Academics

Beginning at the earliest years and building with each grade level, Barstow students explore their interests, build new skills and competencies, and develop a love for learning.
We offer a rigorous education in a supportive environment. Lessons are challenging, active and engaging so students enjoy learning and gain confidence to take intellectual risks. STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) principles are applied to every subject. We serve children from preschool through high school graduation and prepare them for admittance to top universities around the world.

Welcome

to our global learning community.
As a full American school, The Barstow School of Ghana encourages our students to explore the academic landscape, venturing into new fields of knowledge and discovering new passions. We value intellectual curiosity and we are committed to educating our students through the development of empathy, ethical behavior, integrity, discipline and service.

Our rigorous academic program teaches creative problem solving, group interaction, appreciation of culture and diversity, and healthy emotional and physical growth. We prepare students for the rigor of top-tier universities and successful futures. I look forward to the prospect of your family joining the Barstow family.
 
 

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  • Rosalynn William-Mensah

    Academic Principal

The Global School

The Barstow School of Ghana is backed by thousands of hours of expert training, international education counseling and the educational consulting experience of International Consultants for Education and Fairs (ICEF). Powered by its partnership with The Barstow School of Kansas City, Missouri, USA, our school offers a truly world-class education with state-of-the-art facilities, infrastructure, and teaching-learning resources on a friendly and inviting campus.

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  • Development

    The Barstow School of Ghana develops multiple intelligences in students to bring them up to speed with the best in the world. Our curriculum gives students the skills they need for life — at school, university and work.

  • Acceleration

    Our philosophy, curriculum, methodologies and resources are aligned to meet the objective of accelerating learning and outcomes for students across age and capability spectrums. Students are exposed to higher-level content and more challenging assignments earlier in their education. 

  • Challenge

    Gifted students are challenged to advance in multiple content areas, work independently and gain the confidence they need to be self-directed in their studies.

  • Support

    Students who are struggling academically or falling behind receive the support they need to catch up to their peers. We help students perform at an expected level for their age and grade, and meet required learning standards for gifted students.

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  • The Highest Standards

    The Barstow School of Ghana is benchmarked and aligned to the very best of international schools. Our facilities and resources, paired with energetic and innovative teachers, challenge and inspire our students to achieve excellence.  

  • Education for All Ages

    The Barstow School accepts students is designed to develop a child's love of learning from their earliest classroom experiences, while building their skills and competencies with each course and grade level. Our playgroup, primary, middle and high school programs are aligned among the best global offerings available in Ghana.

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  • Sports & Physical Education

    Physical health and sportsmanship are integral aspects of holistic education. Physical Education is held every Friday except the last Friday of every month, which serve as traditional wear days. Our PE sessions consist of friendly competitions, team-building exercises, and healthy activity. Our students showcase their athletic prowess and spirit of sportsmanship, leaving us all inspired by their dedication and teamwork.

  • Parent-Teacher Conferences

    Regular communication with parents is vital to a student's academic success. We conduct Parent-Teacher Conferences at the end of each quarter to discuss each student's progress, strengths, and areas for improvement. The partnership between parents and educators is instrumental in nurturing a conducive learning environment for our students.

Preschool

Crèche and Prekindergarten

Why? How? Where? How many times a day does your child ask about the world around them?

Nurturing teachers develop lessons based on children’s reflective questions. The resulting moments of discovery and development spark their curiosity and fuel a lifelong love of learning. 

Because children learn best while at play, our students are encouraged to move, to explore and to participate in group activities and one-on-one time with their teacher. Classrooms are bright and filled with the materials young learners need to express their creativity. Preschool programs include specialized instruction in music, languages, art, creative movement and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math). Our preschool starts from crèche at six months through prekindergarten for ages 3-4.

Preschool Subjects

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  • Literacy

    Literacy is the basis of a child’s learning. Literate children know how to use language with confidence. This includes speaking, reading and writing. Literacy skills begin in preschool and are built upon throughout the school years. Foundational reading and writing skills including sounds and letter recognition becomes the focus at our preschool.

  • Numeracy

    Numeracy is the ability to recognize and apply math concepts in all areas of life. Everyday activities like counting, looking at shapes and talking about sizes can help children develop early numeracy and math skills. We build children’s numeracy and math skills through play. Foundational skills that teach the ability to understand and work with numbers become the focus in preschool.

  • Natural Science

    Developing an understanding of the natural world, including plant and animal life and earth sciences.

  • Moral Studies

    In keeping with Barstow's mission to develop mind, body and character, moral education focuses on understanding the essence of living a morally conscious life. Students are guided in making good decisions, living in harmony with people, self-worth and serving the community.

  • Creativity

    Development of artistic skills that encourage children to think critically, solve problems and apply knowledge in new ways.

  • Practical Life

    Development of skills necessary for age-appropriate growth and development.

Preschool Faculty

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  • Administration

    Rosalynn William-Mensah
    Academic Principal

  • Crèche

    Gifty Kwabea
    Créche Facilitator

    Deborah Adu
    Créche Facilitator

  • Prekindergarten

    Patricia Dinsey
    Pre-K 1 Facilitator

    Charlotte Vroom-Parker
    Pre-K 1 Facilitator

    Paulina Osei
    Pre-K 2 Facilitator

    Faustina Acquah
    Pre-K 3 Facilitator

Barstow Faculty Global Coordinators

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  • Photo of Minka Rudman

    Minka Rudman 

    Director of Early Childhood, Preschool Prep - Kindergarten, International Programs and Barstow Global Online, EC Technology Coach
  • Photo of Annie Fairchild

    Annie Fairchild 

    Assistant Director for International Programs, LS Technology Coach

Elementary School

Kindergarten-Grade 5

Beginning in kindergarten and building with each primary grade level, The Barstow School of Ghana feeds a child’s insatiable curiosity about the world, and turns it into knowledge, critical thinking and cultural and global awareness.

We use STEAM principles — science, technology, engineering, arts and math — to help students develop 21st century skills including collaboration, communication and creativity. We also build foundational skills in language arts, reading, writing, social studies and research skills. As a child grows with us, we help them apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Teachers across subjects and grade levels work together to create a progression of learning.

Elementary School Subjects

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Elementary School Faculty

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  • Administration

     
    Vice Principal of Elementary School

  • Kindergarten

    Christopher Asare
    Kindergarten Facilitator

    Rachael Abakah
    Kindergarten Facilitator

  • Grade Level Facilitators

    Rosalynn William-Mensah
    Grade 1

    Daniella Gyasi
    Grade 2

    Alfred Dowuona-Hammond
    Grade 3

    Solomon Nti-Baabu
    Grade 4

    Alex Agyemang Owusu
    Grade 5

Barstow Faculty Global Coordinators

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  • Photo of Annie Fairchild

    Annie Fairchild 

    Assistant Director for International Programs, LS Technology Coach
  • Photo of Brooke Thompson

    Brooke Thompson 

    LS Grade 1 Coordinator, LS Technology Coach, ID+E Co-Coordinator

Middle School

Grades 6–8

The Barstow School of Ghana’s middle school meets the unique educational and developmental needs of students in grades six through eight. Students take risks that strengthen them academically and interpersonally. They consider diverse ideas, develop respect for their peers, and through community service and global education programs, they cultivate sensitivity to the needs of the larger community.
Courses build a purposeful progression to high school; middle school students master foundational skills first then move forward to learn more complicated material and apply critical thinking to higher-level coursework.

Middle School Subjects

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Special Electives

As part of the requirements for middle school students, a 1 credit course is to be taken as an elective each semester. 

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  • First Semester Life Skills

    Students are introduced to personal grooming, personal development, communication skills, dining etiquette, self-management, peer management, and social event etiquette. This course helps students to be assertive and confident in taking up responsibilities.

  • Second Semester Career Exploration

    Middle school students serve as interns to teachers in the lower classes. This internship gives students the opportunity for career exploration and development and to learn new skills. It also allows homeroom teachers to develop talents and skills of the student interns. Senior students supporting junior classes is beneficial for both grade levels, creating a positive learning environment where seniors act as mentors and role models.

Middle School Faculty

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  • Administration

    Solomon Nti Baabu
    Vice Principal of Middle School

  • Middle School Facilitators

     
    Grade 6

    Rachael Koritsoo Tetteh
    Grade 7

    Stephen Azu
    Grade 8 facilitator

    Samuel Ntow Offei
    French facilitator

    Eugene Tweneboah
    Science Facilitator
    Middle & High School 

     
    Mathematics Facilitator
    Middle & High School

     
    Social Studies Facilitator
    Middle & Upper School

    Stephen Azu
    Creative Art Facilitator

    Rosalynn William-Mensah
    Electives
    Middle & Upper School

Barstow Faculty Global Coordinators

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  • Photo of Brandon Pepin

    Brandon Pepin 94

    MS & US World Language-Spanish, JV Boys Tennis Head Coach

High School

Grades 9–12

Grades 9-12 are filled with challenging, rigorous academics and robust opportunities for students to discover their strengths, hone their talents and pursue subjects that interest them most. These are the years when students are preparing for the college application process and developing the independence that comes with matriculation at select universities.

All students are offered world-class admission counseling and assistance for Ivy League schools and other international universities. They also receive opportunities to sharpen their knowledge and leadership skills by participating in Global Olympiads, Model UN and other competitions.

The Barstow School of Ghana graduates confident and well-rounded students, prepared for the next level of their academic journey.

High School Subjects

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  • English/Language Arts 

    • Literature
    • Speech
    • Writing or Composition

  • Mathematics 

    • Algebra
    • Algebra II
    • Geometry
    • Statistics
    • Trigonometry and/or Calculus

  • Science

    • Biology (typically has advanced class options)
    • Chemistry (typically has advanced class options)
    • Earth or Space Sciences
    • Physics (typically has advanced class options)

  • Social Studies/History 

    • Economics
    • Geography
    • U.S. Government
    • U.S. History
    • World History

  • World Languages 

    • French

  • Physical Education and Health Electives 

    • Arts (music, photography or ceramics)
    • Computer applications, graphic design or web design
    • Business, law
    • Cooking and other life skills
    • Physical education
    • Psychology
    • Trade field studies (auto mechanics, nursing)
    • Personal Finance

High School Faculty

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  • Administration

    Vice Principal of High School

  • High School Facilitators

    Eric Tetteh Charway
    Grade 9 Facilitator

    Eugene Tweneboah
    Science Facilitator
    Middle & High School 

     
    Mathematics Facilitator
    Middle & High School

     
    Social Studies Facilitator
    Middle & Upper School

    Stephen Azu
    Creative Art Facilitator

    Rosalynn William-Mensah
    Electives
    Middle & Upper School

Barstow Faculty Global Coordinators

List of 1 members.

  • Photo of Brandon Pepin

    Brandon Pepin 94

    MS & US World Language-Spanish, JV Boys Tennis Head Coach

Grading and Graduation

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  • Grading Scale

    A+ = 90–100       Outstanding
    A   = 85–89         Excellent
    B+ = 75–84         Very Good
    B   = 70–74          Good
    C   = 60-69          Credit
    D   = 50-59          Pass
    E   = 0-49             Fail

    The Barstow School of Ghana uses an eight-period day schedule.
    The Barstow School  of Ghana does not numerically rank its students.

  • Minimum Graduation Requirements

    25 credits

    English — 4 credits
    Science — 4 credits 
    Math — 4 credits
    History 4 — credits
    Electives — 4 credits
    French/Spanish, Physical Education and/or Art — 4 credits 
    Service Learning — 1 credit

Student Life

A complete and well-rounded education includes activities beyond the classroom. The Barstow School is founded on the idea that every child should receive symmetrical development of mind, body and character.
Students build friendships, learn responsibility, discover new interests and work hard in a safe, secure environment. 

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  • Mind, Body and Character

    Our academically challenging and balanced program of education addresses the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well being of every child.

  • Service and Experiential Learning

    We provide opportunities for students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, how to apply what they learn in a classroom, complete independent research with real-world applications and undertake a project that involves community service and leadership learning.

  • Sports and Fitness

    Barstow students acquire a breadth and depth of knowledge and skills, allowing them to flourish physically, emotionally and ethically.

  • After School Care

    Children who stay after the end of the school day may join our After School Care Program, where they are supervised by caregivers to complete homework assignments and taken care of until they are picked home.

Extracurricular Activities

Barstow School Ghana is an environment that is bustling with activity, full of excitement and overflowing with life. Students build friendships, learn responsibility and work hard in a safe, secure environment. 

The school takes pride in nurturing well-rounded individuals. During the 2022-2023 academic year,  extracurricular activities flourished with diverse clubs and organizations offering students opportunities to explore their interests and develop essential life skills. Activities included: Piano lessons, contemporary dance, robotics, UCMAS, ballet and taekwondo.

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  • Robotics

  • Cookery

  • Sewing/Needlework

  • Ballet

  • Karate

  • Swimming

  • Contemporary Dance

  • Piano

  • Spelling Bee

  • Speech and Debate

  • Performing Arts(Drama/Music)

  • Math Olympiad (UCMAS)

  • Bead-Making

  • Tennis

  • African/Contemporary/Salsa Dance

  • Chess


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