Message from School Director

Dear Prospective Families;

The American International School of Nouakchott (AISN) is a vibrant, diverse community dedicated to nurturing and challenging every student. With a faculty predominantly composed of American-certified teachers, we offer a comprehensive education that includes academics, arts, and physical education, enriched by a robust selection of after-school activities. Our educators excel in supporting a wide range of abilities, guiding each student to realize their full potential. We take pride in our multicultural environment, representing families from over 31 different countries.

AISN is an English-medium school serving students from Pre-K 3 through Grade 12. Our curriculum is complemented by a strong Mauritanian Field Study program, which immerses students in the history and culture of Mauritania, both ancient and modern. Fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) and recognized as a US College Board Advanced Placement (AP) school, AISN is committed to fostering student achievement and global citizenship.

Our academic structure includes a stellar Primary Program with multi-age classrooms capped at 15 students, middle grades grouped into Grades 6-7 and Grade 8, also capped at 15 students, and an AP program for Grades 9-12 with similar class size limits. This past school year, nearly all our high school courses, including Pre-Calculus/Calculus, US and World History, English Composition & Literature, French Language & Culture, and 2D & 3D Art, were AP certified. Next year, we are excited to add AP High School sciences to our offerings.

Our students consistently perform at a high level. Grades 8-11 students take the PSAT, and those who dedicate themselves to rigorous study often score in the top percentiles globally. For example, one student narrowly missed qualifying for an Ivy League school and a Fulbright Scholarship by just 50 points on the PSAT as a tenth grader. Another student, who began learning English only 1.5 years ago, now speaks French fluently and scored in the 99th percentile worldwide in math. Our PreK-12 curriculum, supported by exceptional teachers, prepares students for academic success. Additionally, AISN serves as a testing center for PSAT, ACT, SAT, and AP exams, and students in grades K-7 take the Measurement of Academic Progress (MAP) tests three times a year.

As I embark on my second year as the School Director for the 2024-25 school year, I am thrilled to see our community grow. We are already experiencing high demand for enrollment, and our dedicated staff is fully returning. AISN stands out as the premier American school in Nouakchott, with strong partnerships with the US Embassy.

Looking ahead, we have expanded our offerings with an optional eighth period (3:00 PM - 3:50 PM), which includes Arabic language courses, online learning options, High School credit recovery, additional STEAM, art, intramural courses, band, and competitive activities like swimming and Model United Nations. Students can also join our Yearbook Club or participate in Student Council Leadership. This year, we are excited to venture into eSports programming for the first time and continue to provide a complimentary 4-6 week After School Activities program every quarter.

Our campus, an oasis in the heart of Nouakchott since 1978, is just 10 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean. It is surrounded by the Spanish and German embassies and Mauritanian Palaces, as well as the future residence of the US Ambassador. All classrooms are air-conditioned, and we are continuously upgrading our facilities. we are currently enhancing our library with new shelving and layout as well as thousands of new books for the classrooms and for the enjoyment of individual readers. Plans are underway for a new Visual and Performing Arts Center and a Secondary School facility.

AISN hosts over 50 events annually. A remarkable feat for a small school! We are also in the process of upgrading utilities in collaboration with the former grounds of the US Embassy and the Chief Missions Residence, slated for completion by May 2025. Following this, AISN will begin its construction projects to further enlarge and enhance our campus.

As a close-knit community, AISN ensures that everyone knows and supports each other. I invite you to schedule a tour on Friday afternoons to experience our welcoming environment firsthand. For assistance, please contact Aicha Fall, our Community Liaison, Events Coordinator, and Marketing Specialist, at +222 46418459 or aicha.fall@aisnmauritania.com.

We look forward to welcoming you to AISN!

Do check our our recent anonymous student, parent, and staff survey to help you understand our school.