International School of Port of Spain

The International School of Port of Spain is an international school in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. It is a private, coeducational day school which offers an educational program for students in pre-kindergarten through Grade 12. The School opened in September 1994.

Students

ISPS is home to one of the most diverse, tolerant student bodies in Trinidad. Currently standing at about 425 students, the school has had students go on to prestigious universities in England, Canada, the United States, etc. Years ago, the student body had a reputation for "holier-than-thou" attitudes, simply because of its private school image. However students have worked hard to dispel that stereotype, which is gradually fading.

Organization

The School is governed by a Board of Directors that comprises 7 members, each of whom have an alternate. All 14 members normally attend Board meetings. Six of the directors are elected from the Parent-Teacher Organization, and 8 are representatives of major corporate sponsors of the School, including the U.S. Embassy. The School is operated with the consent and support of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.

Curriculum

The curriculum is that of a U.S. academic college-preparatory school. Spanish is taught as a foreign language from grade 2. All students participate in art, music, physical education, drama, health, and computer studies as well as in core academic subjects. There are separate elementary, middle and high schools. Advanced Placement courses have been in place since August 1997. A program exists for students with mild learning difficulties. The School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Faculty

In the 2004-2005 school year, there were 48 full-time and 3 part-time faculty members, including 10 U.S. citizens, 33 host-country nationals, and 8 third-country nationals. The director facilitates a number of educational initiatives within the school and local community.

Enrollment

At the beginning of the 2004-2005 school year, enrollment was 325 (PK-grade 5: 135; grades 6-8: 99; and grades 9-12: 91). Of the total, 100 were U.S. citizens, 119 were host-country nationals, and 106 were third-country nationals. Of the U.S. enrollment, 10 were dependents of U.S. Government direct-hire employees, 80 of U.S. business and foundation employees, and 10 of other private U.S. citizens.

Facilities

The School is located west of the capital city of Port of Spain. The School is housed on a purpose-built campus that was opened in May 1999. The facilities are all air-conditioned and every classroom is connected to the Internet. Instructional spaces include a multi-purpose hall, a cafeteria, 2 computer labs, 4 science labs, 2 art rooms, a library/media center, 30 classrooms, fully air-conditioned gymnasium, athletic fields, asphalt play yards and enclosed activity areas.

Finances

In the 2004-2005 school year, annual tuition rates were as follows: PK: $8,823; Kdg.-grade 5: $12,750; grades 6-8: $13,005, and grades 9-12: $13,260. There is also a one-time per child, capital contribution to the building fund of $6,000 . (All fees are quoted in US dollars.)

See also

* List of schools in Trinidad and Tobago

External links

* [http://www.isps.edu.tt/ International School of Port of Spain]

ource

This article has been adapted from a US Department of State report released on December 2, 2004. The source is in the public domain.
* [http://www.state.gov/m/a/os/1562.htm online report]