American International School of Bamako
The American International School of Bamako (AISB) is an international school in Bamako, the capital of Mali, under the aegis of the US Embassy. It is an independent, co-educational private day school which offers a full U.S. educational program from pre-kindergarten (age 2) 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 is developing a community-based engagement program.
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 learning garden, which children enjoy observing and growing plants. 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 operated a satellite campus in Sadiola for AngloGold Ashanti mining company until 2012, and hosted Zandloper, the official Dutch language school of Bamako, until 2018.
The enrollment at the end of 2018-19 was 187. The faculty includes a full-time school director and 23 full-time and part-time teachers.
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.
Facilities AISB moved to a brand new campus on property next to the Niger River, not far from a new 'third bridge', in 2011.
Curriculum
AISB American International School Curriculum based on AERO standards. 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 11,000 volumes for reference work and for supplemental reading. AISB is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. AISB provides special needs services for children with moderate needs.
Current facilities
The buildings include 20 classrooms, a tech lab, a makerspace, a library, a learning lab, an aerobics room/dance studio, and a multi-purpose room used as a performance space and indoor activities area for PE, offices, a flagstone courtyard, and landscaped grounds with playground equipment and a playing field. A new aquatic facility with two pools was opened in January 2017. There are covered play areas in the elementary school.
Finances
The annual tuition rates for 2016-17 are as follows: PK2-3: $4,592; PK4: $5164 and Kdg.-grade 5: $18,376; grades 6-8: $19,595 and grades 9-12: $19,913. There is a one-time registration fee of $350 and a one-time capital development fee of $4,500. Transportation service is available along the most frequented routes for $1,913 per year.
References
Sources
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, and March 2019 by the school's Director.[1]