200

29

Diaspora community

40% local 60% International

Yes, most of them are. We have native English Language Arts and Amharic Teachers.

Yes, we have a Learning Support department.

We have French Classes from Primary school to highschool.

20

16

Yes, we have teaching assistants in Grades 1-5. We also have two main teachers and a nanny in each of our early years' classes.

We integrate Tech in every lesson - Tech as a tool.

Yes, we use online platforms like Twinkl, Seesaw, and Google Classroom.

No

GL Assessments

Yes, when necessary.

Our Homework - students in different levels are expected to do a collective of every subject homework between 10-30minutes.

Yes, we have a Learning Support/Special Needs Education support department.

We have inclusive classrooms where students with varied learning needs enjoy learning together. We also pull out specific students for one-on-one or small group sessions, when necessary.

We nurture students' gifts/talents by challenging them in different aspects to help them stay interested & engaged and also stretch their limits. Besides, we promote children who excel in their age group to a higher level. The promotion is done in consultation with the child, parents, class teachers, special education coordinator, dean of students, and principals.

Our school has a Dean of Students and Student Guidance & Counselor.

Yes. We have assessments for all grade levels

We assess early learners by providing them with a 30-minute playtime session alongside assessors.
For Grade 1 students and above, we administer English and Math assessment exams to evaluate their proficiency levels.

Yes.

Depending on space, we accept applications year round

Yes

School starts at 8:00 AM for Prep - Grade 8 and at 9:00 AM for KG students.

We finish school at 3 (Monday to Thursday) and at 2 pm (on Fridays).

Yes, assigned teachers supervise students during drop-off, recess, and dismissal times.

No

Yes

Yes

No, they are not required to wear uniforms. We have dress codes for our children. We would love to have them express themselves in the way they dress, as well.

Coding & Robotics, indoor games, science club, study club, story time, art, soccer, gardening, outdoor games, dance, Amharic games, cooking and baking, music.

We have all athletics, football, basketball, and gymnastics.

Yes. We participate in Soccer games and have a school soccer team.

We have Library, Art & Crafts Room & Science lab

Basketball court and Football pitch.

KIS is a new international school, with more than 78 years of experience as a community school under the Swedish Embassy. The Swedish Community School (SCS) was established in 1946 and has been a part of the Agreement on General Terms and Conditions for Development Cooperation. For a long time, the SCS served as a school for Swedish citizens living and working in Ethiopia. During the years, the school was run by different Swedish Principals following the Swedish Curriculum. During the past years students from other countries are also attending the school.
After 73 years of service, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sweden has decided that Swedish embassies around the world shall no longer manage schools or any areas not directly linked to embassy work. Therefore, for a relatively long time, the embassy has had discussions with the SCS Board and management on how the school could create its own foundation without being under the responsibility of the Swedish embassy. Following this, the parents of the Swedish Community School established a not-for-profit organization named Former Swedish Community School Parents Charitable Organization (FSCSPCO. The FSCSPCO was established as a not-for-profit, non-political, and non-religious charitable organization. It was registered with the FDRE Charities and Societies Agency on 15 March 2019. The embassy handed over the responsibility of the school to the FSCSPCO from July 2019.
The FSCSPCO changed the name of the school to Kelem International School (KIS), Addis Ababa to represent the composure of the community in many aspects. In Amharic, ‘Kelem (ቀለም) means Color/Paint and it denotes wisdom and knowledge. For instance, if one says " Someone is 'kelem yegebaw/yekeda' it implies that the person is enlightened/ knowledgeable/ well educated / intelligent/ well-read. Besides, 'Kelem signifies the diversified & colorful community we have at our school.
We belong to a diversified & vibrant community and enjoy active community involvement in our school in a variety of areas. FSCSPCO/KIS leadership team works in collaboration with all teachers to best meet the educational, social, and emotional needs of every child & adult in our school. Our staff and students live our school vision "Facilitating the realization of every child’s full potential”. We are paving the way and work by our Mission & Vision in all aspects of school life. We are an inclusive, caring school where staff, parents, and students all work together to develop our future citizens and leaders.

Kelem International School (KIS) is a K-8 school based on the best practices of the Finnish education system and the Finnish National Core Curriculum. We are on the road to revolutionize the education system in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Implementing the Finnish Curriculum, we thrive to create an environment where students develop and learn by enjoying and exploring.
The Finnish basic education is underpinned by the idea of the specific value of childhood. Each pupil has the right to grow into his/her full potential as a human being and a member of society. To achieve this, the pupils need encouragement and individual support as well as experiences of being valued in the school community. They also need to feel that the community cares about their learning & well-being.
Our curriculum is based on the conception of learning that sees the pupils as active actors. They learn to set goals and to solve problems both independently and together with others. Learning is an inseparable part of an individual’s growth as a human being and the building of a decent life for the community. Language, physical elements, and the use of different senses are essential for thinking and learning.
Through this conversant system, we foster in the minds of our students that learning is a life-long endeavor. This is manifested in our effort to facilitate quality continued professional development of our teachers and staff. Our school aims to produce responsible and compassionate global citizens, with respect and recognition of the rich heritage of our host country, Ethiopia.