The Canadian International School’s Special Needs Program offers a comprehensive educational program for school-age students with autism, emotional/behavioral disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and other disabilities which require focused academic, behavioral, communication, and therapeutic services.

CIS has become well known for the quality of its research-based, data-driven programs that help students acquire the skills they need to be independent.

CIS also provides rigorous instruction on grade-level standards coupled with remediation instruction to ensure students have the tools they need for success.

Canadian International School

International Program

The International Program is designed to help all students reach their full potential through a program of learning that is coherent, relevant, and age-appropriate.

This student-centered approach allows students to “own their learning” by applying their knowledge and skills in ways that are practical and relevant, through the use of inquiry learning and the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

It is important for students to be connected to the curriculum; to see themselves in what is taught, how it is taught, and how it applies to the world at large.

Our International curriculum recognizes that the needs of learners are diverse, and helps all learners develop the knowledge, skills, and perspectives they need to become informed, productive, caring, responsible, healthy, and active citizens in their own communities and in the world.

Message from the Head of School

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all visitors at the Canadian International School – Erbil. It is with great pride and privilege that I have been chosen to lead CIS into the next phase of its educational journey.

As I walk around our campus, I am very gratified of what I see, students from all ages at our school are engaged, confident, competent, thoughtful children who are able to think from a local, and global-minded perspective. They work hard and do not shy away from a challenge. Our world-class learning community offers an exceptional educational experience and builds a connected, inclusive, inspiring environment for our students, parents, alumni, faculty, and staff. It is a vibrant, multicultural, and caring community that fosters a deep sense of community wellbeing.

As a CIE accredited School, the Canadian International School is authorized by the Cambridge Assessment International Education to offer a wide variety of international curriculums as well as numerous external assessments such as the Primary Checkpoint and extending to post-secondary school qualification AICE. CIS has also been provisionally accredited by the prestigious American International Accreditation Association (AIAA) which allows some of our students to follow the American Curriculum and attempt the Scholastic Aptitude Test. The school is determined to demonstrate that its academic programs are of the highest quality

As a school, we are always interested in the success of our students in areas where they are strong and those which they have yet to explore. New students join our community by demonstrating curiosity, and excitement beyond a good track record of external examinations and grades. When students arrive at CIS, they are given a sense of inclusivity, acceptance, respect, and responsibility that helps them achieve success and greatness in all aspects of their lives. They also express a deep understanding of the traditions and values of CIS.

The faculty and staff at CIS are every bit as involved in the learning and growth of our students as the administration, parents, and the students themselves. They are also uncompromising in their high expectations of our students. We strive to develop young people that are ready for the world around them as we build their collaborative and problem-solving skills. We endeavor to provide abundant opportunities for our students to think and develop their metacognition skills- the thinkers approach to engaged and thoughtful learning. I believe in developing our students to ensure that we send them off into life with the skills they really need to grow and develop in a successful and happy way.

One of the most remarkable things about the Canadian International School is a wonderful community. The people in our community make our school such a vibrant, energetic, and optimistic place to be. Our relationships define our learning environment.

Mr. Ahmad A.

Head of School

Message from the CEO

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the 2019-2020 academic school year. This year we welcomed a record number of more than 650 scholars to our campuses. As we begin our sixth year operating in Erbil, we remain focused on providing excellent, open-enrollment schools that raise the achievement of all students and prepare them for college/university.

Our commitment to education today recognizes the necessity for thinking and acting from insular to universal. CIS strives to diversify and reshape the path of education according to our ever-changing world. The necessity of such preparation for our youth remains our paramount responsibility through global education. What is the true purpose of education? The implementation of a broad and meaningful international curriculum content, commencing in early childhood, extending through Primary and Secondary education makes the key impact on the child. International education should be based on building multiple skills, over and above just acquired knowledge of facts, for future implementation.

As demand for our schools continues to grow, we recognize that to meet the needs of the community, we need more space. I am excited to share that we have expanded into a new block on campus consisting of 3 floors for our kindergarten and elementary students. Our Montessori based, one-of-a-kind program has a proven rate of academic success with young scholars, and this dedicated block will include multiple classes as well as multipurpose halls, ample outdoor play space, outdoor classrooms, and much more to support the development of our students.

Our success with growing scholars and striving to meet the needs of the community would not be possible without our dedicated team. An annual tradition at the start of every school year is our Back to School dinner where we get to familiarize ourselves with our 85 staff members, friends, and family. At this year’s dinner, we recognized 45 team members who have been with us for three or more years. We are also celebrating that we have been recognized as one of the 2018-19 Top schools in Erbil by Ministry of Education’s International School Committee. This award is especially meaningful because it is based solely on feedback offered through inspection officers directly related to the Ministry of Education and under the Minister himself His Excellency Mr. Alan. This year we are also receiving a full accreditation from AIAA (American International Accreditation Association) after having secured a provisional accreditation in 2018-19.

We could not have gotten here without the support of our stakeholders. I am excited by all of the opportunities the future school years hold, and I look forward to sharing our accomplishments with you as we embrace our mission to raise student achievement and prepare students for college. On behalf of all of the Canadian International School, thank you and we look forward to many more inspiring years.

Dr. Jamal

Founder and Chief Executive Officer.