Academic Program

Academic Program

The American School of Ulaanbaatar offers a dynamic, progressive and balanced academic program in a student-centered learning environment.

From Sixth through twelfth grade, the curriculum is both challenging and varied. Our youngest students explore their world and learn to get along with one another through age appropriate activities geared toward preparing them for the more rigorous academic curriculum found in our other divisions.

ASU is proud to offer a program that is based on the Massachusetts curriculum framework, culminating in students graduating with a diploma that is recognized by universities and colleges in English speaking countries around the world.

The school day is from 8:25 to 3:24. Classes are student centered for children to be able to learn from and with each other and to support each other's strengths.

Limiting class sizes to 24 students allows for the potential of each student to be maximized.The core academic subjects of Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, History and Social Studies, are complemented by a full range of enriching classes in Technology, Health and Physical Education, and the Arts.

Middle School

Our middle school program, which includes grades 6, 7, and 8, specifically addresses development for students in the early stage of adolescence, where intellectual development is moving from the concrete to the more abstract, including more complex problem solving and a desire for more autonomy and independence. In this important time between childhood and adulthood, subjects are integrated to create rich learning experiences that enable students to make meaningful connections between school and the outside world. We devote a portion of the school day to home room, with a curriculum that focuses on socioemotional well being and life skills as well as academic progress.

In addition to academics, students are given opportunities for leadership and participation in organizations such as Student Council and National Junior Honors Society and can compete in events at the regional level and beyond, such as the World Scholar’s Cup. Extracurricular activities, community involvement, field trips, visitors with subject-matter expertise and out-of-school activities combine to provide a multifaceted experience.

As students at this stage often become deeply engaged with special interests and pursuits, they have new opportunities to investigate, use and share their growing skills and understandings. Students in middle school are increasingly able to reflect on their capacities as learners. A strong emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of personal strengths and areas for growth, on building confidence, and skills for leadership. Our holistic approach to education enables students to explore many possible paths to success. This is a time of self-exploration, self-discovery, and a growing understanding of, “Who I am and who I can be.”

High School

This final stage in our program prepares our students in grades 9 through 12 for success in post-secondary education and life as an adult. The emphasis for learning and discovery is placed on self-exploration and emphasizes personal responsibility, organization, and time management. These students are the leaders and role models within our school’s student body. With teacher support they organize large scale events for students and the wider community.

Studies in the first two years of high school focus on required courses. Successful completion allows students to select a program of study that meets their individual needs and prepares them for post-secondary education. Students select an appropriate combination of academic courses to add to their knowledge and skills base, explore their interests and determine the type of education program they are best suited to undertake in their last two years of high school.

In the last two years of high school, students will focus more on their individual interests and identify and prepare for initial postsecondary goals. University and college preparation are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for specific university and college programs.

Our program aims at developing healthy, well balanced, and principled young adults. The rigorous curriculum offers opportunities to explore subjects in depth in preparation for success in universities and colleges. A strong emphasis is placed on critical thinking and developing the ability to appropriately and expertly evaluate established norms while also reflecting on their own perspectives. Students are leaders in their own learning, exploring knowledge and reflecting on their context within a specific situation and within the world.

Our school awards the ASU High school diploma that is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is recognized as an international diploma. High standards are expected of graduating students. All graduates must successfully sit the ACT, SAT and/or TOEFL, as well as complete 40 hours of Community Service to earn a diploma from ASU.