Email: shorowitz@jerusalemais.org
Web: www.jerusalemais.org
2011-2012
The Jerusalem American International School (JAIS), a branch of the Walworth Barbour American International School in Israel, Inc., is an independent, coeducational day school that offers a secular educational program from preschool through high school for students of all nationalities. The Jerusalem Branch of WBAIS was founded in 2001. The school year comprises 4 quarters, extending from August through October, November through January, January through March, and March through June.
Organization: JAIS is governed by a 7-member School Board which has been delegated policy-making responsibility by the non-profit corporation, which is operated in the State of Delaware. Additionally, JAIS has a 9-member Advisory Board that reports to the School Board.
Curriculum: The curriculum is similar to U.S. general academic, college-preparatory public and private schools. The School's testing program includes the computerized Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) test. Instruction is in English. Special education support is provided for students with mild to moderate learning disabilities. There is no religious instruction. The preschool program is for students aged 3 to 5. Preschool focuses on language development, social skills, and beginning math concepts as well as developing responsibility and self-sufficiency. Advanced preschool students learn to read and write. There is an extended preschool program, allowing for working parents to place their children in JAIS. The elementary and middle school programs offer reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and computer studies. A high school program is online under the guidance of experienced high school teachers. AP courses are available. Students who graduate receive a diploma through the University of Nebraska program. This is an accredited diploma, allowing students to apply to all colleges and universities in the USA and abroad. As the high school grows, classes will be taught in a more traditional manner and students will receive a JAIS diploma. Spanish is taught beginning in preschool. Art, music, and drama have an important place in JAIS with performances throughout the year. Physical education, including weekly swimming lessons, is an integral part of a total educational experience at JAIS. Students participate in field trips and after-school activity programs. Middle and High School students may participate with local students in sports activities on campus at no extra charge. Students celebrate holidays while learning about the host country, the United States, and the many other cultures represented at the School. The School is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Faculty: In 2011-2012 school year, there are 18 full-time credentialed faculty members and 11 part-time credentialed faculty members. Many host-country nationals hold dual-citizenship, adding to the international flavor of JAIS. Countries of origin include New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year, enrollment was 140 (Preschool: 25; K.: 16; grades 1-4: 70; and grades 5-8: 22; and high school: 7).
Facilities: Located on a large, beautifully landscaped campus, JAIS is a tranquil setting where students and teachers can concentrate on education. JAIS is constantly expanding its facilities. Its current space includes 19 well-equipped classrooms with Smart Boards, library, computer lab, science laboratories, art room, music room, gymnasium, indoor swimming pool, theater, preschool and elementary playground, and athletic facilities.
Finances: In the 2011-2012 school year, about 96% of the School's income derives from tuition. Annual tuition rates are in shekels. The shekel amount and approximate dollar equivalent are as follows: Preschool: 33,000 NIS ($8,940); Kdg.-grade 4: 49,500 NIS ($13,415); and grades 5-8: 55,000 NIS ($14,905); and HS: 62,000 NIS ($16,800). Students in grades K-HS pay a yearly capital fund expense of 8,000 NIS ($2,170). A one-time registration fee of 6,100 NIS($1,655) per child is assessed in Kdg.-HS; the fee is 1,500 NIS ($405) for preschool. Transportation fees are 11,000 NIS ($2,980) per year. Special Education and English Language Learner fees 16,000 NIS ($4,340)per year. These fees are payable by check in Israeli shekels or U.S. dollars converted to NIS at the exchange rate on the date of payment.
