The Secondary School is comprised of Grades 6 through 12. During the course of their six years in this division, students build on the fundamental skills learned in Elementary School. Greater emphasis is placed on students’ ability to analyze, synthesize and critique the ideas of others and to develop and clearly communicate their own. As students progress through Secondary School, they develop more independence and self-initiative.
At UAS we believe students have compelling ideas worth sharing and debating. In the classroom, teachers provide ample opportunities for students to develop their unique voices and to engage with “real world” global, cultural, social and ethical issues. Outside the classroom, UAS offers an array of programs, clubs and athletic teams that allow students to strengthen their leadership, creativity, problem solving and teamwork skills.
Ultimately, our goal is that each student leaves UAS as a globally aware, creative, emotionally intelligent, collaborative critical thinker equipped with the academic and technology skills to successfully pursue their goals.
THE UAS LEARNER PROFILE
To be successful in the ever-changing world into which they will graduate, our students need to possess more than academic skills. Nowadays information expands exponentially, existing careers evolve, and unknown new careers await on the horizon. It is no longer sufficient to teach students knowledge and facts. Students need to learn how to learn and develop dispositions that will transfer to many different careers, cultures, and countries.
The Learner Profile, created with the input of students, teachers, and parents, identifies the dispositions or “soft skills” that UAS instills in students. We intend that all UAS students leave the school as emotionally intelligent, creative, critical thinking, collaborative and globally aware people. The UAS Learner Profile informs our programs, practices, and instruction and prepares the student for success today and beyond graduation.
THREE HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA PROGRAMS:
UAS offers three accredited programs of study.
We are fully accredited by the U.S. accrediting body New England Association of Schools and Colleges and by the Uruguayan Ministry of Education’s Secondary School Education Council (ANEP-CODICEN) and Elementary School Education Council (ANEP-CEIP). UAS is also certified to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.
UAS students can earn up to three diplomas: a U.S. high school diploma, an Uruguayan high school diploma, and an IB diploma. These three different programs enable the school to meet its mission of preparing students for university studies in the United States, South America, Europe, and many other countries.
IB: A PATH TO WORLD UNIVERSITIES
At UAS all high students pursue the challenge of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Recognized and respected by the world’s leading universities, the rigorous two-year course of study encourages students to be knowledgeable, curious and empathetic. Students develop intercultural understanding, open-mindedness, and the attitudes and skills necessary to respect and evaluate a range of points of view. UAS has a broad range of IB course offerings, allowing students to tailor their program of study to meet their university aspirations.
For more detailed information about the UAS IB Diploma Programme, refer to the official IB diploma website.
URUGUAYAN PROGRAM: A PATH TO URUGUAYAN UNIVERSITIES
For those students intending to pursue university studies in Uruguay or South America, UAS also offers the Secondary Uruguayan Program (UP) from Grades 6 through 12. The UP is accredited by the Uruguayan Ministry of Education’s Secondary School Education Council (ANEP-CODICEN) and can be studied jointly with both the U.S. and IB programs of study. UP Math, Science, Social Studies and English Literature courses are taught in English. History, Spanish Literature, Sociology, Law and Civics are taught in Spanish.
Although the Uruguayan Program is optional, Uruguayan families, South American families, or families planning to move to another South American country are encouraged to enroll their children. Students graduating with the Uruguayan Program diploma are exempt from Uruguayan university admissions examinations.
A MULTICULTURAL EXPERIENCE
UAS has students from 35 different countries and faculty and staff from more than a dozen nations. In classroom discussions and interactions, students share their unique cultural perspective and the customs and traditions of their native countries and the countries where they have lived. The consideration of and respect for multiple perspectives makes for a rich classroom environment.
UAS’s unique faculty of United States, Uruguayan and international teachers contribute their own multicultural background and experiences to enhance students’ understanding and vision of the world. The faculty models collaboration, respect and continuous learning as they implement new programs and learn from each other’s practices.
TECHNOLOGICAL FLUENCY: A 21st CENTURY REQUIREMENT
By integrating technology into classroom instruction, UAS prepares students for success in the world into which they will graduate.
Learning technology can enhance student engagement and participation in the learning process, facilitate collaboration and communication, and provide greater access to information and resources.
Students at UAS learn how to use technology independently and ethically and to contribute positively to the virtual community as creators instead of just consumers. The Google Apps for Education suite allows students to communicate and collaborate with classmates, students, and professionals around the globe. They learn design principles and develop creativity through programming, coding, robotics, and graphic design.
UAS believes that students who productively and responsibly integrate technology into their academic and creative pursuits will be better prepared for their university careers and beyond.
SUPPORTING GROWTH & PLANNING FUTURES
In Secondary School our college counselor begins to prepare students for life beyond UAS. Under the guidance of the counselor, students start to explore careers and universities.
Choosing a university can be a daunting task for students and families. Our counselor assists them in researching universities, registering for admissions examinations, completing applications, and writing admissions essays. Each year universities from the United States, Uruguay, Canada, Europe, and Australia visit UAS to share information about their institutions and programs.
UAS is the only center in Uruguay certified to administer the SAT and ACT, U.S. university admissions examinations.
UAS also has a team of educators and professionals dedicated to supporting students’ social, emotional, and academic growth. Their goal is to ensure that all students can achieve their full potential in the classroom.
For more information on student support services, click here.
For more information on college counseling services, click here.
LEARNING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
At UAS we encourage students to practice and apply their knowledge and skills beyond the borders of the classroom. There are a variety of exciting clubs and programs that offer students the opportunity to build their leadership skills, creativity, and engagement with local and global issues. These powerful and enduring experiences foster the confidence and poise students need as they pursue their goals after UAS.
For more information on co-curricular programs and activities,click here.
ANEP-CEIP - Colegio Habilitado Nº 163
ANEP-CODICEN - Exp. Nº 907.778