International School of Dakar
Web: www.isd.sn
2007-2008
The International School of Dakar (ISD), which opened in 1983, is the only non-sectarian English language school in Dakar. ISD is an independent, coeducational day school offering an enriched American educational program to reflect the diverse international background of the student body and the faculty. Classes for the school year 2007-2008 are offered in preschool through grade 12. The school year extends from late August to mid-June.
Organization: The School is governed by a 7-member Board of Directors elected by the International School Association of Dakar, the sponsoring body of the school. Membership in the Association is automatically conferred on the parents or guardians of children enrolled in the School and to the teaching faculty. Ex-officio members of the Board include a representative of the U.S. Ambassador, the president of the Parent Teacher Association and a teacher’s Representative.
Curriculum: ISD follows a curriculum found in most American schools. Instruction is in English. French is offered at four levels every day to students from K-12. Every student also has classes in art, music, computers, and physical education. Advanced Placement classes are offered in biology, calculus, French language, English literature, psychology and studio art. The middle school program provides a partially integrated curriculum and includes a daily exploratory period and community meeting time. The preschool class is for three and four-year-old children and is a half day program in a self-contained classroom. Grades K-5 have full-day programs in self-contained classrooms for core subjects. The School, committed to quality education in an international environment, provides specialized training in English-as-a-Second-Language, as well as limited Special Needs Program. ISD is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Council of International Schools.
Faculty: In the 2007-2008 school year, there are 30 full-time and 4 part-time faculty members. All full-time teachers are certified in their country of origin, and several hold Master’s Degrees (or equivalent). There are also 8 teacher aides in the elementary classes, and 1 full-time aide for the library.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year, enrollment was 281.
Facilities: The new School, built in 1988, sits on four acres overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, on the outskirts of Dakar. It includes a library; 2 science labs; 2 computer labs, art and music rooms; a soccer field and playground; and a multipurpose gymnasium/auditorium. The Atlantic Club, adjoining the School, offers students access to tennis, swimming, basketball, and other sports.
Finances: In the 2007-2008 school year, approximately 96% of the School’s income derives from tuition fees. Annual tuition rates are as follows PS: $3,560; grade K-5: $12,655; grades 6-8: $13,595; and grades 9-12: $15,310. Students pay an additional fee of $150 annually to support the School’s technology program. For new students, there is a $100 registration fee and a one-time-only capital building fund fee of $3,500 for those in grades K-12. A $35 fee is charged all students re-registering. (All fees are quoted and payable in U.S. dollars.)
