Word from the Headmaster

Welcome!

Whether you are a prospective student or parent, an alumna or alumnus, a teacher or staff person considering the American Community School at Beirut, or are merely curious to learn more about our school, I’m delighted you’ve chosen to explore the American Community School at Beirut .

I would like to introduce myself. My name is George Damon and I am proud to be the Headmaster of ACS. My wife, Joumana, and I have strong emotional and family ties to the Middle East. She is Syrian and grew up in Damascus. I was born in Istanbul and grew up in Washington, DC as the son of a US diplomat. My great aunt is Elizabeth Dodge, whose family continues to support education in Lebanon and Turkey. In my four jobs over 32 years I have taught and worked with K-12 and college students. I have a rich and varied background based on being a college professor, working in the oldest American supported school in the world and starting a school from the beginning. I taught at a different level in each of the four institutions: 7th-9th grades; college (all 4 yrs); high school, and most recently 2^{nd grade.}

 Just as I was warmly welcomed into the ACS community, I too welcome you to visit a community dedicated to renewal at all levels. Rebuilt after the civil war in Lebanon by a dedicated staff, the school now serves 1,000 students who are challenged by the school’s offering of the Lebanese, American and International Baccalaureate Programs. The school used its re-accreditation to confirm its mission to be an innovative, engaging multi-cultural urban school.

I hope that you will look through the rest of our materials and be motivated to visit us in person!

With best wishes,

George H. Damon, Jr. - Ed.D.

Headmaster

• Headmaster's Philosophy

ACS Mission Statement

The American Community School at Beirut offers research-based and classroom proven educational practices through an American educational philosophy.  The program instills in students the highest academic and ethical standards, preparing them for the successful pursuit of higher education and for responsible effective global citizenship.

Founded in 1905, ACS is an independent, non-profit, non-sectarian, pre-K-12 coeducational day school.  It draws students from both the Lebanese and international communities in Lebanon and embraces diversity in race, gender, religion, national origin and economic background.  ACS is accredited in the United States and licensed in Lebanon.  It offers a rich and balanced curriculum in both the liberal arts and the sciences.  Athletics, the visual and performing arts, extra-curricular activities and community service are integral components of an ACS education.  In the high school, ACS provides a rigorous college preparatory course of study including the Lebanese and International Baccalaureate Programs.  While the language of instruction is English, Arabic is taught at all levels.     

ACS encourages students to be open-minded and respectful of the social, political and religious diversity of its community.  As it enters its second century, ACS reaffirms its commitment to developing a lifelong engagement in learning as well as the leadership qualities and personal integrity needed to contribute positively in an increasingly complex global society.

Approved March 17, 2008.........!!!!!!

Philosophy