Student Support

Our Student Support Department is dedicated to ensuring every student can fully access our curriculum and feels heard, cared for, and a valued part of our community.

Student Support at International School of Dakar (ISD) includes Learning Support, Language Learning, Social and Emotional Learning, and our Counseling teams. It encompasses the full range of support students need to thrive in their academics but also in their lives.

Our Student Support team works closely with teachers and parents, to create a supportive community focused on each student's success and holistic growth.

Student Support Mission

We prioritize student well-being, supporting their academic and emotional journeys. Adapting to educational changes, we emphasize teamwork to provide personalized support that builds on individual strengths.

In our safe and welcoming environment, students are encouraged to express themselves and actively participate in their learning.

Our Academic Support

At ISD, we offer dynamic and personalized academic support to help every student thrive. This includes tailored classroom instruction, focused interventions, and specialized language assistance. We believe all our educators play a key role in supporting every learner.

Recognizing that many students benefit from learning support, our approach is intentionally inclusive to ensure everyone can flourish.

Learning Support

ISD is committed to the success of every student, offering strong academic support both in and out of the classroom. Our dedicated teachers provide personalized instruction to meet diverse learning needs. Our learning and language specialists offer expert support and targeted strategies to help students excel.

ISD is well-resourced to support a managed number of students with mild to moderate learning differences. We can support students with higher levels of need on a case-by-case basis, depending on the required interventions and the availability of resources within the Learning Support team.

Our goal is to prepare each student academically and socially for their next steps, whether in school, university, or beyond.

Language Acquisition

Our English as an Additional Language (EAL) and English Language Learner (ELL) program is fundamental to academic success. We believe strong language skills are key for students to confidently engage in all subjects. For our EAL and ELL students, developing their English fosters their ability to express themselves, understand others, actively participate in learning, and explore ideas independently.

This language growth also builds their confidence and strengthens their connections within our school community.

Educational Psychological Assessment

Our Social & Emotional Support

Our counseling program is key to providing a safe and caring learning environment where every student's well-being and ethical development are nurtured. Our counselors partner with teachers, equipping them to support students' behavioral, mental health, and social-emotional needs.

We believe every student deserves a caring advocate, feels safe and included, and has their unique journey valued. We uphold professional ethics and confidentiality, and our program adapts to the evolving needs of our school.

Elementary Counseling

We believe the early years are vital for a child's growth. Our elementary counselors play a key role in nurturing the social, emotional, academic, and cognitive development of our youngest learners (PK-Grade 5).

They provide caring guidance to build essential skills like communication, problem-solving, and confidence, helping each child thrive.

Meet our Elementary Counselors:

Lara Ageros (PK - Grade 2),
Paula Traore (Grade 3 - Grade 5)

Middle School Counseling

Middle school is a time of significant change, and our dedicated counselors are here to guide students through it. We focus on building self-esteem, fostering community connections, and empowering students to become self-aware learners who can set and reach their goals. Our aim is to help them understand their values, embrace global responsibility, collaborate effectively, manage emotions, and build positive friendships.

Ultimately, we strive to support their growth into engaged, compassionate, and creative members of our learning community during these important years.

Meet our Middle School Counselors:

Paul Phiri (Grades 6 - 8)
Tracy Yates (Mental Health Counselor)

High-School Counseling

Understanding the importance of future aspirations, our high school counselors act as both college advisors and caring counselors, balancing academic guidance with emotional support. Their goal is to prepare students thoroughly for university and life beyond. They support students through transitions, focusing on academic, social-emotional, and career development, including the university application process.

Working closely with families and staff, our counselors empower students to achieve their goals.

Meet our High School Counselors:

Sladjana Crnomarkovic (Grades 9 & 11)
Madeleine Mbaire (Grades 10 & 12)
Tracy Yates (Mental Health Counselor).

Child Protection and Safeguarding

Child abuse and neglect stand as significant barriers not only to a child's education but also to their physical, social, and emotional growth. As trusted figures in the lives of young individuals, ensuring their safety remains our paramount responsibility—equally for educators and parents.

At ISD, the safety and well-being of our students are our top priority. We recognize that a secure environment is essential for their learning and overall development.

Our Board-endorsed Child Protection Policy reflects the highest international standards, guiding our staff and families in ensuring the health, safety, and emotional security of every child in our care. We strive to create a campus where every student feels safe, trusted, and empowered to learn.

For more information about our policies, please contact our Child Protection Officer, Tracy Yates.

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