Message from the Superintendent

Greetings, My name is Liliana Jenkins and it is my pleasure to welcome you to our school’s webpage. As an international college preparatory school, The American School of Tegucigalpa sets the highest standards of academic performance. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is the curriculum in grades eleventh and twelfth. We promote positive self-esteem and encourage all members of the school community to realize their optimum potential as individuals, and be active contributors to the vitality of the school community. Because of the international composition of the student body, respect and celebration for human and cultural diversity is promoted. This rich environment enables students to take responsibility for their learning and behavior, make good decisions, and grow in wisdom and maturity. The school is accredited by the Honduran Ministry of Education, AdvancED, and the International Baccalaureate Organization.  Our school offers an educational program from Nursery to twelfth grade.

A co-curricular program is an integral part of any learning environment. To complement and balance our scholastic curriculum we offer a variety of additional activities including: National Honor Society, the Student Council, the Yearbook Club, various leadership clubs, musical groups, drama productions, cheerleading, and various skill enhancing as well as community outreach clubs. Our school offers competitive and intramural sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball and cross country. Participation at a  group or individual level offers an opportunity for further discovery and achievement.

The American School’s motto “Be Kind, It’s the Eagle Way” represents the a multi-lingual, multi-cultural student body, a talented, and dedicated multi-national faculty, and a supportive parent community. This combination creates a nurturing environment where ALL have the opportunity of achieving EXCELLENCE.

Thank you for visiting our web site and we invite you to come visit our campus. For any additional information feel free to contact my secretary , Gina Gómez via email at info@amschool.org, Fax: 011-504-2239-6162 or at  the Office – (504) 2276-8400 (ext. 2712)

STAFF

Welcome to AST! We are all here to help you as you embark on this new journey with the Eagle Family. Besides our regular academic departments (Pre-School, Elementary School, Middle School and High School) the school includes a myriad of departments that enrich your educational experience:

Head of School / Assistant to the Head of School
g_gomez@amschool.org Ext. 2712

Curriculum Office
jeaguilar@amschool.org Ext. 2756

Business Office
jsalinas@amschool.org Ext. 2710

Development Office
devo@amschool.org Ext. 2724

Athletic Department
miraldaw@amschool.org Ext. 2760

IT Department (Technology)
jmendoza@amschool.org Ext. 2730

IT Department 2
jmendozahon@amschool.org Ext. 2763

Legal Office
brivera@amschool.org Ext. 2720

Powerschool
rnelson@amschool.org Ext. 2743

GO EAGLES!

Mensaje del Presidente de la Junta Directiva / Message from the Board President

Mensaje del Presidente de la Junta Directiva / Message from the Board President

Welcome Eagles and Future Eagles!

It is an honor for me to serve on the school’s board alongside such dynamic, prestigious, and successful professionals whose main objective is to guarantee the fulfillment of the MISSION and VISION of our dear AST.  We continue to show our community our stride for excellence.   We embrace the quality of its global and strong academic program (being the only school in Honduras to house the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) Program),  its successful accreditation visits from the international accrediting organization AdvancEd  (setting the standard for the region), the myriad of activities offered in the co-curricular and extra-curricular programs, the humanity behind its school-wide social responsibility program, and the freedom and passion of our students enrolled in the arts program, as well as its competitive sports program.  AST has a world of opportunities waiting to be explored by your children, reflected in the critical thinking individuals that surge through our classrooms.

Being a board member entails setting short, middle and long term goals and working together in the development of the school’s Strategic and Master plans.  Designing the future of our community, alongside the Head of School, helps promote a healthy relationship that centers on the well-being of our school and its constituents.   AST is a solid, ground-breaking institution that has produced for 70 years and continues to produce the future leaders (in government, the arts, the sciences, business, etc.) of our country and the world.

We hope you enjoy our website (created by our students), and we look forward to seeing you and your family on our campus. For that and much more, we are proud of AST.

GO EAGLES!

Dennis Figueroa

Board President (2015-2107)

MISSION: To promote the relationship between parents, teachers and students through working together to provide an optimal environment where everyone is an integral part of the great AST family. Contribute to the various school activities through fundraising as well as participation in such activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Administration and Supervision of the School Supplies Store.
  • Raising funds through various activities to support AST Projects.
  • Social projection.
Read More

1946

The Escuela Agrícola Panamericana was established in 1946. Along that same time, more American based companies came to Honduras. The American Embassy saw the need for a bilingual school for the children of the families moving to this country to work in said companies. Mr. James Webb, the American Embassy Cultural Attaché, served as a liaison between the American families and a group of Honduran visionaries who were willing to invest in this project. This is how the first bilingual school, The American School of Tegucigalpa, came to be, located in Barrio La Ronda in downtown Tegucigalpa. The initial school had 42 students and three classrooms.

1950

The American School of Tegucigalpa, since its inception, followed both the American and Honduran educational systems. Mrs. Mary Sager (top row, left corner) was the first school director and administrator. She was in charge of third through sixth grades. Her personality, professionalism and love for the school set the tone for future staff of this great institution. Later on, Mrs.Sager was joined by Mrs. María Teresa Castro de Ellison (Sub-director) and Mrs. Matilde de Izaquirre ( top row, right corner). High School classes started by correspondence with The University of Nebraska and the University of Galvet. These courses were supervised by an American professor. In the 1950s The American School of Tegucigalpa was the first school to offer a degree as a bilingual commercial secretary. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s the graduation classes ranged anywhere from three to twenty students.The first graduates of the 1950’s phase of the American School who graduated with a diploma officially recognized by the Honduran government were: Lottie Izaguirre, Margarita Elvir, Eca Zepeda and Federico Brevé. This is the first graduation class, whose members could continue their studies in Honduran Institutions of higher education! Prior to this group, all those who graduated from the American School only graduated with a high school diploma.

1954

Mrs. Izaguirre assumeed a more administrative roll by integrating the American and Honduran education systems. In 1954 the “Sociedad Educacional Interamericana de Tegucigalpa” ( S.E.I.T) was formed. This organization was and is to this day, formed by parents of students attending the American School of Tegucigalpa. Their function was to make sure that the American School’s educational services were both bilingual as well as bicultural and of a higher quality. Soon the student population grew to such extent that satellite classrooms were established in front of Parque Finlay and another one on Calle Las Damas. La Americana opened a section for Bilingual Commercial Secretary that lasted three years. But this course was short lived due to logistic reasons.

1957

In the 1950s negotiations started between the US Embassy, the American School and the Honduran government to see if land could be donated for the construction of our school. A collaborative effort between our SEIT Board president of the time, Mr. Augusto Rodriguez Ulloa and Mr. James Web is what brought about the donation of the land where the American School of Tegucigalpa is built upon today. Honduran Ex–President, Dr. Juan Manuel Galvez donated the land (originally owned by Don J. Alfonso Mejía). The government originally proposed one of two locations: a lot in El Pedregal, near the airport, or a lot in a section of the outskirts of town later known as “Las Lomas”. The U.S. Embassy donated $100,000 for the initial construction of the new school. With this money, the school started construction, dug a water well, bought buses, and a purification system for the water. The school was initially equipped to accept 500 students.

1962

In 1962 the new school building was inaugurated in the extreme southeast portion of Tegucigalpa. Once established in the new building, organized sports and activity clubs were developed. Initially the school had science, drama, journalism and photography clubs. Mr.Guillermo Inestroza, in conjunction with Michigan University consolidated the science program for the tenth and eleventh grades. Nury Reyna ( Toffe) arrived to the school in the late 60’s and helped with the further development of the art department.

1970

Mr. David Losk arrived to the school and assumed the positions of teacher, principal and rector. By this time, the American School’s educational level was such that it allowed Seniors access to Universities such as Georgetown, Yale, Stanford, etc. Basketball courts were constructed. A cafeteria building was built. The gymnasium was converted to include a stage. The school initiated a band and a drama dept and the library was constructed.

1988

Dr. James Shepherd (1988-1995) came to this school at a point in time in which if no changes were made to the existing structures of the school, we would have fallen to be just another bilingual school. Dr. Shepherd worked hard for us, helping us not only meet the requirements needed to be an accredited school, but also establish the foundation for what has turned out to be the best school in Central America” “Each day presents unique opportunities to achieve or to fail. Each day’s decisions affect tomorrow’s results. The choices one makes affect us all, as time waits for no one. “ ~Dr. Shepherd “To be a maker of history and not a mere observer “ is the challenge Dr. Shepherd offered the Graduating Class of 1989. It seems like he accepted his own challenge. During his administration the following structural changes took place at AST: New gymnasium/ Auditorium Covered Courts New High School Building New Pre School Building.

1990

Mrs. Matilde Izaguirre, who was the first Honduran Director at AST and worked at our school for over 40 years,retires and Mrs. Linda Matamoros de Durón becomes her successor. The big auditorium/gymnasium was built at the back of the school grounds.Class of 1990 was the first graduation class to have their graduation ceremony in the school gym and not at the Teatro Manuel Bonilla. The High School building was built is and dedicated to Mrs. Matilde Izaguirre in honor of all her years of dedication to our school. Class of 1991 was the first group of Eagles to spend their senior year in this building. During 1995-1996 the Pre–School was moved from the elementary school building to it’s brand new home at the entrance of the campus. In the late 1990s (circa 1998) there was a short circuit that sparked a fire on the roof of the middle school building. By 2000, we had a new middle school and our very first middle school principal.

2012

Through the 70s to when the Eagles’ Cafeteria was demolished in 2012, the place where the students and staff gathered to have lunch was called the Eagles’s Cafeteria. It was a one room structure with one counter and a bunch of lunch tables. It was sub-contracted to the PTO for them to manage and collect the funds. There were many PTO representatives throughout the years, but during the last 12 years, Mr. Franklin Hasbun ( RIP) and his wife, Mrs. Betty were the ones to manage the cafeteria. They dedicated many years to the school and provided many fond memories for our Eagles. In 2008 our former Eagles’ Cafeteria had a big fire and part of the structure had to be closed off. The firemen who came to the rescue were presented with a plaque of appreciation at a general assembly in their honor. With the construction of the new two story building in 2012, AST decided not to sub-contract anymore and hired ex alumna, Angélica Diaz del Valle ( Class of 1997) to manage the Dining Hall. Since then, Angélica and her staff have catered countless events at the school and offer a variety of delicious menus for our Eagles. The Dining Hall was dedicated to all the past, present and future teachers at AST. The soccer field was refurbished with artificial turf thank to a major fundraising campaigned headed by the Development Office.

2015

In 1998 Mrs. Liliana Flefil de Jenkins became Superintendent . She is the first appointment that came from within the country and school. Before this time, all Superintendents had to be North American. Mrs. Jenkins is the only Superintendent to be an alumna of the school. Many changes have happened during her term; classroom sizes were dropped to 20 students per class, online curriculum, first web page, student management system, interactive classroom design, expansions of infrastructure in the Pre–School, Fine Arts and Elementary buildings. She has supported the AST Athletic Department , by allowing programs which foster better athletes, and improvement of the athletic complex by installation of fixtures such as lights for the artificial soccer field, and special flooring for covered courts. The gymnasium had a new fitness center built on the first floor.

Message from the Superintendent

Values:

Responsibility, Loyalty, Respect, Gratitude, Generosity, Perseverance, Fairness, Self-Discipline, Honesty and Patience

Attributes:

Risk-taker, Knowledgeable, Communicators, Thinkers, Caring, Inquirers, Open-minded, Balanced, Principled, and Reflective

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Who do I contact about getting my transcripts?

Please contact Mrs. Blanca Rivera at our legal office brsrivera@gmail.com 2239-3333 ext 720

What documents might I need when registering my child as a transfer from another school?

These documents might come in handy when transferring to AST from another school; a report card from the previous school year, original birth certificate ( if Honduran) or passport/ proof of citizenship (if foreign), one passport size photo (1.5″x 1.5″), and a statement of solvency from the previous school’s business office. If a transfer occurs within Honduran schools, then a SACE (Sistema de Administración de Centros Educativos) is required. A letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor from the previous school would be helpful.

When and how would I receive notification of my child’s acceptance into Pre-School?

Announcement of admissions period for the new school year usually are done from March first through March thirty first. International admissions are done on an ongoing basis. Notifications of acceptance into this institution will be made directly to the parents via phone or letter.

What do I need to know about registering my child in Pre- School?

The following documents could be required ( not necessarily in every case)- An original birth certificate for Honduran applicants and a passport or proof of citizenship for foreign applicants; Two passport sized photos ( 1.5″x 1.5″); vaccination card, letter from a pediatrician, written documentation that your child is potty trained, and a completed Abbreviated Development Scale ( administered by AST personnel). Required age of admission as of August 30th of the current year; Nursery School children must be three years of age. Pre- Kinder children must be four years of age. Kindergarten children must be five years of age.

What is S.E.I.T?

S.E.I.T. is an acronym for ” Sociedad Educacional Interamericana de Tegucigalpa”, an organization to which all the parents of current students that attend The American School of Tegucigalpa belong to. They are the official owners of our institution. The parents are represented by a Board of Directors ( elected at a General Assembly) and they are the ones who present proposals at the regularly scheduled assemblies for all the parents to vote on. Currently, the President of our SEIT is Mr. Dennis Figueroa. If you would like to know more about SEIT and the General Assemblies, you can contact Gina Gómez, Secretary to the Superintendent’s Office, at 2239-3333 Ext. 712.

What is the school calendar year?

The AST student will attend 184 school days beginning in mid August and continuing on through the end of May. Both Honduran and major American Holidays are observed. A school day starts at 7:30 a. m. and ends at 2:30 P.M.

With what organizations is AST accredited?

The American School of Tegucigalpa is incorporated with the Honduran Ministry of Education as well as with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools ( S.A.C.S.). It is for this reason that our High School offers two educational plans; The American Plan which grants you a High School Diploma, and the Honduran Plan which grants you a Science and Humanities Diploma ( Bachilletaro en Cienceias y Letras). Both diplomas provide any of our graduates the credits to apply for any local or foreign University. AST is also accredited with The International Baccalaureate Program (IB Program). The IB Program grants international transfer of credits, allowing our graduated to apply to any University in the World.

What is the student population? Which is the teacher / student ratio?

To date, the American School has a student population of 1140 students (Nursery to twelfth grade) of which 95% are Hondurans, 3% US Citizens and 2% other nationalities. The teacher student ratio is approximately 20 students per teacher.

Who do I contact in regards to enrollment, admissions or a campus tour?

Contact the Superintendent’s Office by: Email: info@amschool.org FAX: 011-504-2239-6162 Office: 2239-3333 ( Ext 712 ).