Minsk, Belarus: QSI International School of Minsk: 2023-2024 Fact Sheet

QSI International School of Minsk (QSIM) is an independent, coeducational day school that was founded in 1993 at the request of the U.S. Department of State and is happy to celebrate 30 years of providing high quality education to children (aged 3 to 18) of parents working with diplomatic missions, NGOs, and multinational corporations in Minsk.

Organization: QSI – International School of Minsk is governed by the Board of Directors of Quality Schools International. An advisory board, composed of six members living in the Minsk area, assists the school in its operation. One member of the board is appointed by the United States Embassy when possible. QSIM operates with the approval of the government of Belarus.

Curriculum:  The school offers a performance-based educational program with a curriculum similar to that of U.S. public and private schools. Instruction, leading to individual mastery, takes advantage of small class sizes and the diverse educational backgrounds of the students. The curriculum is continually updated on a rotational plan to keep the latest educational practices and materials. Instruction is in English. Intensive English is provided for beginning English Language Learners. Russian or French is taught as a foreign language every day from age 5. Music, art, computer, and physical education are also offered. QSIM offers a full secondary program including Advanced Placement (AP) classes and the AP Capstone program, started in 2015. QSIM offers 7-10 AP courses on campus each year and has access to nearly 20 AP courses via online providers. The school is accredited through the Middle School Association of Colleges and Schools through 2029. QSIM is a member of Central and Eastern European School Association (CEESA) and is a College Board-approved SAT testing site.

Faculty: In the 2023-2024 school year, QSIM has 63 total staff including 39 teachers, 13 of whom are U.S. citizens, 25 host-country nationals, and 5 third-country nationals. All teaching faculty are full qualified to teach as determined by their country of origin.

Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year, enrollment was 128 students (ages two to 18). Of the total, 15 are U.S. citizens, 17 host-country nationals, and 96 third-country nationals.  

Facilities:  QSIM has two separate campuses 150 meters apart located near the National Library and Botanic Gardens in the northern end of the city of Minsk. The main campus for children ages five to 18 includes 26 classrooms, a library, a computer laboratory, a science lab, a gymnasium, and a cafeteria. Outdoor space includes two playground areas and a sports court for soccer and/or basketball. In August 2018, QSIM opened a new early childhood center (ECC) for children ages three to four. The ECC building includes five large classrooms, three nap rooms, music room, indoor play area, and cafeteria with kitchen. Outdoor space includes swings, sandbox, and other play equipment.

Finances: In the 2022-2023 school year, the school’s income derives from tuition and fees. Annual tuition rates are as follows: PK: $9,000; and grades K-12: $23,000. The school also charges an annual capital fund fee of $1,600 for students in grades K-12. There is a one-time, nonrefundable registration fee of $300. Books and Chromebook (12-years and above) are loaned free-of-charge. These fees are payable in U.S. dollars. (All fees quoted in U.S. dollars.)

Special Needs: Review the Special Needs Profile for this school to learn more about their capability to support students with exceptionalities.

This Fact Sheet is intended to provide general information. Prospective users of the schools may wish to inquire further of A/OPR/OS or contact the school directly for more specific and up-to-the-minute information. Information and statistics are current as of September 2023 and provided by the school.