Admissions>>Welcome!

Middle/High School / Campus Huasteca 6-12th

Welcome Letter for Prospective /New Students

The American School Foundation of Monterrey is an excellent school. Please check our website www.asfm.edu.mx, the ASFM brochure, our school profile and overview. These are intended to help you obtain the information you need. This letter is intended to provide some additional insight into the special challenges our new international students face as they join our middle and high school at La Huasteca Campus.

ASFM is frequently rated as the best school in Monterrey and among the finest in Latin America. Local universities rank our students among the best they receive. This year we have students who have been accepted into 25 American universities and colleges including prestigious institutions such as Yale, Cornell, Uni. of Illinois, Uni. of Texas, Uni. of Chicago, N.Y.U., University of Southern California, Penn State Uni. and many others. Advanced Placement, SAT and TOEFL scores are well above average. La Huasteca is a school with a strong academic college preparation program. This kind of program makes ASFM an excellent choice for local students who have a wide range of school alternatives to consider.  It can be an excellent choice for international students who come from schools with similar academic programs but La Huasteca may not be the right choice for students who require a broader range of course choices or more support for special needs.

Changing schools during adolescent years is difficult, even within the same city. When the move also involves a new country with a different language and culture, this change can be very stressful and difficult for teens. Our school presents another special challenge since 90% of our students are Mexican nationals who have been in school together since they were four years old.

We find many international students adapt quickly, are very happy and they find academic success at La Huasteca. We find others who take much longer to adjust.  We have a few students who are not successful and leave La Huasteca. This is very painful for the student, family and our school. Usually the students who come to their new school family with a great attitude and get involved in as many extra-curricular activities as possible early in the school year tend to be happy and successful. Most of our students are Mexican and they of course shift to Spanish in the hallway and cafeteria after class, so newcomers have to be patient in learning a second language and assertive in asking their new friends to speak English in their presence.  We do have Special Spanish classes at several levels to help newcomers learn quickly.

We have a very aggressive orientation program for all new students to La Huasteca and in particular for Americans. Some of our activities include:

• special care and attention by teachers, team leaders, counselors resource teachers. We try to share the kind of steps new students can take that have worked well for others. We try to create natural curriculum related opportunities that will integrate students successfully. We try to be very available to listen to and respond to students needing help.
• creating email buddies prior to arrival at La Huasteca matching new students with local students
• special social activities outside of school sponsored by the Students Council or parents
• special lunches for new students
• special class scheduling to create successful situations
• holding special events: multicultural days, diversity days
• workshops on culture shock and what to expect with a move to a new country
• matching older students with younger students to help with the orientation process
• conflict resolution workshops
• using some of our newest students to help prospective students and families understand the school when they visit or first begin classes
• holding periodic joint meetings with international parents, students, counselors and administrators to see what the current issues are for new students and to brainstorm solutions
• one on one weekly postcards
• asking MS and HS Students Council to address the issue and look for solutions
• wide variety of clubs, extracurricular activities and special events are offered.

In addition to the support given at school the International Parents Association does an excellent job of welcoming new parents, encouraging their attendance at monthly meetings to provide needed support, and serving as family buddies during their first few months in Monterrey.

We welcome any contact by email, telephone or personal visit to provide information and receive any suggestions on how La Huasteca can make international students successful.  

We appreciate your interest in our school and look forward to your son or daughter joining us soon.

Sincerely,