American Community School of Abu Dhabi
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Founded in 1972, The American Community School of Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) is one of the city's oldest private elementary, middle school and high schools. Instruction is co-educational, in English and based on the American educational system. In addition to high school college preparatory diplomas ACS offers the International Baccalaureate series of courses as well.
The school is fully accredited by the US based Middle States Association (MSA) and is a non-profit licensed by the UAE's Ministry of Education. The school is administered by a Superintendent and run by an eight person Board of Trustees.
The school's mascot is the Sand Viper. The school's colors are green and white.
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[edit] The Campus
The school is a large modern facility consisting of several contemporary classrooms equipped with computers. Buildings include a large English language library, cafeteria and snack bar, music rooms, science labs, computer centers, and an indoor and outdoor gymnasium. The outdoor facilities include a grass soccer, football and softball field and an Olympic sized swimming pool. Because of its capacity, ACS has hosted several athletic tournaments, particularly those of the Eastern Mediterranean Athletic Conference (EMAC).
There are plans in process to make a new Fine Arts building, and a new Secondary School Complex to go with the newly renovated Elementary School
[edit] Elementary School
The elemetary school operates from KG1 to grade 5.
[edit] Middle School
The middle school operates from grades 6 to 8.
The current principle of the middle school is Michael Callan. The middle school currently has around 200 students. There are three classes in three grades. The maximum class sizes are 20 students, with five additional reserved seats.
[edit] High School
The high school operates from grades 9 to 12. The high school also offers many IB Diploma courses, both at Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL). To graduate the ACS High School, students must have at least 25 credits at the end of four years. Also, 10 hours of community service is required for each year.
[edit] Students and Faculty
The faculty at ACS consists of experienced teachers from around the world. Of the approximately 81 faculty members about two thirds possess Master's degrees from US colleges. There are also many teaching couples in the school.
The faculty:student ratio is approximately 1:9.
The student body consists of over 800 students. About 45% of the students are from the US, 15% from Canada, and 5% from the UAE itself. The rest of the student body makes up a considerable diversity including students from the rest of the Middle East, Europe and the world.
[edit] Mission Statement
The mission of the American Community School of Abu Dhabi is to empower and inspire all students to define and shape their futures, pursue their dreams and contribute to society. This mission will be pursued in partnership with parents through an integrated, college preparatory, American curriculum.
[edit] Accreditation
1) ACS is a fully accredited school by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Philadelphia, PA.
2) ACS is fully approved and licensed by the U.A.E Ministry of Education.
3) ACS is an IB World School. International Baccalaureate Organization
4) ACS is an associate member of both the North East South Asian Association of Overseas Schools (NESA) as well as the European Council of International Schools (ECIS).
5) ACS is a member of the International Schools Activity Conference (ISAC).
[edit] Technology Integration
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Please see the discussion on the talk page. |
ACS is ahead compared to most schools in Abu Dhabi for technology. Students from grades 7 to 12 have access to their grades, 24/7 via a web browser. This system is called PowerSchool.
