History and Milestones
Founded in 1962, the American School of Milan (ASM) began with just 17 students in Sesto San Giovanni. In 1975, ASM moved to its new campus in Noverasco di Opera, just outside the city center of Milan. Over its 60-year history, ASM has transformed its 9-acre (4-hectare) campus into a state-of-the-art facility, which includes a 500-seat auditorium, two large gyms, spacious outdoor recreation areas and playgrounds, modern classrooms and an impressive media center with over 30,000 titles. Today, ASM is home to over 880 students ranging from ages 3-18.
In 1983, ASM was the first school in Milan to adopt the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, significantly enhancing its academic offerings. ASM offers an international curriculum developed from US standards. The school’s mission is “to inspire students to discover their unique potential and to be curious learners, critical thinkers and global citizens who positively impact our world”. Each year ASM graduates are accepted to prestigious universities around the world, and the school is proud of its alumni who are ‘impacting the world’ in diverse and innovative fields.
As a non-profit organization, ASM invests all revenue in achieving its mission to provide the best international educational experience possible. Further, ASM recruits top educators coming primarily from the US, and supports them in their continued professional development.
Diversity and Cross-Cultural Interactions
ASM’s student body is 60% international students and it is the most diverse international school in Milan, with students from over 70 countries attending. The school actively engages students to understand cross-cultural perspectives from an early age through collaborative models, classroom discussions, international events, and ongoing education in the areas of diversity and inclusion. In the past 8 years, the school has hosted Model United Nations (MUN) where over 400 students gather at the school to participate in debate and dialogue concerning real-world events. The mission of MUN is to foster global citizenship through dialogue and education. ASM has three full-time school counselors, two college counselors, and a number of learning support specialists who are dedicated to the unique needs of its students. Educational and extracurricular experiences such as week-long field trips; the Duke of Edinburgh outdoor education program; Model UN and more, develop global citizenship and uphold the school’s values of curiosity, kindness, respect, courage and integrity.
Curriculum and Teaching Methodologies
ASM’s curriculum is overseen by the Director of Teaching and Learning who, together with teachers, continuously refines pedagogical practices and content to prepare its students for their future. ASM continues to be a leader in continuous improvement and each year hosts a Milan International Teaching Association (MITA), a conference where international schools from Italy and beyond attend.
ASM participates in many educational annual conferences for teachers and continues to be a leader in international education. This year ASM was selected to present at the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE) annual conference in New York City on its newly designed approach to Humanities curriculum.
In addition to this, ASM’s IB Diploma continues to be an important passport for all students international and local, enabling them to apply to and be accepted at top universities in Europe and around the world.
Upcoming Projects: The Learning Forest
The Learning Forest, scheduled for completion in October 2024, is an exciting new addition to ASM’s campus. In partnership with local biotech company, this project aims to create an outdoor learning environment that integrates nature with education. It will include air quality plant pollination monitoring and will allow ASM students to engage in unique science experiments, previously unavailable to them.
Nurturing Critical Thinking and Global Citizenship
This year, ASM’s upper elementary grades (3-5) have launched a revised Humanities curriculum, exploring topics like ancient civilizations, the Renaissance, and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Through consistent instructional approaches, field trips, and diverse perspectives, students develop writing skills, critical thinking, and an understanding of global citizenship.
Accreditation and Aspirations
ASM’s accreditation by the Middle States Association signifies its commitment to high educational standards, enhancing its reputation. The school aims to continue evolving, adapting to global educational trends, and preparing students for future challenges.
For More Info: https://www.asmilan.org/