American School Foundation

A Legacy That Began in 1888

The American School Foundation traces its origins to August 1888, when a small group of American industrialists and residents living in Mexico City decided to establish a private kindergarten for their children. The school opened with just 9 students under the care of teacher Bessie Files, led by John R. Davis.

Early Growth and Formalization

The school expanded quickly:

• 1894 — Additional U.S.-trained teachers were hired as enrollment grew
• 1902 — A high-school programme was introduced, broadening ASF's reach
• 1905 — The institution was formally renamed The American School Association, marking its institutional identity

Through the early 20th century, ASF navigated the turbulent political landscape of Mexico, continuing to serve the city's international and Mexican families throughout revolutions and economic transitions.

Settling at Bondojito

After several campus relocations across Mexico City, ASF eventually established its permanent home at Bondojito 215, Col. Las Américas in the Álvaro Obregón borough. The 17-acre campus today features state-of-the-art sports, arts, and academic facilities that reflect over a century of investment and community support.

Today's Institution

ASF now serves approximately 2,500 students from K1 through Grade 12, representing more than 70 nationalities. It holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating accredited American school outside the United States, and remains fully accredited by Cognia/AdvancED while also operating as an IB World School authorized for PYP, MYP, and DP.

The school's longevity is a testament to the enduring demand for high-quality, English-medium, college-preparatory education in one of Latin America's largest metropolitan areas. Generations of alumni — from Mexican business leaders to U.S. diplomats — trace their educational foundations to ASF's classrooms.

Core Values at the Heart of the ASF Experience

The American School Foundation's educational philosophy is built on three foundational values: Justice, Understanding, and Truth. These are not merely words on a wall — they permeate every aspect of school life, from classroom culture to community events.

The Mission in Practice

ASF describes itself as:

"an inclusive and diverse community, offering an international, academically rigorous, university-preparatory curriculum based upon the best of American independent education… we strive to be at our best: we love learning, live purposefully, and are empathetic, responsible, contributing citizens in an increasingly interconnected world."

This mission shapes several concrete commitments:

• Academic rigor — U.S. diploma requirements, IB Diploma Programme, and Advanced Placement courses ensure students are challenged at the highest level
• Bilingualism — English is the primary language of instruction (~70%), but Spanish is compulsory for all students, with the aim of producing fully bilingual graduates
• Inclusion — The school's Services for Academic Inclusion (SAI) support students with diverse learning needs, and approximately 405 students annually receive need-based financial aid
• Global citizenship — With 70+ nationalities represented and alumni attending top universities worldwide, ASF deliberately cultivates cross-cultural empathy

Governance That Reflects Values

As a private non-profit foundation governed by an elected Board of Trustees, ASF's institutional structure reinforces its community-centered ethos. Decision-making is not driven by profit but by the school's long-term educational mission — a model that has sustained the institution for over 135 years.

Character Before Credentials

While ASF is unambiguously college-preparatory, its philosophy explicitly prioritises character alongside academic achievement. The school's vision — cultivating a lifelong zeal to learn and a tradition of success — positions learning as an intrinsic good, not merely a means to university admission. This balance between intellectual ambition and personal development defines the ASF graduate.

Admissions at ASF: Competitive but Fair

Admission to The American School Foundation is openly described as competitive and need-blind — meaning financial circumstances do not influence whether a student is accepted. Every applicant is evaluated on merit and mission alignment.

What ASF Looks For

For applicants from Grade 1 onwards, the key criteria are:

• Academic performance — A minimum average of approximately 80% in the applicant's previous school, with no failing marks in core subjects
• English proficiency — Strong English skills are required; from K3, applicants sit an English assessment. K1–K2 applicants are evaluated on age-readiness only
• Mission fit — The school looks for students and families who genuinely align with ASF's values and educational approach

No Guaranteed Priority

Unlike some schools that reserve seats for legacy or staff families, ASF explicitly states that no group is guaranteed admission — not siblings of current students, not children of alumni, not children of employees. While certain categories may receive priority consideration, this does not equate to guaranteed places.

Entry Points and Capacity

• K2 is the largest annual intake, with approximately 90–100 students admitted per year
• Other common entry grades include K3, Grade 1, 6, 7, 9, and 10, subject to space availability
• Applications for K1 open one year in advance

No Waitlist

ASF does not maintain a rolling multi-year waitlist. Students who are not offered a place must re-apply or monitor for openings — a policy that reflects the school's preference for fresh annual assessments over carried-over lists.

Financial Aid

Approximately 405 students receive need-based financial aid each year, demonstrating ASF's commitment to socioeconomic diversity even within its selective admissions framework. No merit-only or sports scholarships are advertised.

The ASF Campus: Space, Sport, and the Arts

For a school located in the heart of one of the world's largest megacities, ASF's 17-acre Bondojito campus is a remarkable urban oasis. The campus has been continuously upgraded and now offers facilities that rival those of much larger international schools.

Sports Facilities

• Semi-Olympic Covered Pool — A 25-metre indoor pool (built 2017) used by the competitive swim programme and PE classes
• Two Full Gymnasiums — With courts for basketball, volleyball, and other indoor sports, plus weight and cardio rooms (renovated 2015)
• Four Athletic Fields — Grass and artificial turf fields for soccer, American football, and track events (turf added 2020)

Arts and Performance

• Fine Arts Center — A 500-seat theatre with rehearsal halls, opened in 2018, hosting annual musical productions and drama performances
• Art studios for painting, ceramics, and other visual arts

Academic and Wellbeing Spaces

• Science and Computer Labs — Multiple STEM laboratories with up-to-date equipment
• Library/Media Center — A 25,000-volume library and media commons (renovated 2019)
• Four Learning Resource Centers — Dedicated spaces for ESL and academic inclusion support
• Wellness Center — Counselling offices, a nurse station, and a student lounge
• ASF Green Roof — A rooftop garden walkway (opened 2022) used for science lessons and recreation

Dining

• Two Cafeterias — On-site lunchrooms serving hot meals daily, offering students a variety of healthy options

Community Atmosphere

Beyond facilities, the campus atmosphere at ASF is shaped by its extraordinary diversity — over 70 nationalities coexist daily — and by a school culture that encourages students to move between academic, athletic, and artistic pursuits with equal enthusiasm. The WEB mentorship programme (where Grade 8 students mentor incoming Grade 6 pupils) is one example of the intentional community-building that defines life at ASF.

Academic Breadth Across Three Frameworks

ASF's curriculum stands out for its deliberate layering of multiple academic frameworks, giving students — and families — significant choice in how they pursue their qualifications.

The Foundation: U.S. High School Diploma

All students at ASF follow the American college-preparatory diploma requirements, covering English language arts, mathematics, sciences, social studies, and physical education. This credential is broadly recognised by universities in the United States and internationally.

The IB Layer: PYP, MYP, and Diploma Programme

ASF is an authorised IB World School running all three major programmes:

• Primary Years Programme (PYP) — Early Childhood through Grade 5; inquiry-based, transdisciplinary learning
• Middle Years Programme (MYP) — Grades 6–10; develops critical thinking, communication, and intercultural understanding
• Diploma Programme (DP) — Grades 11–12; globally recognised pre-university qualification (additional fees apply)

Advanced Placement

ASF also offers AP courses in Upper School, providing students with the opportunity to earn college credit and strengthen university applications, particularly for U.S. institutions.

The Mexican Programme

For students who require it, ASF is accredited by Mexico's SEP (Secretaría de Educación Pública) and UNAM, enabling students to obtain Mexican educational certificates alongside their international qualifications. This is particularly valuable for Mexican nationals pursuing local university options.

Structure by Division

The school is organised into four clear divisions:

• Early Childhood (K1–K3) — Ages ~3–6; PYP foundations
• Lower School (Grades 1–5) — PYP in full
• Middle School (Grades 6–8) — MYP introduction, including mentorship via the WEB programme
• Upper School (Grades 9–12) — U.S. diploma + IB DP and/or AP options

Accreditation Credibility

ASF is accredited by Cognia/AdvancED, the leading U.S. school accreditation body, reinforcing the quality and rigour of its programmes. This combination of accreditations — U.S., IB, and Mexican — makes ASF one of the most credential-rich schools in Latin America.