Frequently Asked Questions
What does AISL's school year look like?
Typically, our first semester runs from early August to mid-December, with a week-long October break and American Thanksgiving in November. Our second semester runs from early January to early June, with a week-long combined March and Easter break. Please see our school calendar for 2021-2022 and the in-person only, projected learning schedule.
When does AISL accept applications?
As an international school, we understand that relocation does not always coincide with the beginning of the academic year or semester and we are happy to welcome you at any stage throughout the year. If you are seeking admission for the 2020-2021 school year, the time to apply is now. We are currently accepting, reviewing and offering provisional admission for the 2020-2021 school year.
Does AISL having boarding facilities?
AISL is a co-educational, college-preparatory day school. We do not offer boarding.
Does AISL offer busing?
No, we do not. Parents provide transportation for their children by bringing them to and from school, making arrangements with their driver, or carpooling with other parents. Some employers offer busing.
Does AISL offer discounts for American citizens?
No, we do not. However, AISL does offer admissions priority for dependents of US passport holders.
What are AISL's tuition and fees?
Please see our payment guidelines for details.
How old does my child have to be to attend preschool?
Your child must be 3 by August 31st of a given school year.
Do children wear uniforms?
Yes, they do and parents must purchase uniforms themselves. Please see pages 11-14 of the Admissions Handbook for details.
Does AISL offer in-person learning?
Yes we do! AISL will switch to in-person learning only for the 2021-2022 school year.
Can children buy lunch?
While children in preschool, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten bring their lunch to school, students in grades 1 to 12 may choose to bring a lunch from home or purchase their lunch from our school cafeteria via HMC Catering.
Is AISL a nut-free environment?
No, it is not.
Where do your teachers come from?
Our teachers are U.S. certified or equivalent. Like our students, AISL's teachers and overseas faculty are an international group! For the 2020-2021 school year, 54% are from the United States of America; 15% Nigeria; 10% Canada; 6% India and South Africa; and 15% Australia, Dominican Republic, France, Lebanon, Mexico, Poland, Puerto Rico, Spain, United Kingdom, Venezuela and Zambia.
Where do your students come from?
AISL is truly an international school with our students' families representing 52 different countries! Based on fathers' nationalities for the 2020-2021 school year, our largest international communities include: India 20%; United States of America 17%; Nigeria 15%; United Kingdom 7%; Lebanon 5%; Pakistan 4%; Israel and South Africa 3% each; and Egypt and South Korea 2%. See the percentage breakdown of all 43 countries by fathers' passports.
What curriculum does AISL follow?
Our curriculum is based on AERO Common Core Plus (American Education Reaches Out) standards and benchmarks. AISL is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA), the Council for International Schools (CIS) and the International Baccalaureate organization (IB) as an IB Diploma school. AISL has an onÂgoing review of curricular needs and academic programs.
What languages does AISL school offer?
Starting in Kindergarten, children study Spanish or French, unless they are English Language Learners (i.e. ELL), in which case, they study English starting in grade 1. Beginning in grade 9, students may study Spanish, French or Arabic.
What after school activities does AISL offer?
See the Student Life section of AISL's website for information regarding activities/sports, Saturday sports, and competitive sports.
Does AISL offer international trips?
We have in the past; however, due to travel challenges posed by COVID-19 internatioanl trips are currently paused.
Does AISL offer the International Baccalaureate program?
Yes, we do! AISL offers the IB program in grades 11 and 12. Details about our IB program can be found here. AISL students in the class of 2019 earned an average of 31 out of 45 points, while the worldwide average IB score was 29.63. AISL's highest score was 37 points.
What exams are given in high school at AISL?
As with students in grades 2 to 8, students in grades 9 complete MAP testing (Measures of Academic Progress), which is a computerized, adaptive test.
Students in the 10th grade complete the Morrisby, a psychoeducational metric. The Morrisby is used by many schools worldwide to help inform students and parents about students' skills and to provide additional guidance for IB choices, academic choices at university level, and potential career fields.
The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) is given in October to all 10th and 11th grade students. It is part of our school program and is obligatory. Furthermore, we recommend that the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) be taken at the end of 11th grade and the beginning of 12th grade. On average students take the SAT 3 times. For the IB Diploma Programme, students take written examinations at the end of the programme in May of each year. These are marked by external IB examiners.
Please note that we are a closed test center, meaning that we only allow AISL students to come to our campus for PSAT and SAT testing, along with IB exams.
Where do students go to university after graduating from AISL?
University Acceptances and Matriculation include universities located in the USA, the United Kingdom, and Canada, along with Argentina, Australia, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, India, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, and Switzerland. For more information refer to AISL's High School Profile 2020-2021
Does AISL teach religious studies?
No, we do not.
