Mr. Paul S. Johnston, Director
Asmara International Community School
P.O. Box 4941
Asmara, Eritrea
Tel/Fax: 291-1-161-705
E-mail: director.johnston@gmail.com
Web: www.aicsasmara.com
2007-2008
The Asmara International Community School (AICS) is a nonprofit, independent, coeducational day school which offers an educational program to children from prekindergarten (age 3) through grade 12. The School was founded in 1994 to serve the needs of the international community and other students seeking English-language education. There are a minimum of 180 teaching days in the schools calendar. There are a minimum of 180 teaching days in the school calendar.
Organization: AICS is governed by a 7-member Board of Governors. Five of the Board members are elected by the AICS Parents' Association. Two board members are appointed, one by the U.S. Embassy and one from the United Nations. Membership in the Association is automatically conferred to the parents or guardians of children enrolled in the school.
Curriculum: The curriculum is similar to that of other international schools. Imported textbooks and teaching materials are used. The Early Childhood section (PK and KG) is based on a traditional approach. Grades 1-6 are self-contained and, since 2004, have adopted the International Baccalaureate's Primary Years Program (PYP). Middle school and high school are departmentalized by core subject: English, mathematics, science, and social studies. In addition to the regular academic courses, there are specialist teachers for music, art, physical education and French at all grade levels. Information technology is also integrated into classroom learning. English language support (EFL) is provided to students whose first language is not English. AICS is accredited from kindergarten to grade 12 by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Faculty: In the 2007-2008 school year, there are 12 full-time and 2 part-time faculty, including 7 U.S. citizens, 3 host-country nationals and 2 third-country nationals. The teaching faculty is certified and degreed from their respective home countries. In addition to the faculty members, there are 6 instructional assistants.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year, enrollment was 121. (PK-Kdg.: 24; grades 1-6: 53; grades 7-12: 44.)
Facilities: AICS consists of a purpose-built brick building with 10 large classrooms and 4 small classrooms. The School has a library containing 4,500 volumes for reference work, supplemental reading and pleasure reading. There are 25 computers used for instruction, of which 20 are in the computer lab for computer literacy classes. The School has a gym/auditorium attached to the building for use in physical education, drama productions and other group gathering events. The School maintains self-contained classrooms wherever possible. There are grounds with ample area to play as well as playground equipment, basketball court, and soccer pitch.
Tuition and Fees: In the 2007-2008 school year, the annual tuition rates are as follows: PK: $2,968; Kdg: $4,704; and grade 1: $5,936; grades 2-12 are tiered between $11,760 and $16,240. Students in grades 1-12 pay a one time registration fee of $2,800 per family which includes a one-time $100 application fee. Tuition is payable in U.S. dollars by all those paid in U.S. dollars. Those who are not paid in U.S. dollars may pay in Nakfa at the School's established exchange rate. Payment is due within four (4) weeks for new students and within two (2) weeks for returning students. Payments may be made annually, semi-annually or quarterly on a schedule established by the business manager each year. (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars.)
