The Fund for Excellence at American School of Milan

The American School of Milan (ASM) is an educational institution always looking to the future.  ASM is dedicated to advancing educational trends while remaining true to its core values of Respect, Curiosity, Courage, Integrity, and Kindness. The school’s commitment to excellence ensures that the next generation of leaders and innovators are well-equipped to face the challenges of our rapidly changing world.

At ASM, students are not only encouraged to develop critical thinking skills but also taught to become global citizens capable of making a positive impact on the world. The school’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education that includes a range of academic subjects, extracurricular activities, and community service projects.

ASM’s commitment to creating a vibrant community is evident in how the school fosters a sense of belonging among its students, faculty, and staff. The school’s administration understands that education is about acquiring knowledge, developing relationships, and building connections that will last a lifetime.

ASM’s Evolution

ASM has a proud and rich history of over 60 years, during which it has continuously evolved and adapted to the dynamic and ever-changing world of education. The school has not only kept pace with technological advancements but also leveraged them to enhance the learning experience of its students. ASM has also fostered cross-cultural interactions, providing a global platform for students to learn from diverse perspectives and cultures.

Today, ASM is recognized as a premier educational institution, offering a world-class education that prepares students for success in their personal and professional lives. The school’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its highly qualified faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and innovative teaching methods that equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.

Curricular Strength

Within an English-speaking curriculum, ASM perfectly combines American educational principles with international best practices. ASM’s accreditation through the Middle States Association further attests to its uncompromised educational standards. The school has been offering the esteemed IB Diploma Programme since 1983, advocating inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and global awareness. ASM emphasizes innovation in its forward-thinking projects, such as the HoverCraft initiative, where students designed and created functional prototypes. New electives like “Introduction to Electronics” and “Digital Society” ensure students are well-prepared for the digital age’s challenges.

Innovation in Learning

The Technology MakerSpaces and Computer Science lab at ASM continues to push boundaries, promote innovation, and equip students with the skills they need to thrive in a technology-driven world. One of the standout projects this year was the HoverCraft project. Students were allowed to design and build their hovercrafts from scratch. This hands-on project allowed them to apply engineering, physics, and design principles, resulting in functional and innovative hovercraft prototypes.

Alongside the HoverCraft project, ASM introduced two new electives to enrich the student’s learning experience further. The first elective, “Introduction to Electronics,” provided students with a comprehensive understanding of electronic components, circuit design, and soldering techniques. This course equipped students with foundational knowledge in electronics, empowering them to create their circuits and electronic systems.

The second new elective, “Digital Society,” explored the societal impact of technology in the digital age. Students delved into cybersecurity, data privacy, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies. This course fostered critical thinking skills and encouraged students to contemplate the role of technology in shaping the world around them.

In addition to introducing new electives, ASM middle school students excelled in international competitions. They traveled to Lisbon, Portugal, for a robotics contest, competing against 18 teams from three continents. The students had diligently studied programming and robotics for two years and devoted their free time and recess periods for two months to perfect their robots and overcome various challenges. Their hard work and determination paid off as they excelled in all aspects of the contest, ultimately securing an impressive 3rd-place finish.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

The sprawling 9-acre campus of ASM situated south of central Milan, has state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, music rooms, a 500 seat auditorium, two full size gymnasiums and an impressive library carrying over 20,000 volumes. 

ASM also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, performing arts, and community service programs, which help students develop their talents and interests. The athletics programs at ASM are extensive, offering 9 different competitive sports for students in high school. At ASM, diversity is celebrated, and inclusivity is highly valued. The school welcomes students from over 70 nations, making it a truly global community.

Celebrating Philanthropy

In 2017, the Board of Directors of ASM initiated an annual drive focusing on providing extraordinary experiences for its students. Artist-in-Residence programs, Humanitarian advocates, and innovative technology are just some of the ways the Fund For Excellence (FFE) has provided enrichment for students. Funds raised each year through the FFE are used solely for the purpose of supporting programs which are proposed by teachers and students. Through this process, students learn leadership skills in developing budgets, presenting proposals, and collaborating within a team. Each year, The Fund for Excellence has played a pivotal role in enhancing ASM’s learning environment.

ASM’s commitment to creating a vibrant community is evident in how the school fosters a sense of belonging among its students, faculty, and staff. The school’s administration understands that education is about acquiring knowledge, developing relationships, and building
connections that will last a lifetime. Essentially, The American School of Milan is more than just a school. It’s a thriving community dedicated to cultivating curious learners, critical thinkers, and global citizens, solidifying its position as a beacon in international education.