Asmara International Community School

Asmara International Community School in Asmara, Eritrea (AICS) is a non-profit, independent, coeducational day school which offers an educational program to children from prekindergarten (age 3) through grade 12. The school was founded in 1994 to serve the needs of the international community and other students seeking English-language education.

Organization

The school is governed by a 7-member Board of Governors. Five of the Board members are elected by the AICS Parents’ Association. Two board members are appointed, one by the U.S. Embassy and one from the United Nations.

=Curriculum= The curriculum is similar to that of other international schools. Up-to-date textbooks and teaching materials are used. The Early Childhood section (PK and KG) is based on a traditional approach. Grades 1-5 are self-contained while Middle School and High school are departmentalized by core subject: language arts and reading, mathematics, science, and social studies. In addition to the regular academic courses, specialist teachers for music, computer, art and physical education are offered at all grade levels. Classes in French are also offered.

Faculty

In the 2004-2005 school year, there were 17 full-time and 1 part-time faculty members, . Teaching faculty are certified and degreed from their respective home country.

Enrollment

At the beginning of the 2004-2005 school year, enrollment was 128. (PK-KG: 15; grades 1-4: 44; grades 5-8: 45; grades 9-12: 24). Class size is limited to 20.

Facilities

The school consists of a purpose built brick building with 12 large classrooms and 4 small classrooms. It has a library for supplemental reading and research. There are 25 computers used for instruction, of which 15 are in the computer lab for computer literacy classes. The school has an auditorium attached to the building for use in drama productions and other large group gathering events. The auditorium also occasionally also doubles as a gym for special sports events. There are grounds with area to play as well as playground equipment, basketball court, and soccer pitch. However, both the basketball court and the soccer pitch are entirely made concrete.

Finances

In the 2004-2005 school year, the annual tuition rates are kindergarten and pre-kindergarten: $3,800; grades 1-12: $17,215. Tuition is payable in U.S. dollars or in nakfa. (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/1294.htm