| Mekong Express Home | - Laos Home - | Editor for Mekong Express |
 |
 |
 |
Vientiane International School
School Profile
The Vientiane International School (VIS) is an independent, non-profit institution which offers a quality, international standard curriculum for students of all nationalities from pre-school to grade 8 via English medium instruction. VIS plans to offer grades 9 through 12 in the future to meet the demands of Vientiane's increasing expatriate student population.
VIS has been operating since 1974. In 1991, the school was granted formal recognition by the Lao government as an educational institution. There are 100 students registered for the 1994/95 school year, representing 24 nations. Operating hours are 8 A.M. to 2 P.M. for grades 1 through 8, and 8 A.M. to 12 P.M. for pre-school. The school year is from early September to the end of June. School breaks, ranging from 2 to 15 days, are taken in October, December/January, February, and April.
VIS has two locations--a junior campus (Simuang) which houses pre-school through second grades, and a senior campus (Sokpaluang), five minutes away by car from the pre-school, which houses third through eight grades.
VIS is governed by an elected board. A director (headmaster) manages all aspects of day-to-day school operations. A very competent and experienced staff of professional educators from Australia, Canada, England and the United States, aided by Lao education assistants, comprise the teaching faculty. All teachers are certified in their home countries and bring with them a wealth of teaching experience. The current American director, Mr. David Wallin, has substantial previous experience as either director or principal of international schools in Bangladesh, Yemen and Greece, as well as two public schools in the United States. Two active and enthusiastic parents associations--the Vientiane International School Association (VISA) and the Parents and Friends Association (PFA)--contribute much to the quality of school life and after-hours activities.
The 1994-95 teacher-student ratio is 1 to 10 although future ratios will certainly vary from year to year and class to class. An excellent ESL program is provided for students who require special assistance in English.
Vision & Curriculum
The core purpose of Vientiane International School is the pursuit of excellence in the development of skills, values and attitudes necessary for active and effective participation in 20th/21st century society.
VIS offers a curriculum which emphasizes reading and writing skills, use of computers, problem-solving, decision-making, and project research. Studies include the following areas:
--Mathematics
--English Language
--Arts and Music
--Society and Environment
--Science and Technology
--English as a Second Language (ESL)
--French as a Foreign Language
--Physical Education
Computers
Macintosh computers are used in all classrooms beginning with kindergarten. All students are taught to use computers and supporting software. Some computers have CD-ROM drives which provide an excellent resource for students when they conduct research. VIS emphasizes the role of technology in today's classrooms and teaches students to manage the tools of technology.
Reporting To Parents
Formal reporting on student achievement occurs at the end of each quarter in the form of detailed, written reports and/or individual parent/teacher meetings. Parents are of course invited to make appointments with teachers at any time to discuss their child's progress.
Admission Policy
VIS has an open-admission policy to children of expatriate families living in Laos. Non-English speaking children are required to take English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction in addition to their regular classes (note: there is an additional charge for this specialized instruction). VIS does not currently have special programs for handicapped children, thus a handicapped child who requires special assistance may be denied admission. Children of Lao nationality may be accepted at the School if qualified but there is a percentage limit on the number of such students.
Sports & Extracurricular Activity
The Sokpaluang campus offers a tennis and volleyball/basketball courts which are in constant use by students and the community, as well as excellent outside activity areas. The Simuang campus has a well-maintained soccer/activity field.
All enquiries should be sent to: The Director, Vientiane International School, POB 3180, Vientiane, Laos. Tel. (856) 21-315008; Fax. (856) 21-312383.
Visit the web site at www.vis.laopdr.com/