Our Legacy, Our Future
For over three decades, International Community Schools (ICS) has been committed to delivering high-quality international education that empowers students to reach their full potential. Founded in 1990 as a small villa school inAbu Dhabi, ICS began with a clear vision: to provide an inclusive, globally minded education. Today, that vision has grown into a thriving school group serving more than 6,500 students from over 55 nationalities, supported by dedicated international faculty.
Over the years, ICS has built a strong reputation for academic excellence, student wellbeing, and preparing young people for life beyond school. Across our campuses, students consistently achieve strong results in international examinations and graduate with the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to succeed at leading universities both locally and internationally.
Academic Success and University Pathways
ICS students at ICS benefit from rigorous academic programmes that combine strong foundations in core subjects with opportunities to explore creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. This balanced approach supports both academic achievement and personal growth. ICS graduates go on to attend respected universities around the world, pursuing fields such as medicine, engineering, business, and technology. Alongside academic success, the school places strong emphasis on developing independence, resilience, and a lasting curiosity for learning qualities that prepare students for university and future careers.
Celebrating Student Achievement
Alongside academic success, ICS students regularly distinguish themselves in national and international competitions.
ICS students benefit from distinctive learning opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. One example is the Al Worden Endeavor Programme, inspired by Apollo 15 astronaut Al Worden. The programme encourages curiosity in science, innovation, and space exploration while introducing students to emerging fields within STEAM.
A highlight of the programme is the opportunity for selected students to travel to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, home to the internationally recognised Space Camp. During this immersive experience, students take part in astronaut-style training, engineering challenges, and simulated space missions while collaborating with peers from around the world.
ICS also supports initiatives that inspire the next generation of aviation professionals. Through the Discover Flight Programme, aspiring female Emirati students are given the opportunity to experience their first introductory flight an initiative designed to encourage greater interest in aviation and aerospace.
As ICS expands internationally, including the opening of ICS Astana in Kazakhstan, programmes such as these reflect the school group’s commitment to offering globally connected learning experiences that nurture curiosity, ambition, and innovation.
A Commitment to Innovation and Growth
As ICS marks 35 years of educational excellence, the group continues to look ahead with ambition. The latest milestone in this journey is the expansion of International Community Schools beyond the UAE with the opening of ICS Astana in Kazakhstan.
ICS Astana represents an exciting new chapter, bringing the trusted and experienced ICS educational model to Central Asia. The school will offer a high-quality American curriculum designed to support strong academic outcomes while encouraging creativity, inquiry, and global awareness.
ICS Astana: A New Chapter in International Education
Located in Kazakhstan’s dynamic capital city, ICS Astana will provide students with a modern, inspiring learning environment designed to foster curiosity, innovation, and academic excellence.
The campus will feature technology-enhanced classrooms, dedicated science and innovation laboratories, creative arts and music spaces, and indoor and outdoor sports facilities, alongside age-appropriate learning environments for younger students and safe, welcoming spaces that support student wellbeing.
The school will offer a balanced educational experience combining strong academics, character development, and diverse extracurricular opportunities, supporting students on their journey to excellence. ICS Astana will also provide pathways for students to access scholarship opportunities with partner universities in the UAE and internationally, helping them pursue higher education around the world.
A Global Learning Community
Like all ICS campuses, ICS Astana will be built on a culture of respect, collaboration, and global citizenship. Students will learn from experienced international educators in an English-medium environment and benefit from a wide range of extracurricular activities that support personal development, leadership, and community engagement, guiding them on their journey to excellence.
Looking Ahead
The opening of ICS Astana marks an important milestone in the continued growth of International Community Schools. While our reach expands, our mission remains the same: to inspire and challenge students to succeed.
Reflecting on this new chapter, Mohamed Al Shamma, Managing Director and CEO of International Community Schools, shared:
“For 35 years, ICS has been committed to providing an education that empowers students to succeed academically while developing the character, confidence, and global outlook needed for the future. As we expand to Astana, we are proud to bring our knowledge, experience, and vision to a new community.”
For more than three decades, ICS has encouraged students to dream big, work hard, and believe in their potential. As the school group continues to grow, it remains committed to shaping the next generation of leaders and innovators.
International Community Schools – We Inspire and Challenge Students to Succeed.
Discover how International Community Schools Abu Dhabi and ICS Kazakhstan are shaping future-ready global learners. Enquire today to learn more.
Further Reading:
- International Community Schools Students Selected for the “Discover Flight” Programme – Leading the Way in Empowering Young Emirati Women in Aviation
- International Community School Khalifa City Strengthens Parent Partnerships During the Year of the Family