Togo, Lome: American International School of Lome
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Released by the Office of Overseas Schools
Washington, DC
The American International School of Lome
Web: www.multimania.com/aisl
2008-2009
The American International School of Lome (AISL), established in 1967, is a private, non-profit, college preparatory day school offering an educational program to students of all nationalities from pre-school through grade 8. An accredited independent study course in conjunction with the University of Nebraska is offered for grades 9-12. High School students also have daily classes with certified teachers. The first semester starts the last week of August and ends in January. The second semester starts the end of January and the school year ends mid June. Grades are issued quarterly. This small, but dynamic, school is growing fast – from 43 students at the beginning of the 2006 school year to 63 at the beginning of the 2008 school year; however, the much appreciated family atmosphere remains.
Organization: A 7 member Board of Directors governs the school. Six of the Board members are elected by the American International School Association, comprised of parents or guardians of students enrolled in the school, and one Board member is appointed by the U.S. Ambassador.
Curriculum: The curriculum is that of a good U.S. public general academic school with an emphasis on inquiry, problem solving and personal research. The curriculum is designed to also incorporate the international nature of the student body and the faculty, as well as the school’s particular setting in West Africa. Course work includes French, music, art, computer science and physical education, in addition to the core courses of science, math, language arts, and social studies. Instruction is in English. Some special classes of English are given for those whose native language is not English. Extra-curricular activities vary but the school often offers theater, ceramics, debate, beading , SAT math, etc. There is a vigorous after school sports program of soccer, basketball, volleyball, and when possible, tennis and swimming. The IOWA Test of Basic Skills is given each May to students in Grades 1-8. AISL is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. It is a member of the Association of International Schools in Africa.
Faculty: In the 2008-2009 school year, there are international educators from 7 countries, many with advanced degrees and all qualified to teach in their assigned subject areas. Half of these are part-time teachers. 4 are U.S. citizens of which 2 are U.S. certified, 6 are third country nationals and 4 are host country nationals. Classes are normally small and much individual attention is given.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year, enrollment was 63 students. 8 are U.S. citizens (one U.S. government dependent), 32 are host-country nationals, and 23 third-country nationals.
Facilities: The School is housed in a large two story building in a quiet residential neighborhood near the sea. The building contains 8 classrooms, a library, art, computer and music rooms as well as administrative offices. These facilities are air-conditioned. There is a large outdoor basketball/soccer court, a playground and a covered meeting/eating area. A security wall encloses the entire compound.
Finances: In the 2008-2009 school year, 95% of the School's income derives from tuition. Annual tuition rates are as follows: PK (full day): $1,500; K.-grade 2: $5,000; grades 3-5: $6,000; grades 6-8: $7,000; High School with all book fees approximately $9,000. There is a one-time non-refundable registration fee of $700 for one student, $600 for two (each) and $500 for three or more (each) of the same family. (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars.)
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