International School of Iceland
Web: www.internationalschool.is
2008-2009
The International School of Iceland is an independent, coeducational day school, which offers an educational program from kindergarten through grade 7 for students of all nationalities. The School, formerly called The American Embassy School, was founded in 1960. The school year comprises 2 semesters extending from August 23 to January 14 and from January 15 to June9.
Organization: The School is governed by a 6-member Board of Directors including 1 who is appointed by the U.S. Ambassador. Membership in the Parents' Association is automatically conferred on the parents or guardians of children enrolled in the School. The School is not incorporated.
Curriculum: The curriculum is that of U.S. general academic public schools, the International Primary Curriculum, local environment and the interests of the children enrolled. The core courses (language arts/reading, math, science, social studies) are taught in English. The curriculum is enriched by the fact that the school is housed in Sjálandskóli, a public school in Garðabær. This brings a truly international and cross-cultural quality to the program, as well as an opportunity for students to be immersed in Icelandic language and culture.
Faculty: In the 2008-2009 school year there are 8 full-time faculty members, including 1 U.S. citizen, 2 host country citizens, and 5 third-country nationals.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year there were 37 students (grades K-7). Of the total, 4 were U.S. citizens, 17 were host-country nationals, and 16 were third-country nationals. Of the total, 2 are dependents of U.S. government direct-hire employees and 2 of U.S. private citizens.
Facilities: The School is housed in an elementary school in the suburb of Garðabær. As well as cultural exchanges, students benefit from Sjálandsskóli’s state of the art facilities: cafeteria, art & wood working rooms, computer lab, library and playground. Sjalandskoli was opened in 2005 and has approximately 180 students.
Finances: For the 2007-2008 school year, about 51% of the School's income derives from regular day school tuition. Tuition for grades K-7: $17,000. These fees are payable in U.S. dollars or Icelandic krona. Children in grades 1-7 may apply to their local municipality for a voucher for a portion of the annual tuition, provided they were legal residents of that municipality. (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars.)
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