Overview

General
AIS/D is organized in three divisions, Elementary, Middle and High School, sharing the same philosophy, but specifically designed for the age group they serve.

AIS/D is recognized and accredited by The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and by the Council of International Schools. AIS/D is governed by a 9-member School Board, elected from the parents or guardians of students, 5 of who must be US citizens.

AIS/D has 690 students - 334 in Elementary School, 150 in the Middle School and 206 in the High School.

Curriculum
In the Elementary and Middle Schools the curriculum is holistic and college preparatory in nature. It is structured to enable students to integrate into any English-speaking school system in the future. The High School provides a college preparatory program following an American curriculum model with all instruction in English. Courses and standards prepare students for entry into English speaking colleges and universities. The teaching philosophy and educational materials used in the school compare to those employed in North America.

Placement Policy
Children are placed primarily by age, and the cut-off date is 31st August. However, due consideration is also given to previous school records, results of a developmental screening for our PK-KG students and written examination and personal interview for older students, emotional and physical maturity and achievement level. The Elementary School (Pre-Kindergarten - Grade 5) takes children from 3+ to 10 years, the Middle School (Grades 6 - 8) from 11 to 13 years and the High School (Grades 9 - 12) from 14 to 17 years.

Facilities
The school is situated on a 4-acre site. There are 60 classrooms in modern, spacious, fully air-conditioned western style buildings. The school has 2 libraries, 4 computer laboratories (along with full Internet access in every classroom), 6 science laboratories, 3 gymnasiums, (one with a climbing wall) and a weight room. All instructional spaces are fully air-conditioned. The buildings also incorporate a Student Centre, Nurse's Clinic, Counseling offices, Art and Music facilities, an auditorium/theatre and a school cafeteria. Facilities include a covered 25-metre heated swimming pool, two playgrounds, and a soccer/athletic field.

Location
The school is located in Baridhara, a residential area of Dhaka, no more than 10 minutes drive from anywhere in the Gulshan, Banani and Baridhara areas. These suburbs are where the majority of the expatriate population in Dhaka lives.

Transport
AIS/D maintains its own fleet of air-conditioned buses. Transport to and from school, where feasible, is provided. Buses are also provided for after-school activities and field trips.

School Year
The school year of 180 days is divided into two semesters. The first semester begins in mid August and ends in mid December and the second semester begins in mid January ending in early June. Classes are held Sunday through Thursday.

School Hours
Pre-Kindergarten (3+yrs) 8:10 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Pre-Kindergarten Half-day (4+yrs) 8:10 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Pre-Kindergarten Full-day (4+yrs) 8:10 a.m. - 2:40 p.m.

Grades KG-5 (5-11yrs) 7:45 a.m. - 2:40 p.m.

Grades 6-12 (12-17 yrs) 8:10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Extra-curricular Activities
Many extra-curricular activities take place outside the normal school day. These activities include drama, music, art, dance, cooking, computers, special interest groups, social events and sports. Annual trips to Thailand, Malaysia and other areas of Bangladesh are arranged for the students in Grade 6 through to Grade 12.