The American School of Asuncion
Web: www.asa.edu.py
2008-2009
The American School of Asuncion (ASA) is a private, nonprofit day school offering a U.S. curriculum from Pre-Kinder to grade 12 for an international student body. The School was founded in 1953. The school year consists of180 days of classes separated into two semesters extending from August to mid-December and from mid-February to late June.
Governance: The ASA Director General is the chief school administrator and responds to a 9-member Board of Directors. These members are elected at an annual general assembly by the parents and guardians of ASA students. Non-voting Board members also include a U.S. Ambassador’s Representative and 2 Trustees. ASA operates as a legal entity recognized under Paraguayan law.
Curriculum: ASA offers a rigorous college-preparatory program using a standards-based curriculum. The program emphasizes cooperative learning, critical thinking, problem solving and whole language, as well as bilingualism and cultural diversity. All students in grades 1-12 are required to study Spanish. Students can graduate with both a U.S. High School Diploma and Paraguayan Studies Diploma. Each class size typically ranges from 14-22 students. ASA’s standardized testing program consists of admission testing for all incoming transfer students, the IOWA Test of Basic Skills (ITBS), the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP), the PSAT, SAT I and II, and Advanced Placement exams. The School is accredited in the U.S. by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Faculty: In the 2008-2009 school year, there are 72 faculty members, including 67 full-time and 5 part-time teachers. The multi-national staff includes 32 U.S. citizens, 30 host-country nationals, and 10 third-country nationals. There are separate principals responsible for the Elementary School (K4-grade 5), Middle School (grades 6-8), and High School (grades 9-12) divisions. Staffing also includes a Technology Coordinator, a Sports Coordinator, Paraguayan Program Coordinator, a Librarian and 3 Counselors (Elementary, Middle School, and High School). The School is administered by a U.S. trained and certified Director General.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2008-2009, enrollment was 627 students (312 in the Elementary School, 150 Middle School, and 165 in High School). Of this total, 89 were U.S. citizens, 385 were host-country nationals, and 153 were third-country nationals. Of the U.S. enrollment, 33 are dependents of U.S. government employees and 56 are dependents of other private U.S. citizens
Facilities: The School is located on an attractive 9.0 acre site in a residential suburb. The campus consists of separate elementary, middle and high schools, a full-size soccer field, a covered gymnasium, several outdoor athletic areas, 3 fully equipped computer labs for each school division, and recently completed campus enhancements which include an outdoor elementary covered basketball court, a new elementary playground, and centrally monitored fire and security systems. All classrooms are air-conditioned. There are also well equipped art rooms, science labs, a multipurpose room, a Language and Learning Center, and a cafeteria which offers hot lunches and snacks.
Finances: In the 2008-2009 school year, about 97% of the School's income derives from tuition. Annual tuition rates are as follows: PK: $3,550; Kdg.-grade 5: $4,256; and grades 6-12: $5,913, payable in U.S. dollars and local currency. There is an annual registration of $650 per student and a one-time entrance fee of $5,500 per student. (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars.)
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