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Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani School-Lyceum No85

Astana, Kazakhstan
Photo by Masato Kanda on Unsplash
Type
Public
Founded
2021
Languages
Russian, Kazakh, Other

"Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani School — Lyceum No."

85 is a public school located in Astana, Kazakhstan, offering an internationally recognized curriculum within a multilingual educational environment. Founded in 2021, the school is among the newer additions to Astana's growing educational landscape, bringing the globally respected International Baccalaureate framework to students in Kazakhstan's capital city. The school delivers two IB programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP). Together, these programmes provide a cohesive, inquiry-based educational journey for younger learners through early adolescence. The PYP encourages students to explore the world through structured inquiry, developing curiosity, critical thinking, and a sense of personal responsibility. The MYP builds on this foundation by challenging students to make meaningful connections between their studies and the world around them, fostering independent thinking and interdisciplinary understanding. Both programmes are designed to develop internationally minded, well-rounded learners — a philosophy that resonates strongly with families who value education that goes beyond rote learning and standardized testing. As a public lyceum, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani School — Lyceum No. 85 is part of Kazakhstan's state education system, making it an accessible option for families who are drawn to IB-quality education within a public school setting. This combination is relatively uncommon and reflects Kazakhstan's broader national commitment to raising educational standards and integrating globally recognized academic frameworks into its public institutions. Instruction at the school is delivered in Russian and Kazakh, the two primary languages of Kazakhstan, alongside additional languages of instruction. This multilingual approach is particularly well-suited to the diverse population of Astana, a cosmopolitan capital that has grown rapidly in recent decades and is home to a notable community of international residents, diplomats, and professionals. For expat families or those relocating to Astana, the school's IB affiliation provides a familiar academic reference point, while its multilingual environment offers children a meaningful opportunity to develop or strengthen proficiency in Russian and Kazakh — languages that can be invaluable for long-term life in the region. Situated in Astana, the school benefits from its location in one of Central Asia's most dynamic and forward-looking cities. Astana has invested significantly in modern infrastructure, including its educational institutions, and the school reflects that spirit of ambition and development. Though the school was established only in 2021 and is therefore still in relatively early stages of building its full community and tradition, this also means families joining now become part of a formative chapter in the school's story — an appealing prospect for those who value being part of a growing, evolving institution. What distinguishes Lyceum No. 85 most clearly is its unusual positioning: a state-funded school delivering internationally benchmarked IB programmes in the heart of Kazakhstan, with instruction rooted in the local languages and culture. For families seeking a bridge between local integration and global academic standards, this school represents a genuinely distinctive option in Astana's educational landscape.

IB Programmes
PYP
Primary Years Programme
MYP
Middle Years Programme
Campus Environs
Campus Environs
Location
Astana, Kazakhstan
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