American School Foundation

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American School Foundation

Motto	Educating Global Citizens for a Changing World
Established	1888
Type	International preparatory school
Head	Dr. Darío A. Cortés
Location	Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
Campus	Urban, 17 acres
Enrollment	2,400
Programs	International Baccalaureate, Mexican Diploma, American Diploma
Colors	Maroon
Homepage	www.asf.edu.mx

The American School Foundation is a preparatory school in Mexico City founded by individuals from the U.S.

The school offers three diplomas: the Mexican diploma of Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP), the American diploma, and the International Baccalaureate (IB)

1 History
2 Schools
3 Curriculum
4 Student Internship Program
5 School Profile
6 External links

[edit] History

Over 115 years ago, Mrs. Bessie McRae Files, who had completed her training as a kindergarten teacher in the United States, was persuaded by her son-in-law, John Davis, to open a kindergarten in Mexico where children of English-speaking people could attend.

Mrs. Files converted a room in the Davis home into a classroom, rented a piano, had furniture made locally, and brought books and supplies over from the U. S. On August 6, 1888, the school located at 2nda. Calle de Iturbide was opened, with an enrollment of 19 pupils.

In 1894, Mexico Grammar School was formed, with 96 students in Kindergarten, Primary and Grammar grades. The new school was housed at 1era. Calle de Colón No. 9, where classes started on November 5, 1894.

The school kept growing, and there was need for a new home. In 1905 the school was moved to Calle de Industria No. 15, which was larger and had playgrounds and an athletic field. A high school was added and the name of the school was changed to Mexico City Grammar and High School.

As more and more students were enrolled, it was obvious that the school needed even larger facilities. On October 5, 1922, the building at Insurgentes and San Luis Potosí was ready for occupancy, and it would be the home of The American School for 24 years.

Since 1946, our School has been at its present location, Sur 136 No. 135, with its main entrance at Bondojito 215.

[edit] Schools

ECC (Early Childhood Center. located across the street from the main campus.)
Lower School (Elementary School) Grades 1-5
Middle School Grades 6-8
Upper School (High School) Grades 9-12

[edit] Curriculum

The successful completion of each yearlong course earns one unit of credit; a semester course counts as one half unit. The American School requires 28 units for graduation. All units must be completed between grades 9 through 12. In addition to the minimum credits, the ASF requires 4 years (8 semesters) of upper school for graduation from ASF. Students take 8 courses per semester.

Beginning with the Class of 2007

4 units of English
4 units of Social Studies
4 units of Science
4 units of Mathematics
4 units of Language &/or Literature other than English
½ unit of Technology
½ unit of Health / ½ unit of Physical Education
3 units of Fine Arts

[edit] Student Internship Program

The ASF Internship Program is an innovative course designed to allow students to earn class credit by working in a real employment environment outside of the traditional classroom boundary. Under the guidance of a mentor, the goal is to provide students with an opportunity to explore a field that they will study in college. The working experience is supplemented with studies of working styles, organizational culture, management techniques, and future planning. The Program is organized and run by Kenneth Andersen.

How it works: Student-interns can search for work in any field they wish to study in college. Using the school’s network of parents and alumni, interns are matched with an adult mentor who can provide them with meaningful tasks and guide their work.

Students use the 4th period of the block schedule and intern for 4 hours per week. Every other week, during the third meeting time on Friday afternoon, the intern cohort meets with their coordinator-teacher. During these occasions, students share experiences and the instructor works with the students on supplemental academic material. The class meets roughly 9 times per semester.

[edit] School Profile

Founded in 1888, ASF is one of the oldest of the American schools abroad; Serves a diverse population of approximately 2400 students from more than 30 countries;

Located on an attractive 17 acre campus, across the street from one of Mexico’s finest hospitals, ABC Hospital

Campus facilities, academic programs, extracurricular activities are similar to or exceed those offered in the United States;

Recognized and accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organization; Also accredited by SEP, UNAM, and SACS; A member of ASOMEX, the Tri-Area Association, and the National Association of Independent Schools;

English is the instruction language with the exception of a fully bilingual program in the Lower School and courses in Spanish at the secondary level; 235 international faculty;

Availability of Special Education classes

Four libraries, science labs in each school, and over 600 computers in classrooms; Three indoor gymnasiums, an indoor heated pool, a football stadium, lighted tennis courts, track, and various athletic fields;