Situated off Bagamoyo Road at the Africana Junction in Mbezi Beach, Braeburn Dar es Salaam International School opened in 2015 and has quickly established itself as a cornerstone of international education in Tanzania. The school is part of the Braeburn Group, which operates 19 co-educational schools across 11 campuses in Kenya and Tanzania, serving over 5,000 students. Known for its diverse student body and supportive community, Braeburn Dar es Salaam offers a multicultural environment that prepares students for global opportunities. The school follows an internationalized version of the British National Curriculum for Key Stages 1, 2, and 3, transitioning to IGCSE courses in Key Stage 4, ensuring a robust academic foundation.
For families relocating to East Africa, Braeburn’s reputation extends beyond Tanzania, with campuses in key Kenyan cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. These locations are renowned for their British curriculum and, in some cases, International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, making Braeburn a trusted name for expatriates and local families alike. This article delves into the specifics of Braeburn Dar es Salaam’s offerings, with a focus on its fees structure, to help parents make informed decisions.
Fees Structure for 2025/2026 Academic Year
Understanding the cost of education is crucial for families considering international schools. Braeburn Dar es Salaam International School provides a transparent fees structure, covering tuition, transport, and refundable deposits. Below is a detailed breakdown of the fees for the 2025/2026 academic year, expressed in Tanzanian Shillings (TSh).
Tuition Fees and Deposits
The tuition fees are inclusive of approved textbooks and exercise books, ensuring no hidden costs for core academic materials. A refundable deposit is charged once upon enrollment but must be topped up if deductions are made for losses or breakages. The deposit is refundable at the end of a student’s final term, subject to clearance by the headteacher.
| Year Group | Annual Tuition Fee (TSh) | Deposit (TSh) |
|---|---|---|
| Crèche | 23,400,000 | 900,000 |
| FS1 | 26,100,000 | 900,000 |
| FS2 | 30,300,000 | 900,000 |
| Years 1 to 6 | 46,800,000 | 900,000 |
| Years 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13 | 51,600,000 | 900,000 |
Note: For Years 11 and 13, the annual tuition fee is billed in two equal installments in August and December, unlike other year groups, which are billed in three tranches (August, December, and April).
Transport Fees
Braeburn Dar es Salaam offers optional school transport services across five zones, with fees varying based on distance from the school. These services are designed to provide convenience for families across the city.
| Year Group | Transport Type | Annual Transport Fee (TSh) |
|---|---|---|
| Reception to Year 13 | Zone 1 | 2,295,000 |
| Reception to Year 13 | Zone 2 | 2,724,000 |
| Reception to Year 13 | Zone 3 | 3,186,000 |
| Reception to Year 13 | Zone 4 | 3,638,000 |
| Reception to Year 13 | Zone 5 | 4,554,000 |
Additional Costs and Discounts
In addition to tuition and transport, families should be aware of other potential costs and available discounts:
- Registration Fee: A non-refundable fee of TSh 400,000 is required to process applications. For year groups with limited vacancies, a 20% advance payment of the tuition fee is payable against the first term’s invoice, which is non-refundable if the place is not taken up.
- Examination Fees: Cambridge IGCSE exams incur separate costs, which vary depending on the number of subjects taken. Families should contact the school for specific details.
- Uniforms and Materials: School uniforms are mandatory and not included in tuition fees. Additional costs may arise for school trips, special programs, or extracurricular activities not covered by standard fees.
- Early Payment Discount: A 3% discount on tuition fees is offered if full payment is made within 6 days of the due date. A 5% discount applies if the full annual fees are paid before the start of the first term.
- Family Discounts: Discounts on tuition fees are available for families with multiple children enrolled:
- 2nd Child: 10%
- 3rd Child: 20%
- 4th Child: 30%
- 5th and subsequent Child: 40%
- Late Payment Surcharge: A 1.25% monthly surcharge is applied for late fee payments.
- Special Rates: NGOs and families referring new students may qualify for special rates. Contact the school for more information.
- Withdrawal Policy: A full term’s notice in writing, acknowledged by the headteacher, is required for withdrawals; otherwise, a full term’s fees are payable.
These fees and policies ensure transparency and flexibility, catering to both local and expatriate families. For comparison, other international schools in the region, such as those in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, may have higher fees due to additional offerings like boarding facilities or IB programs. For instance, Braeburn School Nairobi’s fees range from KSh 1,052,400 to KSh 2,551,600 annually, reflecting the premium for its location and facilities.
Curriculum at Braeburn Dar es Salaam
Braeburn Dar es Salaam International School follows a British curriculum tailored to meet international standards, making it a compelling choice for families familiar with British curriculum schools in Kenya or elsewhere. The curriculum is structured as follows:
- Early Years (Crèche to FS2): Focuses on play-based learning, nurturing foundational skills in language, social interactions, and problem-solving. The curriculum emphasizes creativity and exploration, preparing young learners for primary education.
- Key Stages 1 and 2 (Years 1 to 6): Builds foundational knowledge in core subjects like Mathematics, English, Science, and Social Studies, with an emphasis on critical thinking and independent learning.
- Key Stages 3 and 4 (Years 7 to 11): Students follow an internationalized British National Curriculum, transitioning to Cambridge IGCSE courses in Years 10 and 11. Subjects include Math, English, Sciences, Humanities, and electives like Art, Music, and Physical Education.
- Key Stage 5 (Years 12 and 13): Offers in-depth preparation for IGCSE exams, equipping students for international opportunities.
Unlike some Nairobi IB schools, such as the Aga Khan Academy, Braeburn Dar es Salaam focuses on the British curriculum and IGCSE, which is recognized globally for its academic rigor. This makes it an excellent option for families seeking consistency with British curriculum schools in Kenya, such as Braeburn’s Nairobi and Mombasa campuses.
Admissions Process
The admissions process at Braeburn Dar es Salaam is straightforward but selective, ensuring students are well-suited to the school’s academic and cultural environment. Here’s how it works:
- Application Submission: Prospective parents must submit a completed application form, available online or from the school’s admissions office, along with a non-refundable registration fee of TSh 400,000.
- Assessment and Interview: For primary and secondary entries, students may undergo an academic assessment to gauge readiness. Interviews with the admissions team help evaluate a child’s strengths and needs.
- Deposit Payment: Upon acceptance, a refundable deposit of TSh 900,000 is required to secure a place. In cases of limited vacancies, a 20% advance tuition payment is also required.
- Waiting List: If spaces are unavailable, students are placed on a waiting list, with priority given based on application date and assessment results.
- School Tour: Parents are encouraged to visit the school for a tour or an informal chat with the headteacher to better understand the environment.
For expatriate families relocating from Nairobi, Mombasa, or Kisumu, the process mirrors that of other Braeburn campuses, ensuring a seamless transition. Contact the admissions office at +255 (0) 763 086 646 or email [email protected] for assistance.
Extracurricular Activities
Braeburn Dar es Salaam emphasizes holistic education, offering a wide range of extracurricular activities to complement its academic programs. These activities foster creativity, teamwork, and physical development, aligning with the school’s mission to nurture well-rounded individuals. Key offerings include:
- Sports: Soccer, swimming, athletics, and basketball, with opportunities to participate in local and international tournaments, such as the World Schools Games.
- Arts: Music, drama, and visual arts programs encourage creative expression.
- Clubs and Societies: Options range from debate and robotics to environmental clubs, catering to diverse interests.
- School Trips: Excursions, such as the Year 8 Senior Dragon Award Expedition to Migombani Camp, provide experiential learning opportunities.
These activities are often included in the tuition fees, though extensive trips or external programs may incur additional costs. Compared to international schools in Kenya, such as Braeburn Garden Estate in Nairobi, which offers IB programs alongside similar extracurriculars, Braeburn Dar es Salaam provides a comparable experience tailored to its younger age range.
Guide for Expat Families
For expatriates moving to Dar es Salaam, Braeburn offers a welcoming environment that eases the transition for families from abroad. Here are some tips to navigate the process:
- Understanding the Curriculum: The British curriculum ensures continuity for families relocating from British curriculum schools in Kenya or other countries. It’s ideal for students planning to pursue higher education in the UK or globally.
- Cost Planning: Budget for tuition, transport, uniforms, and potential exam fees. Take advantage of early payment or family discounts to reduce costs.
- Settling In: The school’s diverse community, with students from various nationalities, fosters a sense of belonging. Engage with the admissions team to connect with other expat families.
- Exploring Dar es Salaam: Located in Mbezi Beach, the school is close to vibrant coastal areas, offering a blend of urban and beachside living. Families can explore local attractions like the Dar es Salaam Yacht Club or Kunduchi Beach.
- Comparing Regional Options: If considering international schools in Kenya, such as Nairobi IB schools or Braeburn’s Mombasa and Kisumu campuses, note that Braeburn Dar es Salaam offers competitive fees and a focused British curriculum without boarding facilities.
Why Choose Braeburn Dar es Salaam?
Braeburn Dar es Salaam International School combines academic rigor with a supportive, multicultural environment, making it a top choice for families in Tanzania and those relocating from Kenya or beyond. Its affiliation with the Braeburn Group ensures consistency with other prestigious campuses, such as those in Nairobi and Mombasa, while its fees structure remains competitive compared to top-tier schools like the International School of Kenya or Brookhouse Schools. The school’s emphasis on critical thinking, extracurricular development, and global preparedness equips students for success in a rapidly evolving world.
For more information or to start the admissions process, contact Braeburn Dar es Salaam International School at:
Address: Africana/Mbezi Beach, off Bagamoyo Road at the Africana Junction, PO Box 31158, Dar es Salaam
Phone: +255 (0) 763 086 646
Website: dar.braeburn.com
