Cedar International School
Cedar International School (CIS) is a co-educational international day school in Kingstown on Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. Established in 1990, it is an IB World School authorised to offer the full IB continuum (Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes) . Cedar serves roughly 250 students (Pre-K through Grade 12, ages 3–18) . Its community is very diverse – students and staff represent over 40 nationalities – and the school explicitly fosters global citizenship and international-mindedness as core values . CIS prides itself on preparing “global citizens” for a changing world, integrating local culture with an internationally accredited curriculum.
Curriculum and Academics
Cedar follows the complete International Baccalaureate curriculum. Its programmes begin in the early years and continue uninterrupted through to the IB Diploma in Grade 11–12. Inquiry-based learning is central: Cedar emphasises teaching critical thinking and research skills as much as content, encouraging students to question, evaluate information, solve problems and collaborate . Graduates consistently perform above global averages on IB assessments. For example, Cedar’s Diploma students often exceed the worldwide IB pass rate and secure places at top universities in the US, UK, Canada and elsewhere . Primary and Middle Years students likewise score at or above the international average on standardised tests, and many earn the MYP Certificate before moving to the Diploma level . To support university progression, Cedar offers a dedicated University Advising programme: a weekly college-preparation class for older students and one-on-one counselling to strengthen university applications . This guidance covers everything from personal statements to financial aid and visas, reflecting the school’s high expectations of post-secondary success.
Facilities and Extracurriculars
Cedar’s campus is well-equipped for a broad, well-rounded education. It has 21 modern classrooms (nearly all with SMART Boards), two fully-equipped science laboratories, and dedicated art, music and IT studios . Students have access to a large library (several thousand volumes) and campus-wide Wi-Fi . For younger children there are playgrounds and shaded early-learning areas, while the middle and upper school enjoys extensive athletic facilities: an all-weather synthetic football (soccer) pitch, and a multi-use basketball/volleyball/netball court. The campus also includes a skateboard park, an outdoor performance stage, and a covered student terrace with an on-site culinary learning space . These resources are complemented by off-campus amenities: the school regularly uses nearby facilities such as an Olympic-standard running track, tennis and squash courts, and sailing and scuba-diving centres . Students even participate in a fun annual “Beach Olympics” on Tortola’s famous beaches.
Beyond facilities, Cedar encourages a rich range of extracurricular activities. Sports are popular – many students represent the BVI in athletics, football, tennis, squash, rugby and sailing . The school’s island setting makes sailing and water sports a regular feature of its athletics programme . Arts and creativity are also emphasised: Cedar fields choirs, bands and theatrical productions, and its Support Cedar Arts Centre (built by fundraising efforts) provides space for visual and performing arts. Service learning is built into the IB curriculum: Middle Years students earn “Service as Action” credits through community projects, and Diploma students complete Creativity-Activity-Service (CAS) portfolios. For example, Cedar’s teams have competed in Model United Nations conferences abroad, developing negotiation and leadership skills (the school director notes these opportunities embody Cedar’s mission of “preparing global citizens” ). In short, CIS cultivates holistic development: students learn in labs and studios, compete on fields and courts, contribute to local service projects, and travel globally as part of their education.
Admissions and Fees
Cedar admits students from age 3 (pre-kindergarten) up to age 18 (DP2) . Placement is based on age, academic skill and maturity, with final determination by the Head of School. As of 2025 the student body is about 250–255 pupils . The 2025–26 tuition schedule indicates annual fees rising to roughly US$23,220 for DP1 and DP2 when paid annually . (Lower grades are less – for example, MYP grades are around $22,500–$22,800, and PYP grades ~$18,800–$19,600 annually .) In addition, new applicants pay a one-time $300 application fee . Families enrolling multiple children or paying in advance may receive concessions as noted in the fee schedule. Cedar also offers a limited number of need-based scholarships to assist families with genuine financial need . Prospective parents should contact the Admissions Office for the latest fee tables, application forms and any available sibling discounts.
Who is it best suited for?
Cedar International School is ideal for internationally-minded families who value a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum. It appeals especially to expatriate (and local) parents seeking a secular, inquiry-driven education that emphasises global awareness and skills . The school’s small size and diverse community suit students who thrive in a close-knit environment with high expectations. Academically motivated children – especially those aiming for top universities or interested in a broad liberal-arts style education – do well at Cedar. Its graduates often identify as “world travellers” and global citizens , reflecting the school’s focus on service, leadership and international engagement. In practice, CIS is a good fit for families relocating to the BVI who want continuity with the IB system, and for local families who want their children immersed in a multicultural learning community with an accredited international curriculum.
Location: Kingstown, Tortola
Affiliation: Secular / IB World School
Type: Co-educational day school
Ages: 3 to 18
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP, DP)
Pupils: ~250 (Pre-K to Grade 12)
Annual Fees: ~US$23,220 (for DP1–2, 2025–26)
Website: https://www.cedar.vg
If you are considering Cedar International School for your child, we offer personalised school consulting services to help determine if this institution is the right fit for your child’s needs and educational goals. Our guidance can assist in evaluating Cedar’s programme and environment to ensure it aligns with your family’s expectations and your child’s aspirations. Please get in touch here.