The American International School of Conakry (AISC)is a co-educational day school from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 in the Nongo neighborhood near the National Stadium. It is non-profit and non-denominational. At AISC, education is not so much a matter of imparting knowledge. It is, rather, helping young people make powerful connections to the world and take responsibility for their learning. It is the only PK-12 accredited, English-speaking school in Guinea. The school’s mission statement is to develop intellectually audacious, socially responsible citizens of the world. Small class sizes and flexible block scheduling allow for personalized learning experiences with free movement and collaboration between grades. The school year runs from August 31 through June 18 and is divided into four quarters, two semesters.
Organization: AISC is governed by a seven-member Board of Trustees. Six members are elected from the Parents’ Association, comprised of parents of enrolled students. One member is appointed by the U.S. Embassy. The director serves as a non-voting member.
Curriculum: AISC is accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA-CESS) for grades PK-12. At present, there are some multi-age classrooms: a combined PK/K; a combined 2nd-3rd grade, and stand-alone 1st, 4th and 5th grades. The middle school (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12) teach groups of multi-age students core subjects and electives. All pupils study French as a foreign language. Physical Education and Music are included in the curriculum. In high school, students have a choice of four electives: Piano, Statistics, Ethics, and Poetry. Using AERO standards as a guide, the school delivers inquiry-based learner-centric education and includes local and overnight field trips. The school employs an effective online teaching program using Google Classrooms in case of closures related to civil disturbance or the current pandemic. AISC’s campus is open and fully functional with extensive COVID-19 mitigation measures in place. The school has a “no single-use plastic” policy, and plastic bags and single-use bottles are not allowed on campus. The school has a student store that sells school supplies, some AISC tee shirts and other items, and a selection of healthy snacks (popcorn, yogurt, croissants, fresh juices). The school offers a Clubs Program during the school day including Hip Hop, African Dance, Swimming, Track, Swing Dance, Singing, Gardening, Chess, Coding, and Debate. Elected members of the Student Council provide students a voice in influencing and developing various activities in the school including social events, community projects, and school reform. The school’s PTA supports the teachers, students, and the school.
Faculty: In the 2020-2021 school year, there are 14 full-time faculty members and three part-time teachers. The school employs a Technology Coordinator and a Technology Integrationist. AISC staff members benefit from professional development workshops and conferences hosted by the Association of International Schools in Africa. AISC is very proud of its internal professional development program for both faculty and local staff. AISC holds workshops on curriculum development, inquiry-based learning, Bloom’s Taxonomy, Great Books, classroom management techniques, and the Danielson Framework for Teaching. AISC shares a special relationship with the local French Lycee where its teachers have access to the Lycee’s library whose books are in French. Students from both schools participate in joint activities such as dances and athletic competitions.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, enrollment was 81 students.
Facilities: The campus has five main buildings housing elementary school, secondary school, administration, an indoor gym, and a music room. There are a science lab and playground, as well as an athletic court and pool.
Finances: Currently, approximately 98% of the school’s expenses are supported by tuition. The annual tuition rates are as follows: PK-5: $17,500; 6-8: $17,500 and grades 9-12: $19,750. There is an incremental reduction of this fee for siblings. One year scholarships consistent with the cost of the local French Lycee are also available to those families who fall outside of the diplomatic or corporate umbrellas.
Information and statistics are current as of October 2020 and are provided by the school.