The American School of Dubai is on the move!
After over 40 years at the current campus in Jumeirah, the American School of Dubai is moving to its new location in Al Barsha in time for the 2010/11 school year.
From humble beginnings in an apartment in Deira in 1966, to the current campus in Jumeirah, ASD has always been an integral part of the American community of Dubai. The first class consisted of 11 students and 2 teachers, now that’s a good student: teacher ratio!
Currently, the student population stands at 1000 students in K1 to grade 12. Small class sizes are still the norm, ranging from 16 in K1 to 20 in grade 8. In high school, the maximum class size is 24.
But we’ve outgrown our current home and are looking forward to a state-of-the art facility. What will the new campus mean for our students?
A few highlights:
More space and facilities for students as the size of our campus will triple. The entire student population will grow by 600 students over 3 years.
Our already excellent drama program will soar to new heights with the addition of a 650-seat auditorium, music rooms and blackbox theatres.
Athletes are in for a treat: the outdoor and indoor running tracks will mean that training can continue year around. Basketball players can choose from 8 indoor basketball courts in our two gyms or play on the rooftop court next to the 6 tennis courts. Spectators can cheer their teams from the 1000-seat bleachers.
Computer savvy students can access internet at all points on campus through our wireless network as we implement our 1 to 1 laptop program.
Hungry? Lunch is freshly prepared in the two on-campus kitchens and served in two cafeterias. For variety, outside vendors will be available throughout the day.
Aesthetics? The ASD community will enjoy landscaped gardens with water features while environmentalists will marvel at the large organic garden established for student learning.
Full-length windows in each classroom will ensure that students work in natural light.
Playtime is outside on our 2 shaded playgrounds.
What will the move not mean?
State-of the art facilities are nice, but parents know that ultimately student learning is the core of any school.
ASD will retain its strong academic status which enabled students from the last two graduating classes to enter Georgetown University, Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, Tuft University and MCcGill University, to name a few.
Staff demographics will remain the same, with 99% of faculty hailing from the US or Canada. High faculty retention ensures the building and maintenance of long-standing school traditions, creating the sense of community that ASD is known for.
The commitment to providing a full American educational experience will not waiver. This means that after-school activities will continue to flourish under the guidance of the recreational office staffed by two full-time staff dedicated solely to coordinating after-school activities for students of all grade levels.
In short, ASD will finally have the home and resources to offer our students the very best and richest American educational experience.
Mailing Address:
American School of Dubai
PO Box 71188
Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
Courier Address:
American School of Dubai
332 / Street 53b
Jumeirah 1
Dubai, UAE |
Telephone: (+971 4) 344-0824
Fax: (+971 4) 344-1510
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