MISSION STATEMENT

Drawing on the strengths of a committed and culturally diverse community, The American School of Kinshasa aims to provide a high quality American primary and secondary education for English-speaking students living in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

BELIEF STATEMENT

As we work to accomplish this mission, we believe that:

1. Learning is a life-long process for which TASOK must prepare each student.

2. A student whose imagination, interest, and intellectual energies are actively stimulated will be a more effective learner.

3. Less can be more. A creative, competent, and excited teacher can overcome a multitude of material and financial handicaps to help students learn. A special effort to recruit and retain such teachers is very important to our children's education and TASOK's future.

4. While students may differ markedly in their intellectual, social, emotional and physical capacities, each one deserves to be challenged to develop those capacities to the fullest.

5. Becoming an effective adult starts with respect for others, accepting the responsibility as a member of society, willingness to adhere to democratic principles, and developing a strong ethical foundation.

6. Parents are essential contributors to a student's education. Students reach much higher levels of achievement when their parents know about their progress and participate in and actively encourage the educational process.

7. Each student should take advantage of TASOK's unique setting in order to develop a knowledge of and respect for different cultures, especially the culture and traditions of the host country.

8. Well-developed problem-solving skills and a capacity for independent and critical thinking is essential to living in and contributing to an increasingly complex world.

9. Competency in other languages than English will be essential to our students' success in a globally oriented community.

10. A basic body of knowledge and skills in mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, language and fine arts are a strong foundation on which a student's life options are built.

11. Students should be monitored closely in order to assess their progress in relation to North American educational standards.

12. We are not bound to one way of teaching students. Correspondence courses organized by local experts can all complement contributions of our certified teachers.

13. Effective administrative support and a healthy sense of community are essential for both students and staff to make the most of the educational process.

14. Guidance counseling for planning course selections and preparing for university entrance is an essential part of our high school program.