Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso: International School of Ouagadougou: 2023-2024 Fact Sheet

The International School of Ouagadougou (ISO) is a nonprofit, independent, coeducational day school that offers an English language educational program to children between the ages of three and 19, from PK-grade 12. The school was established in 1976, and its mission is to provide an education to children from wide ranging backgrounds, including children of diplomats, businesspeople, and international development organizations. The school year is comprised of 180 days of instruction, organized into two semesters, extending from August through January and from February into June. The International School of Ouagadougou cultivates diversity, respect, knowledge, and character, and strives to develop global citizens who contribute towards a better, more peaceful world. ISO is fully accredited through the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA). The last accreditation visit was in October of 2020 and resulted in the school being re-accredited through May 1, 2028. The school was also authorized by the International Bachelorette allowing our graduating classes to receive both the U.S. High School Diploma and International Bachelorette Diploma.

Organization: The school is governed by a nine-member board of trustees. One member, the U.S. Ambassador’s representative, also sits on the board, while all other members are members of the Association of the International School of Ouagadougou. The Board of Trustees is strategic in nature and hires a director to oversee the day-to-day operations of the school.

Curriculum: The school follows an American-style curriculum adapted to emphasize intercultural understanding, character development, and community involvement.  The ISO elementary school focuses on the total development of each child and provides many opportunities for personal and academic growth in a nurturing, structured environment. As learning progresses through the upper grades, an increasing emphasis on inquiry-led and independent study seeks to instill in each student a life-long love of learning. French is taught daily from K‑grade 12. The newly introduced IB Program courses in grades 11 and 12 provides students with the skills needed for success in tertiary institutions.

Faculty: In the 2023-2024 school year, there are 60 faculty members including 22 teaching staff members. Of the teaching staff 11 were U.S. citizens, 7 host-county nationals, and 4 third‑country nationals representing. All Teachers are registered teachers, either in their home of origin, or through the United States.

Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year, enrollment was at 141 students, 35 of which are U.S nationals, 44 are host-country nationals, and 62 are third-country nationals.

Facilities: The school is on a seven-acre, purpose-built campus located adjacent to the city’s main residential section. The facility is walled and secured. ISO has a large, grassed playing field, dressing rooms, a multi-sport court, a swimming pool, a basketball court, and a tennis court. There are 10 major buildings housing the classrooms, administration, and resource areas, including a library of 15,000 volumes, 2 IT labs, a science laboratory, a maker’s space for the elementary school, an upper school student center, and a snack bar. The school has a dedicated service line for Internet and is completely networked. There are 80 computers for student use in the computer lab, library, and classrooms. Construction of a new secondary building was completed seven years ago. This building houses a 300-seat auditorium, two science labs, two computer labs, seven regular classrooms, and a student study area.

Finances: For the 2023 – 2024 School Year, the annual tuition rates are as follows: Pre K 3: 3,277 Euros, Pre K 4: 5,681 Euros, Kinder – Grade 5 17,152 Euros: Middle School 18,799 Euros, High School 19,402 Euros. (Note all fees are quoted in Euros, and more information can be found at https://www.iso.bf/school-fees.)

Special Needs: Review the Special Needs Profile for this school to learn more about their capability to support students with exceptionalities.

This Fact Sheet is intended to provide general information. Prospective users of the schools may wish to inquire further of A/OPR/OS or contact the school directly for more specific and up-to-the-minute information. Information and statistics are current as of September 2023 and are provided by the school.