NISC at a Glance

03/20/07

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NISC at a Glance
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NISC at a Glance

Historical Overview
Northbridge International School Cambodia (NISC) opened in September 1997 as an integral part of the Northbridge Community to provide a quality educational option to students residing with their families in Phnom Penh. Since that time, NISC has expanded and enhanced its pre-kindergarten through grade 12 programs and offerings, striving for a high standard of academic excellence in all areas.

Accreditation
In June 2001 NISC was awarded a full six year Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 term of Accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). As an ongoing follow-up, NISC is actively pursuing the completion of its Schoolwide Action Plan, which assures continued growth and development in all areas of the school's educational program and offerings.

School Mission
NISC is committed to providing the highest quality pre-kindergarten to grade twelve American-style, English language school program. The school's foremost priority is to nurture the well being, growth and learning of each individual child in our care.

Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLR's)
By the time students finish their school program at NISC, they will be well on their way to becoming...

Personally and socially well balanced individuals.
Intellectually and academically capable achievers.
Technically competent and productive computer users.
Artistically (aesthetically) aware and involved persons.
Physically fit and prepared young people.

School Year Calendar
The school year at NISC consists of 180 student days and runs from mid-August through mid-June. The school week is Monday through Friday, and classes are in session from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Days of no school include both traditional Cambodian and internationally recognized holidays. The school operates on a semester (i.e. two half year terms) academic schedule.

School Structure, Classes and Schedules
NISC is divided into five age / grade levels:

Early Childhood (nursery and kindergarten)
Primary (grades 1 and 2)
Elementary (grades 3, 4 and 5)
Middle School (grades 6, 7 and 8)
High School (grades 9 to 12)

Classes through grade 5 are self-contained. Core subjects are taught by the home room teacher, while specials (PE, Computer, Music, etc.) are taught by specialist teachers. Students in grades 6 to 12 go to home room for attendance and announcements, while they take core and specials subjects from separate teachers in various classrooms / locations around the campus.

Curriculum Overview
NISC 's American-style curriculum fosters respect for the dignity and worth of each individual child, supports quality education to meet each student's abilities and needs, and promotes a free exchange of ideas. Lessons are delivered in English through a well-planned program of studies that aims to assure the personal, social, academic, technical, artistic and physical growth and development of each student. As an English language, coeducational, non-sectarian, college-preparatory day school, NISC ‘s educational programs are designed to accommodate students from many nations, who come with a wide variety of educational backgrounds and needs.

Student Assessment
Student achievement is continually monitored and assessed. Parents are regularly notified of student progress through report cards and conferences. At the time of admission, the school tests each ESL student in English and mathematics proficiency at the appropriate grade / age level. Annually in October students in grades 9, 10 and 11 sit for the IOWA Tests of Educational Development (ITED); while in March, students from grades 1 to 8 sit for the IOWA Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS). These standardized, externally assessed tests examine student achievement in reading, English language and math.

Students and Enrollment
In mid October 2005 the 261 students enrolled at NISC represented 23 different national / linguistic groups. The top twelve (12) nationalities made up 246 of the students enrolled or 94.3%. By number enrolled these nationalities were:
North American (US – 66 and Canadian - 11) - 77 students (29.5%)
Cambodian - 68 students (26%)
Japanese - 22 students (8.4%)
Thai - 18 students (6.9%)
Korean - 18 students (6.9%)
British – 9 students (3.4%)
Australian – 8 students (3.1%)
French / Malaysian / Filipinos – 7 each (2.7%)
German – 5 (1.9%)
Eleven other nationalities made up the rest of the 15 students (5.7%).
Students from English speaking countries: 97
Students from non-English speaking countries: 160
Students from Asian countries: 142

Student Activities
Here is a sampling of the activities open to students at NISC:
After School Activities for all students
Saturday Morning Community Soccer League for elementary children
MRISA Sports and Cultural Exchanges for upper school students
November Cambodia Studies Trips for grades 6 to 12 students
Operation Smile Club for upper school students
After School Tutors for upper school students
Vocal and beginning instrumental music groups and performances for all ages
Swim Team for grades 3 to 12
Student Council for students in grades 6 to 8 and 9 to 12
Model United Nations for high school students
Summer Camp for children up to age 12

Parent Involvement
The school encourages parents to be involved in the school and in their child's education. We welcome parents to visit and volunteer in the classrooms. There are many opportunities throughout the year for parents to become actively involved in the school--from joining the Parents Advisory Group to accompanying groups of students on field trips, conducting an After School Activity, and taking an active part in school events and occasions.

Professional Staff
NISC prides itself in its highly qualified and experienced professional administrators and teaching faculty, each of whom makes every effort to enhance the personal, social, academic, technical, artistic and physical growth and development of their students.

Governance
NISC is overseen by a seven-member Board of Trustees. The BOT periodically reviews school policy, discusses educational programming and advises the school on financial practices.

Budget and Finances
NISC is a nonprofit educational institution, designed to be financially self-sufficient. The school derives its income mainly from tuition and other published fees. The annual budget is planned to meet operating costs and to cover capital expenditures. Options for school fee payments include annual, semiannual or quarterly submissions.

Location, Campus and Facilities
Ideally nestled within the securely gated 146 acre Northbridge Community, NISC is located between Phnom Penh International Airport and the city center. The school's purpose-constructed buildings support well-equipped and air-conditioned classrooms, a spacious library, fully outfitted science and computer labs, and a multipurpose cafeteria building with a performance stage. Additionally, the campus offers extensive sports facilities and fields, child-friendly play areas and a competition size swimming pool.

School & Community
In order to meet the goal of promoting our school as a Community Center, NISC offers the use of its superb facilities during hours after school and on weekends to the multinational community in Phnom Penh. The Club at Northbridge provides an ideal setting for sports, recreation and leisure for the whole family. In addition to opening its ever expanding After School Activities program to outside students, the school supports a Saturday morning Community Soccer League, invites the community regularly to its occasional performances and celebrations, as well as offers its highly successful Summer Camp program to all children, regardless of where they attend school.

Educational Advantages
NISC offers children in its care...
Small class sizes for individual educational attention.
Child-centered philosophy and instructional approach.
Well-trained, experienced and caring teachers.
High expectations for academic performance and achievement.
Strong Parent Organization, through which parents and the school work hand-in-hand to promote a positive and enriched learning and community environment for our children.
Great location on a clean, safe and roomy campus away from the traffic, noise, hassle and pollution of downtown.
Purpose-built facilities with well-equipped, bright and roomy classrooms.
Extensive sports, play and recreation areas and facilities, providing numerous sports, fun and game opportunities.
Ever-expanding After School Activities program.

Future Plans
Here are highlights of NISC 's plans to further grow and expand...
Complete each of the areas of the Schoolwide Action Plan.
Continue to hire and retain the best qualified and experienced teachers.
Expand and improve high school course offerings, especially the Advanced Placement (AP) program.
Improve the school's fine and performing arts program.
Construct a High School building on existing school land to significantly expand the school’s enrollment capacity.

Admission and Enrollment
To find out more about NISC, please call, fax, write or e-mail us. We will be happy to provide you with the following relevant publications and set an appointment for you to visit the school:
Admission Packet
(including Enrollment Form, Health Questionnaire, School Calendar, Fees Schedule and other pertinent information)

Parent & Student Handbook
Programs of Study Handbooks:
Horizons (Pre-K to grade 5)
Transitions (grades 6 to 8)
Opportunities (grades 9 to 12)
Curriculum Summaries (Pre-K to grade 5)


Corner of Northbridge Street and International School Street
Russei Keo District
P.O. Box 2042, Phnom Penh 3, Cambodia
Tel: 855-23-886-000, Fax: 855-23-886-009
E-mail: info@NISCambodia.com
Website: www.NISCambodia.com

 


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This site was last updated 03/20/07