About us
Chairman’s Welcome
Welcome to Hawassa International School. As Chairman and Founder, it is my great pleasure to introduce you to a school built on a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives and shape futures. Though we are a new school, we are grounded in a legacy of educational excellence and driven by a vision that reaches far beyond the city of Hawassa or even the borders of Ethiopia.
Hawassa International School represents the exciting beginning of a dynamic and inclusive learning community. We are establishing an environment that will grow to encompass Early Years, Primary, and Secondary education—supported by world-class staff, a thoughtfully designed lakeside campus, and a philosophy rooted in both global best practices and Ethiopian values.
Our school proudly delivers the Pearson Edexcel International Curriculum, a rigorous and internationally respected framework that supports creativity, critical thinking, and academic achievement. From Early Years to A Levels, our aim is to nurture young learners who are confident, reflective, and prepared to make meaningful contributions—whether here in Ethiopia or across the world.
At Hawassa International School, we are committed to developing a new generation of leaders—future entrepreneurs, scientists, innovators, artists, public servants, and changemakers. We believe in the power of education not only to shape careers, but also to build character, resilience, and a sense of civic responsibility.
Whether you are a prospective parent, student, or educator, we warmly invite you to join us at this exciting early chapter of our journey. Together, we will build a school that is not only academically excellent but also compassionate, courageous, and community-minded.
We are proud of what Hawassa International School represents and filled with hope for what it will become.
With sincere appreciation,
Prof. Gemechis Buba
Chairman and Founder
Hawassa International School
What Makes Us Different
At Hawassa International School, we are proud to be more than just a school—we are a growing community of learners, leaders, and changemakers by the lake. What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to four foundational pillars: Integrity, Leadership, Success, and Lifelong Learning. These values are woven into the fabric of our school culture and guide everything we do.
Integrity
Integrity is the heart of our school. We teach our students to act with honesty and compassion, even when no one is watching. In a world of complexity and change, we emphasise moral courage, transparency, and ethical responsibility. Our school community upholds a culture of trust, respect, and accountability—helping our students build strong character and make principled choices that benefit both themselves and their communities.
Mission & Vision
Our Vision
Our Mission
At Hawassa International School, our vision is to serve both the local and international community by delivering a high-quality, future-focused education. We strive to cultivate academic excellence and ethical responsibility, inspiring students to become the next generation of entrepreneurs, inventors, creators, scientists, engineers, and thoughtful leaders. Our goal is to equip students in Ethiopia with the skills, mindset, and integrity to shape a better tomorrow—locally and globally.
Our mission is to be recognised as one of Ethiopia’s leading international schools. We are committed to providing a learner-centred, world-class education that meets global standards while honouring and celebrating Ethiopian culture, values, and traditions.
Through a rigorous academic program, a focus on 21st-century skills, and an inclusive, nurturing environment, we prepare Ethiopian and expatriate students to thrive in an interconnected world. Our graduates leave not only as scholars, but as confident, compassionate, and globally-minded citisens—ready to contribute meaningfully to a modern knowledge economy and a better society.
Our Promise to Parents
At Hawassa International School, we recognise the immense trust parents place in us when they choose our school for their child’s education. We take that trust seriously—and it is our unwavering commitment to provide a safe, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment where every child is supported to flourish.
Our promise is to deliver a world-class education that nurtures both academic success and personal growth. Through the internationally respected Pearson Edexcel International Curriculum, we foster critical thinking, creativity, communication, and digital literacy—skills essential for success in today’s world. Our teachers are highly qualified, caring professionals who bring passion, integrity, and a deep commitment to the wellbeing and progress of every learner.
We know that each child is unique. At Hawassa International School, we celebrate individuality and diversity, and we provide personalised support that recognises each student’s strengths, interests, and learning needs. We promise to work in close partnership with families, listening to your insights, sharing regular updates, and collaborating to help your child reach their full potential.
Our commitment extends beyond academics. We focus on the whole child—socially, emotionally, and physically. We offer enriching extracurricular programmes, community engagement, and leadership opportunities that promote confidence, empathy, and responsibility.
Above all, our promise is to ensure that every child feels safe, seen, and valued—so they can grow into capable, compassionate global citisens. We view education as a shared journey, and we are proud to walk it alongside you.
Together, we will build a strong foundation for your child’s future—here in Hawassa, and wherever their dreams may lead.
Our Team
At Hawassa International School, our commitment to excellence is shaped by a strong and forward-thinking leadership philosophy. As a new school with bold ambitions, our leadership team is united in its dedication to creating a world-class educational environment that reflects both international best practices and the rich cultural context of Ethiopia.
Our school is led by a visionary principal who serves as the instructional and strategic leader, working closely with our School Board to ensure every decision aligns with our mission and long-term goals. Together, they provide direction, uphold our values, and ensure that our learning community thrives from its very first day.
The school’s senior leadership and management team works collaboratively across all areas—teaching, learning, operations, and wellbeing. Their shared responsibility includes guiding staff development, embedding a culture of high expectations, and ensuring that every child receives a high-quality, holistic education.
At Hawassa International School, leadership is not only about strategy but also about action. Our leaders model excellence, inspire innovation, and foster a culture of reflection, responsibility, and professional growth. We actively encourage new ideas, support creative thinking, and remain responsive to the needs of students, families, and the broader community.
We believe that effective leadership is relational. Open communication, respectful collaboration, and shared accountability are at the heart of how we operate. Our leaders are visible, approachable, and proactive in building a supportive and inclusive school culture.
In day-to-day operations, our managers ensure that Hawassa International School is safe, orderly, and engaging for all. Every member of the leadership team is committed to ongoing improvement—through careful planning, clear goal-setting, and regular reviews of our performance and structures.
As we grow, we will continue to invest in professional development, staff empowerment, and strategic innovation. Our goal is not only to lead a school—but to inspire a movement for educational excellence in Hawassa and beyond.
Governance
At Hawassa International School, the School Board holds ultimate responsibility for the strategic success and sustainability of the school. While the day-to-day leadership of the school is entrusted to the Principal, the School Board sets the overarching vision, defines strategic priorities, and ensures that the education provided meets the highest international standards.
The School Board is composed of local and international professionals who bring diverse expertise in education, business, leadership, and community development. Together, they serve as guardians of the school’s mission and long-term direction.
The School Board approves the school’s annual budget and works in partnership with
the Principal to monitor its responsible use. It also plays a key role in promoting the school’s profile within the local and global community and ensuring its future sustainability. The board meets twice each academic term to review progress against the School Development Plan, receive updates from the school leadership, and provide strategic input to guide continuous improvement.
Board members are actively encouraged to engage with school life—through campus visits, events, and open dialogue with staff and students. This visibility helps strengthen connections between governance and practice, ensuring the board remains attuned to the daily experiences within the school.
Expectation
What the School Expects from the School Board:
What the School Board Expects from the School:
To understand and respect its role in governance, not management.
To act in the best interests of the entire school community—not personal or external interests.
To support the Principal and staff through open and respectful collaboration.
To maintain confidentiality and act with professionalism at all times.
To actively participate in meetings, training, and school events.
To champion the school in the wider community and uphold its reputation.
To be committed to induction and ongoing governance development.
Clear, relevant, and timely communication to support informed decision-making.
A strong partnership with school leadership grounded in mutual respect.
An openness to challenge and feedback as part of a shared improvement journey.
Opportunities to contribute to strategic planning and school development.
An environment where the expertise of board members is welcomed and valued.
As a new and ambitious school, Hawassa International School sees effective governance as a cornerstone of excellence. With a dedicated School Board, we are building a foundation of trust, transparency, and shared purpose—ensuring Hawassa International School grows into a model of world-class education in Ethiopia.
Accreditation
At Hawassa International School, we are proud to be founded as a British Curriculum international school offering the Pearson Edexcel International Curriculum—a globally respected academic framework known for its depth, balance, and focus on lifelong learning. As part of our commitment to academic excellence and international standards, we are currently in the process of securing full Pearson Edexcel Accreditation through Pearson Edexcel Assessment International Education.
This accreditation journey is a key step in affirming our place as a world-class learning institution in Ethiopia. It reflects our dedication to providing students with a high-quality education that not only meets international benchmarks but also prepares them for success at leading universities around the world.
Our curriculum follows Pearson Edexcel International Curriculum, beginning with Pearson Edexcel Early Years in FS1 and FS2, and continuing through the structured stages of Pearson Edexcel Primary, Pearson Edexcel Lower Secondary, Pearson Edexcel Upper Secondary (IGCSE) and Pearson Edexcel Advanced (AS and A Levels). From the age of 3 to 18, students at Hawassa International School engage with a curriculum that is rich in content, inquiry-driven, and globally benchmarked.
The Pearson Edexcel International Curriculum is recognised for:
As we prepare our first cohorts, we are focused on building a strong academic culture grounded in international best practices and reflective of Ethiopian values. Our teachers are trained in Pearson Edexcel pedagogical approaches and are committed to fostering inquiry, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning.
Accreditation is more than a status—it is a guarantee of quality, a framework for improvement, and a pathway to opportunity for every student at Hawassa International School.
We’re currently accepting applications from FS1 to Year 6, with higher levels opening annually.
We welcome Ethiopian, international, and diaspora families. Our admissions process is fair and inclusive, with readiness assessments—not entrance exams.
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