Parents' FAQ: Admissions, Fees and School Life at Ayhay

Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a family makes. Here are clear answers to the questions parents ask us most often about Ayhay Christian School, an English-medium Christian school guided by Montessori principles in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

What ages and classes does Ayhay offer?

Ayhay welcomes children aged 3 to 15 in four programs: Preschool (Children's House, ages 3–6), Lower Elementary (ages 6–9), Upper Elementary (ages 9–12) and Erdkinder, our middle school program (ages 12–15). Classes follow three-year, mixed-age cycles, so younger children learn from older classmates while older students grow in leadership, responsibility and confidence.

Is Ayhay an English-medium school?

Yes. English is the primary language of instruction at Ayhay. Children learn, play and communicate in English every day, which helps them become confident speakers, readers and writers.

What does "guided by Montessori principles" mean?

Children learn in a carefully prepared environment, through purposeful, hands-on work with Montessori materials, and progress according to their developmental readiness. In Elementary, Montessori Cosmic Education and the Five Great Lessons connect science, history, geography, language and mathematics. Teachers observe, guide and encourage independence, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.

Is Ayhay a Christian school?

Yes. Ayhay provides a Christ-centered education. Christian education is part of every program, and biblical values shape daily life at school, helping children grow in knowledge, character and faith.

Is Ayhay accredited?

Yes. Ayhay Christian School is accredited by the Ministry of Education of Madagascar (Accreditation N°175/2020 MEN), authorizing its opening as a mixed private general education establishment using the anglophone program.

What are the tuition fees?

Annual tuition for the 2027–2028 school year, payable in full or in 10 monthly installments:

Preschool (ages 3–6): 6,500,000 Ariary, or 650,000 Ariary × 10. Enrollment fee: 650,000 Ariary.

Lower Elementary (ages 6–9): 7,000,000 Ariary, or 700,000 Ariary × 10. Enrollment fee: 700,000 Ariary.

Upper Elementary (ages 9–12): 7,500,000 Ariary, or 750,000 Ariary × 10. Enrollment fee: 750,000 Ariary.

Erdkinder (ages 12–15): 8,000,000 Ariary, or 800,000 Ariary × 10. Enrollment fee: 800,000 Ariary.

The enrollment or re-enrollment fee is paid once each school year, is non-refundable and is not included in tuition. Families receive the complete fee schedule before enrolling. See our Academics page for the latest fees.

What is not included in tuition?

Uniforms, school supplies, meals, transportation and optional services are charged separately unless otherwise stated. Winter Camp also has its own participation fee.

What are the school hours and the school year?

The academic year runs for ten months, from September to June. School hours are Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The calendar, holidays and parent events are shared with families each year.

When and how can I apply?

Applications for the following school year are generally open from January through the end of February. The process:

1. Complete the online application form, or come to the school to fill in the paper form.

2. The Admissions Team reviews your application and contacts you about the next step.

3. Parents or guardians and the child meet the Admissions Team by appointment.

4. You receive the school's admission decision and further instructions.

5. Accepted families complete the enrollment requirements and payments, then receive their enrollment information.

Find the application form on our Admissions page.

What is Winter Camp?

Every August, Ayhay holds a two-week English camp for children aged 3 to 15, open to all children, including those not enrolled at Ayhay. Through creative activities, games and Montessori-guided experiences, children build confidence and practice English. Winter Camp is mandatory for newly admitted students, to help them prepare for a smooth start to the school year. More on our Camps page.

What are Learning Expeditions?

Learning Expeditions are outings that connect classroom learning with the real world. Students explore the nature, history and culture of Madagascar first-hand, discovering the very things they study in their lessons.

Where is Ayhay, and can we visit?

Ayhay Christian School is located at Villa les Moineaux, Rue Tsimanindry, Ambatoroka, 101 Antananarivo, Madagascar. We warmly welcome families to visit. Contact us to arrange a visit: +261 33 33 409 59 or +261 38 18 409 59, or school@ayhay.org.