The American School Foundation of Guadalajara

It is with the railroad that the history of the American School of Guadalajara properly begins. The railroad system in Mexico was initiated in the 1880s when Porfirio Díaz granted three US companies concessions to build rail lines. Construction by the Southern Pacific Railroad brought significant numbers of American railroad workers to Guadalajara, many of whom settled in Colonia Seattle. This created the need for an English language school to educate the children of these workers.

Consequently in 1908 Miss Delia A. Walsh opened a school for the children of American workers in Guadalajara. There were some 50 students during the first years, half of whom were American and half Mexican. Little else is known about the school or its location for the first seven years of its existence. In 1915 the school rented a house at General Coronado 24, a majestic colonial-style house built by Carlos Fernández de Landero, the great-great-grandfather of some current ASFG students. Classes were given in four classrooms with physical exercise routines being conducted in the central courtyards. Classes were taught exclusively in English.

American School Foundation of Guadalajara, A.C. From our youngest students in nursery to our graduating seniors, from our newest parents to our most veteran teachers, we are all proud to be members of a robust learning community at ASFG committed to making a difference in the lives of our students and affecting positive change in our community.

We believe deeply in our mission statement and learning goals. Only by developing into purposeful learners, critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators and community contributors will our students, future leaders within Mexico and abroad, have the skills, understanding and aspiration to actively engage and contribute to a bright and sustainable future.

Our rigorous academic, co-curricular and character development programs challenge our students to grow, to engage meaningfully in their learning and to be creative, analytical and collaborative in their daily work. Likewise, ASFG is a college preparatory institution. We prepare our students to be successful in the best international and national universities as demonstrated by our college admission results year after year. We are very proud of the remarkable accomplishments of all our students.

ASFG’s early childhood Program studies how children grow and understand the world in order to offer a learning environment that both nurtures and challenges our young students. Our educational philosophy is based in social constructivism and influenced by the preschools of Reggio Emilia in Italy, a world-renowned center of excellence in early childhood education.

Students in nursery, pre-kinder, and kindergarten are encouraged to explore ideas, form strong friendships, and express themselves through many different mediums. Children leave our program knowing the school values their ideas and with a positive attitude toward learning.

Children in elementary school will grow and develop in a safe, comfortable, and happy environment where they will acquire a sense of belonging and pride in their school. Students will feel their ideas are appreciated and that they are respected by the entire school community. The elementary program will challenge students to reach their full academic potential in the areas of math, reading, writing, speaking, research, problem solving, and the efficient use of technology. They will be exposed to the arts and encouraged to express themselves artistically. Students will work cooperatively and responsibly within a multicultural environment in which they will learn to respect and appreciate the diversity that exists within a global world. They will actively participate in service learning projects that meet the needs and challenges of a larger community. The elementary staff is committed to providing equal opportunities to all students so that they may learn and grow socially, emotionally, and physically. Teachers and administrators are prepared to work together closely with the child and his/her parents or guardians to create an effective home-school team. The elementary staff will strive to assure success for any child whose parents are cooperative and supportive of their child and the educational programs at ASFG.

The ASFG Middle School believes in providing its students with a developmentally responsive education characterized by: teachers who are committed to young adolescents, a shared vision, high expectations for all, family and community partnerships, and a positive school climate. Therefore, the ASFG Middle School provides curriculum that is challenging, varied teaching and learning approaches, assessment and evaluation that promote learning, flexible organizational structures, programs that foster health, wellness, and safety, and comprehensive guidance and support services.

The ASFG Middle School is designed to meet the intellectual, social, emotional, moral, and physical developmental needs of adolescent students from 10-15 years of age. To these ends, our Middle School is organized around many of the principles and organizational structures recommended by the National Middle School Association for high quality middle level education.

The ASFG high school experience is focused to fulfill our school’s vision; Inspire, educate and act to better our world. Our program fosters in students the learning goals that comprise the school’s mission: purposeful learners, critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, and community contributors. In doing so, we ensure the curriculum and experiences are academically rich to prepare our students for admission to top US and Mexican universities. We believe in a sense of community, a pride in workmanship and self-worth, a deep respect and understanding of differences, and a life-long passion for learning.

The ASFG high school is an academically rigorous program that purposefully challenges yet supports each student. Our school and class size allows every student to be known and supported. Our curriculum and student achievement is measured against outstanding programs from around the world. Mutual respect among all students and among students and teachers allow for every student to find a strong sense of place.