American International School of Bolivia
Web: www.aisb.edu.bo
2008-2009
The American International School of Bolivia is a private, coeducational day school which offers an educational program from prekindergarten (age 3) through grade 12 for students of all nationalities. The School was founded in August 1993. The school year comprises 2 semesters extending from August to mid-December and from mid-January through the beginning of June.
Organization: A 5-member Board of Directors governs the School.
Curriculum: The School offers 3 High School Diplomas: the Bolivian Bachillerato, the International Baccalaureate (IB) and an accredited U.S. High School Diploma. The curriculum reflects a strong emphasis on whole-language plus phonics at the elementary level, U.S. college preparation at the secondary level, and follows the guidelines of the IB program. Spanish is required for all students in grades 1-12. All classes, except for language instruction, are taught in English. Electives include: computer science, creative writing, studio art, drama, theory of knowledge, and foreign language (Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Spanish). Teaching strategies focus on brain-based research and multiple intelligences, with teaching methods being tailored to best individualize student needs. The School is an official test center for the SAT, internet-based TOEFL, ACT, and AP. Other extra-curricular activities include modern jazz dance, reading readiness club, elementary homework club, team tutoring, Bolivian folkloric ballet, soccer, basketball, volleyball, instrumental music club, guitar school, school newspaper, school chorus and 4 community service programs. The School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is an associate of the Association of American Schools in South America and the European Council of International Schools.
Faculty: In the 2008-2009 school year, there are 34 full-time and 4 part-time faculty members, including 6 U.S. citizens, 26 host-country nationals, and 6 third-country nationals.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year, enrollment was 241 (PK/ Kdg. 14: grades 1-5: 95, grades 6-8: 59, and grades 9-12: 73). Of the total, 47 were U.S. citizens, 140 were host-country nationals, and 54 were third-country nationals. Of the U.S. enrollment, 15 were dependents of U.S. government direct-hire or contract employees and 32 of other private U.S. citizens.
Facilities: The School is situated on a large, landscaped site about 1.5 km outside the city center of Cochabamba. Its physical facilities include a library, a computer laboratory, 22 classrooms, an art studio, 2 science laboratories, a separate kindergarten and elementary playground, a kindergarten hut and a kitchen/outdoor cafeteria. The School has installed an elevator for access to 4 floors and a nursery for staff babies. The School grounds include a swimming pool, showers and changing rooms, a basketball/volleyball court, a regulation soccer field, 3 practice soccer fields, a tennis court and campout area.
Finances: In the 2008-2009 school year, the School's income derives from tuition. Annual tuition rates are as follows: PK: $1,200; Kdg.: $1,800; grades 1-6: $3,200; grades 7-10: $3,900; and grades 11-12: $4,807. In addition, a nonrefundable admission fee of $1,500 per student is required at the time of enrollment. The admission fee for PK is $580. (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars. However, payments are to be done in national currency and according to the daily exchange rate.)
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