American School of Guatemala
Admissions Information
Contents of Admissions Information Packet:
 General Procedures for Admissions (Grades 2-12)
 Requirements for Admission
 School Philosophy
 Organization and Program
 Special Programs
American School of Guatemala
11 C. 15-79, Zona 15, V.H. III
Apartado Postal No. 83
01901 Guatemala City, Guatemala
tel.: +502 2369-0791
fax: +502 2369-8335
Website: http://www.cag.edu.gt
American School of Guatemala
Procedures for Admission

Complete one application form for each applicant in grades 2
through 11. The admission to Kindergarten and Grade 1 involves a different process.
(check the Kindergarten/Grade 1 procedures form admissions)

Review “Requirements for Admission” to verify that the student in question meet all
criteria for application.

Complete the entire application packet. This includes:
For Grades 2-11:

Completed application form (available on the CAG home page www.cag.edu.gt under the
"admissions" tab)

One recent passport-sized photo

Copy of the candidate's birth certificate (RENAP, if Guatemalan citizen)

Official certificates and diplomas (Ministry of Education) from grade 1through the most
recently approved grade (if Guatemalan citizen)

Academic transcripts from grade 1through the most recently completed grade (if nonGuatemalan citizen)

Results of standardized test scores (if coming from a school following the North American
system)

Course descriptions for any coursework undertaken through home schooling or on-line
programs (if applicable)

Recommendation letter from previous school's principal or counselor (form available on
the CAG home page www.cag.edu.gt under the “admissions" tab)

Letter of financial solvency from previous school
American School of Guatemala
Requirements for Admission
 Placement:
The ASG Admissions committee determines program placement and grade
assignment.
Among the factors considered are applicants’ previous
coursework and achievement. Age requirements exist for Kindergarten and
1st grade applicants (check the Kindergarten/Grade 1 procedures form
admissions).
 Language Abilities:
Because the American School of Guatemala is a bilingual school, it is
important that candidates for admission have skills in both languages,
Spanish and English. Such language skills are important to student’s success
in the School’s academic program. (In grades 1 and 2, knowledge of either
Spanish or English may be waived.
 Academic History:
Candidates must have an overall average of 75 in all academic subjects if
applying for grades 2-8, 80 in all academic subjects if applying for grades 911, with no grade under 70.
 Disciplinary History:
The School values ethical behavior and maturity in incoming students. Thus,
all candidates for admission must have a record free of expulsions or other
serious disciplinary incidents.
 Special Needs:
The School is unable to meet the needs of students with serious learning or
physical disabilities. Special classes for such disabilities are not available.
There is, however, inclusion program available for students with mild learning
disabilities. Most classrooms and facilities at the School are accessible for
persons in wheelchairs.
American School of Guatemala
School Philosophy
 MISSION:
Description
The American School of Guatemala is an independent, non-profit, non-denominational, college
preparatory institution that offers a rigorous academic program modeled after the best
educational practices and methodologies of the United States of America. ASG is founded on the
principles of a co-educational, bi-cultural (Guatemala-United States), bilingual (Spanish-English)
program. It serves the Guatemalan community and other families who value a holistic approach
to education. Respect for religious, political, social, and cultural diversity is a fundamental part
of the school’s identity.
ASG is fully accredited in the U.S. by the New England Association of Colleges and Schools and is
recognized by the Guatemalan Ministry of Education as a Laboratory School. As a member of the
Del Valle Grupo Educativo, ASG is actively committed to the development of education in
Guatemala.
Mission
The mission of the American School of Guatemala is to empower its students to achieve their full
potential and to inspire them to lead meaningful lives as responsible members of a global society.
Fulfillment of ASG’s Mission
In fulfilling its mission, the School provides students with the opportunity to:
1.
Be actively engaged in, and responsible for, their own learning.
2. Be prepared to continue their studies in universities in Guatemala, the United States, or
other countries.
3. Acquire the skills essential for fluency in speaking, reading, writing and communicating
in both English and Spanish.
4. Develop systems thinking, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills which will enable
them to analyze, synthesize and apply information,
5.
Acquire competencies in the use of technology which will allow them to access resources
and communicate in a useful and
responsible manner,
6. Develop an appreciation of and love for reflective learning which will encourage them to
become self-motivated, life-long learners.
7.
Strengthen positive character traits and ethical values in order to contribute actively and
conscientiously to the local and global communities.
8. Exhibit a sense of environmental awareness and responsibility.
9. Demonstrate an understanding of and appreciation for cultural diversity.
10. Enhance their creativity and talents through participation in a variety of curricular and
extracurricular activities such as sports, music and visual/performing arts.
11. Develop habits and attitudes conducive to physical and emotional well-being.
12. Interact with highly qualified faculty who facilitate the process of constructing knowledge
and achieving understanding within the context of a student centered learning
environment.
Beliefs
We believe that:

our students, as individuals, have unique intellectual, social, emotional and physical
characteristics and needs;

all students can learn and they learn most effectively when they are actively engaged in
the learning process, when they are faced with challenging expectations and when they
are held to clearly defined standards of excellence;

learning should take place within a physically and psychologically safe environment;

all members of the school community, which includes faculty, staff, parents, and
students, share the responsibility for accomplishing our mission;

continuous improvement is essential to providing quality educational opportunities for
our students.
Vision for the Future
Building upon its tradition of excellence, the American School of Guatemala will:

Employ innovative and effective student-centered, research-based practices in education
and the use of technology consistently across all sections and subject areas,

Broaden the scope of its commitment to Guatemalan education.
American School of Guatemala
Organization and Program
 Organization:
The School consists of four sections (Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle,
and High School). Within these sections are Kindergarten through Grade
12. The following chart shows grade distribution among sections:
Section
Grade
Equivalent in Guatemala
Early Childhood
Kindergarten
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Kinder
Preparatoria
1ro Primaria
2do Primaria
3ro Primaria
4to Primaria
5to Primaria
6to Primaria
1ro Basico
2do Basico
3ro Basico
4to Bachillerato
5to Bachillerato
“
Elementary
“
“
Middle
“
“
High School
“
“
“
Approximate
ages
5-6
6-7
7-8
8-9
9-10
10-11
11-12
12-13
13-14
14-15
15-16
16-17
17-18
 Academic Program:

Early Childhood Section:
Instruction is in both English and Spanish. The daily schedule is from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Academic and non-academic subjects include: Integrated Language Arts (in both English and Spanish),
Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, Art, Music and Movement, and ICT (for Grade 1).
Extra-curricular activities include: Clubs, which vary annually and have included: Art and Origami, Sports,
Swimming, Gardening, Super Science, Food and Tales.

Elementary School Section:
Instruction is in both English and Spanish. The daily schedule is from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Academic subjects include: Language Arts (in both English and Spanish), Mathematics, Science, and Social
Studies (in English).
Non-academic subjects include: Art, ICT, Music, and Physical Education.
Extra-curricular activities include: Orchestra, Band, Chorus, French, German, Sports, Clubs, Weaving,
Library, and Scouts.

Middle School Section:
Instruction is in both English and Spanish. The daily schedule is from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Academic subjects include: English, Spanish, Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics, Science, Social
Studies, Third Language (French or German), and Life Skills.
Non-academic subjects include: Art, Technology, Music, Physical Education, and Swimming.
Extra-curricular activities include: Orchestra, Band, Chorus, Sports, Student Government, Enrichment
Cluster, National Junior Honor Society, competitions.

High School Section:
Instruction is in both English and Spanish. The daily schedule is from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Academic subjects include: Spanish, English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, TechnologyStatistics,
Philosophy, Physics, Biology, and Chemistry.
Non-academic subjects include: Art, Music, Physical Education, Health .
Extra-curricular activities include: Orchestra, Band, Musical instruments, Sports, Clubs, Drama, Yearbook,
Student Association, Community Outreach.
American School of Guatemala
Special Programs
Early Childhood Section:
 PAE (“Programa de Apoyo Educativo,” Educational Support Program) and
Counseling Service: These programs identify students with learning and/or
with behavioral difficulties and/or low academic achievement. Both inclusion
and pull-out instruction is given in order to develop students’ potential to learn
and to improve their academic achievement. It should be noted that this
program is limited and does not replace therapy.
 Excel: The Excel Program is designed to meet the specific needs of talented
or gifted students. The activities and projects carried out in this pull-out
program offer students the opportunity to utilize their talents and to develop
their creativity and higher thinking skills.
Elementary School Section:
 PAE (“Programa de Apoyo Educativo,” Educational Support Program): This
program identifies students with learning disabilities and/or low academic
achievement. Both inclusion and pull-out instruction is given in order to
develop students’ potential to learn and to improve their academic
achievement.
 Excel: The Excel Program is designed to meet the specific needs of talented
or gifted students. The activities and projects carried out in this pull-out
program offer students the opportunity to utilize their talents and to develop
their creativity and higher thinking skills.
Middle School Section:
 Enrichment Cluster: In this program, students may choose from a variety of
special-interest activities. Small, multi-grade groups of students participate in
special activities designed and lead by teachers, administrators, and parents
during four-week segments.
 Community Service: Students and parents select from approved service
activities.
Students complete four hours of service per grading period.
 Advisory: Through discussion in small supervised groups, students
participate in activities for the student association, character education, and
peer counseling.
Continued
High School Section:

AP (Advanced Placement, 11th and 12th grades): AP is a college-level program that
introduces rigorous academic courses into the Secondary curriculum. Students
successfully completing AP courses and examinations may receive academic credit at
universities and colleges world-wide.
 PBA (“Programa de Bachillerato Avanzado,” Advanced High School Program, 11th and
12th grades): Participants in this program are talented and motivated students from
public high schools with financial need and the desire to continue on to university
studies. Students enrolled in this program receive special classes at a reduced tuition.
 Community Outreach: Students select from approved service activities.
 Admissions Testing for U.S. Universities: The School is the Guatemalan test center
for College Board exams (SAT I & II) and the ACT exams.
All-School:
 Counseling: Students of all grades may receive individual and/or group counseling as
needed to help them deal with various life situations. Counseling is also available to
parents upon request or at the suggestion of School officials.

Values Education: Through this program, the School’s curriculum gains added
emphasis on building character. By enhancing traditional subjects, this program aims to
strengthen students’ sense of moral character by focusing on values such as empathy,
respect, responsibility, honesty, informed decision-making, and conflict resolution.

School for Parents: The objective of this program is to promote communication and
interaction among parents, their children, and the School. Parents are invited to
participate in the seminars and other activities offered on a regular basis.
 Destination ImagiNation:
This program involves activities and international
competitions that teach life skills and expand the imagination through team-based
creative problem solving.
 PTA: The Parent-Teacher Association is an active part of the School community. The
group’s mission is to support the School in its projects. The PTA regularly leads
workshops, organizes uniform distribution, and manages food sales.