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Information:
 Originally
known as the Banjul American
Embassy School, our school was founded in 1984 by a small
group of American families with support from the US Embassy
to offer an American and international standard educational
program to children coming from the families of foreign diplomatic
missions, NGOs, and global and local businesses.
In December 2016, the Board of Directors voted
unanimously to change our name to the Banjul American International
School to reflect our globally minded curriculum and our diverse
international community of students and parents. The BAIS
ethos is one of multicultural respect and appreciation for
diversity and the institution is open to students from all
nationalities.
BAIS is proud to be the only independently accredited school
in The Gambia, with full accreditation through 2023 by the
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. BAIS
is a non-profit, private, co-educational school offering
a comprehensive, standards-based educational curriculum
in English from Pre-kindergarten through grade 12. In grades
9-12 BAIS students follow a hybrid program, receiving instruction
from BAIS teachers and simultaneously completing coursework
through the renowned University of Nebraska High School
program. Students leave BAIS to successful transition and
strong achievement in schools and universities around the
world.
BAIS is known as a community school which focuses on the
holistic development of students -- academically, socially
and emotionally. BAIS students are caring and supportive
citizens who are trained to be critical thinkers and confident
communicators. BAIS students at very young ages take action
to make the world better for everyone. All BAIS students
are involved in service-learning projects, and the staff
provide a Gambian Teachers Institute annually to share best
educational practices with teachers from public schools.
 Students
who are gifted and who learn despite diagnosed learning
differences are supported individually towards continued
academic progress. A highlight of BAIS is the annual school
musical in which every student participates to develop skills
and confidence in public speaking and performance.
There are currently 55 students enrolled, studying in 16
classrooms in 5 main buildings around well-tended gardens,
playing field, sports court and playgrounds.
BAIS Mission:
The Banjul American International School is an accredited
international school providing a meaningful, rigorous American
curriculum in a global context. In partnership with local
and international communities, we empower students to become
enthusiastic, creative, lifelong learners who value integrity,
cultural diversity, and global responsibility.
At BAIS they:
Believe
Achieve
Inspire
Succeed
Grade Levels:
Early Childhood Program
Pre-Kindergarten 1 (3 years old before October 1) Half day
or full day program*
Pre-Kindergarten 2 (4 years old before October 1) Full day
program
Elementary School
Kindergarten – Fourth Grade (5 – 10 years old)
Middle School
Fifth – Eighth Grade (10-14 years old)
High School
Ninth - Twelfth Grade (14-18 years old)
*Students who are not yet 3 by October 1st but who are
toilet trained, may join the BAIS Pre-K half day program.
They then continue the following year in Pre-K 1.
Term Length:
The BAIS term starts in September and continues up to the
following June. Children receive the equivalent of about
182 days of schooling each year, divided into three trimesters
of approximately 12 weeks.
Tuiitions Fees:
Fees are set each year by the BAIS Board of Directors. The
annual tuition may be paid in one payment or divided into
three trimester payments. New students pay a one-time capital
development fee. All fees may are shared on the school’s
website at: www.baisgambia.org
High School Program:
In grades 9-12 BAIS students follow a hybrid program, receiving
instruction from BAIS teachers and simultaneously completing
coursework through the renowned University of Nebraska High
School (UNHS) program in core subjects areas of English,
Social Studies, Science, Math and Foreign Language. BAIS
Hugh School students continue to study computer, art, music
and physical education through the BAIS curriculum and courses.
Students taking UNHS courses also have access to Advanced
Placement (AP) courses giving them the ability to earn high
school and university credit.
Staff Composition:
The BAIS staff is a group of dedicated professionals from
various nations, and the faculty is majority US teachers
and UK teachers with teacher certification or qualification
and experience from their home countries. BAIS is a learning
community and teachers are supported with continuing professional
development.
Governorship:
Banjul American International School is governed by a 6-member
Board of Directors. Five members of the Board are elected
by the BAIS Association while the remaining member is appointed
by the U.S. Ambassador. All parents of children enrolled
at BAIS are members of the Association. The current director
is Myna Anderson. director@baisgambia.org
Admission:
Families are welcome to apply for enrollment at any point
during the academic year. Application forms and information
about BAIS can be picked up at the school during working
hours or downloaded from the website. baisgambia.org/admission
Families visiting or residing in Banjul who are interested
in touring BAIS and visiting classes are encouraged to book
an appointment with the Admin office at Admin@BAISGambia.org
Accreditation:
BAIS is the only internationally accredited school in the
Gambia. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association
of Colleges and Schools (msa-cess.org). The school is also
a member of the Association of International Schools in
Africa (AISA), a regional organization of first tier international
schools throughout Africa (https://www.aisa.or.ke).
More information is provided at the BAIS
website.
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