Compare International Curriculum International Schools in Moldova

Instructs in English, Romanian, Russian

Ages 6 - 18 years

Fees MDL 4,300 - 11,000

Type Co-educational

Heritage International School in Chișinău offers a mixed Moldovan national curriculum with IPC and Cambridge components, serving students aged 6 to 18. The Primary stage follows the International Primary Curriculum, while Gymnasium blends Moldova's standards with Cambridge, and Lyceum delivers Cambridge AS/A Level pathways. The school runs two educational routes: a Bilingual Pathway with national studies taught in Romanian or Russian plus intensive English, and a Cambridge Pathway taught in English. Classes are led by teachers using Cambridge resources and UK-aligned methods, with English as the primary language of instruction and Romanian or Russian support for younger learners. The campus spans 1.4 hectares with 7,500 square meters of facilities, including laboratories, language rooms, libraries, and accessible areas for wheelchairs, plus a gym. Heritage is Moldova's first Cambridge School and became a UCAS Centre in 2023, underscoring its commitment to global university pathways. The school welcomes international families and fosters learners.

Location

Chișinău, Moldova; Dacia Boulevard 45A

Stages

School starter; Primary school; Gymnasium; Lyceum

Type

Private international day school

Country affiliation

Moldova

Application and registration fees
- Application fee: EUR 50 (applies to new applicants and to existing students who sit entrance or transfer tests).
- Registration fee (one-time, non-refundable) by category:
- Preschool (School Starter, ages ~5.5–6.5): no registration fee.
- Tier 1 (Classes 1–10): EUR 250.
- Lyceum (A‑level years for Tier 1): EUR 350.
- Tier 2 (dependents of foreign nationals / temporary residents): Classes 1–10 registration fee EUR 450; Lyceum registration fee EUR 450.

Tuition fees by year group (annual and per instalment)
- Preschool (School Starter, ages 5.5–6.5): Annual tuition EUR 4,300 — per instalment (two instalments) EUR 2,150 + EUR 2,150.
- Tier 1 (Classes 1–10): Annual tuition EUR 5,750 — per instalment EUR 2,875 + EUR 2,875.
- Tier 1 Lyceum (A‑Level years): Annual tuition EUR 6,325 — instalments EUR 3,165 + EUR 3,160.
- Tier 2 (foreign / temporary residents) Classes 1–10: Annual tuition EUR 10,000 — instalments EUR 5,000 + EUR 5,000.
- Tier 2 Lyceum: Annual tuition EUR 11,000 — instalments EUR 5,500 + EUR 5,500.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Standard billing: annual tuition is payable in two instalments: 50% due by June 15 and 50% due by December 15.
- Discount for full prepayment: a 4% discount applies when the full annual tuition is paid in a single instalment before June 15.
- Sibling discount: second child — 10% off the tuition for the younger sibling; third child — 15% off the tuition for the youngest sibling, while all siblings are enrolled concurrently.
- Late-payment penalty: starting from the first week after an established deadline for payment, the tuition increases by EUR 50 for each week of delay (this measure is applied from the week after June 15, 2026, until payment is made).

Payment methods and processing
- Online card payments: Visa and MasterCard (including Visa Electron and Maestro) are accepted through the school's online payments service. A processing commission of 1% is applied to online card payments. All online payments are made in Moldovan leu (MDL); card-currency conversion is handled by the card‑issuing bank or the card network.
- Local-currency billing: tuition can also be paid in MDL using the commercial sell exchange rate from the bank indicated by the school on the day of payment (payment instructions and accounting contact available through the school's accounting office).
- Refund mechanism for online payments: refund claims for card payments are handled through the card‑issuing bank and the online-payment operator in accordance with standard refund procedures; the school's online payments terms explain that refunds (where appropriate) are processed via the bank/operator after a formal claim.

Other fees and typical additional costs
- School uniform: students must wear the official Heritage uniform; uniform items are available from the school uniform shop and families are expected to cover uniform costs.
- Meals / canteen: the school operates a canteen; meal costs are an additional family expense unless otherwise specified in award or scholarship conditions.
- Transportation / school bus service: a contracted bus service is available for an extra charge; families pay the bus service cost.
- External exam fees: costs for Cambridge external examinations (Primary Checkpoint, Lower Secondary Checkpoint, IGCSE, A‑Levels) are set by Cambridge Assessment and are to be paid by parents.
- Extracurricular clubs, trips and some school activities: certain trips, external activities and specific optional programmes may carry additional charges; families normally cover these costs. Scholarship announcements also note that families cover items such as uniform, meals, transport, textbooks, examination fees and trips for scholarship recipients.
- Registration / application processing for internal transfers or placement tests: the EUR 50 application fee applies when a current student takes a transfer or placement test.

Boarding
- No boarding provision: Heritage International School operates as a day school and does not provide boarding accommodation.

Refund and cancellation specifics (what is stated)
- Registration fee: the registration fee is described as a non‑refundable, one‑time payment for a single admission.
- Online-payment refunds: refunds for online card transactions must be arranged through the card‑issuing bank and follow the standard refund procedures of the online payment operator and banks; the school's online payments terms set out that claims for refunds are settled between the payer, the bank and the payment operator.

Notes on typical billing practice
- Tuition covers the main educational programme; enrichment activities are described as offered separately and may be free or chargeable depending on the activity. External exam entries are charged to parents. Instalment amounts shown above equal 50% of the published annual tuition for each year group.

Practical payment contacts
- Accounting / payment enquiries can be directed to the school's accounting office (contact details listed on the school's public pages).

Curriculum

Heritage uses a mixed Moldovan national curriculum with IPC and Cambridge components. Primary follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). Gymnasium blends Moldova's national standards with Cambridge International Education. Lyceum follows the Cambridge Pathway, including Cambridge AS and A Level. There are two educational pathways: the Bilingual Pathway (national curriculum with Cambridge components, with instruction in Romanian or Russian plus intensive English) and the Cambridge Pathway (full Cambridge curriculum taught in English). Heritage is Cambridge Assessment International Education's Cambridge School (MD004). The instruction is predominantly in English, with Romanian or Russian support for younger learners.

Exam Results

Heritage students have achieved outstanding results in Cambridge International Examinations, with cohorts completing IGCSE, AS and A Level successfully. In 2026, Cambridge results were described as stronger and the school celebrated exceptional performances across IGCSE, AS and A Level.

Higher Education Progression

Cambridge qualifications open doors to universities worldwide. Heritage is UCAS-accredited as a Centre to support applications to international universities. The school notes that Cambridge qualifications can lead to admission at about 1,400 universities in 195 countries.

Gifted and Talented

The Heritage Scholarships Programme offers up to 100% tuition coverage and access to extracurricular clubs for talented Moldovan students. Eligibility includes strong academic performance, English proficiency, and substantial extracurricular involvement; applicants may be Moldovan citizens and may apply for both national and Cambridge pathways.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school emphasizes critical thinking, international mindedness and the holistic development of the whole child, with an inquiry-based learning approach and individualized differentiation.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school provides language development support through an Intensive English Unit for students coming from non-English backgrounds, with English proficiency assessed as part of the admission process.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The instruction is predominantly in English, with strong support in Romanian or Russian for younger learners; the Lyceum pathway uses English as the exclusive medium of instruction.

Mental Wellbeing

The school integrates discipline, self-regulation and moral values into its learning, aiming to develop cognitive, personal and social skills alongside academics.

Safeguarding

The school is engaged in safeguarding through its structured admission process and ongoing student support, aligned with its holistic educational approach.

History

Heritage International School began in Moldova in 2008 when Natalia Ciornaia and Sinan Bora conceived a new international center and invested 10 million euros to create a school with an international curriculum. Cornerstones were laid in 2016, and the Grand Opening followed in August 2017, featuring a campus with laboratories, language rooms, libraries, and inclusive facilities. In September 2017 the school opened with a mixed curriculum (national + IPC in Primary; national + Cambridge in Gymnasium) and became Moldova's first Cambridge School, later serving as a Cambridge assessment center. In 2019 the Heritage Scholarships program was launched, offering eight students full tuition waivers; in 2022 the Lyceum opened for Cambridge AS & A Level qualifications, with the first cohort graduating the same year. In 2023 Heritage was accredited as a UCAS Centre, and in summer 2025 Casey M. Barnes became Director, continuing the founders' vision of developing adaptable, globally minded learners.

Community

The school has an internationally qualified team of teachers from around the world, offering a multicultural learning environment. Founders' Lecture Series connects students and teachers with ambassadors, experts, and leaders. Heritage hosts events such as the World Scholar's Cup regional rounds for three years, and has earned recognitions including the British Council International School Award, joined the Global School Alliance, and received the eTwinning School Label. It is COBIS-accredited.

Facilities Overview

The total school area is 1.4 hectares, and the building area covers 7,500 square meters. The facilities are designed as an all-inclusive environment and provide provisions for children with lower mobility who use wheelchairs. There is ample parking for drop-off and pick-up.

Sports Facilities

The school has a gymnasium for physical education.

Academic Facilities

Heritage provides a Cambridge education pathway across three stages: Primary with a national + IPC blend, Gymnasium with national + Cambridge, and Lyceum with exclusively Cambridge A Level. Cambridge qualifications offered include Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary, Cambridge IGCSE, and A Level. Instruction is in English and aligned with UK teaching methods; teachers have access to Cambridge resources and ongoing professional development. Heritage is Moldova's only Cambridge School and Cambridge qualifications open doors to over 1,400 universities in 195 countries.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Clubs include English Club, Art Club, and Chess Club, spanning Academic & Leadership, Visual & Performing Arts, and Sports & Games. Heritage is the first and only International Award Centre in Moldova delivering The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, currently launching the Bronze Award with plans to expand to Silver and Gold.

Academic & Intellectual

Mathematics, Chemistry & Biology, Critical Thinking, Media Education, eTwinning, Technology, Reading Club, Model United Nations and Chinese are offered as educational clubs. Math Club builds a strong foundation and fosters critical and creative thinking. Chemistry Club motivates science learning and covers topics such as metals in solutions and the properties of acids, bases and salts. eTwinning and Model United Nations develop intercultural communication, public speaking and teamwork, while Chinese Club provides two language levels for everyday communication.

Arts & Creative

Arts and Creative Activities include ARTS, Craft, Drama, Ballet, Dance, Singing, Guitar, Architecture, Muse (Literary Magazine), Drums, Board Games and Dungeons & Dragons. Art teaches students to interpret, criticize, and use visual information. Drama, Ballet and Dance promote communication, emotional intelligence and self-expression. Muse provides a literary magazine published twice a year, while Board Games and Dungeons & Dragons develop problem-solving and social skills.

Cultural & Language

Chinese Club offers two levels: Chinese as a First Language and Chinese as a Foreign Language, focusing on everyday communication and cultural traditions. The club builds language skills and cultural awareness. eTwinning Club connects students with peers across Europe for collaborative projects and intercultural dialogue. Model United Nations (MUN) Club introduces students to international academic debate and participates in conferences.

Social & Hobbies

Reading Club invites students to read and discuss texts guided by an English teacher. Board Games encourage exploration and problem-solving, while Dungeons & Dragons develops critical thinking, creativity and social skills. These activities provide social engagement and opportunities to explore interests beyond the core curriculum.

Community & Service

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award at Heritage is Moldova's first and only International Award Centre delivering The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award. It is a global youth development programme for ages 14-24 that combines volunteering, physical activity, skills development and adventurous journeys to build confidence, resilience, leadership and community contribution.

Leadership & Professional

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award at Heritage emphasizes leadership, teamwork, resilience and goal setting. The Bronze Award is currently being launched for Heritage students aged 14 and above, with plans to expand to Silver and Gold; participants progress by choosing activities in Volunteering, Physical and Skills, and by recording progress, completing an Adventurous Journey and earning a certificate.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

After-school activities include basketball, football and gymnastics, with additional music and drama opportunities and enrichment beyond the classroom. Participation in extracurricular activities supports social interaction, self-discipline, confidence and overall well-being, while promoting physical health through regular activity.

Admissions

1. Starter Pack and Preschool entry: A Starter Pack is provided to all parents pursuing admission into Heritage International School. This pack includes all documents and information regarding school policies and practices. There is no placement test for the Preschool year group. Full admission is offered after fees are paid according to the contract.

2. Entry to Class 1: Applicants for Class 1 should provide a report on physical, socio-emotional, cognitive, language and communication development, as well as development of learning capacities and attitudes at the end of the kindergarten prep course. There is no placement test for this year group; students are assessed to determine English language comprehension and proficiency. A meeting with the school counselor is part of the application process.

3. Placement Test for Classes 2-10: An Academic Placement Test is required for learners entering Classes 2 to 10. The test includes an English Language Assessment; foreign learners will be assessed for language proficiency and may receive language development support through the Intensive English Unit until proficiency meets expectations. For the bilingual pathway, there is a test in language (Russian or Romanian) and mathematics; for the English-only pathway, there is a test in mathematics. The minimum pass mark is 70% in each test. The Placement Test is taken before Provisional Admission is offered.

4. A Level/Lyceum admission: The first step is to research the Lyceum page to understand the A-level program and requirements. Send your request to join Heritage Lyceum with your most recent school report to admission@heritage.md. Be invited to interview with the Academic Director and Head of Lyceum/Sixth Form. After entrance examinations are completed and reviewed, the candidate will be invited to an interview with the Academic Director and Head of Lyceum/Sixth Form. Each application is considered on academic merit and potential contributions to the school community. Take the admission tests online or in person after the application is reviewed.

5. English-Only Pathway (Cambridge Curriculum): The English-only pathway learners follow the Cambridge Primary and IPC, Cambridge Lower Secondary, Cambridge Upper Secondary and Cambridge Advanced curriculum. They take the Cambridge Primary Checkpoint, Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint, IGCSE and Cambridge Advanced exams, which are mandatory. Requirements include English language proficiency, parental consent regarding not taking national exams in the 4th grade, 9th grade, and the BAC in the 12th grade, and individualized assessments to determine placement.

6. Provisional and Full Admission: After the Registration Fee is paid and the completed and signed Application Form is received, provisional admission is confirmed in writing. Full admission is offered only after the schooling contract is signed and fees are paid.

7. Timing: The admission calendar for the 2026-2027 academic session is open. Pupils can be admitted all through the school year. For questions, contact +37362022210 or admission@heritage.md or info@heritage.md.

8. c. List of required documents for admission: Documentation includes the Application, development report (or municipal/district reference for Class 1), original documents from previous schools (for Classes 2-10), medical and immunization records, birth certificate/passport copies, parent IDs, photos, Admission Form A, and medical reports for special learning needs. A copy of each parent's entry visa stamp (for foreign pupils) and a bank transfer receipt may be required.

9. d. Tuition fees and due dates: Tuition is paid in two installments: 1st installment 50% due June 15th; 2nd installment 50% due December 15th. Tier 1 fees apply to Moldovan citizens; Tier 2 fees to dependents of foreign nationals. An application fee of €50 applies for new students and for entrance/transfer tests. A 10% second-child discount and a 15% third-child discount apply; a 4% discount for full payment before June 15. Tuition can be paid in MDL; contact the accounting department for details.

10. e. Virtual open house: A virtual open house offers online interactive experiences to showcase Heritage as the only Cambridge School in Moldova, with videos and subtitles in EN/RO/RU. After viewing, visitors are encouraged to explore the Admissions page for more details.

11. f. The Heritage Scholarships Program: Every academic year, Heritage launches scholarships offering up to 100% tuition coverage and free attendance at Heritage extracurricular clubs. The program is part of Heritage's CSR initiative and targets Moldova citizens with outstanding academic achievements. Eligibility includes being a Moldova citizen and meeting level-specific criteria for Grades 7-8 (Romanian or Russian instruction) or IGCSE/AS/A Level (English instruction). Strong academic performance (average 9.5 over the last two years), demonstrated extracurricular involvement, and advanced English are required; other conditions apply. Selected candidates are invited to interviews, and the scholarship is valid for one academic year with potential renewal upon continued achievement. Scholarships contact: scholarship@heritage.md; phone: 060903069. Program regulations and decision documents provide further details.

Scholarships

The Heritage Scholarships Program offers up to 100% tuition coverage and free attendance of Heritage extracurricular clubs as part of a corporate social responsibility initiative. It targets Moldova citizens with outstanding academic achievements and provides two pathways: Grades 7-8 with Romanian or Russian instruction, and IGCSE/AS/A Level classes taught in English. Eligibility includes strong academic performance (average at least 9.5 over the last two years), active extracurricular involvement, and advanced English (average English grade at least 9.5). Selected candidates are invited for an interview; the scholarship is valid for one academic year and can be renewed annually by confirming academic and extracurricular achievement and meeting program conditions. Program details are outlined in the program regulations and related decision documents. Scholarship inquiries: scholarship@heritage.md; contact number 060903069.

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Compare International Curriculum International Schools in Moldova

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Stages

Type

Country affiliation

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Exam Results

Higher Education Progression

Gifted and Talented

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Mental Wellbeing

Safeguarding

History

Community

Facilities Overview

Sports Facilities

Academic Facilities

Extra Curricular Facilities

Academic & Intellectual

Arts & Creative

Cultural & Language

Social & Hobbies

Community & Service

Leadership & Professional

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Language Provision

Bilingual Teaching

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