BAIS Curricular Program
BAIS provides a U.S. standards-based curriculum with an international focus. Instruction is in English for all subjects other than World languages. Our Pre-K curriculum, which aligns with the New York State Early Learning Guidelines, is designed to holistically support the intellectual, academic, social and emotional development of our young learners. Learners engage in Discovery Learning and are exposed to prompts designed to stimulate their exploration, language development, critical thinking and collaborative skills through play.
Our curriculum for Kindergarten through middle school is based on AERO standards, which align with Next Generation Science Standards for science and with Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects and Mathematics.
In High School curriculum is based on either AERO or UNHS curricula depending on the course selected. The AERO curricula include College and Career Readiness anchor standards from the common core for cross- disciplinary literacy expectations that must be met for students to be prepared to enter college and/or the workforce no later than the end of high school.
Core subjects of English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, are supplemented with specialty instruction in art, French, music, and physical education. Information and communication technology is integrated with learning across the subjects, and all classes have dedicated time in the computer lab and library each week. In high school, students may select discrete technology courses from Web Design to Computer Science.
All students are involved in the schoolwide Service Learning program. Service Learning at BAIS focuses on one UN Sustainable Development Goal per year — this focal point becomes a catalyst for learning, exploration, research and taking action within our community to make our world stronger.
Program of Instruction
We cultivate a safe, welcoming, supportive, and inquisitive environment that develops the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual capacities of children. We believe that children must have elements such as self-confidence and social acceptance in place before meaningful intellectual development can be achieved.
Class size may vary during any given year and has ranged from 5 to 15 in recent years. The school uses multi-age and multi-grade classes that change with the population of the school while ensuring individual success.
Educational Program
Our educational program recognizes that as children develop, their brains change and their physical development and social accuity grow. Our philosophy of education are specific to four sections with teaching and learning in each geared appropriately for the age range..
Early Childhood: age 2+ to 4
BAIS Seedlings, Pre-Kindergarten 1 and Pre-Kindergarten 2
Our Early Childhood program promotes academic and social-emotional development in personalized, developmentally appropriate ways for children who are between two-and-a-half and four years old at the start of the year. Kindergarten students receive an academic program grounded in this same philosophy. Early childhood students have opportunities for self-directed learning and play — Discovery Learning — while being provided thorough guidance and supervision within a structured program taught by trained, experienced professionals.Our Pre-K curriculum is based on New York State Early Learning Guidelines. Students in the Early Childhood program have regular classes in Art, Music, Physical Education, French, and Library.
Elementary: age 5 to 10
Kindergarten and Grades 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Our elementary school curriculum provides active, engaging, authentic learning experiences that ensure solid grounding in the knowledge and skills of literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, French, art, music, information and communication technology, and physical education, in collaborative, student-centered, inquiry-based learning environments.The elementary curriculum is based on AERO standards, Common Core State Standards for English language arts and mathematics, and Next Generation Science Standards for science. Units and lessons draw upon the unique expertise of our world-class educational team and the historical, cultural and physical environment of The Gambia.
Middle School: age 11 to 13
Grades 6, 7 and 8
The Middle School program provides students with a transition from the self-contained elementary school structure to the more departmentalized secondary school approach. Subject teachers develop their curriculum based on AERO standards, Common Core State Standards for English language arts and mathematics, and Next Generation Science Standards for science, and coordinate their instruction to produce multi-disciplinary approaches to topics.Students learn about and reflect on human inter-relationships, life skills and good decision-making in a once weekly Personal-Social-Emotional Learning (PSEL) course to ensure these topics receive targeted instruction. Students are encouraged to become self-directed learners and are given numerous opportunities to develop leadership skills.
High School: age 14 to 18
Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
BAIS High School students (Grades 9-12) receive instruction from BAIS teachers as they complete courses through the University of Nebraska High School (UNHS), an accredited US high school that enrolls students throughout the world through a renowned correspondence program. The students earn credits towards graduation from BAIS and UNHS.High school students participate in Art, Physical Education and elective classes in music or technology and have opportunities for leadership and community engagement through programs including Student Council and the Service Learning Project.
What Students Say
BAIS was definitely a great experience for me. I enjoyed the both the theory and practical approach of the school. I liked how my teachers always saw potential in me even with the subjects I was weak in. Looking back on my education, it is BAIS that holds the closest memories to my heart.
Afaf
Although my time at BAIS spanned just two years, the close-knit community and cherished memories I forged there make it feel as though the experience extended far beyond. Reflecting on my time at BAIS brings a sense of fulfillment and enrichment that will forever linger. Nestled within the African landscape, BAIS stands as the continent's most intimate American international school; its size a testament to the benefit of small class settings. Still, BAIS presented ample opportunities for students to deeply engage. I served on the school's MSA (Middle States Association) reaccreditation committee and channeled my passion for business by leading a Finance Club for other students. The school extends into the local community through its annual service learning project in which BAIS students collaborate with local Gambians learn about acts to create a more equitable society. These experiences stand unparalleled, setting BAIS apart from any other institution I've attended.
William
I attended BAIS from Pre-K to Grade 8, and those years of learning, growth and friendship are what has resonated throughout my education, life and career. Because of BAIS's amazing teachers and personalized environment, when I transferred to another high school, I was placed in a class above my current level. Attending the University of Maryland, my first 2 years were a breeze, all thanks to my SOLID foundation that was built at BAIS. I graduated with a degree in Neurobiology/Physiology and Biotechnology. I have nothing but amazing and warm memories of the small but special school, which formed many friendships and bonds, and made me who I am today. I am currently a Territory Manager for a Biomedical company, responsible for 11 states, and the youngest person on my team of 5 who manage the entire US. I thank BAIS for teaching me to use my ambition and motivation, and to develop my leadership skills, creativity and drive that I know I wouldn?t have been able to grow somewhere else.
Amira
The BAIS community has always been very close, almost like a family. I am thankful to my parents that they gave me the opportunity to spend my childhood in this environment, since I believe that it influenced my way of thinking, my values and my attitude a lot.
Verena
BAIS is an amazing school in which I had great experiences. This was such a free school which allowed me to express my views and ideas. The environment was very friendly that it was not hard to fit in. BAIS planned marvelous events and I can say that the teachers fully prepared me to get into a good school.
Amna
BAIS is far more than just a PK-12 school, it's a community that fosters and encourages growth at every level. The small environment allows individualized assistance that helps students discover who they are as learners and become positive members of society. BAIS is a wonderful community that has the ability to set its students up to reach their highest potential. Students who attend BAIS leave more confident than ever in their ability to succeed within and outside the academic sphere. I spent only two years at BAIS, yet grew and learned more than I ever have anywhere else in my educational journey. I made memories and connections I know I will keep for the rest of my life. Because of the assistance I received in the high school program, I was accepted to Wellesley College where I plan to study neuroscience. The staff that taught me are people I respect and look up to with the highest regard, and it was incredibly hard to leave.
Rama
BAIS has the fondest memories of any school I've been to. After I left, I completed the International Baccalaureate at the same time as the American High School diploma. Following that, I attended Imperial College, graduating with honors; the University of Oxford, graduating with honors; and am about to start a management course at Harvard. I have worked for Apple and Symantec. Now, I work for Company85, a consulting firm in London serving several UK government departments, financial-services, and multinational IT integrators.
Papu
I started at BAIS when I was 7 years old and have extremely happy memories of my 4 years there. The school's ethos and attitude, both within the curriculum and on a personal level was second to none and I feel it truly set me up for later life. I believe that my outlook on life and my people skills all come down to the support and teaching we received there. It was extremely difficult to leave the school community, as it served not only as a place for education, but an extended family. My family and I moved back to Britain, where I completed secondary school and I am now studying at the London School of Economics.
Rachel
BAIS will always have a special place in my heart. I was there for five years between the ages of 4-9. The education system varied but always encouraged children to be naturally confident in the classroom thus allowing us to translate this into everyday life; this is a skill I have carried with me throughout my education and now my career. I truly believe that I would not have got where I am today without those key life skills I learnt as a child at BAIS.
Amberley
Managing Director
I have many happy memories of BAIS and many friends I made during my time there I continue to keep in touch with. BAIS definitely helped build my confidence and self esteem and when I fell behind or needed additional help that was always provided. My time at BAES had instilled a thirst for knowledge and determination to succeed. I now work for an executive search consultancy in London. Having lived and been educated in The Gambia has given me such a unique international perspective that is of constant use to me both personally and professionally and it is a time in my life that holds incredibly fondt memories.
Urvi
BAIS was a wonderful experience filled with hard work but a lot of fun as well. Many subjects in middle school prepared me for what I'm studying now, international business. I was involved with student organizations in middle school and it was of great interest to me; I am still involved with student organizations today. Overall, I very much enjoyed my time at BAIS, it is a memory I will never forget.
Anisa
I'm a former student who went to BAIS for about 9 years. The experience was a great one. The teachers at BAIS are loving and caring. They just want the best for you. The educational and interactive activities left me with many enjoyable memories. Transitioning into high school was smooth for me, and I can thank BAIS for that. From this experience i have made many friends and the success I had there has carried on. I now attend Georgia Perimeter College and am majoring in Social work. A big thanks to BAIS!
Jeneba
I feel extremely privileged to have been a student at BAIS. My education there laid the foundations for further academic achievements, and sparked interests which have continued to grow since. It was at BAIS that my passion for studying American history began, and this interest has stayed with me ever since, as I am now in my final year of an undergraduate degree in History, Literature and Cultures of the Americas at the University of Warwick. As important as the academic development BAIS provided was, in my opinion the friendly environment of the school and the pastoral nurturing given by the wonderful teachers equipped the students with other skills that are just as, if not more, important. Students at BAIS were encouraged to develop confidence, extra-curricular passions in the arts and sports, and were always taught to believe that they could achieve anything they set their minds to. The school constantly had a friendly and caring atmosphere which not only made the students feel comfortable and happy enough to achieve their potential, but also created life-long friendships not only amongst students but also between students and their teachers. I will always cherish the eight years I spent there, and consider myself extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to become a part of the BAIS family.