American Cooperative School of Tunis

"The American Cooperative School of Tunis (ACST) is a private, non-profit international school offering a comprehensive American and International Baccalaureate education to students from preschool through grade 12."

Located in the El Aouina neighborhood of Tunis, Tunisia, the school has built a strong reputation over more than six decades as one of the region's premier English-language institutions, welcoming families from the expatriate community and beyond who are seeking a rigorous, globally minded education for their children. Founded in 1959, ACST has deep roots in Tunis and a long history of serving the international community. As a school assisted by the United States Department of State, it operates within a well-established network of overseas American schools, providing families relocating from the United States — and indeed from around the world — with a familiar academic framework and the confidence that comes with institutional support and oversight. This backing, combined with the school's non-profit mission, reflects a genuine commitment to education over commercial interest. ACST enrolls more than 450 students across its preschool-through-grade-12 program, creating a community that is intimate enough for students to be known as individuals while still diverse enough to offer a genuinely international experience. The student body draws together children from numerous nationalities, making it a vibrant and culturally rich environment where young people learn not only from their teachers but from one another. For expat families arriving in Tunisia, this multicultural community can ease the transition enormously, offering both children and parents a ready-made network of peers who understand the experience of living and learning abroad. Instruction at ACST is delivered entirely in English, which is a significant consideration for families whose children have been educated in English-language systems and are looking for continuity in their schooling. The American curriculum provides a recognizable structure through the early and middle years, while the upper school is distinguished by the school's International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, which ACST has offered since 2000. Notably, ACST holds the distinction of being the only IB World School in Tunisia, a fact that speaks to its academic ambition and its standing within the broader international education community. The IB Diploma is globally recognized by universities and is widely regarded as excellent preparation for higher education, making ACST an especially compelling choice for families who anticipate their children pursuing university studies anywhere in the world. Situated in El Aouina, the school benefits from a location that is accessible within Tunis while providing a dedicated campus environment focused on learning and community life. For families considering a move to Tunisia — whether for diplomatic, corporate, or personal reasons — ACST represents a stable, established, and academically serious option that has been trusted by international families for generations. Its combination of American educational values, IB academic rigor, English-language instruction, and a close-knit international community makes it a natural first consideration for any relocating family evaluating their schooling options in this dynamic North African capital.