A group of these led by American missionaries wanted to start a K-12 institution for their children and for others desiring an American-style of education in Central Africa.

Ngaliema near Camp Tshatshi and the principal residence of President Mobutu were secured under a long-term lease.

In the mid-1960s construction of a campus began, incorporating elementary, intermediate, and high schools in addition to faculty housing, sports facilities, and a community center.

This elevated the TASOK campus to the hub of the American—and larger English-speaking—expatriate community in Kinshasa from the period spanning the 1970s through the 1990s.

There is a separate classroom for each grade and among the buildings are the elementary library, cafeteria, technology, music and PE rooms.

All the school facilities, as well as residences for foreign-hired staff, are located on a 42-acre (170,000 m2) tract of rain forest in Kinshasa's metropolitan area.

This article was adapted from a public domain report by the US Office of Overseas Schools, released on November 26, 2004.