High quality learning in an engaging, safe and prosperous environment, superior values and excelling beyond classrooms are what every parent would yearn for the children. One such school in Doha, Qatar with a legacy of 30 years is satiating the needs of families across the globe and is committed to respect, honesty, responsibility, and compassion. These core values undergird the school’s mission and vision. It is the American School of Doha, the only school that offers AP (advanced placement) and IB (International Baccalaureate) courses in Qatar.
The American School of Doha is an independent, U.S. accredited, college preparatory school committed to providing educational excellence, through a standard-based, internationally enriched American curriculum, serving a multicultural student body.
The History
Established in 1988 by the U.S. Embassy and prominent members of the Qatari community, ASD has witnessed and met the growing needs of international families in Doha. Now, more than 30 years later, ASD has become one of the premier American international schools in the world. The diversity of cultures and backgrounds is an exciting strength of the school. Originally named American International School (AIS), it opened in a small villa consisting of grades 1-5 in 1998. With support from the US Embassy and financial contributions from the Qatari business community, ASD Doha was founded by Omar AlMana, US Ambassador Charles Dunbar (1983-1985), Jassim Jaidah, US Ambassador Joseph Ghougassian (1985-1989), and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hammad Al-Thani, Minister of Education for the State of Qatar . In 1989-90, the school moved to purpose-built campus and expanded to house middle school, grades 6 to 8, and the first overseas administrator joined staff. In 1994, the school earned accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NESAC). The library was expanded, and computer/technology capabilities and a language center added to the new campus.
In 1995-96, AIS expanded to High School and in 1996 AIS has its first graduating class. In 1997, it got renamed to the American School of Doha. The new campus opened in 1998 in Al-Bustan, Oman.
Mission
The American School of Doha is committed to the intellectual and personal development of students, inspiring them, and empowering them to become positive, active global citizens.
Vision
ASD is a future-focused community where learning is collaborative, fun and engaging, extended beyond walls, created to foster innovation, sustained by responsible practices data-informed and evidence-based, authentic, solving real-world problems, encouraged in a technology-enhanced environment. ASD is where students are encouraged to extend their own learning.
Values: Respect, Honesty, Responsibility, Compassion.
Standing Apart
The distinctive classrooms and ergonomically designed common spaces all communicate an inescapable message that high-quality learning is ASD’s main purpose. With the support of the Board of Trustees, the Board of Directors, the leadership team and the highly supportive parent community, ASD provides comprehensive programs and education which are second to none in the region. ASD’s vision sets them on paths to create collaborative, fun, and creative environments for children and young adults.
At ASD, learners are challenged to extend their learning and to become both positive and active global citizens. American School of Doha’s focus on student learning in a safe, secure environment ensures that each of our students is encouraged to reach his or her potential. Schools routinely become a hub for families in international environments.
“Our focus on community development, our comprehensive set of programs and activities to support student learning, and our amazing campus offer students and families a true place of belonging and connection here in Doha,” says Steve M Razidlo, the Director of ASD.
Steve’s illustrious career includes – having been the Superintendent of Brainerd Public Schools, and later becoming the Director of The American International Schools, Vienna. And now finally becoming the Director of ASD in 2020. “We choose sustainable practices, we harness current technology, and we promote evidence-based approaches to the study of real-world problems,” added Steve Razidlo.
Inspiring Infrastructure
The sprawling campus and the worldclass facilities provide spacious and dynamic spaces for the committed teachers and coaches to offer extraordinary opportunities to all its learners.
Security: The security office retains a full guard force who staff guard posts 24 hours a day and consistently works to mitigate security risks and ensure the safety of the school community.
Facilities: The facilities office, managed by a third-party partner aims to maintain and continuously improve ASD’s first class facilities.
Cafeteria services: Cafeteria services are available for all students from grade 1 through 12, with options that include healthy lunches and a fresh juice and smoothie bar catered by Jazz Cafe, and snacks and coffee offered by Coffee Beanery.
Transportation services are available from ASD’s third party provider – Pick Quick, offering transportation before and after school, as well as buses serving students involved in after school activities and in-school field trips.
Education with utmost Security The American School of Doha is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. Providing a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. All employees are responsible for the care, safety, and protection of children. This responsibility extends to the identification and timely response to concerns regarding the possible sexual, physical, psychological and emotional abuse or neglect of a child.
Mandated Reporting
All employees are mandated to communicate any concerns they have to their direct supervisor and/or divisional administration. The school uses fair and proper procedures when making decisions that affect a person’s rights or interests.
Background Checks
In addition to positive work references, employment at ASD is contingent upon provision of a satisfactory criminal history check. All new faculty will be required to undertake a background check before commencing employment.
Code of Conduct
All employees of the school are required to abide by the procedures outlined in the ASD Child Protection Code of Conduct.
Parent Support
The American School of Doha’s (ASD) students and the school, benefit in a myriad of ways from volunteer parent groups including the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Booster Club, Creative Arts Support Team (CAST), Jr/Sr Parents, and the Arab Mothers Association (AMA). The following descriptions detail each organization’s activities and provide contact information:
Helping Parents Play an Active Role
The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) plays a vital role in supporting and strengthening the ASD community. Every parent, student, faculty member and administration belong to the PTA and has an important role to play. PTA’s role is simple but focused: supporting and strengthening the ASD community and reinforcing the partnership between home and school.
The PTA supports educational and social development by supporting the school’s academic, athletic and fine arts curriculums and financially contributing to enrichment programs for the students. “We also support parents ensuring they are connected to ASD and feel a valued and welcome member of the school community. They place special emphasis on welcoming new parents and students and easing their transition into a new school and country, sharing the wonderful Qatari culture and way of life. We have set up two dedicated committees to support this: The Parent Community and the Culture Committee,” inform the school administration.
The key focus is to support enhanced learning by reinvesting directly into children’s education in a tangible and sustained manner. ASD is fortunate to have an amazing group of corporate sponsors who support their fundraising activities and they always welcome new sponsors.
“We reinvest 100% of the funds raised from all PTA sponsored events.” ASD also has an exciting calendar of innovative fundraising and social activities which include:
Friendship Festival – A popular family event with local entertainment, games, local markets, and food
PTA Calendar – A student-led calendar with images of Qatar and the ASD community
International Buffet – A celebration of the many wonderful cuisines from the school’s multi-national community
Homeroom Parent Coordinator – Organizing volunteer parents for Elementary School (ES) The PTA is a community of members from many different nationalities and cultures. This wonderful diverse multi-national blend enables to provide the best community for the children. Additionally, they welcome all volunteers for committees or just giving one hour helping at any of their activities during the school year.
Booster
The American School of Doha’s (ASD) Booster Club is a volunteer organization that supports the activities of the ASD Athletics Office.
The ASD Booster Club sells concessions at games and events, hosts a monthly hot dog lunch for the Middle School (MS) and High School (HS), and sponsors baseball and softball tournaments.
The Booster Club also operates a Booster Club Store with ASD memorabilia in the High School (HS) with all proceeds going towards supporting ASD Athletic programs and Middle East South Asia Conference (MESAC) programs.
Creative Arts Support Team (CAST) is a group of dedicated parents who provide support to the Fine Arts Department at the American School of Doha (ASD). CAST provides hands-on support with meals during long rehearsals and cast parties as well as providing financial assistance for school trips and for the purchase of new equipment to benefit the Fine Arts Department.
CAST’s passion for the Arts makes a great impact for their fine arts students, and for everyone in the school enjoying the use of the ASD Theater.
Junior/Senior Fundraising Committee
The Junior/Senior Parents goal is to make the senior year all the more memorable for their grade 12 students. The Junior/Senior Parents host favorite fundraising events during the year such as the Pumpkin Patch, Valentines’ Day Treats, and St. Patrick’s Day root beer floats. The committee also provides the concessions for the popular Powderpuff Football Game between the Junior and Senior girls.
Arab Mother’s Association
The Arab Mother’s Association (AMA) consists of a group of mothers who act as a support group for the school and students.
AMA members help in school events, assist new students and their families in getting acquainted with the Qatari culture, and help them feel welcome in their new community. To date, the AMA has worked on many initiatives beginning with Eid Al Adha by placing creative displays in both the Elementary School (ES) and High School (HS) filled with Arabic desserts, beautiful calligraphy displays, a majlis, and pictures of Eid celebrations around the world.
Aspiring to Make a Difference
ASD has already been dubbed by its many admirers as the best school for quality education in all of Qatar, and they are not about to throw in the towel yet.
Living up to their mission statement, ASD has taken the ultimate charge to guide students to be positive, active global citizens. This simple statement fashions the way forward for their whole community. Enrolling here will only enable you to find the evidence of that commitment to learning everywhere you look and in every conversation you have at the American School of Doha.
