American International School of Johannesburg

Johannesburg, South Africa

About the American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ): AISJ is a large international school in South Africa with a diverse student body.

School Mission: AISJ believes in the power of relationships, challenge, ownership, and relevance to inspire learning. Guided by its vision to “Inspire Learning to Build Our Better World,” they cultivate a diverse and inclusive community where every voice matters and every learner is celebrated.


For more information check out the school’s website.

ITF Review
(Based on Independent Research)

Would you recommend this school to other teaching families?

Recommended – great package for families but serious consideration is required around safety – do your homework and try to talk to current teachers at the school to find out what it’s really like.

Overall compensation package rating

Excellent package for families, especially for experienced teachers. The school pays all tax.

Tuition benefits

We heard this school offered 100% discount on tuition for teacher kids, but have recently found out it’s capped at one child. So we’ve adjusted our rating accordingly.

Housing

Furnished housing provided as part of teaching package (to meet your family’s size and needs).

Flights

Annual flight allowance provided for entire family.

Healthcare

Private healthcare is fully covered by the school (worldwide coverage for whole family, including basic dental). Health care in South Africa is high quality and accessible.

Adjustment for kids

The school is large (over 1,000 students), and there is a diverse student body with over 80 different nationalities (the majority of students are international) .

The school boasts state-of-the-art facilities across two campuses. They offer almost 150
school-wide sport & co-curricular activities available.

Average class sizes

Class sizes average approximately 15 students across all year levels.

Teaching experience required

A formal teaching qualification and certification is required to work at AISJ.

Curriculum

American and
International Baccalaureate (PYP, MP and DP).

Retirement/pension benefits

Private pension scheme on offer for teachers – teacher and school contributions.

School history & stability

The school was founded in 1982.

The American International School of Johannesburg – Additional Benefits

  • Laptop allowance
  • Relocation allowance (start and end of contract)
  • Private healthcare
  • Annual flight allowance
  • Special financing to help buy a car
  • Life insurance policy paid by school

What Teachers are Saying About The American International School of Johannesburg

The school is the best in South Africa but actually living in South Africa…. not so much. If you have a family, especially kids – don’t go.

CURRENT INTERNATIONAL TEACHER

Best school in SA, but it comes with a security price. The cost of living is also high, but you’re highly compensated at the school. It’s a top tier school where you’ll work hard, but the school has the benefits of proper leadership.

INTERNATIONAL TEACHER

They pay well and are well resourced. Like many cities, you need to be careful going into the city. But consider how often are you going to be going into the city? I know parents of students there – they love it.

STH AFRICAN INTERNATIONAL TEACHER
Skyline view of Johannesburg with Ponte Tower
Zebras walking in the savanna, South Africa
View of Johannesburg during sunset with skyscrapers and towers - you might experience this view if you work at the American International School of Johannesburg

In my honest opinion, South Africa is a fantastic place to visit on holiday, but it’s an incredibly challenging place to live.

INTERNATIONAL TEACHER WHO HAS LIVED IN STH AFRICA

As a South African who got into international teaching to escape South Africa…. no amount of salary in USD and no matter how great the school, you still have to live in South Africa. There’s just too many issues with crime and poverty to make it worthwhile.

STH AFRICAN INTERNATIONAL TEACHER

I worked there for two years and miss it. I didn’t have kids then, but my brother was there for six years with his kids. You’re in a safe area of Johannesburg, but you do need to be careful. Sth Africa is very kid friendly and it’s an amazing country ! I’d go back in a heartbeat with my daughter.

EX INTERNATIONAL TEACHER AT AISJ

Safety, Adaptability & Cost of Living

  • Safety: Poor to Fair – Safety is a key consideration in both Johannesburg and Pretoria. Johannesburg has high crime rates and requires a more cautious approach, especially for families. Pretoria is generally viewed as safer, with a more suburban atmosphere and a slower pace of life.
  • Adaptability: Moderate to High – Johannesburg is a cosmopolitan city, with vibrant arts, dining, and cultural scenes. Pretoria is quieter and more laid-back, with leafy suburbs, open spaces, and a family-friendly feel.
  • Cost of Living: Moderate – Everyday expenses such as groceries, housing, and domestic help are generally affordable. Johannesburg tends to be slightly more expensive due to lifestyle and security needs, while Pretoria offers better value for money in many areas.

General Overview for Teaching Families

The American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ) is a large, not for profit international school with campuses in Johannesburg and Pretoria. With over 1,000 students from more than 80 nationalities, the schoool offers a diverse school community. Established in 1982, it has grown into one of South Africa’s leading international schools, offering the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) alongside an American-style curriculum.

AISJ is known for its excellent facilities, including purpose-built science labs, art and performing arts centres, an aquatic center, and multiple sports fields across both campuses. There are a wide range of academic and co-curricular opportunities available to students, including STEAM programs, competitive sports, and service learning.

Most of the teaching staff are international (with 17 different nationalities represented). The school invests heavily in professional development, with access to conference and in-house learning sessions. AISJ has a strong child safeguarding culture and is committed to building a learning environment rooted in purpose, relevance, and connection.

The school offers a generous benefits package to overseas teachers. This includes tax-free salaries, furnished accommodation, health insurance, relocation and shipping allowances, flight benefits, and tuition for children. Teaching families can live comfortably and should still be able to save enough to travel or send money home.

Initial teaching contracts are for two years, and the school year starts in July. It’s got a good reputationn for strong leadership, and access world-class facilities across two cities, providing a rewarding teaching experience in the heart of southern Africa.

Do you currently teach at AISJ? We’d love to hear your story – get in touch to share your experience or complete our teacher survey!

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