The American International School of Abuja was founded in 1993. It is a private, co-educational day school that provides educational services for students from preschool through grade 12. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

AISA has over 400 students that represent over 40 countries; about 25% of AISA students come from Nigeria. The 35 faculty members come from over 10 countries.

Mission
AISA’s mission is to give students an American-based education that encourages students to develop academic excellence, critical thinking, self-esteem, social responsibility and a respect for cultural diversity.

Facilities
The school is located on a 13 acre campus in the Durami district. The school’s new facilities were completed in 2006. These facilities include: new classrooms, 2 music rooms, 2 art rooms, 2 French rooms, 2 computer labs, a library/media center with 6,000 volumes, a clinic, a snack bar and a school store among others. The school has a soccer field, track, outdoor basketball court, swimming pool and playground areas for younger students. They are completing a multi-purpose hall, tennis courts and a gym.

Extra-curricular Activities
AISA has a variety of after school activities for students of all ages four days a week.

Curriculum
AISA uses an American curriculum. The school has a 180-day calendar with English as the language of instruction. Classes are organized in the traditional American way with elementary students in self-contained classrooms except for specialists in some areas like computer education and French. Middle school students move from class to class for lessons and high school students also follows the American model. Class size is between 15 and 22. Classes with a high number of students have an extra teaching assistant. Students in Grades 1-8 take the Iowa Test of Basic Skills every year.

Technology
The school has wireless access and computers throughout the campus are networked. Computer classes are taught at all grade levels.

Professional Development
AISA supports teachers in their personal and professional development. Teachers work in teams so that they can share experiences and learn from each other. The school has an in-house professional development program. Additionally teachers attend the annual teacher’s conference hosted by the Association of International Schools in Africa. AISA also brings in consultants in cooperation with the Office of Overseas Schools.

Employment
AISA lists openings on the school website. The school website has an excellent section on employment. In addition to listing openings online, the school offers candidates more than the usual amount of information available on a school website.

AISA recruits teachers that are organized, plan for meeting individual student needs and use a variety of teaching and assessment techniques and methods. Teachers are expected to take part in extra-curricular activities, provide students with guidance in developing academically and socially and take part in personal development and professional development.

Salary and benefits are noted to be competitive. Benefits include free tuition for kids, airfare home, an interest free loan (although they don’t say for what), relocation allowance, furnished housing, medical insurance and a retirement plan.

AISA does its recruiting at the ISS fairs in February, as well as at the June fair if they still have positions open. Personal interviews are required for candidates. The school recommends that prospective teachers contact the school before the fairs with a letter of interest that details why they want to work at AISA as well as the position that they would like. Candidates should include a resume, photographs, letters of recommendation, proof of certification and transcripts. These can be sent as email attachments. Documents can be sent to director@aisabuja.com.

Photo by Eman007

There are a variety of shopping options for residents of Abuja: traditional markets, neighborhood shopping complexes and supermarkets. Imported goods are available. Bargaining is necessary in the traditional markets and in some neighborhood shops; the supermarkets have fixed prices.

Outdoor sports venues are available around the city for teachers who want to golf, play basketball or soccer.