2007-2008
The American School of Doha is an independent, coeducational day school which offers an educational program for children of all nationalities from prekindergarten through grade 12. The School was founded in 1988. The school year comprises 4 quarters extending from September 9 to November 8, November 11 to January 31, February 3 to April 3, and April 13 to June 12.
Organization: The School is governed by an appointed Board of Trustees and Board of Directors. Nine are appointed by the U.S. Ambassador, and 3 are elected by ASD parents. The U.S. Ambassador serves as chairman of the Board of Trustees, and the membership includes a U.S. Embassy representative and businessmen representing both U.S. and Qatari businesses. The director is responsible to the Board for the overall management of the School. The School is licensed by the Qatari Ministry of Education, Office of Private Schools.
Curriculum: The School is divided into 3 sections consisting of prekindergarten through grade 5, middle school (grades 6-8), and high school (grades 9-12). The classes are small, with an average class size between 18 and 20 students, providing for individual attention to each child. A U.S. curriculum is offered which includes mathematics, science, language arts, computer applications, global social studies, English-as-a-Second-Language, Arabic, French, Spanish, physical education, music including vocal and instrument instruction, and art. Classroom instruction is in English. Children in grades 1 through 8 must choose either Arabic or Spanish as a foreign language. The prekindergarten classes meet from 7:55 until 12:25; students in kindergarten and grades 1-12 meet from 7:55 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The School week runs from Sunday through Thursday. The School is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Faculty: In the 2007-2008 school year, there are 142 full-time and 7 part-time faculty members. The instructional support staff consists of the director, a middle school principal, a high school principal, an elementary principal, an elementary associate principal, one curriculum coordinator, an aquatics director, one IT Director, one network manager, an internet coordinator, 5 guidance counselors, one human resources manager, an accountant, a business manager, a registrar, one assistant registrar, an executive assistant, 4 office managers, a purchasing coordinator, 2 nurses, 4 librarians, 7 assistant librarian aides, one library av technician, a lab assistant, 46 teacher aides, 3 receptionists, 4 clerks/assistants, security, an expeditor, and a driver.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year, enrollment was 1,574 (PK-grade 5: 779; grades 6-8: 353; and grades 9-12: 442).
Facilities: The School has expanded from its original 8-acre site to a 20-acre site that houses a new facility for the middle and high schools that includes a new library, dining hall, 2 computer labs, 2 presentation rooms, 8 science labs, 6 project rooms, common areas for each grade level, a double gym, a fitness center, an indoor 25-meter pool, a theater that seats 630 students, 4 art studios, a band and chorus room, a softball field, a 400-meter track, and a full-sized soccer field. The "old" school is being converted to an all elementary facility with 42 classrooms, 2 science labs, 3 music rooms, 3 art rooms, an expanded library and cafeteria, new multipurpose room, 2 computer labs, one playground for early childhood, a small playing field for younger children, a soccer pitch, 2 covered playgrounds, a gym, and an outdoor swimming pool. All construction and renovation is expected to be completed by December 2008.
Finances: In the 2007-2008 school year, about 99% of the School's income derives from tuition and fees. Annual tuition rates are as follows: PK: $4,932; Kdg.-grade 1-5: $8,767; and grades 6-12: $11,643. There is a capital fee of $3,500 per year for Kdg-12, and a PK capital fee of $2,000 per year. The School also charges a one-time registration fee of $1,000. These fees are payable in Qatari riyals. (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars.)
