2007-2008
The American School of Kinshasa is an independent, coeducational day school which offers an educational program from kindergarten through grade 12 for students of all nationalities. The School was founded in 1961. The school year is comprised of 2 semesters extending from August – mid-January and from January – June.
Organization: The School is governed by the TASOK School Association which elects the School Board. Membership in the Association is automatically conferred on the parents or guardians of children attending the School.
Curriculum: The curriculum is that of U.S. college-preparatory public schools. Instruction is in English. Community service is emphasized in our curriculum. French is taught as a foreign language. The School does accept some students with very mild learning disabilities, but TASOK does not have a special needs teacher or department. The School is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Faculty: In the 2007-2008 school year, there were 23 faculty members. Fifty percent of the staff have Master Degrees.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year, enrollment was 233.
Facilities: The elementary school (Kdg.-5) consists of 4 buildings, including a recently upgraded library. English-as-a-Second-Language classes, French, a computer lab, a fully equipped playground, a basketball court, and a soccer field are all part of the elementary school program. The middle/high school consists of 16 classrooms, a library, an administration building, a computer science room, and a sports area (including a swimming pool, a tennis court, an upgraded basketball court, volleyball courts, and a soccer/softball field). The school auditorium is a free-standing building with the capacity to seat 300. This facility serves as the venue for performing arts, all school assemblies, large meetings and cultural activities. All the school facilities, including residences for all foreign-hired staff, are located on a 42-acre tract of rain forest in the metropolitan area.
Finances: In the 2007-2008 school year, approximately 80% of the School’s income derives from tuition and fees. The annual tuition rates for American and international students are: Kdg, - grade 1: $5,810; grades 2-3: $6,540; grades 4-5: $7,260; grades 6-8: $9,430; grades 9-10: $11,470; and grades 11-12: $12,100. There is an English-as-a-Second-Language fee of $2,500. There is a registration/technology fee of $2,500 for grades 1-12, and a one-time application fee of $250. (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars.)
