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Vientiane International SchoolPrevious Page | Next Page
Mr. John Ritter, Director 2000-2001 The Vientiane International School (VIS) is a private, coeducational day school offering an educational program from preschool through grade 9 for qualified students of all nationalities. The Lao Ministry of Education and Sports granted accreditation to the School in the 1991/92 school year. There are no immediate plans to extend the school beyond grade 9. Organization: VIS is governed by a 7-person Board of Directors, composed of parents of children attending the School. They are elected at the annual general meeting of the parent body. The School is a member of the East Asia Regional Council of Overseas Schools. Curriculum: The adapting of curriculum from other international schools and the use of American textbooks allows VIS to set a standard of education comparable to many other international schools of this size. VIS is a candidate for accreditation with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is seeking joint accreditation with the European Council of International Schools. Most subjects are taught in self-contained classes with separate classrooms for art, science, German language, ESL, and computer. After-school activities include some sports, and arts and crafts. Swimming is offered through physical education classes. VIS has no support services for students who are learning disabled nor are such services available in the local community. Faculty: The professional staff consists of a director, 15 full-time teachers, and 4 part-time teachers. Eleven faculty members are U.S. citizens and the others are from Australia, Canada, France, Norway and Germany. Enrollment: At the beginning of the 1998-99 school year, there were 157 students enrolled in the School, including 26 Americans and 22 Lao students. The remaining students represented 23 other nationalities. Facilities: VIS is located on a single campus. Though small by Western standards, all rooms are air-conditioned. There are sixteen classrooms including rooms for art, ESL, library, a science lab and a small computer room. A 3-room Swedish school enrolling about 18 students also shares the facilities. There is a play space and a small outdoor basketball court. Swimming lessons are provided at the Australian Embassy Recreation Club, a short bus ride from the campus. Finances: The school income derives mainly from tuition. The annual tuition rates are as follows: PS: $3,130; Kdg.: $4,320; grades 1-5: $6,050; and grades 6-9: $6,550. There is a one-time school development fee of $1,500 and an additional charge for English-as-a-Second-Language when a child requires this service. In addition, there is a $500 registration fee which is applied to the tuition costs if the child is accepted for enrollment, and a $100 registration fee payable after June 13. (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. |