American International School of Lusaka
Web: www.aislusaka.org
2008-2009
The American International School of Lusaka (AISL) is an independent, coeducational day school, which offers a preschool program for 2-4 year olds and an educational program from prekindergarten through grade 12. The School was founded in 1986. The school year begins in late August and ends in late June.
Organization: The School is governed by a 7-member Board of Directors. Two are appointed by the U.S. Ambassador, with the remaining 5 being elected by the School Association, which consists of all parents of children enrolled. One of the 2 appointees serves as board chairman. Of the 5 elected members, 2 are elected from a slate of candidates consisting of U.S. government employees and their spouses. The remaining 3 members are elected from a slate of candidates consisting of other members of the Association.
Curriculum: AIS offers a fully accredited U.S. and International curriculum and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Council of International Schools (CIS). In addition, AIS is an IB World School offering all three programs of the International Baccalaureate Organization, the Primary Years Program (PK-grade 5), the Middle Years Program (grades 6-10), and the IB Diploma (grades 11 and 12). AIS offers students the opportunity to pursue all core academic subjects for four years of high school to the highest levels demanded for college admissions. The School offers full college counseling for universities in the U.S. and worldwide. The elementary curriculum is inquiry based and student centered. The School offers a full range of special and elective subjects in the visual and performing arts and in physical education. Students in secondary school enjoy opportunities for interschool competition in soccer, volleyball, cricket, hockey, basketball and swimming. For a number of years, AIS has achieved championship status in Zambia for swimming. Students in both primary and secondary may participate in a variety of public performances in music and drama. Both the primary and secondary schools hold annual visual arts exhibitions. The School offers limited services for students with mild special learning needs.
Faculty: In the 2008-2009 school year, there are 56 full-time and 8 part-time faculty members, including 21 U.S. citizens, 10 host-country nationals, and 35 third-country nationals. The school also employs 17 assistant teachers for the Pre-School, Pre-K and Kindergarten grades. The director of the school is a trained international school administrator from Germany with experience in both the United States and overseas schools.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year, enrollment was 500 (PK-grade 12). Of the total, 117 were U.S. citizens, 58 were host-country nationals, and 325 were third-country nationals. Of the U.S. enrollment, 45 were dependents of U.S. government direct-hire or contract employees and 72 of private U.S. citizens.
Facilities: The School is housed on a 42-acre site in new facilities which include 39 large classrooms; 7 tutoring rooms; a large library media center with computer and video facilities; specialized rooms for science, art and music; a separate early learning center; a fully covered basketball court; a new gymnasium; 3 swimming pools; 3 soccer/softball playing fields (one enclosed by a running track); and 2 tennis courts. The school is presently building a performing arts centre which should be completed for the 2009-2010 school year.
Finances: In the 2008-2009 school year, about 95% of the School’s income derives from tuition and fees. Annual tuition rates are as follows: PS: $3,900; PK: $8,450; Kdg.-grade 6: $11,200; grades 7-10: $12,300; and grades 11-12: $13,900. There is a one-time admission fee of $2,500, and a capital levy of $2,000. (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars.)
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