The American School of Douala (ASD), founded in 1978, is an independent, coeducational, nonsectarian, nonprofit day school. ASD provides an English language educational program following an American curriculum from preschool through grade 12. We are an international community of learners who are acquiring the skills needed to positively impact a rapidly changing world. We provide a supportive, multi-cultural environment with a high standard American curriculum that encourages students to reach their maximum potential. The school year consists of 4 terms extending from late August through mid-June, with 180 days of instruction. ASD’s culturally diverse student body and faculty promote cross-cultural relations and exchanges, which enrich and expand global sensitivity and perspective, encouraging the development of responsible, caring, and global citizens.
Organization: ASD is governed by a 9-member School Board elected by the parents, which meets monthly and encourages the presence and participation of teachers and parents as non-voting observers. ASD is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) and is an active member of the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA) and the West Africa International Schools Activities League (WAISAL).
Curriculum: ASD offers a high-quality American style curriculum taught in English. All students follow a core curriculum of English, French, mathematics, sciences, and social studies, with additional courses in ICT, PE, music, art, drama, and library. In our high school, we offer several Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including English language, English literature, calculus, biology, chemistry, physics and economics. English language support is offered for those students who need it, and our special needs program serves students with mild learning challenges. In addition, there is a wide range of high school electives. ASD offers competitive and extracurricular sports in soccer, volleyball, basketball, and swimming, as well as a full program of after-school activities.
Faculty: For the 2020-2021 school year, there are 31 full-time and 6 part-time faculty members, including 9 U.S. citizens, 23 host-country nationals, and 5 third-country nationals.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, enrollment was approximately 172 students. The student body is represented by more than 20 nationalities.
Facilities: Our current custom-made facility consists of 2 buildings; 10 years old and the other is about 5 years old this year. The original building is approximately 4,000 sq. meters (44,000 square feet) and houses 20 classrooms, a library, science laboratory, well-equipped ICT laboratory, covered gymnasium, grass soccer field, covered playground, multi-purpose room, and WiFi throughout. The new section has a 20-meter swimming pool, an auditorium with stage, a covered play area, 6 classrooms and office space.
Finances: School tuition fees for the 2020-2021 school year are as follows: PS: $8,618; K: $ 9,896; grades 1-5: $13551; grades 6-8: $13775; and grades 9-12: $16661. In addition there is a one-time capital levy fee of $5,091, an annual registration fee of $600, and annual family yearbook and PTA fees of $25 and $100 respectively.
Information and statistics are current as of October 2020 and are provided by the school.