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About TAISM

Founding & History

Since our founding, TAISM has enjoyed growth across our campus, staff, and community. We are proud of our history and look forward to shaping the future with our community.

Through the Years

From 1998 to the present, TAISM has grown from a single building serving 100 students, to a spacious campus serving 600 students in Early Childhood through Grade 12. Learn more about TAISM’s roots and how we have journeyed together as a team to become what we are today—the only international community school in Oman offering an American-based education.

Sep
1997
Former United States Ambassador to Oman, Frances D. Cook

United States Ambassador to Oman, Frances D. Cook, spearheads an Organizing Committee to turn the idea of a high-quality American international school in Oman into a reality.

Sep
1997
Ghala plot of landing before construction

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said graciously bestows the generous gift of land for TAISM’s GHALA Campus upon the Embassy of the United States of America—the sponsors of TAISM.

Aug
1998
TAISM Shirt Day 1998

TAISM’s holds its first day of classes for approximately 120 students on a temporary campus—a three-story building near Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos.

Dec
1998
Former President George H.W. Bush lays the first cornerstone for TAISM’s permanent campus at the dedication and groundbreaking ceremony.
President George Bush with Students
President George H.W. Bush lays the first cornerstone

Jul
2000
Kevin Shafer joins TAISM as Director.

Kevin Schafer joins TAISM as Director.

AUG
2000
TAISM students and staff explore new campus

Staff and students move into the new campus building at Ghala.

Nov
2000
The Millennium Wall and mural

The Millennium Wall, honoring our benefactors, is unveiled in the lobby of TAISM.

Jan
2001
TAISM Campus

Inauguration of the New Campus at Ghala ceremony for TAISM parents, students, patrons, and VIPs in the Open Air Theater.

SEP
2002

TAISM’s enrollment reaches 275 students—a 20 percent increase over the prior year.

Jan
2003
TAISM Campus Expansion

Phase II of the Ghala campus construction begins, bringing more elementary classrooms, music rooms, science labs, art studios, an expanded library, and the Early Childhood Center.

Aug
2003
Model United Nations Program starts at TAISM

Model United Nations program starts at TAISM.

APR
2005

TAISM enrollment reaches 378, representing 40 different nations. Also, Phase III of the Ghala campus commences.

Jan
2006
Former US Ambassador Richard Baltimore III

U.S. Ambassador Richard Baltimore III and other dignitaries, patrons, parents, staff, and students attend an open air ceremony to inaugurate the newest areas of campus. These included four new classrooms, a covered sports court, and additional sections in the Early Childhood Center for three-year-olds, kindergartners, and third-graders.

Mar
2008

Students, parents, staff, Board members, and patrons convene to inaugurate the recently updated Sur Library, O’Shaughnessy Gallery, Blue Gym, and the Student Center/Cafeteria.

OCT
2008
US Amb. Gary Grappo

U.S. Ambassador Gary Grappo leads the celebration of TAISM's 10th anniversary.

Jul
2010
Tree of Life

A wing with all-new Elementary and Middle School classrooms, as well as a large atrium featuring a student-created mosaic entitled “The Tree of Knowledge” is completed for the 2010-2011 school year. 

May
2012
Bosch Center for the Performing Arts TAISM

The Donald and Eloise Bosch Center for the Performing Arts opens.

Aug
2012

TAISM joins the South Asia Inter-School Association (SAISA) League for sports.

Mar
2013
Sports Field

A second sports field is completed.

AUG
2015
TAISM Library

The school year starts with three new libraries and three new cafeterias for Elementary, Middle and High School students.

APR
2018
TAISM at 20

TAISM celebrates its 20th anniversary.

TAISM 20th Anniversary Logo

Publications

Our commemorative publications are available in electronic format for your enjoyment.

TAISM at Ten (1998-2008)

The Second Decade 2008-2018