The American International School

Established: 1987

Language: English

Type: Pre-primary, Primary and Secondary

Age range: 3 to 18

Number of students: 275

Cypriot/Foreigner ratio: Cypriot 20%; Foreigner 80%

Head of School:  Dr. Michelle Kleiss

Student-Teacher ratio: 1:6

Mission: The School inspires students to become enthusiastic life-long learners who value integrity, cultural diversity, and the pursuit of excellence. Using an American and international curriculum, our qualified professionals work with the school community to prepare students to be creative, critical thinkers, and socially responsible world citizens.

Governance: Esol Education (Chair of the Board/Superintendent: Mr. Walid Abushakra)

 

ADMISSIONS

Head of admissions:  Sandra Barakat [email protected]

Entry Policy: Primary: All families must fill out a detailed application package and include reports and confidential letters from previous schools. K-5 students are not assessed at the school prior to admission unless their application indicates that further screening is required. Secondary: Grade 6-12 students are asked to complete a maths and a writing assessment prior to acceptance.  Families of ELL (English Language Learning) students should consult the Language Policy on the school’s website.

Scholarships: No

Mid-term entry: AISC is an open-year-round admissions school

Applying from abroad:  Yes

Tuition fees: Registration €500. Primary €8.400; Middle School €9.200; High School Grades 9-10 €11.080; Grades 11-12 €13.260

 

CURRICULUM

US and International Baccalaureate Program plus requirements of Cyprus Education Ministry

Type of exams: IB, SAT, American Diploma

Languages: English, Greek, Spanish, French

Sports: Cross country, football, basketball, volleyball, swimming

Music: Band/Choir/Senior Choir/All instruments/Brass Ensemble/Private Music Program taught by Cyprus Orchestra Members

 

EXTRA-CURRICULAR

Primary: Cooking, Harry Potter Club, Win Shun and Kung Fu, Tennis, Soccer, Hand-ball, Drama, Chess, Arts and Crafts, Choir, Track and Field. Secondary: Soccer, Handball, Basketball, Running, Modern Design, Drama, School Band, Art competitions, Science and Nature. Comprehensive list of clubs and activities on website.

 

FACILITIES

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, laboratories, IT & Robotics

Sports: tennis courts, basketball courts, futsal pitch, swimming pool

Library: Yes

Bus service: Yes

 

POLICIES

School hours: 8:05 am to 3:05 pm

Uniform: Yes

Code of conduct:  The AISC Human Rights Policy

Parents’ association: Parents Advisory Council (PAC) & Parent and Student Network

Student Support: Yes

 

HISTORY

In 1987 at the request of the American Embassy in Nicosia, the school reopened with 51 students in Kindergarten through Grade 12.  In 1990, 170 students were registered.  During the invasion of Kuwait, Cyprus became home for UN workers from Baghdad, families fleeing Kuwait. During that period, enrollment increased to 315 students, including 21 boarding students.

In 1993, Esol Education purchased the school and continued to rent the same premises. The school’s name was changed to the American International School in Cyprus (AISC).  Since 1993, AISC has been committed to an American and international program of studies preparing students for universities both in the United States and around the world; the IB Diploma Program has the widest reach in all corners of the world, including Europe and the UK.

 

ASK THE SCHOOL

What are your strengths? High quality university preparatory program; IB Diploma Program, outstanding faculty; positive school culture and community relations; critical thinking; personalized attention, global citizenship education; STEM; and science programs; IT integration

Do you have open days? Every day is an open day for prospective parents. We conduct school tours throughout the school year so parents can see the school in action and meet the students and the teachers.

Can parents visit during school day? Absolutely.  We welcome parents for a tour of our school while school is in session.

Does parents’ association have role or say in decisions?  Parents Advisory Committee provides advice and input to the school on matters of policy and program.  2) PASNET (Parent and Student Network) works together with the school to build community spirit, promote tenets of international-mindedness and supports the school’s diversity.

 

Is Apolytirion (leaving certificate) given to students?

No, but students leaving the AISC are issued an American High School University Diploma and, if they qualify, an International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.  Both are recognized by the Ministry of Education and Culture.  The IB Diploma is the most widely recognised high school diploma in the world.

 

ASK THE PARENTS

What do you like about the school? In what way has school been good for your children?

BERNARD MUSYCK: What is most important to me is the schools’s international mindedness. AISC is not yet another “Cypriot school taught in English”. Instead, it offers a truly international experience. The fact that it offers the IB is of course an integral part of the story. I also like that it is small and cozy, it feels like a family and there is a lot of respect for each other. All the above is good for the children as it prepares them for the big world.

STALO KYRIAKIDOU: I have only good things to say about our school. When we repatriated from the States the school became a safe haven for our daughter. She was 10 years old at the time and the transition to a new country, new culture wouldn’t have been so smooth if it wasn’t for our school community. A loving environment, better academic standards than our school in San Diego. The small size classes and the small size school enabled her to thrive. I would recommend it unreservedly for any parent who is moving to Cyprus and is looking for an International school, that embraces all cultures

Other Information
Accreditation/Authorisations:  Council of International Schools www.cois.org; Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools http://www.msa-cess.org/; authorised by the International Baccalaureate (IBDP) www.ibo.org; the Ministry of Education and Culture