Paris, France Report of what it's like to live there - 06/07/20
Personal Experiences from Paris, France
School Name:
American School of Paris
Background Information:
1. Are you the parent of a child(ren) attending this school? A teacher at the school? Or both?
We have two students at ASP.
2. What grade or grades do/did your children attend at the school? During what year(s) did they attend the school?
We have two high school students currently at ASP
3. What was your reason for living in the city where the school is located (e.g., government, military, corporate, NGO, retired)?
Diplomat
4. Are other schools available to expatriates in this city? Why did you choose this particular school?
We chose this school because it offered the smoothest transition for our kids coming from a public school in the US. Students have the option to take AP or IB classes (or a mixture), the campus is great and they have sports teams.
Admissions & Welcome:
1. Are the admissions and placement procedures clearly stated to prospective families, either on the school website or through other means of communication?
School was very responsive to questions we had about the school/curriculum. They even arranged a FaceTime call so we could ask questions about the IB/AP options.
2. How would you rate the school's support and welcome/integration of new students and their families, and why?
School has an orientation day and a welcome back picnic. They also offer a two-day program for parents about moving to and life in Paris.
Administration & School Procedures:
1. How is the overall communication between teachers and parents, and the administration and parents? How is communication facilitated?
There is a weekly school digital newsletter, grade level WhatsApp groups and emails. Teachers and staff have been responsive when contacted.
2. Aside from school fees, are there required expenses such as uniforms, laptops/tablets, musical instruments, or field trips that parents are expected to cover? What are the approximate costs?
There is a uniform rental fee (reimbursable), sports fees (about 150 a season) sports travel, and club opportunities (can be 1,000 Euro and up depending on travel). It all depends on what your student does at school. I think there are field trips for younger students but I don't know much about that.
Academics & Resources:
1. What personal or academic counseling resources are available at this school? Is there a dedicated college counselor at the school? Is he/she familiar with universities worldwide?
Two fantastic college counselors in addition to the guidance counselors. College counselors are experienced with US, UK, Canadian, European colleges and more. There is homework help after school.
2. Does the school have a library? How large is it? How updated are the books? Can students borrow books to read at home?
I know there is a high school library and assume there is a middle school and elementary library as well. You can take home books
3. What are the technology requirements for students? Do they need their own laptops/ipads? How is technology integrated into the classroom and homework?
High school students need to being their own laptop. Classrooms have digital boards. School did a great job with technology and online school due to COVID.
4. How are information technology resources at the school. Are they up-to-date? Is there a computer lab?
There is technical support at school. School also has robust coding, robotics, computer science classes.
5. Describe the physical education resources at the school. Is there a gym? A swimming pool? Are there playing fields or tennis courts available?
There is a gym, basketball court, small weight room, and soccer field. Many after-school sports are at outside locations.
6. Are Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses available in upper grades? If this is an IB school, is the full diploma required of all students?
Students have the option of IB, AP or a mixture
7. Are students generally challenged appropriately by the curriculum? Please describe any particular strengths or weaknesses in this area. Do you have any thoughts how the curriculum is applied and implemented at this school?
Courses were much more demanding than previous US public school. There is a wide variety of classes at standard, honors, AP or IP level. The AP Science offerings are not as robust as we would like but other than that we have been happy with the classes offered.
8. What fine arts electives are available (music, drama, visual arts)?
Lots of options theater, music, sports, film, art.
9. Are the teachers at the school required to speak English as a first language--or at least fluently?
All of the teachers I have met speak English fluently
10. What services are available for gifted/advanced students at the school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
In high school there are several high level courses to challenge students.
11. What services are available for students with learning disabilities at this school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
When we selected the school we did not anticipate needing learning support. They helped us navigate the educational testing and IEP. We had a fantastic experience with the Learning Support Department.
12. What services are available for students with physical disabilities at this school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
There is an elevator and many of the building have been renovated or built recently
13. What extra-curricular activities (including sports) are available at this school? Have your children participated in these activities? What activities do you feel are missing at the school?
Wide offering of sports, theater, several service organizations.
Social & Emotional Well-Being:
1. What is the climate for LGBT+ kids at this school? Are there resources they can draw upon? Does there appear to be any exclusionary behavior?
My impression is that it is an inclusive school.
Overall Impressions:
1. What letter grade (ranging from A, excellent, to F, fail) would you assign to this school based on your overall experience? Would you choose it again?
Our kids are happy at this school and I feel like they will be well prepared for college
2. Please tell us anything else you think prospective parents and students should know about this school. Thanks for your contribution!
The school is not inside Paris. My kids have a 30-minute private bus ride to school. There are disadvantages to being outside the city but many city schools do not offer sports.
