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Mr. Michael S. Levinson, Director
American Cooperative School of Tunis (Tunisia)
c/o American Embassy Tunis
Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20521-6360
Tel: 216-1-760-905 or 216-1-760-517
Fax: 216-1-761-412
E-mail: ACST@ACST.INTL.TN

The American Cooperative School of Tunis (ACST) is a private, coeducational day school which offers an educational program from preschool through grade 12 for students of all nationalities. The School was founded in 1959. The school year comprises 4 terms extending from August 31 to October 30, from November 2 to January 22, from January 25 to April 2, and from April 5 to June 11.

Organization: The School is governed by a 9-member Board of Governors elected for one year by the general membership of the ACST Association, made up of parents and teachers. Membership is automatically conferred on the parents or guardians of the children enrolled in the School and on full-time teachers employed in the School. The American Ambassador appoints a representative to the Board, and the director of ACST serves as the executive officer of the Board.

Curriculum: The curriculum essentially follows guidelines of U.S. public schools, modified to meet the needs of its international student body. In addition to core subjects of reading/literature, English language and composition, mathematics, social studies, and science, the curriculum includes physical education, music, art, French, and Arabic. Taking advantage of its unique location, the School offers a Tunisian Studies program which gives students an in-depth look at the history, culture, and customs of Tunisia. Because English is the language of instruction, English-as-a-Second-Language is provided for all students who are not proficient in English language skills. The School is not staffed or equipped to meet the needs of children with severe learning or physical disabilities. The School is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Faculty: There are 26 full-time and 2 part-time faculty members in the 1998-99 school year, including 19 U.S. citizens, 2 host-country nationals, and 7 persons of other nationalities. A business manager, cashier, receptionist, secretary, accountant, nurse and lunch coordinator are also employed by the School.

Enrollment: Enrollment at the opening of the 1998-99 school year was 202 (PS-grade 5: 137; grades 6-8: 42; and grades 9-12: 23). Of the total, 42 were U.S. citizens, 12 were host-country nationals, and 148 were children of other nationalities. Of the U.S. enrollment, 32 were dependents of U.S. government direct-hire or contract employees, 6 of U.S. business and foundation employees, and 4 of other private U.S. citizens.

Facilities: The School is housed in a rented school building, which meets acceptable standards. There are 19 classrooms, a library and audio-visual room, an art room, a music room, a science laboratory, a computer room, a multipurpose room, a faculty workroom, a director's office, 3 administrative offices, a storage room, an infirmary, a gymnasium/auditorium, and a 10-acre playing field.

Finances: In the 1998-99 school year, about 96 percent of the School's income derives from tuition. The annual tuition rates are as follows: PS: $2,700; Kdg.-grade 5: $8,400; grades 6-8: $8,925; and grades 9-12: $9,450 The School also charges an initial $1,000 registration fee and an annual capital levy of $900. These fees are normally paid in U.S. dollars. (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars.)

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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.