Khartoum American School

History and Location

Khartoum American School was founded in 1957 with a mission to educate children of U.S. diplomats and other foreign nationals residing in Khartoum.

KAS has a history of growth and change. It began with a student population of 11 children who received instruction on the veranda of a private home. Within a short time, KAS rented its own quarters and in 1966, when enrollment had grown to 77 pupils, the school moved to a new site on Street No. 29 in the New Extension area of Khartoum. During that year, the school welcomed 96 students of 21 different nationalities. The school continued on Street No. 29 for 18 years.

A larger school was then needed and Chevron Oil Company provided a generous grant to help with the construction of the new school, built to U.S. standards. A Danish architect was hired to design and oversee the construction of the new facility, which began in 1982 and was completed in 1984. Since then, the school has continued uninterrupted on its current campus, with the exception of a temporary suspension in 1991 during the Gulf War crisis, a 2-day closure following the events of September 11, and a 5-day closure during civil unrest in the autumn of 2013.

KAS is located approximately three miles south of downtown Khartoum, and is housed on its beautiful 10 acre campus in 21 air-conditioned buildings which include 26 classrooms, a science laboratory, library, two computer labs staffed with technology experts, art and music rooms, dedicated ESL facilities, a learning center, nurse's office, a covered quad used for plays and ceremonies, two food kiosks, two large playing fields, a covered basketball court and grass volleyball fields, and an aquatic complex that includes a 25-meter swimming pool built to international standards.

The KAS High Hchool encompasses grades 9-12. The curriculum follows that of most rigorous U.S. college-preparatory schools, and KAS graduates are fully qualified to attend the finest universities world-wide.

Governance

The School is governed by a 9-member School Board, 8 of whom are elected for 2 year terms by the Khartoum American School Parents' Association, and 1 who is appointed by the U.S. Embassy. Membership in the Association is automatically conferred on the parents or guardians of children enrolled in the school.

Curriculum

KAS provides a nurturing and caring student-centered learning environment. Its Mission states that: "Khartoum American School provides an outstanding learning environment to promote an open, inclusive, and student-centered program. We are devoted to fostering educational growth and development for our internationally-diverse student body." The KAS Mission is supported through the KAS Vision of building the 4Cs of Character, Curriculum, Community, and Citizenship. The curriculum is inquiry-based and international in scope. The language of instruction is English and its core programs (Creative Curriculum, Eureka Math, etc.) are from the U.S. The School’s core curriculum includes language arts (English), math, science, social studies, and foreign language (French or Arabic). The core curriculum is supplemented by classes in music, art and physical education. The school offers the following Advanced Placement (AP) courses: calculus, statistics, physics, chemistry, English literature, studio art, world history, economics, and psychology. The High School curriculum also includes several electives. The school’s testing program utilizes standardized assessments that include the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) administered twice a year to all students in grades 2-11, and the PSAT, SAT and TOEFL which are administered for college and university admission when appropriate. There is an active after-school sports program at the secondary level (basketball, soccer, swimming, track and field, and volleyball), and an active after school activities program for Elementary School children. Student Support Services staff are available at KAS to assist students who may have mild to moderate learning challenges. The School is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (USA) and the Council of International Schools (UK).

Facilities and Technology

Over the past several years the School has made extensive efforts in greening the campus, resulting in spacious shade-covered lawns for students and families to enjoy. In 2012 KAS opened its Aquatic Complex with a half-Olympic-size swimming pool and a small splash pool for infants. It was used by Olympic athletes training for the London 2012 Olympics.

KAS is committed to providing a 21st century technology environment for all its students. It has two computer labs with 41 Mac computers. High-speed wireless internet connections are available throughout the campus. KAS has a 1-to-1 MacBook Pro laptop program for all students from grades 3–12. iPads are used in grades K-2.

Accreditation

KAS has been accredited through the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA) and the Council of International Schools (CIS). In 2015, KAS had it accreditation renewed by CIS/MSA.

Additionally, KAS is a full member of the Africa International School Association (AISA).

KAS is also an active member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD).