Sierra Leone, Freetown: American International School of Freetown
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Released by the Office of Overseas Schools
Washington, DC
American International School of Freetown
2008-2009
The American International School of Freetown (AISF) was opened in 1986. It is a non-profit, private, coeducational day school, which offers an educational program from preschool through grade 9 to students of all nationalities. Instruction is in English. The school year is divided into 2 terms, which in 2008-2009 begins September 1 and ends June 19.
Organization: The School is governed by a 6-member Board of Directors elected to two-year terms by members of the AISF Association. The Association elects 5 members and the U.S. Ambassador appoints one non-voting member. Membership in the AISF Association is automatically conferred on the parents or guardians of children enrolled in the school.
Curriculum: AISF has been accredited by the Commission on Elementary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools since 1994. The School’s standards-based American curriculum serves the special educational needs of a diverse international expatriate student body. Mastery of basic skills in all subjects, along with individual creativity and critical thinking, are stressed. Individual needs are taken into account. Some classes are multi-grade. Texts and teaching materials are regularly updated and primarily purchased from U.S. publishers. Parents are encouraged to take an active part in the educational program. Community-wide growth in multicultural awareness is part of the school experience. The option of a U.S. accredited 9th grade is available through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Independent Study High School.
Faculty: In the 2008-2009 school year there are 8 full-time faculty members, including 5 U.S. citizens and 3 host-country nationals and 7 specialist teachers including 1 U.S. citizen, 4 host-country nationals and 1 third-country national.
Enrollment: Enrollment in 2008-2009 was 54 students PK through Grade 8. Of the total, 6 are U.S. citizens, 4 are host-country nationals, and 44 are third-country nationals. Of the U.S. enrollment, 1 is a dependent of U.S. government direct-hire or contract employees.
Facilities: AISF’s elevated, airy, wooded school site overlooks Freetown and the Atlantic Ocean. The main school building houses the expanded kindergarten to grade 8 classrooms, a library center, a computer laboratory, the music and art rooms, and administrative offices. Preschool is in a newly expanded two floor, light-filled building. The School is fully air-conditioned and the grounds contain two playing fields and playground equipment. Security measures in place include a public address system, a perimeter wall, a contracted 24-hour international guard service, shatter-proof film on all exterior windows and connection to the U.S. Embassy radio network.
Finances: In the 2008-2009 school year, annual tuition rates are as follows: PS: $2,805; Kdg.: $8,123; grade 1: $8,523; grade 2-3: $8,580; grade 4-5: $8,695; grade 6-9: $9,038; all are payable in two installments. There is an additional annual project-dedicated capital fund fee of $800 and a one-time development fund fee of $1,000 (Early Bird Rate: $750.) (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars.)
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