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).
Location:
Situated in a quiet, residential location at the border
between Fajara and Bakau. Atlantic Road, Fajara, Serrekunda,
The Gambia.
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