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 now offers a complete high school academic program, including Advanced Placement courses (currently AP World History and AP Language and Composition) and special electives such as Web Design and Animation, Music Composition and Forensic Science. At the secondary level, (middle and high school) there are various after school activities such as Model United Nations, 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, 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. Therefore, this year the school is proudly celebrating its 30th year. AISB also operates a satellite campus in Sadiola for AngloGold Ashanti mining company.

At the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year, enrollment was 131. An additional 27 students were at the Sadiola campus. The faculty includes a full-time school director, a full-time principal, and 33 full-time and part-time teachers. All professional staff had university degrees, most at the secondary level hold master's degrees, and all hold teacher certificates.

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 a teacher member on the board who is also non-voting.

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 the city of Bamako. There are committees now working to determine the architectural design, spaces required, as well as layout of the buildings and faculty housing, all of which will be built on the 12.5 acre 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 generall 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

To acquire the current fee structure of the school, which differs somewhat from grade to grade, please contact the school's Director, Mr. David Henry, at dhenry@aisbmali.org For further information on programs and services, you may also contact the school's Principal, Ms. Jan Derpak, at jderpak@asisbmali.org

Source

This article was adapted from a report by the United States Department of State, released on November 29, 2004. It was updated on December 11, 2007 by the school's principal. The report is in the public domain, and can be found at: http://www.state.gov/m/a/os/1326.htm