Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The American School of Douala (ASD) operates as a non-profit institution owned collectively by the parent community. Governance is provided by an elected board of nine parent volunteers, each serving a two-year term. All revenue generated from tuition is reinvested directly into the school’s educational programs and facilities.
No, the student body at ASD is diverse, encompassing individuals from over 30
different countries. Our mission emphasizes the importance of a multicultural
environment, as we strive to cultivate students who will make meaningful
contributions to the global community.
ASD’s curriculum adheres to the American Common Core Standards, which are implemented in international schools worldwide. These standards were established by educators aiming to create consistent, real-world learning goals that ensure all students, regardless of their location, graduate high school adequately prepared for college, career, and life.
Students in grades 11 and 12 have the opportunity to enroll in AP classes, which are designed to offer a rigorous academic experience akin to an introductory university course. At the conclusion of each AP course, students take an exam; their scores may qualify them for university credits or enable them to enroll in more advanced courses upon entering college.
ASD graduates have successfully gained acceptance into universities across the globe, including institutions in the United States, France, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Lebanon. We are proud to report that 100% of our graduates have been accepted to universities.
Yes, ASD welcomes students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. We have a dedicated team of learning support teachers who specialize in addressing the
language needs of non-English speaking students. These educators collaborate closely with subject teachers to ensure that all students receive the necessary support to thrive.
Indeed, many students have transitioned from local Cameroonian schools and have successfully integrated into the ASD community.
The academic year at ASD commences in August and concludes the following June.
For detailed information regarding the school schedule, please refer to our school calendar available on our website.
ASD operates Monday through Friday, with school hours from 8:00 AM to 2:55 PM for students in grades 1 through 12. Preschool and kindergarten students attend from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. After-school activities are scheduled from Tuesday to Friday, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, while the timing for competitive sports practices may vary.
Students in both Lower and Upper School participate in an assessment known as the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) three times annually. This online
assessment yields valuable insights regarding individual student progress for teachers, parents, and the students themselves. Additionally, Upper School
students may choose to take exams that prepare them for university, including the SAT and AP tests.
Parents are encouraged to engage with ASD through our Parent Teacher Association (PTA), which organizes various events such as International Day, Talent Show, and Literacy Week, along with social functions and fundraising initiatives. This presents an excellent opportunity for parents to connect with one another. In addition, ASD hosts community events, including Parent Orientation Night, Family Fun Day, and International Day, to which parents are warmly invited.
ASD offers a range of after-school activities from Tuesday to Thursday, running from 3:00 PM to 3:55 PM, with rotations occurring quarterly. We aim to provide a diverse array of activities tailored to various age groups, including robotics,swimming, dance, taekwondo, cooking, web design, soccer, drama, guitar, and fashion design.
Competitive sports offered at ASD include volleyball, swimming, soccer, and basketball. Our teams compete locally against neighboring schools, such as the American School of Yaoundé, and internationally within the framework of the West African International Schools Activities League, participating in tournaments in locations such as Senegal, Ghana, Abidjan, and Nigeria.
Aligned with our mission to cultivate compassionate students who contribute positively to their communities, ASD prioritizes involvement in local service
initiatives. We provide students with opportunities to engage in community service through collaborations with local schools, orphanages, hospitals, and environmental projects, reinforcing the importance of giving back to the Douala community.
Welcome to our FAQ section! Here, you’ll find answers to the most commonly asked questions about our school, policies, and processes. Whether you’re looking for quick solutions or detailed information, this page is designed to provide clarity and support. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us directly.
Courier Address: American School of Douala, 771 Avenue de L’independence
B.P. 1909 Douala – Republic of Cameroon, Central Africa