Web: www.asa.edu.py
E-mail:asagator@asa.edu.py
2011-2012
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 of 180 days of classes separated into 2 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. There are also non-voting Board members including 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 2011-2012 school year, there are 72 faculty members, including 66 full-time and 6 part-time teachers. 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 2011-2012, enrollment was 642 students (295 in the Elementary School, 142 Middle School, and 205 in High School).
Facilities: The School is located on an attractive 9-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 2011-2012 school year, about 97% of the School's income derives from tuition. Annual tuition rates are as follows: PK: $5,130; kdg.-grade 5: $7,856; and grades 6-12: $7,876, payable in U.S. dollars and local currency. There is an annual registration of $650 per student, an annual construction fee of $200 per student, and a one-time entrance fee of $6,500 per student. (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars.)
