Mission and values
Mission statement
The American School in London empowers each student to thrive as a lifelong learner and courageous global citizen by fostering intellect, creativity, inclusivity and character.
Our Vision for Excellence
Learning
The heart of our school lies in the dynamic relationship between student and teacher. ASL provides a rigorous program that engages students through inquiry and collaboration. Our dedicated faculty encourages students to think critically, to take risks and to be creative. We challenge students to strive for personal and academic excellence, and we treasure the intellectual, social, artistic and physical development of each student. ASL students are expected to participate actively in their learning and to engage fully in the intellectual life of the School.
Character
We believe that students develop integrity and strength of character by learning to make good choices and by taking responsibility for their actions. We expect ASL students to be kind, honest and respectful of others. We value a strong work ethic, and we seek to instill in our students a sense of optimism and determination in the face of challenge. Our supportive environment encourages students to develop the courage to act independently and the confidence to pursue leadership opportunities.
Community
Respect for individual and cultural differences is a central value of ASL. We celebrate the open exchange of ideas and spirit of inclusiveness that flow from our multicultural community. The active involvement of students, families, alumni, faculty and staff creates the energy and enthusiasm that characterize the ASL experience. Our community participates wholeheartedly in the extensive opportunities found in London, and we are committed to pursuing learning experiences throughout the world.
Service
We believe that service to others teaches young people to be productive and effective citizens, and we challenge ASL students to find passion and purpose beyond themselves. ASL offers meaningful opportunities in the classroom and through service learning for students to participate actively in our school, local neighborhoods, and abroad. We seek to inspire the compassion and international awareness necessary for students to contribute responsibly to the global community.
Core values
Portrait of a Learner
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Thinker
We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze ideas and problems.
We use inquiry to understand important concepts and questions.
Explorer
We value a sense of wonder and are curious about the world.
We cultivate our interests and strengths
We find passion and purpose in our work.
Collaborator
We engage purposefully with others to support common goals.
We understand and respect diverse approaches.
Innovator
We seek creative solutions to real-life problems.
We value mistakes as learning opportunities.
Communicator
We listen, speak and write effectively.
We communicate clearly with others through dialogue and participation.
We value the ability to do so in multiple languages.
We attend to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.
Well-being
We seek a balance of mind, body and spirit as we grow.
We are conscious of our health in the choices we make.
Respect
We treat others the way we expect to be treated.
We appreciate our own cultures and personal histories.
We value diversity of thought and experience.
Responsibility
We take ownership of our words, actions and learning.
We fulfill our obligations to ourselves and to others.
Kindness
We act with compassion.
We help others.
Integrity
We are honest.
We work hard.
We make the right choice even when no one is watching.
Courage to Act
We stretch and grow by taking risks.
We are resourceful in the face of challenges and change.
We have the courage to speak up for ourselves and for others.
We take positive action to make our community and world a better place.