History
Regional History:
QSI International School of Chisinau is located in Chisinau, Moldova's capital and largest city. It is Moldova's oldest city, founded in 1420. Throughout its history, Chisinau has been influenced by a variety of cultures and empires, including the Ottoman Empire, Russian Empire, and the Soviet Union. During World War II, the city was heavily damaged—about 70% of it was destroyed due to bombing and intense street fighting. In the post-war years, Chisinau was rebuilt in the Soviet style, with broad tree-lined boulevards, green parks, and spacious public squares.
Today, Chisinau is not only the political and economic center of the country but also its cultural heart. It is home to national theaters, universities, the Academy of Sciences, a music conservatory, museums, sports complexes, and the National Opera and Ballet Theatre.
Moldova itself has a rich and complex history. Located between Romania and Ukraine, the region has long served as a crossroads of civilizations. Historically known as part of the Principality of Moldavia, the territory changed hands many times over the centuries. In the 19th century, much of what is now Moldova was annexed by the Russian Empire. After World War I, it united briefly with Romania, but was later incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1940. Moldova declared independence in 1991 following the collapse of the USSR.
Today, Moldova is known for its natural beauty, rolling hills, and fertile soil. It is especially famous for its wine-making traditions, which date back thousands of years. In addition to wine, Moldova is also a leading producer of walnuts, apples, plums, and sunflower seeds. The country’s deep-rooted traditions, warm hospitality, and vibrant folk culture continue to shape its modern identity.
School History:
QSI International School of Chisinau was established in 1996 as part of Quality Schools International (QSI), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality, English-language education in international settings. The school was founded to serve the children of diplomats, international business professionals, and other expatriate families living in Moldova, offering an American-style curriculum in a supportive, student-centered environment. Over the years, QSI Chisinau has also welcomed an increasing number of local Moldovan families who value an international education and a global perspective for their children. Today, the school community is a vibrant mix of nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds, reflecting the diverse and inclusive spirit of QSI.
Originally located in a small facility, the school moved to a spacious home in the Telecentru district in 2002 to accommodate a growing student body. In August 2010, QSI Chisinau relocated to its current campus, providing a more modern and expansive setting for learning and community building.
As part of its commitment to continual growth and innovation, the school opened a new wing in the fall of 2020. This addition included a spacious library, a full-service cafeteria, new classrooms, dedicated maker space, and flexible student study areas—enhancing both academic and social learning opportunities.
In the summer of 2025, QSI Chisinau completed a major renovation project to further enrich the student experience. The school gym was upgraded to include a new workout room, restrooms, locker rooms, and an enhanced HVAC system. At the same time, the outdoor areas were transformed to support active lifestyles and team sports, featuring a football pitch, volleyball court, and new playground structures. The cafeteria was also redesigned to create a warm, café-style atmosphere that supports both dining and social interaction.
Today, QSI Chisinau continues to evolve to meet the needs of its international community—providing a dynamic and inclusive environment where students can grow academically, socially, and personally.