Head of School’s Message
	Cameron Fox Head of School I trust the following pages will give you a genuine sense of what it means to be part of this very special school community. As you browse through the various sections of the site I am confident you will gain a deeper appreciation for the quality of the educational program we deliver. Our impressive students, the dedicated and highly talented international faculty, and of course our supportive families, all share a common purpose in building a highly successful school community focussed on student achievement, all-round success and true to our core values of Justice, Knowledge and Love. Our intention for this website has always been to share with a wider audience the tremendous successes and achievements of our school community, past, present and future and in doing so, bring our story to life. From our beginning as the California International School, which opened its gates for the first time in the late summer of 1986 for 50 students, to the impressive American International School of today, where more than 830 students from 37 nationalities attend, AIS is truly a unique educational institution in Hong Kong. The commitment and vision of our founding family to building a high-quality, American, international school that serves both the local and international communities in Hong Kong remains steadfast. The fact that after 26 years of continuous growth AIS is now recognized as one of Hong Kong’s most respected and established independent international schools is testament to this vision, and the dreams we share as a school community.   Cameron Fox Head of School

	Why Choose AIS?
	Delivering a high quality educational experience for the students at AIS is a wonderful challenge. I believe the faculty and staff at AIS is attracted, motivated, and inspired by this, and eagerly embrace the opportunity to shape and mould AIS into the type of school that gives every student the educational experiences we value and believe in. I also know our families share this vision for AIS and fully support the steps we are taking. In a monograph written by Patrick F. Bassett, President of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) he addresses the question: Why Choose an Independent School? This succinct but highly insightful piece of writing draws attention to some of the key questions prospective parents and teachers may ask when considering the possibility of joining an independent school. He identifies some of the core values, characteristics and quality indicators that an educational experience at an independent school like AIS, typically provides. American International School (AIS) is governed and financed independently. As an independent school we have the freedom to define our own mission, the freedom to regulate admissions, the freedom to hire, and the freedom to teach. We are an international school with a highly diverse blend of nationalities, cultural and religious beliefs. High quality teaching and learning lie at the heart of our school. A positive school spirit is evident across the school. The school is strongly committed to moral values and character development. There is an appropriate moral climate across the school. There is a positive learning environment for each child. The school values and supports academic achievement. The standard of academic achievement is high. The high school delivers a rigorous college preparatory program while emphasizing and supporting the development of well-rounded individuals. Students consistently enroll in an AP course as sophomores. College and university entrance is the expectation for every AIS graduate. Students take Algebra 1 in 8th grade and consistently complete Pre-Calculus and higher levels of Mathematics in high school. Students study with fully qualified and highly professional teachers. AIS students are expected to do well academically.  Students participate in a wide range of extra-curricular, arts, academics and community service activities. There are opportunities for all students to play on a junior varsity or varsity sports team. Parents value and support the school’s commitment to academic achievement, decent behavior and good citizenship. There is a strong likelihood that parents and alumni will continue to support the school. Parents recommend the school to others.