The American International School of Jeddah has moved to a new, state-of-the-art campus.
The 50,000-square-meter site, which can accommodate up to 1,750 students, includes a host of first-class facilities. These include a professional 700-seat theater-style auditorium, large media centers, video-production labs, fully equipped STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) labs, design and maker-space workshop areas, strategically designed classrooms, and wireless and other advanced technology.
The sports and recreation facilities include a standard-sized swimming pool and training pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, squash courts, soccer fields, indoor and outdoor athletics tracks, a dance/aerobics studio, fitness gyms, expansive playground areas, and indoor and outdoor courtyards.
“I have never been more excited for the future than I am today, as we stand on the eve of our new beginning,” said Monti Hallberg, the superintendent of AISJ. He encouraged the entire community to join in the celebrations and excitement for the new campus, adding: “The possibilities that lie before us inspire me, and I hope you will join us on our journey of excellence, passion, learning and fun.”
The vision for the new campus, which has been years in the planning, is described as being to inspire pupils and provide an authentic American education that nurtures a passion for knowledge and encourages them to pursue their dreams and become successful global citizens.
The previous campus was 40 years old. It was an elementary school for the first 25 years and for the past 15 offered an AISJ program covering pre-kindergarten up to Grade 12. Deteriorating buildings and a growing student population led to the decision to move to a modern, custom-built campus.
During the planning stages the school’s administration, staff, parents and students met frequently to discuss and share ideas about what should be included in the new school. In addition to addressing the academic needs of students, school authorities said that careful attention was paid to their physical, psychological, social and emotional needs.
AISJ, which was was established in 1952, is a US-accredited Pre-K to Grade 12 college-preparatory institution. It offers an American-based curriculum to a diverse student body that includes more than 50 nationalities. It also has athletic teams that travel to compete throughout the Middle East and other regions, numerous after-school activities and a variety of student organizations and clubs. More than 95 percent of AISJ pupils go on to attend universities around the world.