ASF Mexico

The American School Foundation of Mexico City
Educating Global Citizens for a Changing World
Location
Mexico City, Distrito Federal Mexico
Information
Type	International preparatory school
Established	1888
Director	Paul Williams
Faculty	250
Grades	K-12
Enrollment	2,750
Campus	Urban, 17 acres (69,000 m2)
Color(s)	Maroon & Gold
Mascot	Bears
Information	+52 (55) 5227-4900
Programs	International Baccalaureate, Mexican Diploma, American Diploma
Website	www.asf.edu.mx

The American School Foundation of Mexico City, A.C. is an American international school in Álvaro Obregón, Mexico City. It was founded by individuals from the U.S. It offers classes from kindergarten through secondary school (or high school).

The school grants three diplomas for students graduating from its Upper School: the Mexican diploma of the Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP), the American diploma, and the International Baccalaureate (IB).

History

Over 120 years ago, Mrs. Files, who had completed her training as a kindergarten teacher in the United States, was persuaded by her son-in-law 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, the School has been located at, Sur 136 No. 135, with its main entrance at Bondojito 215. It is located next to the ABC-Insurgentes hospital.

Today

The American School Foundation of Mexico City (ASF), located in Mexico City, serves students from Kindergarten through 12th grade in four schools: the Early Childhood Center (ages 3–7), the Lower School (grades 1–5), the Middle School (grades 6–8), and the Upper School (grades 9–12). The American School Foundation has two primary languages of instruction, English and Spanish. The degree to which each language is reflected in their program varies from level to level. It is their goal that all students become completely bilingual.

ASF is an American school with an international flavor attributable to its diverse enrollment. By nationalities, the student body of 2,500 is approximately 58% Mexican, 21% from the United States with Mexican connections, and 21% from Korea and Latin America. Its 17-acre (69,000 m²) campus and facilities, as well as its academic and extracurricular programs, are comparable to independent schools in the United States.

For many years now, ASF has instated the ASF Master Plan in which a new Bus Parking Lot and Upper School were built. During its third and fourth phases, the Angeles Espinosa Yglesias Fine Arts Center (FAC) and The Mary Street Jenkins Wellness Center (WEC) were completed, and soon to come are The Vive Saludable by PepsiCo Bleachers.

The ASF football team known as the Bears, plays games against many Mexican high schools both at home and away. The football stadium in which the Bears play is known as the John Colman stadium, in honor of coach John Colman, whose teams won three consecutive league championships from 1971-1973.

The Soccer team has won several league Championships, becoming one of the most prestigious teams in the city.

The basketball team is also one of the most notable in the area, headed by Coach John Powell and Assistant coach Alex Gomez.

Academics

The American School Foundation is one of the most highly academic, exclusive institutions in Mexico City - with ever impressive IB and AP scores. The American School Foundation is accredited by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges. Studies are recognized by the Mexican Secretary of Public Education and high school level studies can be validated by UNAM, useful for students who wish to study in Mexico or another Spanish-speaking country. The American School Foundation is an International Baccalaureate World School offering the Primary Years (PYP), Middle Years (MYP) and Diploma Programs. ASF also offers Advanced Placement courses.

Most students graduate proficient in at least two languages, English and Spanish.

School profile

• Founded in 1888, ASF is the oldest of the American schools abroad; serves a diverse population of approximately 2,500 students from more than 40 countries
• Located on a 17-acre (69,000 m²) campus, across the street from ABC Hospital
• Campus facilities, academic programs, extracurricular activities are similar to or exceed those offered in the United States
• English is the instructional 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.
• Nearly 99% of Upper School graduates attend college.

External links

• Official site
• Association of American Schools in Mexico