Application Procedure

The American International School of Lusaka exists to serve the education needs of the international community.  Admission is open to all students who can benefit from a challenging international, English language education.  Please find below the procedure for applying to the school.  If you need any assistance, please contact the Admissions Administrator, Mrs. Jane van Vlaanderen on admissions@aislusaka.org.

Families are advised to contact the school well in advance as the school maintains waiting lists in certain grades.  Families are also encouraged to tour the school if possible, as this provides an excellent overview of the school’s programme and facilities, and an opportunity to have any questions about the school answered.

Families moving to Zambia may find the article “Transitions” of interest.  This has been written by one of the counsellors at the school and gives information on how to make the move to a new school and new country as smooth as possible. Click here to download.

Application Form

A completed application form and language survey must be completed for all students applying to the school.  The form can be downloaded and sent to the school.

Fax:  +260 211 260538

International Mail:  PO Box 31617, Lusaka, Zambia

US Mail:  c/o American Embassy, Department of State, 2310 Lusaka Place, Washington DC 20521 – 2310

The application form must be accompanied by a copy of the student’s passport, school reports, copies of educational testing, if any, and recommendation forms, if applicable.

School Reports

Copies of grades or reports for the last year of study must be submitted for students aged 5 – 10 (or younger if the student has already attended school), and for the past two years for students aged 11 years and over.  For students over the age of 15, copies of certificates such as IGCSE or International Baccalaureate Certificate/Record of Achievement should also be submitted, if available.

If the reports are in a language other than English, certified translations should be sent.

Students transferring from other schools in Lusaka must provide an official School Leaving Certificate from their previous school, stating that there are no outstanding obligations to the school.  This must be given to the school as soon as a place has been confirmed at the American International School.

Recommendation Forms for Secondary Students

Students over the age of 11 must also submit Math and English recommendation forms which must be completed by the student’s current teachers.  These must either be returned directly to the school, or should be sent with the application form in a sealed envelope.

Download Math Recommendation Form
Download English Recommendation Form

Special Needs

The school can accept students with mild educational difficulties according to the limited facilities and personnel available.  Please click here for more information.

Placement

Students between the ages of 2 and 5 are placed in their age appropriate classes.  Students above the age of 5 may be asked to take an assessment test, particularly if full paperwork is not available, or if a student is moving from a different education system / school calendar.  This takes place at the school and determines if a placement can be made and in which grade; if more information is needed before placement is made; or if admission to the school is to be denied.  Where possible students are placed in age-appropriate classes.  Students will not be admitted to the school if they will be over the age of 20 in the year they graduate.

The final placement will be made by the divisional Principal and is provisional.  All new students are monitored during their first semester at the school to ensure that the programme is suitable and that they have been placed in the correct class for their abilities.

English

Students who apply to the Secondary school must have sufficient knowledge of the English language to be able to participate fully in class.  Please click here for more information concerning students that may need extra help with English.

Class Sizes and Available Places

Class sizes vary depending on the age of the students.  In Play School and Pre School there is a maximum of 16 students per class; in Pre K, the maximum is 17; in Kindergarten to Grade 5, 18 - 20; and in Grades 6 to 12, the maximum size is 20 - 22. 

If a class has reached the maximum, students will be placed on a waiting list and offered a place as soon as one becomes available.

Page updated 12 January, 2008