The American School of Tampico

The American School of Tampico mission is: To create a multilingual, multicultural learning environment where parents, teachers and students work together toward academic and personal excellence in preparation for responsible citizenship in a globalized world.
Founded in 1917, the American School of Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico, is a private, non-profit, non-sectarian, co-educational institution offering a bilingual, bicultural education for students from preschool through high school. The school is dedicated to an American- style educational paradigm. Since 2007, the American School of Tampico has provided high school curriculum. Students earn both a U.S. H.S. Diploma and SEP Certificate.

The American School of Tampico is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCASI, now known as AdvancEd), and Mexico’s Ministry of Education (SEP).

Our elementary school students receive bilingual instruction that meets both Mexican and U.S. standards. They also attend a special pre-first year to develop their dual language proficiency. Our High School students are enrolled in a full dual program, receiving both a U.S. diploma and a Mexican preparatory (high school) certificate. Thus, all of our graduates speak both English and Spanish fluently. These students are taking 27 Carnegie units, more than required for a U.S. High School diploma as well as the Mexican program requirements in Spanish Literature, Mexican History, Geography, Law and Civics.

Due to the high standards of the school, the high school students are very focused. The curriculum program is organized on a rotating block schedule. The high school students have 50 minutes block classes. There are three basic requirements each student must fulfill in order to graduate from ATSHS. First, each student must complete a minimum of 27 credits broken into various subjects’ areas. Second, each student must complete 120 hours community service in high school. Third, each student must successfully pass an official test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL).

The American School of Tampico students are well prepared and embrace their future. One hundred percent of graduates applied to and were accepted into 4-year Universities. More than 50% of our students got some kind of scholarship in both US and Mexico.

The American School of Tampico requires all students to complete a minimum of 30 hours of community service per year. By graduation, all students have completed 120 hours or more.

The American School of Tampico has a mix of foreign and locally hired teachers. There are teachers from France, Canada, United States, Jamaica, and Mexico. Approximately 95% of the teachers already have a Master’s degree. ATS boast a dedicated and hardworking staff that strives to meet the academic need of the students for their success in a global economy.

The American School of Tampico, Located in Tamaulipas, Mexico serves the educational lust of 829 students. The big campus has its students in three separate buildings, Elementary, Middle and high school. The high school has a large library and Wi-Fi. The campus boasts two libraries, three state-of-the-art science labs, and three computer labs. The grounds extend to more than 14 hectares and include five grass-covered soccer fields and track; multi-purpose covered surfaced sports court; an open-air theater; a preschool play area and a butterfly garden.

Education extends beyond the classroom to ensure that all students are presented with the opportunity to grow in a rich environment of experiences. Programs are diverse, including Student Council, National Honor Society, Model United Nations, chorus, clubs, exchange programs, dance, service learning and environmental projects. Extensive after-school sports include soccer, basketball, and track & field. School teams compete within ASOMEX and local leagues.