Fact Sheet

INTRODUCTION

The AIS/D high school provides a comprehensive college preparatory program which focuses on developing young women and men who are comfortable living and working in today’s global society. Students are provided varied opportunities to develop intellectually, socially and emotionally in the hope that upon graduation each will be a literate communicator, self-directed learner, complex thinker, involved citizen, and collaborative contributor. The majority of students who graduate from AIS/D go on to attend universities in the United States and Canada. Others return to their home countries to complete their university education.

The high school is comprised of 206 students in grades 9-12 coming from 28 different nations. Approximately 31% are from South Asia, 22% from North America, 16% from Europe and 31% from various other countries . We consider the diversity of our high school student body to be a strength and promote academic and social opportunities which instill pride in and understanding of each other’s cultures.

Each student is guided by a team of highly dedicated, experienced educators who focus on developing the whole child. Of the 31 teachers who make up the high school faculty, 21 have master’s degrees (or higher), ensuring each is an expert not only in his or her teaching field but also in the general area of education. Combined with an average class size of 15, students are ensured they will get the individual attention and expertise necessary for each to flourish and develop his or her highest potential.

INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM

The school day begins at 8:10 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. The AIS/D high school utilizes a rotating block schedule in which four 85 minute “blocks” are taught each day. During the course of a seven day cycle, students meet each of their seven classes four times. Meeting times for individual classes (e.g. economics) vary during the cycle to help maximize learning opportunities for students with diverse learning styles.

Students are challenged to complete a rigorous series of courses to meet AIS/D’s graduation requirements. Developmentally appropriate core courses focus students’ attention in specific areas of math, science, English and social studies, while ample electives encourage them to explore the fine arts, foreign languages, and information technology. Electives also enable students to study core areas further. Required physical education and health courses, combined with a wide array of extra-curricular sports and clubs, encourage students to develop a healthy body in addition to a healthy mind. A host of Advanced Placement (AP) courses are available to qualified juniors and seniors seeking study at the college/ university level. Many universities in North America and Europe recognize the rigor demanded by AP courses and grant university credit if students achieve sufficiently high scores on the standardized tests administered at the end of each year. Teachers at AIS/D realize that students have varied needs both in terms of their learning styles and the backgrounds they bring into each of their classes. As a consequence, they use a wide range of teaching techniques and activities to help students master the concepts and content of each class they teach. Small class sizes allow teachers to engage students in imaginative activities tailored to the needs of the students in each class, promoting critical thinking, collaborative work and effective communication while retaining academic rigor and individual responsibility.

Bangladesh’s history, culture, and geography provide a plethora of unique, educational opportunities which are used to extend learning beyond the classroom. Week-long field trips, taken each November, are one example of how classroom studies and field experiences are integrated. Students throughout the high school look forward to these educational trips which also serve as a vehicle helping students bond, experience community service and form long term friendships.

SERVICE LEARNING

A “stand out” aspect of AIS/D’s program is its emphasis on service learning. All high school students are encouraged to be actively involved in one or more of the various high school clubs or other organizations dedicated to assisting others. Habitat for Humanity, Amnesty ternational, National Honor Society and AIS/D’s own Saturday School are but a few organizations which focus on service. All have extensive student participation. Additionally, one of the graduation requirements is that all seniors successfully complete the Senior Project, one aspect of which focuses on finding solutions to problems encountered in Bangladesh.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

As a member of SAISA (South Asia Inter-School Association), AIS/D provides student athletes, musicians, artists and thespians the opportunity to participate with other students at annual athletic tournaments and cultural festivals held in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and Nepal. Sponsored sports played both locally and at the annual SAISA athletic tournaments include basketball, cricket, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.

In addition to the sports listed above, various after school clubs and organizations are sponsored by the AIS/D staff. These include Student Council, Amnesty International, Model United Nations, National Honor Society, French National Honor Society, Habitat for Humanity, and HOPE (AIS/D’s environmental club).

SUPPORT SERVICES

AIS/D’s high school philosophy is anchored in the belief that every child is capable of succeeding. We ensure we can meet our goal of 100% student success through a combination of small class sizes, dedicated and talented teachers, and an effective array of specialized support services. Though we are not equipped to deal with students having severe learning disabilities, our teachers, counselor and resource specialist are all experienced in meeting the needs of students with varied learning styles. A certified ESL teacher provides instruction and support for those students who come to AIS/D with limited English, working closely with classroom teachers as they modify lessons so they’re more accessible to those who are non-native English speakers. The high school counselor helps students develop an educational plan tailored to individual abilities and aspirations, then works with them throughout their time at AIS/D to ensure they gain a maximum benefit through their experience here. In the senior year, the counselor is a key player helping students choose and apply to university. Additionally, the counselor works one-on-one and serves as an advocate for individuals during those times when they may be experiencing the social, emotional and/or academic challenges adolescents commonly face. Full time school nurses provide medical support.

FACILITY

AIS/D’s purpose built high school is situated in its own, fully air-conditioned building on the AIS/D campus. It contains thirteen classrooms, three science laboratories, an art room, darkroom, music room, theater arts room, student center and administrative offices. A secondary school library, three gymnasiums (one containing a climbing wall), heated swimming pool, athletic field, 250-seat auditorium, three computer labs, and medical clinic are shared with the rest of the school. All rooms and offices are connected by a high speed intranet and email system, which interfaces with a dedicated internet connection. A back-up generator rovides electricity in cases when the local electrical grid is unable to do so. The result is a learning environment that is both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing. High school students take pride in their school and obviously feel comfortable studying in the inviting atmosphere of which they are such an important part.

The AIS/D High School is an integral part of the American International School/Dhaka, Bangladesh. For more information, please contact the Registrar.