American International School of Monrovia (AISM) is a private, coeducational day school serving grades PK-12. Originally the school was founded as the American Cooperative School in 1960 and enjoyed a long and prestigious reputation throughout West Africa and the United States. The school reopened under its current name, AISM in 2007 with great enthusiasm and support from the US Embassy in Liberia, the Liberian Government and notable alumni. The school’s core values of Achievement, Integrity, Service, and Motivation are reflected throughout the community of AISM.
Organization: A nine-member board of trustees governs the school. Four of the nine voting members are appointed by the U.S. Mission to Liberia, one member is from the U.S. expatriate community and is not affiliated with the school or the U.S. Mission. The remaining four members to the board of trustees are elected by the parent community. The school is led by an American director.
Curriculum: AISM offers a rigorous American curriculum under the framework and standards from American Educators Reaching Out (AERO). AERO is a project supported by the U.S. State Department’s Office of Overseas Schools and the Overseas Schools Advisory Council to assist schools in developing and implementing standards-based curricula in alignment with the Common Core and many other top tier American and international schools. AISM incorporates standardized testing Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) to measure student mastery of skills and curriculum along with other formative and summative assessments to ensure students are achieving educational milestones. Additionally, the high school is offering Pre-AP & AP classes, PSAT & SAT exams, college and career counseling from an American high school counselor. The school offers the Model United Nations MUN program for eligible middle and high school students. There is a learning support program for students with mild learning needs. AISM is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA).
Faculty: In the 2022-2023 school year, AISM has 42 total staff including 18 teachers, 5 of whom are U.S. citizens, 2 host-country nationals, and 11 third-country nationals. Our faculty and staff represent a number of nationalities including, American, Indian Lebanese, Liberian, Mexican, Sri Lankan Venezuelan. All teaching faculty have minimally a bachelor’s degree with teaching certificate/credentials. Most faculty have completed a master’s degree or are currently in the process of obtaining a master’s degree.
Enrollment: As of September 2022, student enrollment is at 102 students. There are 26 U.S. citizens, 9 host-country nationals, and 67 third-country nationals.
Facilities: The school is located in a residential area, approximately five miles from downtown Monrovia, in the neighborhood of Old Road, Congo town. The large physical plant is situated on a six-acre beautiful site. Nineteen classrooms have been renovated, including the new high school area. There is a science lab, art room, and a newly remodeled library/media resource room. The campus uses wireless technology and is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) school. Our network is most compatible with Google G-Suite therefore we prefer students to use Google Chromebooks. There are two playground areas, one is a quad area and the second has playground equipment for early childhood and elementary students. There is a large gymnasium and a regulation-size soccer field. The school has a canteen that features healthy snacks and hot lunches. Throughout the campus, there are beautiful flower gardens, with seating areas, to study, and gather for middle and high school students.
Finances: Tuition rates are as follows: (pre-K age 3-4) Turning 3 years-old by October 30th– $11,903.00, (K-5) Lower School $19,338.00, (6 –8) Middle School $20,007.00, (9 – 12) High School $21,293.00. New students to AISM: Pre-K Program $2,500.00, Capital Fee New Student to ECE III – Grade 10 Program $5,000.00 Capital Fee.
Special Needs: Download the Special Needs Profile (2023 Special Needs- Liberia, Monrovia) 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 regarding curriculum, special programs, and the like. Information and statistics provided by the school.