QSI International School of Belize

Belmopan, Belize

About QSI International School of Belize: QSI International School of Belize is part of Quality Schools International, which is a private, global, nonprofit international school system. This small school offers an English language education for preschool, elementary, and secondary students. It’s the only international school in Belmopan, the capital of Belize.

QSI Mission: Virtually every five year old comes to school eager to learn. The mission of QSI – to keep this urge to learn alive in every child.

Visit to the school’s website for further information.

ITF Review
(Based on Independent Research)

Would you recommend this school to other teaching families?

Yes – the package and benefits offered are very family friendly, though it was challenging to find any first-hand accounts of teachers from this school (which may have boosted it’s ratings – if you have any details please let us know! The small size of the school may put off some families.

Overall compensation package rating

Salary is paid in US dollars and is high for the region. Although there was some conflicting information, it appears that there are no local taxes payable – so savings potential are also high for teachers.

Tuition benefits

Fee waver for teachers children (no cap). QSI has a solid reputation for recruiting teachers with families (even 3 to 4 children).

Housing

A housing allowance is provided to teachers. Alternatively, the school will offer teachers suitable housing (furnished).

Flights

Round trip flights are provided annually for returning teachers.

Healthcare

QSI provides international medical health insurance for all international teachers and their accompanying dependents.

Adjustment for kids

The school is incredibly small – with around 50 students made up of 6 different nationalities. While this small community can be incredibly welcoming, it can also be challenging for kids if they don’t find friends quickly.

Average class sizes

Given the size of the small class sizes are also small – creating a great learning environment for students.

Teaching experience required

QSI prefers candidates who have experience with an American based curriculum. They require a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, a formal teaching certification, and classroom experience. Our research indicates they prefer single teachers and teaching couples – if you’re a teacher with a trailing spouse it may be more challenging to secure a role.  They currently employ teachers from North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and more.

Curriculum

American (AP) and IB (DP)

Retirement/pension benefits

After 12 years working with QSI, teachers are eligible for a year of service benefit.

School history & stability

QSI Belize first opened in August 2011.

QSI International School of Belize – Additional Benefits

  • Generous moving allowance
  • Good savings potential
  • Utility costs over $1,000 annually are covered by the school
  • Waterfall flowing between rocks and trees in Belize
  • Scenic view of a topical island beach with Palm Trees in Belize
  • Stunning aerial view of white boats on a clear turquoise water in Belize - what you can expect to look forward to if you work at QSI International School of Belize!

Safety, Adaptability & Cost of Living

  • Safety: Good – Belmopan is a small and calm city compared to Belize City. The area around the school is considered safe and family-friendly, with many teachers and expat families choosing to live nearby. Based on our research, most people feel comfortable going about day-to-day life, especially in the residential neighbourhoods near the school.
  • Adaptability: High – Belmopan has a growing international community, and the presence of QSI helps create a welcoming environment for new arrivals. English is the official language of Belize, which makes settling in much easier for expats. The lifestyle is laid-back, with access to cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, and food markets. There are also plenty of green spaces and outdoor activities available. And the city’s slower pace can be great for families.
  • Cost of Living: Moderate – Housing near the school is affordable compared to bigger cities in the region, though options can be limited. Fresh fruit, vegetables, and local products are inexpensive, but unsurprisingly, imported goods and international brands come at a higher cost. Utilities, internet, and mobile services are generally reliable, though quite expensive for the level of service.

General Overview for Teaching Families

QSI International School of Belize is a private, non-profit international school located in Belmopan, the capital of Belize. Founded in 2011, it’s part of the Quality Schools International (QSI) network, which operates more than 35 schools worldwide. The school offers a high-quality, English-medium education for students from preschool through secondary, serving both local and expat families.

The school has a small, close-knit student body of around 50 learners, representing around six nationalities. Instruction is delivered in English, with French, German, and Spanish offered as additional languages. The curriculum follows an American-based model with opportunities for students to pursue Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB DP) courses.

The campus is located in University Heights near the University of Belize. It features classrooms, a library, computer lab, music room, playground, sports field, and a central courtyard. Extracurricular activities include student leadership programs, environmental initiatives, performing arts, athletics, and service clubs.

For staff, QSI Belize provides great teaching benefits, with salaries paid in USD, international health insurance, annual flights, housing support, and tuition benefits for dependents. With small class sizes and a welcoming school community, teachers can expect a supportive environment.

Belmopan City offers a quiet, family-friendly lifestyle, with easy access to Belize’s natural attractions, from rainforest adventures to the Caribbean coast. English as the national language makes settling in easy for expat teachers, while the school’s strong international mix fosters a globally minded atmosphere.

Are you currently working at QSI International School of Belize? We’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch to share your experiences, or complete our teacher survey to help other international educators considering a move to Belize.

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