American School of Dubai turns 50

The American School of Dubai (ASD) is celebrating its 50th anniversary during the 2016/17 school year.

One of the country's oldest not-for-profit schools, ASD was set up in 1966, before the official formation of the UAE in 1971.

ASD was initially developed in by the Dubai Petroleum Company as a school for its expatriate staff from the United States. Beginning the first year with 11 students and two teachers, ASD's student body now numbers more than 1800 representing more than 55 nationalities at its purpose-built campus in Al Barsha.

Commenting on the milestone, ASD chairman of the board of trustees Joe Lebrato said: "As we celebrate 50 years of our journey today, the American School of Dubai would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to the Vice President and Prime Minster of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and his father His Highness Sheikh Rashid, for their support of our mission to develop the highest quality learning environment for our students."

ASD superintendent Dr Brent Mutsch added: "ASD's mission is to challenge and inspire our students. Through a vision that has been shaped and enabled by the growth and development of the UAE, we strive to create the next generation of passionate learners who contribute to our rapidly changing world."

Milestones from the school's first 50 years include:

1966 – Creation as the Dubai Petroleum American Community School, located in Deira, with 11 students

1973 – New Jumeirah location officially opened by first Ruler of Dubai and UAE Vice President, His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum

1976 – Renamed as the Jumeirah American School (JAS)

1977 – Officially became an international school, enrolling foreign students

1983 - JAS embraces learning through technology, opening Apple IIe computers labs for school use

1990 – Secondary programme launched, adding one high school grade each year

1992 – JAS renamed to the American School of Dubai and celebrates its 25th anniversary

1994 - JAS graduates its first class of 21 seniors

2004 - The government of Dubai, through official decree, makes ASD a not-for-profit school within a Cultural Foundation and no longer operated by Dubai Petroleum Company. ASD is governed by an appointed volunteer Board of Trustees

2006 – ASD goes to a wireless environment and adopts a laptop-based learning environment

2010 – The new ASD campus in Al Barsha opens and is inaugurated by Vice President and Prime Minster of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

2 - ASD celebrates its 50th anniversary year