TAS earns prestigious accreditation by WASC

The American School seniors celebrate success at high school graduation Graduation season was in full swing at The American School on June 13 as the seniors celebrated their graduation ceremony at the school.

WASC’s systematic review of the schools in the region ensures quality control for all aspects of the school; the commission’s decision was based on a thorough self-study report prepared by TAS, an off-site review of that report by a WASC visiting committee composed of faculty and administrators from WASC-accredited schools in Asia and in the US, a four-day campus visit and site inspection by that same team in March, 2015.

“The accreditation process is really about the students and ensuring that student engagement and effective learning is occurring at all levels. Recognition by WASC is an indicator of trustworthiness for TAS and further validates the integrity of the school's academic programmes while assuring parents and students that academic transcripts will be recognised the world over,” said Garth O'Donnell, academic director and MSHS principal.

WASC is one of six regional associations that accredit public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the United States. Through its review processes, WASC confirms that an institution has the resources, policies and practices in place to achieve its educational goals. WASC’s final report recognised TAS’ focus on and understanding of student learning, success, and outcomes.

The WASC visiting committee, which consisted of four members from accredited schools in the US, Thailand, Korea, and Hong Kong, commended TAS, saying “TAS has made tremendous growth in a relatively short time in adopting curricular standards, writing philosophy statements and beginning to develop curricular units with much of its completion and success due to the collaborative efforts of the faculty. TAS faculty members are passionate, dedicated and invested in the school. They are willing and enthusiastic about serving the school community.”

The visiting committee's final report was summarised into two areas: key areas of strength, and key areas of focus. The full visiting committee report can be found in the TAS website and the WASC commission website.

“Parents of TAS students are clear about the trust and confidence they place in TAS and their commitment to helping the school and their children realise their potential,” as stated in the WASC final report.

TAS started the rigorous WASC accreditation process in 2011, shortly after it opened its doors.

Then in 2012, TAS was granted candidacy status after a two-day initial visit by a WASC committee chaired by the WASC associate executive director. TAS submitted its first progress report in June, 2013, which addressed the critical areas for follow-up as identified by the initial visiting committee, and was officially assigned a WASC chairperson to oversee the school's progress toward achieving a list of targeted outcomes. Finally in August 2014, TAS was granted a Full Accreditation Visit by a four-member team, scheduled for the following March.

TAS is an independent, privately run college preparatory school from early childhood to high school, authorised to grant the equivalent of an American high school diploma.

TAS offers a US-based common core curriculum and the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) programme, which allows students to earn transferable college credits while still in high school. The school has established partnerships with American schools such as the Fairmont Education Group, a collection of successful private schools in California, and Missouri State University.

TAS is a school with a short history but with a long list of accomplishments. The school provides a caring, student-centered environment where the values of tolerance, appreciation and respect for individual differences are highly prized. The professional faculty is compassionate, highly trained, energetic, supportive and innovative in providing quality, research-based programmes and curriculum.

The school’s Expected School-wide Learning Results (ESLRs) spread across curriculum and instruction. The school focuses on vital academic skills which include communication, critical thinking, technological literacy, research, creativity, and independent learning.

A major focus at TAS is their commitment to instill the desire to strive for excellence while maintaining respect for self and others. The focus on nurturing ethical behavior, creative expression, physical endeavor and cooperative social interaction ensures that TAS emphasises the fullest development of mind, body and spirit.

The American School provides myriad opportunities for students from over 25 different nations throughout the world. With an emphasis on educating the whole child, students at TAS participate in an academically rigorous and enriched programme that also provides a broad range of opportunities in curricular and extracurricular activities.

The programmes are structured to meet the differing needs of students in a safe environment where diversity is honoured. TAS students reach out to serve others through various programmes, such as our students’ involvement with Global Issues Network (GIN) and Heartbeat Vietnam. These programmes help support the students in being outstanding global citizens. Additionally, TAS demonstrates a broad range of care with a dedicated staff, excellent educators, and supportive parents who work together to create an environment that supports our mission, vision and Expected School-wide Learning Results.

TAS equips its students with the skills necessary to be caring, independent, productive and responsible citizens, confidently ready to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. TAS is honoured to receive accreditation, as it validates the exemplary commitment by students, teachers, staff, and administration to providing exceptional learning opportunities and results for its students.

Contact details:
The American School (TAS)
177A, 172-180 Nguyen Van Huong Str., District 2, HCMC
Phone: 08.3519.2223 Email: admissions@tas.edu.vn