice and fair play – all of these we hope will be the gifts to our graduates that CISE, our staff and our students’ parents will provide.

 

 

E-mail us your questions (director@cise-eg.com) or call the school (26174500, 26178111, 26178222) and you will be directed to the person who can help you.

However, the best way to get to know the school is to visit – either on an open house day (see the website) or by calling to make an appointment)

We’re very proud of CISE and its remarkable students, parents and staff. Come for a visit and see for yourself!