Union School
Web: www.unionschoolhaiti.net
2007-2008
The Union School, founded in 1919, is a private, coeducational day school offering an American style college preparatory education, to students of all nationalities in grade PK through grade 12. The School comprises 2 semesters extending from late August to mid-January and from mid-January to mid-June.
Organization: The School is governed by a 7-member Board of Trustees. Elected members serve a 3-year term. Terms are staggered so that 2 members are elected each year. One member is appointed by the U.S. Embassy. The Board is elected by the Union School General Assembly, the sponsors of the School. Membership in the Assembly is automatically conferred on the parents or guardians of children enrolled in the School. The School is incorporated and tax-exempt in the United States, and it is legally constituted as a “Public Utility” under Haitian law.
Curriculum: The curriculum is that of U.S. college preparatory schools. Instruction is in English. Over 97% of the graduates go on to colleges and universities. The School also offers services for students with mild to moderate learning disabilities and an English-as-a-Second Language program at all levels. The School also runs an increasingly extensive activities program ranging from recreational to academic activities during and after school. The School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in the United States.
Faculty: In the 2007-2008 school year, there are 35 full-time faculty members and 3 part-time faculty members. The School is administered by a director. The secondary and the elementary principals, the learning center coordinator, the middle school coordinator, the part time curriculum coordinator and the guidance counselor assist the director. The School employs a full-time financial/operations manager, a registered nurse, a librarian, a technology coordinator and a part-time music teacher.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year, enrollment was 292 (PK-grade 5: 106; grade 6-8: 91, grade 9-12: 95).
Facilities: The School is presently located on an attractive new campus which houses the program in 2 buildings. This set-up represents the completion of phase I of the construction plans. Upon completion of the construction, the School will have 3 more buildings. These buildings contain elementary and secondary classrooms, a library, a clinic, an art room, a science lab, a computer lab, a projection room, and various offices. There is a multi-purpose covered area which provides space for assemblies and school activities. The School has a snack bar which serves hot lunches. Physical education classes are held on the volleyball/basketball center courts and a spacious grassy field.
Finances: In the 2007-2008 school year, 98% of the School's income derives from tuition. Annual tuition rates, including books, technology and activity fees, are as follows: PK1 $1,500 and PK2: $1,750; Kdg: $3,750; grade 1: $4,150; grade 2: $4,725; grade 3: $5,350; grades 4-5: $5,750; grade 6-8: $6,850; grades 9-12: $8,000. There is a different fee structure for students whose tuitions are paid by an international organization. New students are required to pay a one-time entrance fee of $500 to $1000. Parents provide their own transportation since no bus service exists. Fees are payable in either U.S. dollars or equivalent Haitian gourdes. (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars.)
