American International School – Riyadh
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This article relies on references to primary sources. (March 2011) |
| American International School – Riyadh | |
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Logo
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| Location | |
| Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
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| Information | |
| Type | Private |
| Established | 1963 |
| Superintendent | Dr. Brian Matthews |
| Faculty | 110 |
| Number of students | Over 1,150 |
| Website | http://www.aisr.org/ |
AISR also refers to American International School of Rotterdam. [1]
The American International School – Riyadh (AIS-R) (previously known as RICS and SAIS-R[2]) is a private, non-profit, competitive, coeducational day school following an American-based curriculum. It was established in 1963 is located in the country's capital, Riyadh. For many years, it offered only grades K through 9. It now offers education through grade 12 and the IB Diploma Program.
AIS-R is licensed by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Education and accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. AIS-R currently serves students from over 50 different nationalities.[3] The teaching staff consists mostly of North American certified teachers who are recruited internationally or who live in the expatriate community of Riyadh. The school year begins in late August and continues through early June.
The school that is known today as the American International School – Riyadh (AIS-R) has a well established history in Riyadh. It was first formed by parents in 1963 and served students from kindergarten through third grade with only seven students enrolled. In 1977, after several moves to accommodate increasing enrollment, the school opened on its present site. In 1982, the school name was changed to the Saudi Arabian International School - Riyadh (SAIS-R). The school has grown since its inception with a peak enrollment of 2,775 students occurring in the 1984/1985 school year. In the 2011-2012 academic year, the student count was at 1,235 students.[4] With the growth in enrollment came the expansion of curriculum, services, programs and grade levels. The school name was once again changed to its present name of AIS-R in 1999.[5]
Statement of Mission
The AIS-R statement of mission, as of 2013, reads as follows:
- As a school committed to excellence, we will educate and inspire our students to be responsible, productive and ethical world citizens with the skills and passion to think creatively, reason critically, communicate effectively and learn continuously. We will accomplish this in an American educational environment characterized by high measurable standards and a clearly defined, appropriately interrelated college preparatory curriculum, implemented by a superior staff in partnership with students, parents, and the community.[6]
International Baccalaureate Program
AIS-R has been offering the International Baccalaureate Program since March 2000. Students may opt for certificates, or the full diploma, during the eleventh and twelfth grades.
AIS-R offers a variety of IB courses, some at the standard level (SL), others at the high level (HL).
The school continues to include new courses at both levels. Currently, it offers Arabic B HL, Arabic B SL, Biology HL, Biology SL, Bus.& Man. HL, Bus.& Man. SL, Chemistry HL, Chemistry SL, Economics HL, Economics SL, English A: Literature HL, English A: Literature SL, French B HL, French B SL, History HL, History SL, Math.Studies SL, Mathematics HL, Mathematics SL, Music SL, Physics HL, Physics SL, Spanish Ab. SL, Spanish B HL, Spanish B SL, Theatre SL, Theory Knowl. TK, Visual Arts HL and Visual Arts SL.[7]
