LEARNING SUPPORT
Learning Support can be provided to students in Grades 9–12. The Learning Support teachers help students succeed by focusing on academic needs, the development of executive function and key skills that support increasing independence. Support can be offered to students in any subject. Students work with Learning Support teachers in specific subject classrooms and/or in the dedicated Learning Support space.
Classroom content is followed with certain scaffolds or modifications. These modifications and other methods of support are determined by the child's parents, homeroom teachers, specialists, and/or evaluations.
When academic or developmental questions arise, the school will alert the parents and work with them to develop an action plan for their child. Parents who have questions about Learning Support fees should contact the Admissions Department. For more information, visit our Learning Support page.
Accommodations for students taking IB/AP exams
IB/AP students have access to accommodations based on professional evaluations. Once approved by the IBO or College Board, accommodations are applied both in the classroom and on IB/AP exams.
THE GUIDANCE COMMITTEE
The Guidance Committee is composed of the Director, Assistant Director, Academic Dean, Guidance Counselors, College Counselors, Learning Support teachers, and the Athletic Director. This group meets weekly to review students’ academic and emotional development and to formulate plans to assist those students in need.
Assistant Director
The Upper School Assistant Director is an important liaison between students, parents, and the school. The Assistant Director establishes a safe, nurturing environment for student success by creating and enforcing policies in line with ASP's beliefs and mission. Students will be in contact with the Assistant Director on questions concerning student behavior and health, etc.
Academic Dean
The Academic Dean oversees the International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement program as well the Upper School schedule, attendance management, and grades. Students with questions concerning either the IB and AP programs should consult the Academic Dean to plan their course of study.
Grade Counselors
Each grade is assigned a Counselor who provides emotional and academic support while guiding students towards an appropriate sequence of classes, a balanced course selection, and successful completion of their graduation requirements.
College Guidance
Our College Counselors help students find their best fit when selecting a college, where they will be successful, productive, and happy. Students begin working with the College Counselors at the beginning of the second semester of Grade 11, as they research and select their schools of choice. Students attend group and individual guidance meetings. Evening information sessions are held with parents of both Grade 11 and 12 students. Students have many opportunities to meet with college admissions representatives in Paris and a number of admissions officers visit ASP to meet with students directly. In addition, over 60 colleges and universities are represented at the annual Paris College Day Fair.
LEADERSHIP LAB
This year marks the launch of a new two-year advisory program for 9th and 10th grade students: Leadership Lab. It seeks to support students on their journey to self-realization, as they grow individually and as members of a community. Throughout Leadership Lab, students will engage in activities and discussions that cultivate their sense of self, communication capacities, and anti-oppression practice. Leadership Lab believes that meaningful leadership requires an ongoing exploration of our personal identities and belief systems, so that we can be authentic and impactful in our service to others.
Lab is:
- Social Justice Dialogue (14 sessions)
- Sexuality Education (14 sessions)
- Intermediary sessions on:
- (Re)introduction to ASP
- College readiness
- Study halls/ down time
Program Structure
All classes in the 9th and 10th grade will begin with 3-4 sessions dedicated to presenting this new program, and building your Leadership Lab community by making connections between faculty mentors, student mentors, and student participants. They will also serve to (re)introduce students to ASP, review the student handbook, and explain the 8-day rotating schedule. Dialogue Facilitator Marine Galvez will arrange a time to introduce herself to students during these first couple of weeks.
Beyond these sessions, Leadership Lab will focus on two major themes: social justice dialogue and comprehensive sexuality education. We will focus on each theme for approximately 14 sessions. The social justice dialogue will be facilitated by Marine Galvez, a social justice educator who leads workshops designed to explore the interconnected nature of inequalities in accessible and transformative ways. She uses a variety of learning games and activities that encourage participants to dig deep with their thinking, engage in peer-to-peer dialogue, and acquire new perspectives in favor of social justice change.
Leadership Lab will also teach comprehensive sexuality education using the Unhushed Curriculum. Unlike some programs, Unhushed is a comprehensive sexuality education curriculum which focuses on social justice, personal identity, empowerment of the sexual self, and healthy communication. The themes developed over these 14 weeks complement some of the concepts introduced in social justice dialogues from first semester.
ASSEMBLIES
Upper School students attend regular assemblies to promote student activities and foster a spirit of community. They are held in the PAC from 8:45-9:00 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings. Longer community meetings are organized once per month to present a variety of informational, academic, and artistic subjects. Past topics include speakers on digital literacy and personal motivation, demonstrations of Argentinian tango, and performances from musicians supporting local causes.
ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE
Due to the academic demands of our Upper School program, students who seek admission to ASP are required to have a sufficient command of academic English before they may be admitted. If you have questions about the EAL policy for Upper School students or would like to learn more about a placement exam, please contact Admissions.
ONE COMMUNITY, MANY HANDS
Testimonial
With a strengths-focused and growth-based approach, we partner with students, families, and teachers in celebrating students' uniqueness and fostering learning opportunities. Students build lifelong skill sets while meeting their personal goals.
- Sonata Sardinha, Learning Support Teacher