مدرسة الجالية الأميركية

A cannonball marked “POTREZEBIE” is not what you expect to find at a school. Yet, this legend is part of the American Community School Beirut.

Welcome to the American Community School Beirut. It is also known as ACS Beirut. This private school has a long and interesting history in Beirut.

Founded in 1905, ACS Beirut started as a school for children. The children were from the American University of Beirut faculty. It was then known as the Syrian Protestant College. American parents wanted a school to prepare their children for American universities.

The small school grew quickly. By 1920, it moved from Rue Bliss to a red-roofed house on Rue Sidani. The American Presbyterian Mission joined AUB in sponsoring the school. At this point, the school was renamed the American Community School.

By the 1940s, the school had over 900 students. Most were Western children. The current building was built in 1949. Funds were provided by ARAMCO. Today, most students are Lebanese. This is the same as with the university.

ACS Beirut celebrated its Centennial in 2005. In 2011, it celebrated its 100th graduating class.

ACS Beirut offers three high school diploma types. The American High School Diploma prepares students for US colleges. All graduates earn this diploma. ACS also offers the International Baccalaureate and the Lebanese Baccalaureate diplomas. Each diploma program has a different course of study. The IB Diploma Program differs in the last two high school years. The Lebanese Baccalaureate differs in grades 9 and 12.

The ACS campus is near the Mediterranean Sea. The Lower School building includes a library and computer center. There is also an auditorium and art room. The Middle School building has classrooms and science labs. It also houses the Upper Library. The Upper School Building has a bookstore and IT Department.

ACS Beirut has an active athletics program. It partakes in sporting conferences. These include NESAC and local tournaments. Awards are presented to student-athletes. These include the Fighting Heart Award and the Most Improved Player.

Notable alumni include Stewart Copeland and Keanu Reeves. Stewart Copeland was the drummer for The Police. His father was the CIA station chief in Beirut. Keanu Reeves is a famous actor.

ACS Beirut has overcome many challenges. These include wars and political crises. Today, it is a leading international school in Lebanon. It continues to educate students. It prepares them for success in a global world. The American Community School Beirut’s history is one of resilience. It is a story of commitment to education. The school has adapted to changing times. ACS Beirut remains a vital part of Beirut’s educational landscape.