In 1964, Emperor Haile Selassie I donated 15 acres of land to a small school. He did it with the express purpose of supporting the international and diplomatic communities, as well as to stimulate growth in Addis Ababa and throughout Ethiopia. He had a vision to establish Addis Ababa as the diplomatic capital of Africa.  

Formerly the American Community School with ties to the US Embassy, the school was established to support diplomacy and contribute to the development of Ethiopia and the African continent. ICS has been and continues to be connected to the growth and prosperity of our host country.

Now, 60 years later, ICS continues to thrive on our original 15 acres of land, and Addis Ababa is among the largest diplomatic centers in the world. Addis is home to the African Union, United Nation Development Program's Regional Service Centre for Africa, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the Africa- European Union Partnership, as well as dozens of embassies and missions.

ICS continues to support the international and diplomatic communities and is a key part of the city's history. Our school community represents more than 70 different nationalities and cultures, bringing together a rich mosaic of diversity and friendship.

Our vision ensures that we continue to partner with, learn from, and contribute to Ethiopia, Africa, and our world.