Jerusalem American International School, Inc.
Web: www.jerusalemais.org
2008-2009
The Jerusalem American International School (JAIS), a branch of the Walworth Barbour American International School in Israel, Inc., is an independent, coeducational day school that offers a secular educational program from prekindergarten through grade 6 for students of all nationalities. The Jerusalem Branch of WBAIS was founded in 2001. The school year comprises 3 trimesters, extending from August 20 to November 21, from November 24 to March 10, and March 12 through June 19.
Organization: JAIS is governed by a 7-member School Board which has been delegated policy-making responsibility by the non-profit corporation, which is operated in the State of Delaware. Four of the School Board members are either employees or dependents of the U.S. Embassy; the other 3 are drawn from the Israeli, American, and international communities.
Curriculum: The curriculum is that of U.S. general academic, college-preparatory public schools. The School's testing program includes the computerized Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) test. Instruction is in English. Special education support is provided for students with mild to moderate learning disabilities. There is no religious instruction. The prekindergarten program focuses on language development, social skills, and beginning math concepts as well as developing responsibility and self-sufficiency. The elementary program offers reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and computer studies. Hebrew is taught beginning in prekindergarten. Art, music, and drama have an important place in JAIS. Physical education is an integral part of a total educational experience at JAIS. Classes participate in field trips and after-school activity programs. Students celebrate holidays while learning about the host country, the United States, and the many other cultures represented at the School. An extended day program has been added for prekindergarten students. The School is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Faculty: In 2008-2009 school year, there are 6 full-time and 8 part-time faculty members and 2 instructional assistants, including 12 U.S. citizens and 4 host-country nationals.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year, enrollment was 64 (PK: 17; Kdg.: 13; and grades 1-6: 34). Of the total, 18 were U.S. citizens, 17 were host-country nationals, and 29 were third-country nationals. Of the U.S. enrollment, 10 were dependents of U.S. government direct-hire or contract employees and 8 of U.S. business and foundation employees.
Facilities: Located on a large, beautifully landscaped campus, JAIS is a tranquil setting where students and teachers can concentrate on education. The School includes 6 well-equipped classrooms, a small library, a computer lab, an art room, a music room, a gymnasium, an indoor swimming pool, a theater, a prekindergarten and kindergarten playground, and good playing fields and athletic facilities.
Finances: In the 2008-2009 school year, about 85% of the School's income derives from tuition. Annual tuition rates are in shekels. The shekel amount and approximate dollar equivalent are as follows: Pre-K: 21,700 shekels ($5,400); Kdg.: 41,300 shekels ($10,300); and grades 1-6: 46,600 shekels ($11,650). A one-time registration fee of 5,900 shekels ($1,500) per child is assessed in Kdg. - grade 6 1,500 shekels ($400) is assessed in prekindergarten. Transportation fees vary, and most parents arrange for their own transportation. These fees are payable by check in Israeli shekels or U.S. dollars. (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars.)
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