Why SAS?
SAS believes that tomorrow’s leaders need an excellent foundation, cultivated in an environment that is both caring and challenging, where they can thrive and develop. SAS teachers promote rigorous learning by actively engaging students and challenging them to reach their full potential. Four distinct divisions comprise SAS: Primary School (preschool through grade two), Intermediate School (grades three through five), Middle School (grades six through eight), and High School (grades nine through twelve), each headed by a principal and one or two deputy principals. The four divisions of SAS operate as distinct learning communities with all the benefits and facilities of a large school.
The school is located in one of the world’s most vibrant, dynamic, and multi-cultural countries. Singapore, a city-state, is known as a world leader in educational quality, innovation, and investment. SAS plays an important role in Singapore’s educational portfolio and also has the opportunity to learn from and partner with other educational institutions—both K-12 and higher ed—all of which operate in close proximity to one another and benefit from the Singapore government’s commitment to the development and dissemination of intellectual capital.
A Proud History
SAS was established in 1956 through the efforts of American expatriates. Parents and business leaders donated time and money to establish an American school for 105 students in a rented home in the center of the city. After 55 years, SAS has outgrown three campuses and now serves over 3,800 students from all over the world. SAS is housed in a purpose-built S$240 million facility set on 36 acres, leased from the government of Singapore, at the north end of the island. An outstanding faculty of dedicated teachers who come from 11 different countries has replaced the original faculty of ten American mothers, who were largely volunteers. What has remained constant throughout the years is the school’s abiding passion for academic excellence in an international environment, its commitment to volunteerism, and its integral role in the broader American and Singapore communities.
Academic Program
SAS is committed to academic excellence as well as to the emotional, physical, and social well-being of all students. The school believes in the value of a comprehensive liberal arts education, and the curriculum is similar to that of U.S. college preparatory schools. The school’s commitment to providing an international perspective is reflected in the curriculum, extensive service opportunities, and extra-curricular activities. We welcome students with different learning styles, interests, and personal strengths. We do this to serve our community and because we believe this level of diversity makes us stronger and prepares our students for the world they will encounter as adults.
SAS maintains small classes to benefit student learning; the maximum number in the Early Childhood Center (preschool and pre-kindergarten) is 16 students, and in kindergarten through grade 12, it is 22 students. SAS teachers have a long tradition of being at the forefront of best practices in student learning. This focus on learning also recognizes the critical importance of interdependence and team collaboration. In addition, the School continually challenges itself to strengthen the delivery of its strong curriculum, investing in professional development for teachers, evaluating innovations from other educational institutions, and adopting best practices. All of the learning initiatives are underpinned by a collective desire for high and consistent standards and for greater articulation of curricular goals across and between classes and divisions.
Faculty and Staff
SAS has exceptional faculty with experience teaching in many parts of the world. The dedicated and inspiring faculty at SAS is one of the school’s major strengths. More than 300 of the certified faculty and staff are hired from overseas, with the majority from the United States; more than 72% have graduate degrees. The majority of the faculty members who are non-U.S. citizens come from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The average tenure of the faculty at SAS is six years.
SAS encourages and supports professional development that enhances lifelong learning for all faculty and staff. Professional development is designed to support five targets: school goals; division, grade level and department goals; the curriculum development cycle; off-cycle needs; and the expressed needs of faculty and staff. Professional development for faculty members is extensive, ongoing, and takes place in Singapore, the United States, and around the world.
