Harare International School

"Harare International School (HIS) stands as one of Zimbabwe's most distinguished learning communities, offering families in the capital a genuinely world-class education in a welcoming, inclusive environment."

Founded on 8 September 1992, the school was established to serve the growing international community in Harare, and over three decades it has built a reputation for academic rigor, intercultural understanding, and a deep commitment to developing well-rounded global citizens. For expat families and relocating professionals seeking continuity and quality in their children's education, HIS represents a reassuring and compelling choice. At the heart of HIS is its distinction as the only school in Zimbabwe fully authorized to deliver the International Baccalaureate curriculum from the earliest years of schooling all the way through to Grade 12. This is no small achievement. The IB's three interconnected programmes — the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP) — provide a seamless and philosophically coherent educational journey that travels with students as they grow. The PYP nurtures curiosity and a love of learning in the youngest children, the MYP challenges students in the middle years to make meaningful connections across disciplines, and the DP prepares older students for university admission and success worldwide. Alongside the IB framework, the school also follows an American curriculum structure, giving families familiar with the US educational system an added sense of comfort and recognition. All instruction at HIS is delivered in English, making it an accessible choice for families arriving from English-speaking countries as well as those for whom English serves as an international language of learning. The school welcomes students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, encompassing the full span of a child's school-age years under one roof. The student body of approximately 400 pupils reflects the diverse, international character of Harare's diplomatic, business, and NGO communities. This relatively intimate enrollment means that students benefit from close relationships with their teachers and genuine connections across year groups, creating a sense of community that larger institutions can struggle to achieve. Families new to Zimbabwe frequently find that HIS eases their transition into Harare life, offering not just an education for their children but an instant social network and point of belonging for the whole family. HIS holds accreditation from three respected bodies: the Council of International Schools, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and the International Baccalaureate Organization. This triple accreditation speaks to the school's sustained commitment to meeting internationally recognized standards of excellence and accountability. The school is also assisted by the United States Department of State, which further underscores its standing within the global network of internationally recognized schools serving American and international families abroad. Situated in Harare, Zimbabwe's vibrant capital city, Harare International School occupies a setting that balances the warmth and energy of a Southern African city with the focused, purposeful atmosphere of a serious academic institution. For families making Zimbabwe their temporary or longer-term home, HIS offers something genuinely rare: an education that is internationally portable, personally nurturing, and deeply rooted in the community it serves.