Private School in London, UK

The American School in London:
The American School in London is a coeducational, independent school of over 1,200 international students, in Kindergarten 1 through Grade 12. Located in Central London near Finsbury Park, our students take full advantage of this wonderful city, participating actively in its vibrant historical, artistic, and cultural venues. At the threshold of continental Europe, we introduce our students to the background and experiences that will create the international citizens of tomorrow. We offer a singular opportunity to students—an American curriculum delivered by a first-rate faculty in one of the great cultural centers in the world. Students are selected on the basis of past school records, teacher recommendations and standardized testing scores. Extracurricular programs help students discover and develop their talents. From athletics and arts, to language study and community service, programs at the Lower, Middle and High School levels provide avenues to success for every student.

Our mission is to develop the intellect and character of each student by providing an outstanding American education with a global perspective.

Learning:
The heart of our school lies in the dynamic relationship between student and teacher. ASL provides a rigorous program that engages students through inquiry and collaboration. Our dedicated faculty encourages students to think critically, to take risks and to be creative. We challenge students to strive for personal and academic excellence, and we treasure the intellectual, social, artistic and physical development of each student. ASL students are expected to participate actively in their learning and to engage fully in the intellectual life of the School.

Character:
We believe that students develop integrity and strength of character by learning to make good choices and by taking responsibility for their actions. We expect ASL students to be kind, honest and respectful of others. We value a strong work ethic, and we seek to instill in our students a sense of optimism and determination in the face of challenge. Our supportive environment encourages students to develop the courage to act independently and the confidence to pursue leadership opportunities.

Community:
Respect for individual and cultural differences is a central value of ASL. We celebrate the open exchange of ideas and spirit of inclusiveness that flow from our multicultural community. The active involvement of students, families, alumni, faculty and staff creates the energy and enthusiasm that characterize the ASL experience. Our community participates wholeheartedly in the extensive opportunities found in London, and we are committed to pursuing learning experiences throughout the world.

Service:
We believe that service to others teaches young people to be productive and effective citizens, and we challenge ASL students to find passion and purpose beyond themselves. ASL offers meaningful opportunities in the classroom and through service learning for students to participate actively in our school, local neighborhoods, and abroad. We seek to inspire the compassion and international awareness necessary for students to contribute responsibly to the global community.

Early Childhood Program; Kindergarten Program for 4 and 5 year olds; Lower School Program; Middle School Program; High School Program; Advanced Placement Program; Athletics Program; Summer Programs. ASL follows an American curriculum of the highest quality. Subjects include English, math, social studies, science, Italian, music, art, drama, physical education and field studies.

ASL combines the offices of academic advising and college counseling with an important goal in mind: we want our students to be at their best as they move through the college admissions process. To guide students toward courses throughout High School that will best serve their abilities, their inclinations, and so their aspirations, counselors must know them well. Accordingly, as each Grade 9 class enters the High School, its members are assigned a dean who works with individuals and families to create and implement a four-year plan of courses, activities and testing, and who then acts as the academic advisor until the middle of Grade 11 when each student is then assigned one of four college counselors.

Field trips and travel are important elements of an ASL education. From guided walks of the Thames Embankment in Lower School, language trips to France, Spain and Austria in Middle School, and High School service learning trips to South America and Africa, ASL students discover you don't need to be in a classroom to be learning.

The following are just a few of the trips ASL students have taken in recent years:

* South Africa to work with Ubuntu, an organization co-founded by alumnus Jacob Lief '95 dedicated to funding education
* Mexico to work with Triqui and Zapotec children
* Oman to participate in an international youth peace symposium
* Greece to study art and architecture
* France to study history and language
* Spain to study history and language
* Italy to study history, language and cooking
* Wales for Outward Bound and hill-walking
* The Hague to take part in the Model UN
* Switzerland to perform with the International Honor Orchestra
* St. Albans to visit the Verulamium Museum, a recreation of Roman Britain
* Canterbury for studies on Chaucer