American School of Yaounde

The American School of Yaounde in Yaoundé, Cameroon is an independent coeducational school founded in 1964 which offers an educational program from nursery through grade 12 for students of all nationalities.

At the beginning of the 2004-2005 school year, enrollment was 154 students and there are 33 full-time and 4 part-time faculty members. All staff members are fully certified and registered with their respective country’s educational department, and most of the teachers are U.S. trained and certified.

Organization

The School is governed by an eight-member School Board elected for two-year terms by the parents. Half of the Board members are elected at each October meeting. The U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon also appoints his/her representative to the Board.

Curriculum

The curriculum is that of traditional US public schools with the use of modern materials including micro-computers, and up-to-date teaching techniques in all subject areas. Students are regularly challenged in order to reach their fullest potential. This is achieved through Advanced Placement Courses (AP),which are the equivalent of college level classes. So far, AP French Language, AP French Literature, AP English Language, AP English Literature, AP US History, AP Biology, AP Comparative Government, AP Calculus, and AP Physics are offered. All instruction is in English, with French being taught at all levels. English as a Second Language (ESL) support is offered through Grade 10 to students who are not fluent in English. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the European Council of International Schools. Students with moderate to severe learning problems may not be admitted.

Facilities

The school has 19 classrooms, two fully equipped computer labs, an English-as-a-Second Language center, a fully automated library with electronic research capability, a swimming pool, a covered volleyball/basketball court, three tennis courts and a restaurant/canteen.

Boarding facilities available.

Finances

In the 2004-2005 school year, about 95% of the School’s income is derived from tuition. The annual tuition rates are as follows: nursery: $3,000; PK: $3,500; Kdg.: $8,100; grades 1-5: $10,200; grades 6-8: $10,750; and grades 9-12: $11,200. (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars).

Sources

This article has been adapted from information released by the US State Department's Office of Overseas Schools on November 26 2004, a public domain source. [http://www.state.gov/m/a/os/1287.htm US State Department's Office of Overseas Schools]

References