Welcome to the Asmara International Community School (AICS).  Following is an overview of AICS and its program:

Asmara International Community School is a private, coeducational, not-for-profit, day school located in the center of Asmara.  The school was founded in 1994 with seven students.  Today, there are 170 students representing twenty nationalities. Its purpose-built facility contains ten large and five small classrooms, a library, computer lab, multi-purpose room, an infirmary, school offices, and extensive outdoor play equipment.

Using English as the language of instruction, AICS offers the best possible international curriculum for children of the international community and host country nationals.  AICS prepares students to be world citizens, free of prejudices.  Its purpose is to promote knowledge and understanding of Eritrean culture, and facilitate the transfer of students from and to other schools in international settings.  In May 2004, AICS obtained accreditation from Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA).  That September, the United States Department of State’s Office of Overseas Schools, from whom we receive an annual grant, declared the adequacy of Grades 9-12.  AICS has begun the self-study process for re-accreditation with a Visiting Team from MSA anticipated in Spring 2011.  AICS is a member of the Association of International Schools in Africa and the Association for the Advancement of International Education.

The school employs certified and experienced teachers from around the world who are committed to the academic and personal growth of the children in our care.  Our faculty is dedicated to developing skills in our students that will allow them to succeed in an ever-changing world.  Students may be formally enrolled upon completion of an application process and fulfillment of admission requirements.

The school year begins in mid-August and ends in mid-June with vacation breaks at the end of the First, Second, and Third Quarters (October, December, and April).  National and religious holidays, both Muslim and Christian, are celebrated.  The school calendar provides for at least 180 instructional days.  Report cards are sent home quarterly and there are several occasions for parents and teachers to sit together and formally discuss the progress of their children.  There is a dedicated Board of Governors, an active Parent-Teacher Organization, and an elected Student Council.

The school-day for three and four year olds in Pre-Kindergarten begins at 08:00 and ends at noon, while Kindergarten through Grade 12 are in school from 08:00-14:30, Monday through Friday.  The early childhood program focuses on physical, social, and emotional development.  Beginning in Grade 1, language arts, science, social studies, and mathematics are taught in self-contained classrooms.  The middle and high school, Grades 7-12, have classes taught by subject teachers.  Art, music, physical education, French, and English as a Second Language form part of the specialist program.  We also offer after school activities for students to enjoy.  Our graduates have been accepted into internationally recognized universities in the United States and elsewhere.

Thank you to all AICS families; your continuing support is appreciated.  For those of you who are new this year, we will do all we can to make you feel welcome, and encourage you to become involved members of the vibrant community that is the Asmara International Community School.