The Aga Khan Academy, Dhaka (AKAD) is the fourth academy in an expanding network, within a strategic plan for a total of 18 academies to be launched in developing countries in South and Central Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The four existing academies are in Kenya, Mozambique, India, and now Dhaka. With the full International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme delivered at every academy, the vision is to develop future leaders with the skills and knowledge to positively support development in their own societies.
AKAD will open its doors in August 2022 to students in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the first three years of the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). In the following academic year, AKAD will welcome older students in the MYP along with those in the Diploma Programme (DP).
In its first two years, AKAD will be principally a day school, with the potential for approximately 750 students. The residential program will launch by its third year, with opportunities for boarding for up to 600 students from Grades 7 through 12. In addition to its pending IB authorization, the school is pending accreditation through Council of International Schools and New England Association of Schools and Colleges. AKAD has the capacity to expand to 1,200 students. The greater majority of the teaching population will be made up of local teachers.
Admissions to the Aga Khan Academy, Dhaka will be merit-based. A liberal policy towards financial aid will ensure that all students, once admitted, will be provided with the financial support needed in order to enable those students to attend.
AKAD ’s purpose-built campus of 20 acres rests in one of the principal urban centers in Dhaka, Bashundara. Renowned international architects have ensured the best possible educational experience in a physical environment that resonates with local Bangladeshi culture and architectural traditions. The design for the school received the award for the Best Future Education Project at the World Architecture Festival 2017, held in Berlin, Germany.
The facility includes subject and age-specific classrooms; well-equipped science and computer laboratories; library and resource centres; and rooms for the fine arts, music and dance, including individual practice booths and a music recording area. The Commons building has been designed to be the hub of student activity, housing the dining hall and an array of spaces for school activities. This Commons will also accommodate major school functions, including music and drama performances, and public lectures. AKAD’s extensive sports facilities feature swimming and diving pools and fields for all sports.
Through their participation in enrichment programmes, AKAD students are encouraged to take on leadership positions in a variety of different forms, as house leaders, members of student council, as team captains, and as part of dorm duties. Both Junior and Senior School students have the opportunity to represent their school in various sports, such as swimming, basketball, cricket, hockey, football, and athletics. Catering to students of all abilities, athletes train regularly during the week. After school clubs invite students to join football, squash, basketball, cricket, swimming, table tennis, tennis, and yoga/gym.
AKAD can hire certified teachers of diverse profiles, including candidates with a non-teaching partner and those who are newly-certified. They would consider interns as well. Teachers must hold an academic degree in the subject they will be teaching. Candidates up to the age of 65 may obtain a work visa.
The benefits package includes allowances for moving, monthly housing, and annual airfare. Tuition is free for a teacher’s first child and 90% is provided for the second child. AKAD offers professional development for its staff. Worldwide—except for the U.S.—health insurance is fully covered as well. This package allows for some excellent savings or the chance for a family of four to live on one salary.
To gain access to The Aga Khan Academy, Dhaka’s full profile on the Search Associates database, including a list of any vacancies, candidates can apply for membership by clicking here. Candidates already registered can easily access the school profile directly through their dashboards.
Please note: The information presented about this school was valid on the date published. This information may change, and the most up-to-date information can be found on the school profile.
