Ashgabat International School

Director : Dan Waterman. The Ashgabat International School is an international school in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Founded by QSI (Quality Schools International) in 1994, it is a private, non-profit, coeducational, day school which offers an educational program from a 3 to 4 year old program through high school for students of all nationalities. High school students may take courses by distance learning through Quality Schools International Distance Learning. School staff monitors all distance learning courses.

Study and Programs
Elementary students learn Literacy, Math, Cultural Studies, Science, World Languages, Music, Technology, Art, and PE (physical education). Middle and Secondary Students get to choose electives which include PE/Wellness, Technology, Music (Band/Orchestra/Choir/Guitar), Drama or Art. Students that can not go yet into the appropriate age program go to IE (Intensive English) classes for Literacy and World Languages. They move up when they can go to the appropriate program of their age. The school has 7 Success Orientations to follow:


 * Responsibility
 * Kindness & Politeness
 * Trustworthiness
 * Aesthetic Appreciation
 * Concern for Others
 * Group Interaction
 * Independent Endeavor

The school is funded partially by the U.S. Department of State. The school is accredited by CEESA and MSA.

Facility
Ashgabat International School is located on a five-hectare campus directly behind the American Embassy's new embassy compound under construction in the Berzengi district of Ashgabat. The school neighbors the National Museum and overlooks the city of Ashgabat. The school is a three-storey building with thirty classrooms, an elementary and secondary school library, two computer laboratories, teacher workroom, and office space. The building is earthquake safe, equipped with a fire alarm system, and includes a sophisticated water purification system. The fenced campus includes a grassed playing field, a running track, two tennis courts, a football field, and an indoor gymnasium. The school also has a cafeteria with a stage which is used for concerts, competitions, and other such events.

Curriculum
The curriculum is provided in English for Language Arts, Writing, Mathematics, Cultural Studies (history, geography, economics, and political science), Science, Art, Music, and Physical Education. Intensive English classes are provided to students who need additional help with English. Computer use is integrated across the curriculum using two computer labs (one for secondary and another one for elementary students). French, Spanish, as well as Russian as a foreign language are offered. Class sizes are big. A full four-year secondary program is offered. If selected secondary courses are not offered by school and are needed for graduation, these courses can be acquired through distance-learning programs from Quality Schools International with little additional cost to the parents. All distance-learning programs are closely monitored and proctored by North American and European certified Ashgabat International School teachers.

School information
Progress Reports

Students’ get “Status Reports” five times a year. Students progress or mastery of the curriculum is reported as either “A” or “B”. Individual narrative reports are sent home twice, once in the winter and once in the spring. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled two times each school year.

Transportation

The school offers transportation to and from school for an additional fee.

Staffing

English speaking experienced teachers from western countries are employed. Some other nationalities are hired for instruction in other fields.

Student Placement

Following official admission procedures, a placement examination may be given to determine the appropriate level of instructions. The assessments may involve reading, writing and mathematics.

Governance

Quality Schools International, a non-profit private educational organization, manages the school. A Director administers Ashgabat International School on site. An appointed Advisory Board supports the school in the community. The School Director oversees all educational programs.

Special Program and Facilities
Library

•Access to more than 10,000 volumes and resource materials on CD-ROM

•A DVD and video server consisting of 3,000+ educational videos are part of the extended library services

Mobile Computer Laboratory

•A mobile computer lab consisting of netbook computers is available to all students

•Wireless network access is available

Language Programs

•Advanced Russian and French for native speakers and Russian and French as a second language are offered.

•The school also offers various languages

Extra-Curricular Activities

•Extra-curricular offerings vary throughout the year but often include sports, chess, gymnastics, cooking, fine arts, drama, etc.