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American International School of Bamako

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Ms. Irene Epp, Director American International School of Bamako (Mali) DOS/Administrative Officer 2050 Bamako Place Washington, D.C. 20521-2050 Tel: 223-22-4738 Fax: 223-22-0853 E-Mail: aisb@afribone.net.ml

2000-2001 The American International School of Bamako (AISB)is an independent, coeducational private day school which offers an educational program from Pre-kindergarten (age 3) through grade 8. Supervised study using the University of Nebraska High School correspondence courses for grades 9-12 may also be arranged. The School was established in 1977 to serve the needs of the U. S. community and other students seeking an English-language education. The school year comprises 2 semesters, the first from late August through late-January and the second from late-January through mid-June. Organization: A 9-member Board of Directors governs the School with 7 members elected by the AISB Association. There is an appointed representative of the U.S. Embassy. The school director serves on the Board as a non-voting member. Membership in the Association is automatically conferred on the parents or guardians of children enrolled in the School and to all professional staff. Curriculum: The curriculum is similar to that of U. S. public schools. Admission is based on previous school achievement, age, the placement tests, and a personal interview. Modern U.S. textbooks and teaching materials from the United States and around the world are used. In addition to the regular academic courses, French, English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL), music, art, computer, and physical education are offered at all grade levels from grade 1. There is an after-school activities program for sports, games, and handicrafts. The School has an expanding library for reference work and for supplemental and pleasure reading. There are 16 IMac computers used for instruction and computer literacy classes. The School can only accept students with mild learning disabilities or physical handicaps. The School is accredited by the Commission of Elementary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and approved as a class school by DoDDS. Faculty: In the school year 2000-2001, there is an Administrator, 8 full-time and 8 part-time teachers, including 10 U.S. citizens and 6 third-country nationals. All professional staff has university degrees or teacher certification. Staff qualifications include 8 Masters degrees and one Doctorate. Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2000-2001 school year, enrollment was 96, including 34 U.S. citizens and 60 third-country nationals. Of the U.S. enrollment, 25 were dependents of U.S. Government direct-hire or contract employees and 9 were other private U.S. citizens. Facilities: The School occupies purpose-built facilities located on a site overlooking the Niger River. The buildings include 10 classrooms, a library, an office, a flagstone courtyard, and landscaped grounds with playground equipment and a grass playing field. A nearby villa serves as the Early Learning Center. Finances: In the 2000-2001 school year, over 95 percent of the School's income derive from regular day-school tuition and fees. The annual tuition rates are as follows: PK: $2,830 and Kdg.-grade 8: $11,300. There is a one-time registration fee of $275 and a one-time capital development fee of $2,000. Pre-kindergarten students pay a capital development fee of $500 and pay the balance ($1,500) when entering kindergarten. English-as-a-Second-Language classes are available for students for a fee of $1,400 per year. Transportation service is available along the most frequented routes for $1,260 per year. (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars.) This Fact Sheet is intended to provide general information. The Office of Overseas Schools (A/OPR/OS) may have more detailed information. Prospective users of the schools may wish to inquire further with A/OPR/OS or contact the school directly for more specific and up-to-the-minute information regarding curriculum, special programs and the like.