The American International School of Lusaka (AISL) is an independent, co-educational day school that offers a robust educational program from early learning through to grade 12. The school was founded in 1986. The school year begins mid-August and ends in mid-June.
Organization: The school is governed by a seven-member board of directors. Two are appointed by the U.S. Ambassador, with the remaining five being elected by the school association, which consists of all the parents of children enrolled at the school. One of the two appointees serves as board chairperson. Of the five elected members, two are elected from a slate of candidates consisting of U.S. government employees and their spouses. The remaining three members are elected from a slate of candidates consisting of other members of the parent association.
Curriculum: AISL offers a fully accredited U.S. and international curriculum that is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Council of International Schools. In addition, AISL is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering all three of the main programs: The Primary Years Program (early learning – grade 5), the Middle Years Program (grades 6-10), and the Diploma Program (grades 11-12). AISL offers students the opportunity to pursue all core academic subjects through the primary, middle and high school years to the highest levels demanded for college admissions. MAP growth test results show that students consistently perform above their U.S. and international school peers.
The school offers full college counselling for universities in the U.S. and worldwide. This program’s success is demonstrated by the fact that 100% of the students in the class of 2023 were accepted into their first-choice university. The school offers a one-t-one iPad program in grades 4-9 and one-to-one laptop program in grades 10-12. The curriculum is inquiry-based and student-centered, with a strong focus on differentiated instruction. AISL has achieved championship status in many sports both in local and international sports leagues. Students in both primary and secondary school may participate in a variety of public performances in music and drama. Both the primary and secondary schools also hold annual visual arts exhibitions.
The school offers limited services for mild to moderate special educational needs.
Faculty: In the 2023-2024 school year, AISL has 130 total staff including 58 teachers, 21 of whom are U.S. citizens, 7 host-country nationals, and 34 third-country nationals from 15 different countries.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year, enrollment was 422 (Pre-S – G5 – 195, Grades 6 – 8 – 106, and grades 9 – 12 – 121). Of the total, 133 were U.S. citizens, 54 were host-country nationals, and 235 were third-country nationals.
Facilities: The school is housed on a 25-acre site, which includes well-equipped, spacious classrooms; a large library; a media center with state of the art IT facilities; specialized rooms for science, computers, art, and music; a separate early learning center; a performing arts center with 400-seat theater; a fully covered basketball court; two multi-purpose courts; a 200-person conference center (pavilion); a gymnasium; three swimming pools; three soccer/softball playing fields (one enclosed by a running track); and six tennis courts. The newly renovated Primary School features well-appointed, air-conditioned classrooms.
Finances: In the 2023-2024 school year, about 99% of the school’s income derives from tuition and fees. Annual tuition rates are as follows: Early Learning Center: $7,700; Kindergarten-Grade 5: $18,950; Grade 6-10: $21.800; and Grade 11-12: $24,800. The school also charges a one-time admission fee of $7,000 and an annual capital levy of $750. (All fees are quoted in USD but may be paid in Kwacha).
Special Needs: Review the Special Needs Profile for this school to learn more about their capability to support students with exceptionalities.
This Fact Sheet is intended to provide general information. Prospective users of the schools may wish to inquire further of A/OPR/OS or contact the school directly for more specific and up-to-the-minute information. Information and statistics are current as of September 2023 and are provided by the school.