American School of Doha

Infobox Secondary school
name = The American School of Doha
type = Private
city = Doha
country = Qatar
established = 1988
grades = K–12
students = > 1300
mascot = Dragons
website = www.asd.edu.qa
accreditation = New England Association of Schools and Colleges

The American School of Doha is located in Doha, Qatar. The American School of Doha (also known as ASD) was originally founded and operated until 1997 as the American International School (AIS). The school was established in 1988 by Ambassador Joseph Ghougassian to serve the needs of the American community in Qatar.

School Mission

"The American School of Doha is an independent, U.S. accredited, college preparatory school, committed to provide the highest standard of educational excellence, through an enriched American curriculum. We draw from, and build upon, the uniqueness of our multicultural student body while preparing students for the challenges of a rapidly changing global society. The school will accomplish this by providing a positive, safe and supportive environment, high measurable standards, and a clearly defined, integrated curriculum implemented by a highly qualified and motivated staff. In partnership with parents, and in an atmosphere of open communication, the school will enable each student to reach his or her full potential and to develop a lifelong love of learning."

Student Body

The student body is primarily North American, with the largest group being from the United States; however, the school seeks diversity and sees a diverse student body as a strong feature of the school and its learning environment. As a result, over forty countries, including more than 15% local Qatari students, comprise the student body.

New School

A new school is being constructed adjacent to the current American School. The upper grades (middle and high school) will occupy the new school, while the elementary will use the old school. The new school is expected to be ready for the 2007-2008 school year.

“ [The new campus] could probably be one of the top five international school facilities in the world, as far as design for learning is concerned” [http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=132406&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16]

Reputation and Graduates

Currently about 80% of ASD’s graduates go to North American universities, a few to Europe and to the UK, some stay in Qatar (attending schools in Education City) and others go back to Asia and their national universities.

“Our goal is to be one of the best international schools around, what I call the lighthouse schools, and we are making some very good strides towards that goal,” Edwin Ladd, ASD director.

Coursework

The American School of Doha High School prides itself on the quality and variety of its programs, both academic and co-curricular. The high school seeks to challenge each student academically, develop character, and instill an ethic for life-long learning. The high school has a well-established Advanced Placement (AP) program, in addition to specialized courses, such as Art, Vocal Music, Instrumental Band and Drama.

ASD encourages all students to take AP classes to challenge themselves and experience the rigors of college in a comfortable and secure HS setting. AP courses also provide ASD students with an opportunity to earn advanced placement and credit at universities.

To become an ASD graduate, students complete 25 units of credit in Social Studies, Maths, Sciences, English, Physical Education, Health, Fine Arts, Modern Languages, Electives, Senior Seminar and 40 hours of community service is required

Non-Athletic Extracurriculars

Clubs at ASD include the National Honor Society, Student Council. Other opportunities include Forensics, Model United Nations, and Yearbook. The drama program at ASD puts on several productions throughout the school year. The school also offers programs in music, including band and choir.

Athletic Extracurriculars

The American School of Doha is a member of the Eastern Mediterranean Activities Conference (EMAC). The Dragons are consistently competitive in all sports, notably basketball and volleyball.

Volleyball-In 2006, the varsity boys', varsity girls', junior varsity boys' and junior varsity girls' teams each won first place at their respective tournaments. YAYYYA :)

Basketball-In 2006, the varsity boys basketball team won first place at both the EMAC tournament and the ISAC (International Schools Activities Conference) tournament.

ASD offers athletic teams in the following sports:
* Softball
* Basketball
* Cross Country
* Volleyball
* Soccer
* Track and Field
* Swimming
* Tennis
* Pep Squad

External links

* American School of Doha Website: [http://www.asd.edu.qa/]