Our instructional continuum begins with a holistic approach to learning, based on a unique blend of American and Finnish pedagogies and curricula in the primary years, transitioning to the project-based, experiential learning of the American curriculum in the secondary years.
Learning at Dar Essalam American School promotes students' skills in:
Learning Spaces
Created by the world-renowned American architectural firm, FXCollaborative, in partnership with Omar Alaoui, Morocco’s preeminent architect, the school was designed with modular and agile spaces to offer total flexibility for learning activities.
State-of-the-art spaces include the Black Box Theater, where students have the freedom to explore traditional and alternative performance techniques, express their art in different forms, and organize events; and the Makerspace, a universe dedicated to design, exploration, and experimentation, where learners familiarize themselves with the latest technology equipment.
These specially designed environments for learning and growth provide a link between instruction and interests. Activities are offered and promoted in the areas of athletics, visual arts, music, and theater. Students are also encouraged to pursue new avenues such as community outreach services, student leadership, and mentoring. The intersection of curricular and co-curricular activities are a central part of the extended community at Dar Essalam.
Our teachers
Relationships. Teachers. More often, research tells us that the relationship students develop with their teachers goes a long way to making a difference in their educational success.
This idea has guided us as we recruited our teachers for Dar Essalam American School. Our teaching staff this first year is made up of teachers with extensive international teaching practice. They have over 16 years, on average, of teaching experience.
Hailing from the UK, Australia, the US and Finland, we have gathered a strong group of educators who are ready to do their finest work here in Morocco. We are excited to introduce them to you!
Alex Maros
ELEMENTARY TEACHER
Johanna Winberg
Elementary Principal
Mohammed Omari
ARABIC TEACHER
Jeffrey Gresback
Middle school social studies teacher, and high school business management TEACHER
LaShonda Terry
Elementary TEACHER
Ali Bougrine
Health and Physical Education TEACHER
Mark Martin
Middle School Maths TEACHER
Eeva Sirkku Konola
Elementary teacher
Melanie Tahan
Librarian
Anniina Kapanen
French Language Specialist
Nicole Roetter Gresback
Elementary TEACHER
Sandi Engler
College Counselor
Lyubov Borisova Waters
ELEMENTARY COUNSELOR
Shalin Guillen
PREK TEACHER
Joseph McPherson
Design teacher & EAL support TEACHER
Wilson Ashton
Secondary Mathematics TEACHER
Michelle Khallafi
Elementary Teacher
Liz (Elizabeth) Wolden
Elementary Music TEACHER
Sirkku Huuska
Elementary teacher
Angel Araoz
Wellness TEACHER
Megan Skaggs
ELEMENTARY TEACHER
Adil El Megaless
ARABIC TEACHER
Michelena McPherson
ELEMENTARY TEACHER
Alison Pluim
Secondary Counselor
Chantal Butzbach
ELEMENTARY TEACHER
Nancy Shay
International Diploma Programme Coordinator & English TEACHER Schedule an in-person appointment with a member of our admissions team
Elementary School
Early childhood: Prek 3 to Kindergarten (Age 3-5)
The Finnish preschool curriculum is renowned as one of the most innovative and effective early learning systems in the world, designed to foster creativity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. Grounded in decades of research on child development, it emphasizes play-based and child-centered learning, which studies have shown enhances cognitive, social, and emotional development.
By focusing on holistic growth rather than rigid academics, Finnish early education nurtures curiosity and problem-solving skills, laying a strong foundation for future success. This approach not only makes learning exciting and enjoyable but also equips children with the resilience and adaptability needed in an ever-changing world.
Elementary school: Grade 1 to 5 (Ages 6-10)
Students in grades 1 to 5 will be assigned to a homeroom teacher and a grade level assistant. They will combine core subject lessons in math, science, social studies and English with supplemental learning in art, music, crafts and physical education. Their time is not limited to in class work, but also outdoor learning experiences with much time for recreation and movement activities. Students will be exposed to the Arabic and French languages from the early years program, through song, dance and storytelling. They will continue in subject classes for both languages with additional opportunities to practice the language during selected units for classes in art, music and other subjects.
Our Cultural and Entrepreneurial paths begin in these elementary years and provide students with true experiences in Moroccan culture as it relates to their learning objectives.
Secondary School
Secondary School: Grade 6 to 12 (Ages 11-17)
Our secondary school program, spanning Grades 6 through 12, supports students through a journey of growth, independence, and preparation for future success.
Middle School (Grades 6 to 8), students transition to a more independent learning model. Core subjects are taught by specialized teachers, and students move between classrooms with the necessary materials. This stage introduces unique opportunities, including our Makerspace curriculum and Life X-perience course, where students develop practical skills for daily living. Language learning in Arabic and French emphasizes literacy and conversational fluency, while cultural and entrepreneurial explorations of Morocco bring learning to life through field trips and hands-on experiences beyond the classroom.
High school (Grades 9 to 12) builds on this foundation, giving students more autonomy and choice in their education. The curriculum includes traditional American courses in English, math, science, and history, alongside international language and cultural studies. Additionally, students explore 21st-century subjects like art and Design and select from various elective courses tailored to their interests.
Throughout secondary school, students receive personalized counseling to support their social-emotional development, boost self-esteem, and assist with career planning and university selection. These formative years are designed to help students find their voice, cultivate their passions, and prepare for a future as global citizens.
At Dar Essalam, our comprehensive secondary school program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Boarding
Our boarding program is open to students starting in Grade 7. Students follow the same course of study as their day-school peers, with the added benefit of complete immersion in DAS’s student-centered, multilingual learning environment, plus 24/7 social-emotional support and mentorship from caring and qualified boarding staff.
Our secondary teachers support the boarding program through regular pastoral care, involving additional subject-area instruction, individualized academic support, outings across Rabat, and dynamic extracurricular activities.
Students also benefit from supervised, after-hours access to DAS’s state of the art learning environments, plus the boarding program’s very own “Atelier”, a digital design and media lab.
Student Support: English as an Additional Language Program
We offer students learning support in the area of English language acquisition and overall academics. Our programs are inclusive and developed alongside classroom teachers and their instructional program.
Our English as an Additional Language program (EAL) provides supplemental teaching of skills that are essential to reading, writing and speaking English in the classroom. We use the teacher’s lessons to reinforce vocabulary, practice fluency and increase production in written tasks. Students will be monitored using the WIDA language assessment and will work towards a proficiency level to be independent in their core classroom learning.
Calendar
Our school year calendar has 180 instructional days, spread out over ten months. Students will be given the national Moroccan holidays, as well as breaks in the fall, winter and spring. The school year will be divided into two semesters with twice a year report cards and meetings with parents, teachers and students.