Welcoming new students

Every year, ASL welcomes many new students and families to the community. In this international setting, approximately 20 percent of the student body is new each year. ASL attracts a large number of students who choose the School and its American-style curriculum after attending British schools. The School seeks to assist all those joining the community to understand the School's values and culture. Two PCA groups—the SCOOP and the International Community Committee (ICC)—hold events to welcome new parents to the School.

Once classes have begun, the School sponsors several programs for students and their families to assist in making transitions. The Lower, Middle and High school counselors meet with new and departing students to help them throughout the academic year. The counselors also hold discussion groups for parents on topics dealing with transition as well as other issues. The peer advisor program in the High School is designed to help Grade 9 students adjust to the High School environment and seek out leadership opportunities.

Class placement

Each June, grade-level teachers meet with members of the student support team and the division principal to create Lower School classes and place Middle School students in homeroom or advisor groupings for the following year. In creating class groupings, consideration is given to a balance of boys and girls, old and new students, and individual student interests and abilities.
Mathematics and language placement for new Middle and High school students is based on previous experience, teacher recommendation and placement tests, which are administered as part of the registration and orientation process.