About Bamako International Academy
Bamako International Academy (BIA) provides internationally recognized English-language-based education to its students from preschool through grade 12. Our school is located right in Bamako, Mali, and we offer the world-class Calvert Learning and EdOptions Academy curriculum to our students. BIA’s long-standing partnership with Calvert Education has spanned more than a decade. We are child-centered and operate more like a small community attended by students from over thirteen countries. Our small class sizes and individualized learning strategies allow us to delve deeper into our programs, creating more personalized instruction and a cohesive vision among our teachers.
Our Mission
At BIA, our mission is to provide excellent and well-balanced international education in a multicultural environment that fosters learning, encouraging our students to reach their true potentials and become the very best version of themselves.
Curriculum
Calvert: Grades Kindergarten – Eighth
BIA uses the Creative Curriculum by Teaching Strategies LLC in preschool and the Calvert Learning from kindergarten through grade eight. Our programs are proven, time-tested, recognized for excellence, and considered by educators and parents alike as the most exceptional curriculum available today. Originating from its beginnings more than 100 years ago at the prestigious Calvert School in Maryland, Calvert Learning is now used worldwide by Calvert partner schools, private and international schools, and other blended learning environments.
Calvert French introduces students to French as an international language and focuses on speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Class discussions provide an opportunity for discourse using newly acquired French-speaking skills. In addition, students learn personal greetings and some vital aspects of French culture and continue through practical communication exchanges, thereby gaining the skills necessary to make the most of travelling to French-speaking countries.
Take a look at Calvert, and you’ll find an impressive list of families and alumnae. Among so many others, President Barack Obama, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Pearl S. Buck, and political commentator William F. Buckley were at one time or another Calvert students.
EdOptions Academy: Grades 9 – 12
Our high school curriculum offers a wide range of courses, including core subjects, Advanced Placement® (AP® ) courses, dozens of engaging electives, and world languages. Our students learn through an interactive, multimedia-rich curriculum, at their own pace, with access to teacher support to ensure a rewarding individualized high school experience. Students have one school session to complete their courses, giving them maximum flexibility and the top-quality education they deserve.
Accreditations
The MSA-CESS, Cognia, and NCAA accreditations of Calvert Learning, and EdOptions Academy allow BIA students to transfer to schools of their choice at the end of their stay in Bamako and permit our high school graduates to pursue their post-secondary education at reputable universities and colleges within Africa, North America, Europe, or elsewhere.
Message from the Director
Welcome to BIA! Choosing a school that fits a child’s needs is always a significant decision for parents; it’s not just about the curriculum but the approach that suits that family’s standards and expectations. BIA has served families and the English-speaking community in Bamako since 2009 and has provided an academic experience that transcends a regular school. Our philosophy focuses on one child at a time, and maintaining a long-standing partnership with two of the most outstanding independent schools in the United States has enabled us to offer internationally accredited and time-tested curriculum to our students. We have great success stories! We welcome students from all backgrounds and have hired and retained the most formidable and multicultural teaching staff. Visit us today to learn more about our school and programs. – Arthur Wilson
Enrollment
For inquiries on fees and annual tuition, please call +223 44905300, 92906250, 70059709, or 90506939. The required enrollment documentation includes:
- a completed enrollment application form (scroll down a bit to download one)
- applicant’s most recent school records
- a copy of the applicant’s birth certificate
- In line with our enrollment procedures, an assessment test might be necessary to determine placement.
"I had the most incredible years and experience at BIA. I created precious memories and friendships that I would always cherish. And I am highly grateful for the things I learned, both academic and life-long lessons in such a lovely and supportive community." - Kadi Konate, Brock University, St. Catherines, ON, Canada.
"BIA was one of the reasons I love Mali. I made good friends while studying at BIA. The teachers were cooperative and friendly, and they don't only educate the students but also show their love and care for them." - Teddy Marke, Brock University, St. Catherines, ON, Canada.
"I had an excellent learning experience at BIA. The teachers and the students were lovely and helped me adapt to the new environment. I learned a lot from everybody and had a blast every time I played basketball and soccer with the boys. BIA is one of the best schools I've ever attended." - Yannick C. Brock University, St. Catherines, ON, Canada.
I learned so much teaching at Bamako International Academy. As a teacher you find yourself learning at the same time, and it's a process without limits - K-1 Teacher, BIA.
It's been incredibly satisfying teaching at BIA, and the experience will stay with me forever. Allowing the students to take responsibility for their learning while I provide the support is amazing - Grades 4 - 5 Teacher, BIA.
There's everything to enjoy about this small community. The teachers are incredibly cooperative, and you can trust them to help you with anything, and at any time. You will learn a lot from this school whether it's academic or life lessons - Tompkins Cortland Community College, Dryden, New York.
We appreciate the effort you're putting in inspiring our children. A child you taught will always remember and speak about you in all his successes - Parent, BIA
It's incredible how much my 3.5 years old has learned in less than nine months, and she is proud of her teachers - Parent, BIA.
At BIA, I had the opportunity to learn how to work independently, make friends, and participate in events throughout the years. It was a pleasure to be part of this beautiful community - Lebanese International University, Mauritania.