UAS

History

Uruguayans and U.S. citizens founded Uruguayan American School in Montevideo, Uruguay, on April 14, 1958. The aim was to promote an intercultural understanding between Uruguay and the United States and to provide a U.S.-style education in Uruguay that included programs from both countries. Initially, the students were mostly U.S. citizens or Uruguayans whose parents chose this type of education for their children. The school’s student body grew as it added programs and expand over time. Today, more than half of the students come from countries other than the United States and Uruguay. More than 35 nationalities are represented among our students.

A UNIQUE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

Since its origin, UAS has sought to offer a unique educational opportunity unlike any other school in Uruguay. The school offers multiple programs of study and diplomas. There is an international curriculum taught entirely in English and an Uruguayan curriculum for students who plan to attend a university in South America.

UAS has worked towards official accreditation for its education programs from its inception. The initial push for Spanish courses came from the Comisión Nacional de Educación, while English courses received approval from the United States Embassy. In 1969, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) granted the school accreditation.

In the 1990s, the school started conversations with the Uruguayan government to get accreditation (habilitación) for the elementary and secondary divisions. The Uruguayan Ministry of Education recognized our Secondary Program in 1999; therefore, graduates could pursue higher education at Uruguayan universities. In 2000, they formally recognized the Elementary School and allowed our students to enter any secondary school in the country with no additional entrance exams.

In August 2014, UAS was approved to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The Uruguayan Ministry of Education supports this diploma that allows students to study at any university in Uruguay, the region, the United States, or Europe. In September 2015, UAS changed its accreditation agency from AdvancED (formerly SACS) to New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). NEASC is a voluntary nonprofit membership organization that connects and serves over 2,000 schools in the New England area, including independent schools in more than 65 nations worldwide.

AN IDEAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

In order to provide an ideal learning environment, UAS has relocated several times around Montevideo to provide first-rate facilities and ample space. Only twelve students attended UAS when it first opened at Luis B. Cavia in Pocitos. Two years later, in 1960, the school needed more space and moved to 26 de Marzo 3274. UAS bought its own building at Bulevar Artigas 160 in 1961. Nursery through 8th grade were taught at the school, but in 1963 an annex for the Secondary school was built. Once again, the school moved to Carrasco in 1978 in order to expand its campus. On the same campus, students from nursery through 12th grade attended. The campus included a playground and a soccer field. For 35 years, it was home to the school.

The year 2003 was a year of change. After being in the same location for over three decades, the school purchased its current property on Saldún de Rodríguez 2375, also in Carrasco. The school celebrated its move to a larger and more modern facility in August of that year. At that time, the school had about 300 students from all over the world. In September 2016, the school opened a 1,000 square meter new secondary wing, which added classrooms, a science lab, an art classroom, and a large, colorful, naturally lit flexible learning space.

Since 1958, the UAS has provided a unique educational opportunity and an ideal learning environment for students from around the world.

This post is also available in: Spanish

UAS

History

A UNIQUE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

AN IDEAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

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