The American School of Tampico

HISTORY

The third oldest American school in Mexico, The American School of Tampico has a long tradition of excellence and growth. ATS opened its doors on May 12, 1917, and has been operating successfully ever since.

The school was created by the American Foundation with the purpose of offering American children and children of all other nationalities the same study plan found in schools in the United States.

As the school continued to grow, it became necessary to add new facilities. A new edifice was planned and soon construction allowed dreams to become reality. The First Grade and Kindergarten groups now occupied a beautiful modern building with classrooms that met all the requirements of the contemporary school.

The original building, located on Torreón Street in Tampico, Tamaulipas, was a two-story stone structure consisting of ample classrooms, lounges, offices, and a recreational room.

In the spring of 1956, an adjoining lot and wooden structure were added. For many years, this new site housed Kindergarten and First Grade classrooms.

The 1970s brought continued growth to the American School of Tampico. More classrooms were added to meet the demands of an increasing population. The school grew from one section per grade level to two. This expansion made it imperative to add another new wing to the building. Classrooms were designed and planned to meet the needs of the era.

The aim of the school was, and still is, to give students an education in both English and Spanish. This is accomplished by offering a well-organized program that fulfills the requirements of the Mexican Department of Education and schools in the United States. The curriculum consists of traditional academic subjects in addition to the incorporation of such ideas as citizenship, patriotism, goal setting and achieving, and character development. The school that began with a student population of approximately 50 American, British, and Dutch children and 18-20 Mexican children was now on its way to 200 students and continued its rapid growth in the early 1970s

In the 1980s, the American School of Tampico joined the Association of American Schools in Mexico (ASOMEX). Membership in ASOMEX carried certain demands such as improved sports facilities and the addition of science laboratories.

The Board of Directors also wanted the school to join the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) now called COGNIA. After data was gathered, experts' advice was heard and following months of hard work, the process of receiving SACS accreditation was completed.

Steady expansion led to the realization that the original site would not sufficiently meet future demands. Locations were scouted and eventually, an area in Colonia Tancol was chosen to become the new home for ATS in 1993.

The Tancol Campus was planned, designed, and constructed thanks to men and women of vision; men and women who were not afraid to dream and believe. The 15-hectare lot contains inclined slopes, including a Huastecan burial ground (containing seven burial mounds), making the property not only a unique school location but also one that everyone can take pride in holding in custody as an important archaeological site.

ATS Tancol possesses one of the most beautiful tropical gardens in the country, consisting of a wide variety of plants. These gardens not only embellish our campus and give visitors an incredible view but also enhance and encourage the possibility of outdoor classes. Additionally, buildings were designed with an eye towards integration with the gardens but also retaining a sense of traditional Mexican architecture.

Among the building highlights is the Fleishman Library. The setting overlooks the campus, giving the room quite a view! The library continues to improve by acquiring new books and staying updated with the latest technology. It also serves as a media and resource center, making it one of the most popular and visited places by students.

In addition to the Fleishman Library, state-of-the-art technology is found in our science lab, allowing students to experiment and research with electric microscopes and equipped lab tables. Our computer labs are supplied with desktops and software offering the best of modern technology.

The fully set up and conveniently functional art room provides students with possibilities to create and express themselves. Additionally, two music rooms form part of our school grounds giving students an opportunity to complete a well-rounded education. Pre-K and Kinder classrooms, the Elementary and Middle School buildings, together with the Counselor's and Principal's offices, form the campus's backbone.

In the year 2000, the first floor of the new Middle School structure known as the Anderson Building was added. Although plans have subsequently changed, it was originally designed to hold ten fully equipped classrooms, restrooms, and offices.

Student comfort was a high priority in 2001 when the Special Events Committee organized the addition of a roof to the Basketball and Volleyball courts. Besides providing a more inviting area to conduct athletic events, these covered courts also helped the school to continue receiving accreditation from SACS.

A sad event brought further beauty to the school grounds in 2004 with the development of the Butterfly Garden. It was created in memory of Julie Parce Cox who was instrumental in designing the gardens of ATS Tancol. The Gardens Committee's design and completion of the Butterfly Garden helped achieve Julie's vision.

The year 2003 saw continued growth of the campus, particularly in its Preschool program. Construction began on the Early Childhood building that holds six classrooms, administrative offices, a multipurpose room, and a kitchen lab.

Achievement of an important academic milestone occurred in 2005 with the incorporation of the Early Childhood program into the Secretaría de Educación Pública. This acceptance formalized the Early Childhood program, continuing the school's mission statement of incorporating both Mexican and U.S. standards in our education.

In 2006, ATS became a member of the Character Counts!TM coalition. This worldwide coalition works to instill basic values in students. This is seen as an important step in the development of not only an academic but a morally strong student population.

Following the steps towards an overall academic vision, that same year presented the completion of the Anderson Building, which housed the entire High School program. Nevertheless, from its inauguration in 2010, the Robert and Sheri Fleishman Building has occupied the section ever since.

ATS's latest pride and joy is the Sports and Arts Center (SAC). With its assembly concluded in 2019, its brand-new facilities will house a 415-seat theater, music classrooms, a lobby, a cafeteria, and an already functional gym for hosting sporting matches and institutional events. The SAC is an ambitious project which was made possible thanks in great part through support from alumni and the community in general.

As our school community continues to expand one can only expect more change to accommodate the vision first begun in 1917. From a humble beginning of approximately 70 students, the school has grown to include a population of 901 students, 579 families, and 252 staff members.

Today, The American School of Tampico is proud to salute its storied past while embracing a rich future.

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HISTORY

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