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Hillcrest International School

Botswana, Gaborone

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees BWP 18,000 - 41,850
Ages Not listed
Type Co-educational
Opened 1993
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages French
Strengths STEM, Sport, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Academic and Intellectual, Social and Hobbies
Stages Early Years, Primary School
Introduction

Hillcrest International School is an English-medium international school in Gaborone, Botswana, offering Pre-Reception to Standard 7 in a purpose-built campus. The school follows a bespoke English-medium curriculum aligned with Botswana's national standards and includes PSLE preparation for upper primary. Core subjects include English Language, Mathematics, Science, Agriculture, French, Religious and Moral Education, Setswana, Social Studies, Cultural Studies, Information Technology, Creative Arts, Physical Education, and Robotics and STEM Enrichment. Learning is assessed through continuous classroom assessments, weekly and monthly tests, projects and practical assignments, mid-term and end-of-term examinations, and PSLE readiness assessments. The campus features 41 classrooms, two fully equipped computer laboratories, a library, an administration block, a sports complex, an air-conditioned hall, and a swimming pool. Extracurriculars span drama, debate, public speaking, arts clubs, coding/robotics, music, scouts/guides, plus a broad sports program. The school emphasizes supportive teaching, small class sizes, and leadership development to prepare learners for secondary education and beyond.

Plot No. 28436, Block 3, Extension 32, South East Gaborone, P.O. Box 20541, Gaborone, Botswana

The Essentials

Hillcrest International School has instruction in English.

Location
Hillcrest International School is located along Artesia Road, Plot 28436 Block 3, Ext. 32, in the South East area of Gaborone, Botswana. The campus comprises forty-one classrooms, two fully equipped computer laboratories, a library, an administration block, a sports complex, an air-conditioned hall, and a swimming pool. The school operates Monday to Friday from 07:25 to 16:00.

Stages
Pre-Reception, Reception to Standard 7

Type
International English-medium school

Country affiliation
Botswana

School day structure
Weekdays from 07:25 to 16:00 (Monday to Friday)
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms: Boys wear beige shirts with the Hillcrest logo, a green hat with the logo, steel-grey shorts or trousers, black shoes and grey socks; Girls wear a green dress with the logo, a green hat with the logo, black shoes and white socks. PE uniform is Hillcrest green T-shirt with the logo, white shorts, Hillcrest green track suit with the logo, and white trainer shoes; Swimming costume is Hillcrest Green with the logo; Winter uniform for both boys and girls is a dark green jersey with a green track suit with the logo. Branded uniforms are available at the School Shop from Monday to Thursday between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Governance and Ownership
Manager: Hillcrest
Fees

Annual tuition at Hillcrest International School ranges from BWP 18,000 to BWP 41,850 for 2026/27.

Application / Registration fee

- Registration (non‑refundable): BWP 100.

Tuition fees (published amounts and how they are charged)

- Tuition amounts are presented per term. The school requires full tuition to be paid before the start of each term; the academic year is organised into three terms. Annual totals shown below are the term amount multiplied by three (3).

- Pre‑Reception (Half Day): BWP 6,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): BWP 18,000.
- Pre‑Reception (Full Day): BWP 7,000 per term — Annual (3 terms): BWP 21,000.
- Reception (Half Day): BWP 8,300 per term — Annual (3 terms): BWP 24,900.
- Reception (Full Day): BWP 9,300 per term — Annual (3 terms): BWP 27,900.
- Primary Standard 1–4: BWP 13,450 per term — Annual (3 terms): BWP 40,350.
- Primary Standard 5–7: BWP 13,950 per term — Annual (3 terms): BWP 41,850.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Full tuition for each term is due 15 days before the commencement of that term. Accounts remain open during school vacations to facilitate payments. Failure to settle fees may result in removal of the child from class.

Boarding fees

- The school operates as a day school for Pre‑Reception through Standard 7; no boarding fee schedule is published and boarding is not listed as an option. (Annual calendar and programme listings show term dates and day‑school hours.)

Other costs and routine additional charges

- Uniforms: Branded school uniforms and PE/swim kit are supplied via the School Shop; exact prices are not published. Uniform items include shirts/dresses, hats, shoes, socks, PE T‑shirts, shorts, tracksuits and swim costume. The School Shop operates Monday–Thursday (afternoon hours noted).

- Stationery and textbooks: Standard 1–7 learners are provided with textbooks and exercise books; parents are financially responsible for lost, damaged or stolen textbooks. Pre‑primary learners receive basic materials (pencils, crayons, sharpeners) and may be required to buy additional materials. Any replacement costs for lost/damaged textbooks are charged to parents.

- Other possible fees: The school publishes no fixed separate charges for extracurriculars, transport, examination levies or activity fees on the fee page; such charges (if applied) are not listed in the published tuition schedule.

Refund information

- The registration fee is explicitly non‑refundable (BWP 100). No detailed, published tuition‑refund policy or general refund schedule for term tuition or other charges is provided on the published fee page.

Fee payment options

- Accepted payment methods: Debit Card, Credit Card (including Visa), cash, or electronic bank transfer (EFT). The Accounts office accepts payments and is available during vacations to process them.

Short note on calculations and missing price items

- Annual totals above are calculated as three times the published per‑term amounts because the school operates a three‑term academic year. The fee schedule does not publish itemised prices for uniforms, set charges for lost textbook replacement, transport or activity fees; those items are therefore not priced in this overview.
Academics

Hillcrest International School teaches Bespoke Curriculum.

Curriculum
Structured, well-balanced English-medium curriculum aligned with Botswana's national standards, preparing learners for PSLE examinations. Subjects offered include English Language, Mathematics, Science, Agriculture, French, Religious and Moral Education, Setswana, Social Studies, Cultural Studies, Information Technology, Creative Arts, Physical Education, and Robotics and STEM Enrichment. Learning is assessed through continuous classroom assessments, weekly and monthly tests, projects and practical assignments, mid-term and end-of-term examinations, and PSLE preparation assessments for upper standards. Academic Support & Enrichment includes remedial support where necessary, enrichment programmes for advanced learners, homework supervision guidance, exam preparation workshops, and small class sizes for personalized attention. By the end of primary education, learners are expected to demonstrate strong literacy and numeracy skills, think critically, communicate confidently in English, display discipline, respect, and leadership qualities, and be fully prepared for secondary education and beyond.

Student Teacher Ratio
Small class sizes for personalized attention.

Exam Results
PSLE results: Since maiden PSLE class in 1998, the school has maintained a 100% pass rate.

Higher Education Progression
Learners are fully prepared for secondary education and beyond.

Gifted and Talented
Enrichment programmes for advanced learners.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The staff are mentors, guides, and inspirers who create a nurturing environment where learners grow academically, personally, and socially. Co-curricular activities, including sports, robotics, IT enrichment, library programmes, chess, and creative arts, support holistic development.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school is a PSLE English-medium school and follows an English-medium curriculum aligned with Botswana's academic standards.

Mental Wellbeing
The school provides a safe and supportive learning environment with staff who mentor and guide learners, supporting their personal and social growth.

Safeguarding
The school provides a safe and supportive learning environment, with staff acting as mentors to protect learners' wellbeing.
Parent Experience

History
Hillcrest International School was established to offer children a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where they can grow and develop to fulfill their potential through a creative and engaging learning journey.

Community
The school has an active community anchored by the Hillcrest Parents and Teachers Association (Hillcrest PTA). The PTA was established in 1998 by constitution to support School Management in creating an environment conducive to learning for the children. Recent blog posts illustrate ongoing school life and events, including Welcome Back to School, PSLE Results, and the Annual Award Ceremony.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Hillcrest Parents and Teachers Association (Hillcrest PTA) was established in 1998 by constitution and supports School Management in creating a learning-friendly environment for the children.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school has forty-one spacious classrooms, two fully equipped computer laboratories, a library, an administration block, a sports complex, an air-conditioned hall, and a swimming pool. It is located at Plot 28436 Block-3, Gaborone, Botswana. The campus supports learning and school life for Pre-Reception to Standard 7 with dedicated spaces for instruction and events. The facilities enable both classroom learning and co-curricular activities on campus.

Sports Facilities
The school has a sports complex and a swimming pool on site. It offers a range of sports programs supported by qualified coaches, including athletics (track and field), soccer, netball, swimming, and tennis. The sports program serves students across age groups, with soccer and netball catering to ages 9 to 13. The facilities and staff support a holistic athletic program alongside classroom learning.

Academic Facilities
The campus includes two fully equipped computer laboratories and a library to support digital literacy and research. ICT and Robotics Education is part of the curriculum, with Robotics and STEM Enrichment integrated into learning. Information Technology (IT) is among the subjects offered, along with English, Mathematics, Science, Agriculture, French, and Setswana. The curriculum is delivered in English and aligned with Botswana's national standards, with PSLE preparation incorporated for upper standards. The school provides academic support and enrichment programs as part of its learning approach.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Co-curricular activities include Drum Majorettes, Drama Club, Debate Club, Public Speaking, Spelling Club, Art & Craft Club, Boy & Girl Scouts, Polka Dance, Home Economics, Coding & Robotics Club, Gymnastics Club, Mathematics League, Academic Quiz, Music Club, Girl Guides/Brownies, and Local News. In addition, sports offerings include Athletics (track and field events), Soccer, Netball, Swimming, Chess, and Tennis. Hillcrest emphasizes a balanced program through these activities to foster creative, social, and leadership skills. Activities are designed to complement classroom learning and personal development.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers Academic Programmes from Pre-Reception to Standard 7 with English-medium instruction. ICT & Robotics Education is integrated into the curriculum to develop digital literacy and hands-on problem solving. The academics are designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking through a vigorous curriculum, innovative teaching methods, and personalized support.

Arts & Creative
Co-Curricular Activities include creative arts. There are library programs to support reading and research. Chess is offered as a co-curricular activity, and IT enrichment complements the arts and other activities.

Social & Hobbies
Students participate in sports and physical education through the school's athletic programs. Robotics and IT enrichment foster hands-on learning and problem solving. The library supports reading and research, while chess provides strategic thinking. Creative arts provide expressive outlets outside academics.

Leadership & Professional
Extracurricular activities foster leadership and teamwork. Staff are mentors who guide learners in a safe, nurturing environment where they grow academically, personally, and socially. The extracurricular program is recognized for developing new skills and interests in students.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Athletic Programs help learners develop physical skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The school provides a safe and supportive learning environment. Co-curricular activities balance academics with physical and creative pursuits to support holistic well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
The school follows an English-medium curriculum aligned with Botswana's academic standards. Based in Gaborone, Botswana, it operates as a PSLE English Medium School.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Applications are completed in person at the school office. Parents/guardians are required to complete an application form. The Prospectus, Reception Forms and further information are available at the reception office. 2. Submit the required supporting documents: proof of residency; previous school report (where applicable); copy of the first page of the child's clinic card; copy of the child's birth certificate. These documents accompany the application and are reviewed as part of the admissions process. The school may request additional information if needed. 3. The Prospectus, Reception Forms and further information are available at the reception office. The registration fee is non-refundable and is P100.00. This fee is part of the registration process. 4. The admissions team will guide you through the entire process to ensure a smooth and efficient registration. They review the submitted documents and provide placement guidance as needed. They coordinate with the reception to keep families informed of next steps. They respond to inquiries during office hours.
School Events
The school has not added events
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