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Mr. Scott Newland, Principal American International School of Lesotho DOS/Administrative Officer 2340 Maseru Place Washington, D.C. 20521-2340 Tel: 266-322-987 Fax: 266-311-963 E-mail: aisl@lesoff.co.za

2000-2001

The American International School of Lesotho (AISL)is a nonprofit, independent coeducational day school which offers an American educational program to students from preschool (age 3) through grade 8 (age 14). The school, founded in 1991, serves the needs of the American community and other students seeking English-language education. The school year is divided into three trimesters extending from late August to November, December to March and March to mid-June.

Organization: A 7-member Board of Directors governs AISL. The AISL Parents' Association elects five of the Board members. The U.S. Ambassador appoints two board members. Membership in the Association is automatically conferred on the parents or guardians of children enrolled in the school.

Curriculum: The curriculum is similar to that of established U.S. public schools. Modern U.S. textbooks and teaching materials are used. Regular academic courses include language arts, reading, mathematics, science, health and social studies. In addition to the regular academic courses, music, computer, art, and physical education are offered at all grade levels.

Faculty: In the 2000-2001 school year, there are 4 full-time and 4 part-time teachers, including 2 U.S. citizens and 4 third-country nationals. The school administrator also has some teaching responsibilities.

Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2000-2001 school year, enrollment was 62 including 3 U.S. citizens and 59 third-country nationals. Class size is 16. Every class above 12 has an instructional assistant.

Facilities: The School consists of a 3-house complex and 4 other outbuildings. The School has a library for reference work, supplemental reading, and pleasure reading. There are 10 computers used for instruction and computer literacy classes. The School maintains self-contained classrooms wherever it is possible. There are grounds with ample area to play as well as playground equipment, a physical fitness course, climbing equipment, volleyball court, basketball court, soccer pitch and badminton.

Finances: For the 2000-2001 school year, about 98 percent of the School's income are derived from regular day school tuition and fees. The school fees are competitive with other international schools in Maseru. All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars. Fees are payable in US dollars or local currency. Annual tuition for 2000-2001, are as follows: PS/PK: $840; Kdg.-grade 8: $4,100. A school bus service, door-to-door is available at an additional charge of $450 (annual), $150 (term). There is a one-time application fee of $100 and a one-time book fee of $65.

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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.