The American School of Tangier (AST) is an independent, coeducational day school that offers an educational program from kindergarten 1 through grade 12 for students of all nationalities. The school was founded in 1950. The school year consists of two semesters extending from September to January, and from January to June. The school is celebrating its 72nd year as the oldest American and international school in North Africa.
Organization: The school is governed by a self-perpetuating board of trustees elected for three-year terms. The school is incorporated in the State of Delaware and registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a U.S. tax-exempt institution.
Curriculum: The curriculum is that of a U.S. college-preparatory school, with instruction in English. AST employs an American content and standards framework, including the Common Core mathematics and language arts, and the Next Generation Science Standards. French is taught as a foreign language beginning in grade 6. Arabic is required of Moroccan students beginning in KG3 and is open to all students. AST has adopted a STEAM curriculum framework that ensures integration of sciences, technology, engineering/English, arts, and mathematics. Performing and visual arts are integral to most subject area instruction.
Faculty: In the 2022-2023 school year, AST has 70 total staff including 50 teachers, 20 of whom are U.S. citizens, 20 host-country nationals, and 10 third-country nationals from four different countries. All teaching faculty have prior teaching experience and most maintain a teaching certificate/credential e.g., Diploma of Teaching/registered teacher’s certificate from their countries of origin.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year, enrollment was 425 (K1-grade 12). This year there are 50 U.S. citizens, 235 host-country nationals, and 140 third-country nationals. Of the U.S. enrollment, all are dependents of private U.S. citizens.
Facilities: The school is located on a 15-acre site in the center of Tangier City. Facilities include an English library, science labs, a computer lab, a Makerspace, a gymnasium, dance studio, visual arts studios, a swimming pool, and extensive grounds. The University of New England (UNE) has a satellite campus on the AST grounds, which opened in January 2014. Usually 40, there are currently no U.S. students from UNE studying at the Tangier campus due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Finances: Finances: In the 2022-2023 school year, about 95% of the school’s income derives from tuition and 5% from donations and grants. Annual tuition rates are approximately as follows: 8,000 USD -15,000 USD. (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars).
Developments: A USAID-ASHA grant has enabled a new classroom and learning commons wing that has opened in September 2018. The school was awarded an additional ASHA grant with which to fully implement a 21st century learning environment. Most recently the school has decided to align with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and to further the environmentally friendly practices at the school with student support. The AST Sustainable Development project has recently received an additional ASHA grant that will be implemented over the next few years. The project includes restoring the school’s 20-acre sea front property on the Old Mountain to native flora, as well as building a Marine Biology Station on the property, and a marine laboratory at school.
Special Needs: Download the Special Needs Profile (2023 Special Needs- Morocco, Tangier) 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 2022 and are provided by the school.