Each year ACS families represent a large range of cultures, backgrounds, educational experiences, and attitudes and expectations about schooling.  School–wide we represent 37 different nationalities.  At ACS we are committed to providing an appropriate and challenging curriculum for each child. 

Many of our children could be referred to as “Third Culture Kids”.  This means that they may no longer feel fully part of their first culture (e.g., Japanese children are missing out on experiences in Japan, Norwegian children are currently missing out on experiences in Norway, etc.).  “Third Culture Kids” are not fully part of their new host country culture either (e.g., American children do not suddenly become British but they may adopt various parts of the culture).  So “Third Culture Kids” exist somewhere between their home culture and the culture they are living in. British students attending our school are also in a unique position.  Not only are our British students receiving an international education at “home”, but they are also able to nurture friendships with peers from all over the world. 

It is inevitable, with such a diverse and unique community at ACS, that our children receive an education beyond reading, writing and arithmetic. Internationalism is naturally part of our culture here at school, and we work to recognize and celebrate diversity in a variety of ways. Our Languages and Cultures Program, art displays, musical performances, the books in our library, units focusing on family traditions and celebrations, student council, and our Artist in Residence program are just a handful of avenues through which we celebrate diversity.

Further, learning about each other goes well beyond the formal curriculum. Lunch time can be a particularly rich sharing experience. Packed lunches from home range from sushi to Norwegian goat cheese sandwiches - and everything in between! Besides food, students share stories, books, crafts, games, music and language with each other.  Because of children’s varying backgrounds, both classroom discussions and informal social interactions at school and at home are enriched.  Parent volunteers add a further dimension through the Welcome Team, Multicultural Events, Holiday Treats, Santa Lucia Celebration, the International Food Court, the facilitation of our after school multicultural club, and contributions to our Languages and Cultures Program – again just to name a few!

We look forward to another enriching year where we all contribute something and receive something special back.