Questions & Answers

Fees and Financial Aid

1. What are the School Fees and how much Financial Aid is available?
   A student's ability to pay school fees is not a factor in admissions. Admitted students will be asked to cover a portion of fees that reflects their family’s ability to pay, which will be assessed only after a student is admitted. KIA aims to cover the remainder of school fees through financial aid.

Curriculum

1. Will KIA use the national curriculum or an international curriculum?
   KIA follows the Burundian curriculum. In addition, it offers its own signature courses such as Entrepreneurship Leadership and Global Perspectives as well as more intensive English instruction relative to the national curriculum (English as a Second Language, and regular English courses).

2. What is the first year program and how will I learn English?
   The first year program (Grade 10) will focus on strengthening KIA students’ English and French skills and introducing them to KIA’s innovative learning approach, such as frequent group projects and building communication and team-work skills. Students are not expected to enter KIA with strong English skills. Students will be immersed in English and French from their first day at the Academy, but in a manner that builds on their abilities.

3. Why is KIA a 4 year program?
   During the remaining three years at KIA (Grades 11, 12 and 13) students complete the Burundian high school curriculum and KIA’s signature courses (Entrepreneurship Leadership and Global Perspectives). Students are also prepared to take the ‘examen d’état’ (Exétat) as well any university entrance exams they may choose to take to apply to universities abroad.

4. Will graduates receive a Certificate or Diploma?
   Students will receive a national high school Diploma at the conclusion of their 4 years at KIA.

University Preparation

1. Do I have access to universities once done?

   Students will take the Burundi National High School Exam (Exétat), which will qualify them to apply for admission at the university in Burundi and around Africa. With the robust curriculum at KIA, our students will also be prepared to sit for any international university entrance exam. Students will have the opportunity to take the TOEFL exams, to show English proficiency which will also allow them to apply to US universities. Students will receive university admission counseling throughout their time at KIA. However, KIA cannot guarantee acceptance to university or financial aid at a university abroad.

Admissions

1. What are the criteria for admission?

   The criteria for admission are:

   • Academic Excellence

   • Service to the Community

   • Entrepreneurial Spirit

   • Leadership Potential

2. How are you assessing leadership?

   Personal essays will demonstrate how applicants think about their leadership potential. The reference letter, which is requested only for finalists, is also an opportunity for an applicant’s referee to reflect on their leadership qualities.

3. What marks will be considered?

   Submit the Grade 7, 8 and 9 marks from your school. For applicants who make the final round, Grade 9 national exams results will be required.

4. In the admissions essay questions, what do you mean by a project?

   Essay question #2 asks about a project. This refers to an activity you did on your own, at school or with a community group. Examples might be a science project at school, a project to clean up your community, or something you created at home. If you have not done a project, you may tell us that too.

5. Who can be a reference?

   The person writing your letter of reference should be an adult who knows you well such as a teacher, coach or pastor. A family member cannot be used as a reference.

Transferring Schools

1. What happens if I want to change schools?

   If students choose to leave KIA or are asked to leave KIA for disciplinary reasons, it is their responsibility to find a new school to join.

Student Life

1. What kind of food will be provided?

   KIA will serve healthy and well-balanced meals. Meat and vegetables will be served several times each week.

2. Where do we get uniforms?

   KIA will have its own uniform, which will be provided to students when they arrive at the Academy. Uniform costs are included in school fees.