ACS BEIRUT HISTORY

ACS at Beirut was founded in 1905, when a small group of American parents from the Syrian Protestant College, which later became the renowned American University of Beirut, (AUB) founded a school that offered the American curriculum. In 1921, the American Presbyterian Mission joined the AUB in sponsorship of the school. A new constitution and the school received its new name: The American Community School. ACS began to develop its reputation as the best American school in the region.

In the late 1940's ARAMCO (the Arabian-American Oil Company in Saudi Arabia) became the third sponsor of the School. ARAMCO purchased the land on which the School currently resides. By the beginning of the 1970's, enrollment had reached over 1,000 students, with a full boarding department.

Over the course of its history, ACS has been affected by wars that swept the region. The School suffered considerable physical damage over the course of the Civil War (1975 - 1990), and enrollments plummeted as the international community left Beirut. The boarding department was closed. In 1984 the Board met to decide on the future feasibility and direction of the School.

The Lebanese student population began to increase as most of the Expatriates were forced to leave Lebanon. Therefore ACS registered with the Lebanese Ministry of Education.

A milestone was reached in 1994 when ACS became the first school in Lebanon to be fully accredited by a regional accrediting association in the United States (Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools). In 1994, ACS was able to hire foreign faculty again, and American teachers began to return after the U.S. State Department lifted its travel ban in 1997. By September of 1995, the steadily increasing enrollment had again surpassed 1,000 students, and ACS, in its 90th year, was moving ahead with confidence.

Today, ACS is a flourishing institution. Its students represent a diverse and vibrant community, coming from Lebanese, American, and international families.

The American heritage is felt in the classrooms where each person is recognized, and students are encouraged to be open-minded, to think critically, and to become independent learners.

ACS leadership, headed by Dr. George Damon, is experienced and forward-looking, taking us into the new century with vision and dedication.

The ACS tradition of excellence in teaching is carried forward by talented and qualified teachers who enjoy their work.