At ASL, every student knows what it's like to be "the new kid at school." After all, we come from more than 50 countries and all over the US.

In this international setting, families relocating to London account for approximately 20 percent of the student body each year. ASL also attracts a large number of students who choose the School and an American curriculum after attending British schools. The School seeks to assist all those joining the ASL community to understand the School's values and culture, and to feel comfortable.

At the start of the school year, the Lower School hosts an orientation and tour for new parents and students. On the day before school begins, students in K1 through Grade 1 – and their parents – meet their teachers, either in an open house or at an individual appointment. All classes in the Lower School spend time in the first few weeks on welcome activities to build a sense of community.

All Middle School students new to ASL participate in orientation before school begins. During that time, new students take a tour of the Middle School, meet other new students and the Middle School faculty and learn about their schedule for the coming year. Veteran ASL parents host a coffee for new Middle School parents.

New High School students participate in an orientation program before the start of school. This involves meetings and getting-acquainted activities led by peer advisors, the class deans and the High School administrators. New students also meet with class deans and department heads to register for classes. New High School parents are invited to an orientation evening in September, and coffees throughout the year provide opportunities for learning more about the High School.

Once classes have begun, the School sponsors several programs for students and their families to assist them in making transitions. The Lower, Middle and High School guidance counselors meet with new and departing students to help them throughout the academic year, and also hold discussion groups for parents. The Peer Advisor Program in the High School is designed to help Grade 9 students adjust to the High School environment. In addition, High School Student Services sponsors workshops for Grade 12 students and their parents to discuss the transition from ASL to university life.