ISS Announces Unique International School Planned for Rabat

School is slated to open August 2022

PRINCETON NJ, USA (January 5, 2021) – Dar Essalam American School is slated to open in August 2022, with Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 9 initially, and grades 10-12 over the next three years. The school is a collaboration between industry leaders International Schools Services (ISS) and Lumo Education in support of Education Development Company (EDC). EDC is the leading provider of private school education in Morocco, with more than 20 schools in different cities around the country. Dar Essalam American School is the first joint venture with these industry leaders.

Dar Essalam American School will be situated on a five-hectare campus, with almost a dozen buildings to serve a full enrollment of 750 students. Spaces will include a Black Box Theater, a Makerspace, a swimming pool, a gymnasium, a soccer field and innovative academic learning centers. The school will be founded on the pillars of Finnish pedagogy, American curriculum, and Moroccan values and culture. Dar Essalam American School will offer the IB Diploma program as an option for culminating this unique approach to global learning.

EDC representatives commented on the project, “Building on our strengths as the premier K-12 provider in our country in both the Moroccan and French curricula, ISS brought its expertise in developing and managing world-class international schools, while Lumo Education helped us integrate the Finnish pedagogy. This innovative partnership has the potential to make a significant contribution to educating the next generation of Moroccan and African leaders.”

Dar Esssalam American School will be built on the rigor of American Academic Standards while infusing the hallmarks of Finnish pedagogy.  The program will include individualized learning plans as well as a focus on cultural exploration, outdoor experiences, healthy living, and building human relationships. The school’s focus will be on developing the whole child, nurturing their growth of knowledge and skills, social-emotional health, and a sense of connectedness to people in their community and around the world.

Colette Andree Bounet will be the Founding Head of School at Dar Essalam American School. Ms. Bounet shares, “I am most excited about being on campus with students again! I look forward to providing them with a new school and an engaging program.”  As an experienced educator, she reflects on her own personal journey and what it represents to others: “Being part of a start up is a dream come true. More importantly, being part of this startup allows me to show young girls and other students of diverse backgrounds that you can reach epic levels of leadership if you persevere and believe in yourself.”

About International Schools Services (ISS)

As a nonprofit organization, International Schools Services (ISS) works with more than 800 international schools and tens of thousands of educators each year across its suite of services, creating the largest global footprint in international education support. Since its inception in 1955, ISS has promoted innovative best practices for global education. Core services include starting and operating student-centered, future-oriented schools; recruiting world-class educators and leaders; providing cutting-edge professional learning opportunities; sourcing essential school supplies; administering school foundations; and encouraging more diverse leadership in international schools. With offices in Princeton, NJ USA and Shenzhen, China and staff located across the globe, ISS invites all to join in making a world of difference. For more information, see iss.edu.