American International School of Bamako
The American International School of Bamako (AISB) is an international school in Bamako, the capital of Mali. It is an independent, co-educational private day school which offers a full U.S. educational program from pre-kindergarten (age 3) through grade 12. AISB offers a complete high school academic program, including Advanced Placement courses and special electives. At the secondary level, (middle and high school) there are various after school activities, several sports, and community service opportunities. The school takes particular pride in its involvement with an orphanage, where secondary students go each Friday to help and provide social and play opportunities with the children there.
At the elementary level, AISB offers pre-kindergarten to children aged three and four, as well as full-day kindergarten to age five. These levels are taught on a purpose-designed campus of its own, near to the main elementary campus. The young children are taught using developmentally appropriate methods, and have ample opportunities to enjoy structured as well as unstructured play. A feature of the Early Learning Center is a tortoise zoo, which children enjoy observing and learning about these ancient and fascinating creatures. From grades one to five, classes are held on the main campus, where there is a playing field, the library, a multi-purpose room and a computer lab, in addition to well-resourced classrooms.
The School was established in 1977-78 to serve the needs of American and international community students seeking an English-language education. AISB also operates a satellite campus in Sadiola for AngloGold Ashanti mining company.
The enrollment for 2007-08 was 135. An additional 25 students were at the Sadiola campus. The faculty includes a full-time school director and 23 full-time and part-time teachers. All professional staff had university degrees, some at the secondary level hold master's degrees.
Organization
The School is governed by a 9-member Board of Directors with 7 members elected by the AISB Association. There is an appointed representative of the U.S. Embassy. The school director serves on the Board as a non-voting member. There is also a teacher representative to the board.
Facilities AISB has just recently taken its initial steps toward building a brand new campus on property it has secured next to the Niger River, not far from a new 'third bridge' being built. Committees have finalized basic architectural designs, spaces required, as well as layout of the buildings and faculty housing, all of which will be built on the 12.5-acre (51,000 m2) parcel of land. Anticipated moving date for the school will be as soon as possible prior to the fall of 2010.
Curriculum
AISB utilizes a fairly typical American International School Curriculum. It relies on carefully chosen topics, textbooks and teaching materials from the United States and around the world. In addition to the regular academic courses, French, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), technology, music, drama, art and physical education are offered. AISB provides an after-school activities program of sports, games, and handicrafts at all levels. The school has a purpose-built library with over 9,000 volumes for reference work and for supplemental reading. There is a 16-station iMac computer lab in the elementary and a 10-station computer lab in the Upper School. AISB is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. AISB does not usually provide special needs services and is generally unable to accept children who have particular special needs.
Current facilities
The buildings include 18 classrooms, 2 computer laboratories, a library, a multi-purpose room used as a performance space and indoor activities area for PE, an office, a flagstone courtyard, and landscaped grounds with playground equipment and a playing field. There is a covered play area in the elementary school. One nearby villa serves as the Early Learning Center. Two large, nearby villas serve as the middle school and high school serving students in grades 6 through 12.
Finances
The annual tuition rates for 2008-09 are as follows: PK: $4,500; and Kdg.-grade 5: $14,850, and grades 6-12: $15,850. There is a one-time registration fee of $300 and a one-time capital development fee of $4,000. ESOL classes are available for students for a fee of $1,600 per year. Transportation service is available along the most frequented routes for $1,600 per year.
Source
This article was adapted from the United States Department of State, Office of Oversease Website, released on November 16, 2007. It was updated on December 11, 2007 by the school's principal, and on May 1, 2008, by the school's Director. The report is in the public domain, and can be found at: http://www.state.gov/m/a/os/1326.htm.
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