Community Service

The idea of combining compassion with action starts at an early age. In our Above and Beyond program, we develop childrens’ understanding of what it means to be empathic, to be creative problem solvers, and to help others. Alongside teachers or student volunteers from our high school, children engage in specific service projects and experience firsthand the impact kindness can have on others.

Take a closer look at our Early Childhood students in action:

• First graders launched an initiative to build a "buddy bench" to support friends who may at times feel lonely or need someone to talk to during recess. The first grade established a Buddy Bench Committee to see the idea turned into reality.
• A group of second graders in the Stop Motion Club dedicated recess time to creating an instructional video about composting and waste sorting. They shared it with fellow students to raise awareness and to promote positive environmental practices.
• Second graders from the Interview Club interview HS students from the Giving Back Club to learn about kindness and the power of giving. 

In grades 3 through 5 children identify, study and support organizations in Lebanon performing valuable work to protect the environment and support Lebanon’s underserved communities. These efforts culminate in two ES Gives Back Days that have included collaborations with Berrad El Hay, Ahla Fawda, UWYTA, Dar Al Aytam, Ajialouna, the Mohammad Khaled Foundation, the Lebanese Food Bank, and DAFA.

Take a closer look at our Elementary School students in action:

• ES Gives Back Day is a day of community service held two times per year. Students visit local NGOs to lend a hand and to engage with others in a meaningful way.
• ES Business Day, launched in 2024, is a day for students to showcase their entrepreneurial abilities by creating and selling products to the community. All proceeds – $10,000 in its inaugural year – are donated to local charities.

Middle School students learn the essentials of community advocacy and action through their volunteer service club: Random Acts of Kindness. In addition, MS students work with ACS high school students in Nour International, the ECO Club, and as delegates to the annual Compassion Summit in Jordan.

By High School ACS students are ready to take on projects and causes of their own design and under their own leadership. In preparation for this, all 9th and 10th grade students attend two yearly Service Days. Service Days introduce underclassmen to local aid organizations and help them to conceive of future community service efforts designed to suit their skills and interests and to maximize impact. Noteworthy student-led groups include ACS for Animals, the Giving Back Club, the ECO Club, the INARA Club, Nour International, and our delegation to the Compassion Summit.