Dar es Salaam International Academy: IB World School in Tanzania

Key facts

• Founded in 2003 with just four students
• IB World Continuum School offering PYP, MYP and DP
• Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and Middle States Association (MSA)
• Full member school of the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA)
• 48+ nationalities represented in its community (per school website)
• 450+ college and university acceptances (per school website)
• English is the language of instruction
• DIA offers a rolling admissions process throughout the academic year
• DIA does not provide school transportation; a parent-organized transportation program is available
• Teachers require a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Education, minimum 2 years of experience, and IB training

What is Dar es Salaam International Academy?

Dar es Salaam International Academy (DIA) is an IB World Continuum School located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, serving a diverse international community of families. It offers education from Kindergarten through Grade 12, for students aged 5 to 19, combining the International Baccalaureate curriculum with personalised learning and a partnership between school, home, and community.

What academic programmes does DIA offer?

• Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Kindergarten through Grade 5, which nurtures students as inquirers guided by six trans-disciplinary themes of global significance
• Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6 through 10, developing internationally minded learners who are creative, reflective, and action-oriented
• Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11 and 12, developing a wide range of knowledge and skills while nurturing the physical, intellectual, emotional, and ethical aspects of learning

What support services does DIA provide for students?

• Learning Support, assessed on a case-by-case basis for admissions
• English Language Learning support
• Counseling services
• Support for family-employed paraprofessionals where needed and resources allow; these paraprofessionals are employed by individual families and supervised by the school while on campus

What extracurricular and enrichment activities are available at DIA?

• Sports, STEM, arts, languages, and clubs as part of extra-curricular activities
• Service Learning
• Field Trips & Study Tours
• Athletics facilities and programs
• Visual and Performing Arts programs

What facilities are on DIA's campus?

• Three science labs for hands-on, practical learning experiences
• Three computer labs equipped with iMacs for integrating technology into learning
• A 25-meter swimming pool, integrated into the timetable and extra-curricular program
• A multi-purpose court and field supporting Physical & Health Education and extra-curricular activities
• Visual and performing arts spaces, including spaces for drama, dance, and visual arts
• A music room used for lessons, recording, podcasts, glee club, and one-on-one instrument learning
• A library with print materials catalogued in DIA's Online Public Access System
• General classrooms with natural light, ventilation, and supplementary technology

Who teaches at Dar es Salaam International Academy?

Teachers at Dar es Salaam International Academy are required to hold a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Education, have at least 2 years of teaching experience, and have IB training, ensuring staff are qualified to deliver the IB curriculum across all programmes.

Is Dar es Salaam International Academy accredited?

Yes. DIA is an IB World Continuum School accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Middle States Association (MSA). It is also a full member school of the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA).

How international is the DIA community?

DIA serves a diverse, international community of families. According to the school's website, the community represents 48+ nationalities, reflecting the school's emphasis on global-mindedness and an internationally minded student body across its PYP, MYP, and DP programmes.

What has become of DIA graduates?

According to the school's website, DIA reports 450+ college and university acceptances among its graduates. The Diploma Programme is designed to prepare students holistically—academically, intellectually, emotionally, and ethically—for higher education and beyond.

How does admission to DIA work?

Dar es Salaam International Academy offers a rolling admissions process throughout the academic year, with admissions support available to prospective families. Learning support admissions are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Current tuition and fee guidance is published on the school's admissions page; families should contact the school directly for current amounts and currency equivalents.

Does DIA provide school transportation?

Dar es Salaam International Academy does not provide school transportation. Instead, a parent-organized transportation program is available for families who need it, arranged independently of the school.

Is there food service on DIA's campus?

Yes, Dar es Salaam International Academy has a canteen on campus. The canteen is run by an outsourced vendor rather than operated directly by the school.

What language is instruction conducted in at DIA?

English is the language of instruction at Dar es Salaam International Academy across all three IB programmes: the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme.

When was Dar es Salaam International Academy founded?

Dar es Salaam International Academy was founded in 2003, starting with just four students. It has since grown into an IB World Continuum School serving an international community of students aged 5 to 19 in Tanzania.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Dar es Salaam International Academy located?

Dar es Salaam International Academy is located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

What ages or grades does DIA serve?

DIA serves students aged 5 to 19, from Kindergarten through Grade 12, across the Primary Years Programme (Kindergarten-Grade 5), Middle Years Programme (Grades 6-10), and Diploma Programme (Grades 11-12).

Does DIA offer learning support for students with additional needs?

DIA offers Learning Support as part of its Student Services, with admissions for learning support assessed on a case-by-case basis. The school also supports family-employed paraprofessionals where needed and where resources allow; these paraprofessionals are employed by the family and supervised by the school while on campus.

How much does it cost to attend DIA?

Current tuition and fee guidance is published on DIA's admissions page at https://www.dia.co.tz/admission-page. Families should contact the school directly for current amounts and currency equivalents.

Does DIA have a swimming pool?

Yes, DIA's campus includes a 25-meter swimming pool, which is integrated into the school timetable as well as the extra-curricular program.

Is DIA accredited by the IB and other bodies?

DIA is an IB World Continuum School offering the PYP, MYP, and DP, and is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Middle States Association (MSA). It is also a full member school of the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA).

Does DIA arrange school transport for students?

No, DIA does not provide school transportation directly. A parent-organized transportation program is available instead.