A 21ST CENTURY APPROACH TO LEARNING
American International School of Utah (AISU) is a K-12 charter school and private school based in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America. AISU nurtures agency through personalized, competency-based learning, fostering Character, Purpose, Capacity and Community. AISU seeks to personalize, accelerate and enrich learning using a technology-facilitated, student-centered, blended learning model within a flexible, creative, and inspiring school environment that encourages students to be personally invested and globally engaged.
UTAH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF UTAH is located in SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, U.S.A.
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tah is known around the world as the premier destination for winter sports. Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics and world-class athletes and beginner skiers enjoy the average 12.7 meters of average annual snow in Utah’s mountains. Utah is home to 14 ski resorts, seven within a 30 minute drive of American International School of Utah! Utah is also home to 17 famous national parks, monuments, forests, recreation areas and historic sites with landscapes and scenery like nowhere else on the planet. From towering mountain peaks to deep red rock canyons, Utah’s unique environment is a wonderful place to learn and have fun!
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SALT LAKE CITY
SALT LAKE CITY
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he Salt Lake City metropolitan area is the 27th largest area in the United States with a population of more than 2,350,000. Salt Lake has all the trappings of a world-class city: symphony, opera, and orchestra; restaurants to suit every taste; and prolific recreational opportunities!
The Salt Lake International Airport (SLC) is the 24th busiest airport in the world with about 900 arrivals and departures per day. SLC is a major hub for Delta Airlines, serves 13 airlines and was ranked #1 in the United States for on-time arrivals and departures. AISU is a short 15 minute drive to the airport.
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US News & World Report ranked Salt Lake City as the #6 public transportation system in the United States. A combination of light rail, heavy rail and buses serve the entire metropolitan area. AISU is a short walk to a major public transportation hub and regular school bus service connects students to the train and bus depot.
AISU & ADMINISTRATORS
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merican International School of Utah is located on a 27-acre campus in central Salt Lake County. The 170,000 square foot main building was completely remodeled and refurbished in 2014. The campus is within walking distance of Salt Lake City’s award winning light rail system, commuter train and bus hub. The beautiful Rocky Mountains are minutes away and provide a stunning backdrop to the campus. Two top ranked universities are within 30 minutes of our campus. A level one hospital is less than five minutes away if needed. Successful AISU students have the opportunity to continue their education at top tier universities across the United States. AISU Students have opportunities to tour university campuses and expert counselors help them prepare applications for the schools of their choice.
DR. RICHARD MAXFIELD Board Chair
MICHAEL FARLEY Superintendent
Former Chair of the Utah State Board of Education and an important national voice in education reform. He worked to improve Thailand’s system of technology schools. He has B.A. in Physical Science from the University of Utah and a M.A. and Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from BYU. His expertise in educational improvement and educational technology, with particular emphasis on the benefits of a learner-based approach helps focus the vision of AISU.
His vision created AISU and other successful schools across America. At Central Michigan University in 1994-95 he assisted more than thirty groups navigate through the challenges of opening new schools.. While serving as the Director of Education for the George C. Marshall Foundation, Mr. Farley led the design and implementation for Phoenix Military Academy in 2002, one of the first “Gates Small Schools” in Chicago. He has a Masters in Educational Administration from Arizona State University.
FACULTY
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Doctorate Level Degrees Richard Maxwell, Board Chair Brigham Young University
Jessica Zurcher, Teacher University of Utah*
Rebecca Hall, Teacher JD, UC Berkley , PhD UC Santa Cruz
Douglas Braithwaite, Provost Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Gerard Dion, Teacher University of California, Irvine
Christa Saeger, Teacher University of Minnesota
Jessica Grant, Teacher University of Maryland*
Natalie Cull JD, Washington University
Master’s Level Degrees Erica Glenn, Performing Arts Director Harvard
Kate Youmans, Director Boston University
Marcia Ling Evans, Director Brigham Young University
Nathan Justis, Principal Harvard & Arizona State University
Marie Pestana, Teacher Arizona State University*
Christopher Lutz, Teacher Southern Utah University
Teri Kelley, Teacher University of Phoenix
Karen Kendall, Teacher Eastern Michigan University
Christa Schiedler, Teacher University of Minnesota
Bill Glad, Coordinator Fuller Theological Seminary
Andrea Holmquist, Assistant Principal Brigham Young University
Douglas Braithwaite, Provost Harvard (MBA)
Kim Clark, Teacher Westminster College
Christa Saeger, Teacher University of Minnesota
Tim Larabee, Teacher Westminster
Mitzi Fretz, Teacher Weber State
Stephanie Johnston, Counselor University of Phoenix
Jessica Grant, Teacher John Hopkins University
Megan Sticht-Reyes, Teacher Rocky Mountain College
Keith Adkins, Teacher NOVA University
Jessica Zurcher, Teacher Brigham Young University
Becky Yu-Fang Liao, Teacher Brigham Young University
Michael Farley, Superintendent Arizona State University
Pippa Keane, Teacher University of Utah
Debbie Meyer, Teacher Westminster College
Mark Smith, Principal Kaplan University
Richard Maxfield, Chairman Brigham Young University Stevie Harrison, K-2 Director St. Catherine University Andrea Marchant, Teacher Westminster College* Robin Tenbrink, Teacher MHS, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals *
* In Progress
ACADEMICS
AISU
features a personalized approach to learning individually tailored to meet the needs of each student. AISU provides students a range of options in fulfilling high school graduation requirements, including a wide variety of Honors, Advanced Placement and College Credit courses. AISU fuses academic rigor with innovation and exploration. AISU offers students the chance to learn side-by-side with other students from around the globe. AISU’s dedicated Success Coaches ensure that every student succeeds. AISU has a world-class staff with many teachers and administrators holding advanced degrees. Instead of sitting in a classroom listening to teachers lecture, students
will likely find themselves immersed in a subject in a small group or lab setting, with teachers available to provide one-on-one instruction as needed. Students will utilize online and computer-facilitated instructional programs to focus their efforts and allowing students to move through material at their own pace, achieving mastery and full credit then moving on to new material.
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REBECCA HALL, J.D., PH.D. Social Studies Dr. Hall earned her J.D. from the University of California Berkeley’s Law School and her Ph.D. in history from UC Santa Cruz. She has practiced law and taught at the high school, undergraduate and graduate levels in law and history. As a professor of law at the University of Utah, she taught Constitutional Law and the History of Race in American Law. Dr. Hall has authored several publications dealing with Colonial American and British American history, as well as 19th century Reconstruction legal and social history.
S.T.E.M.
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cience, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics all play a central role at AISU. In partnership with The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) AISU features a FabLab, a cutting edge facility for students to explore concepts at the nexus of science and art through hands-on exploration. Students engage in self-designed, project-based learning utilizing technologies like 3D printers, laser cutters, digital tools, electronics, and art supplies. AISU students will be prepared to compete in a globally competitive environment by immersing themselves in wide variety of scientific experiences with real world applications. STEM activities and courses will be academically challenging yet rewarding. Students will develop 21st century skills sought after by all employers including creativity, critical thinking,
problem-solving, and decision making in an environment that fosters communication and collaboration abilities. AISU provides students a technical prototyping platform for innovation and invention and provide stimulus for local entrepreneurship.
Our students have opportunities to use a variety of flexible computer controlled tools that cover several different length scales and various materials, with the aim to make “almost anything� that wouldn’t be possible to create with the resources available to individuals working alone.
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DR. GERARD DION Physics and Mathematics Dr. Dion earned a Ph.D. from the University of California Irvine after a BS degree in physics f with a minor in mathematics. As early as 1984, he contributed to basic science research efforts as a member of the Neutrino Group at UC Irvine. While at the Los Alamos Meson Physics Facility in New Mexico, he helped construct one of the most sensitive air-shower array detectors and searched for ultra-high-energy cosmic rays from the Crab pulsar. While at the University of Tokyo he analyzed the highest energy cosmic rays and helped construct and maintain proton decay and neutrino detectors in both Tsukuba and Kamioka, Japan.
ARTS
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other professionals.
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he performing arts program at AISU is grounded in the concept of experiential learning and the idea that quality art educates and that quality education is an art. We seek to foster a bold new generation of innovators who are well-versed in collaboration and able to harness the emerging technologies and cultural eclecticism of the 21st century to become active agents in defining the future of creativity and In addition to AISU’s talented staff, students benefit from one-on-one instruction from visiting artists and
In addition to performing in the space provided by the school, these groups “tour” other schools, rest homes, and arts organizations in an effort to establish meaningful connections within the broader community. Students also have opportunities to participate in flexible internship experiences or to help organize school-wide (or even community-wide) arts festivals. Twoweek “intensives” enrich students’ learning and provide opportunities for travel and collaboration with worldclass performing artists.
ERICA GLENN Performing Arts Director Glenn has taught music privately and as faculty at Dean College (MA), the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (MA), and the Soul Arts Academy (NYC). She is also a co-founder of arts organizations, camps for children, and choral groups throughout UT, AZ, Boston, and NYC. Ms. Glenn publishes with LazyBee Scripts, and her shows have been performed throughout the US, UK, Germany, Australia, and Hong Kong. Ms. Glenn holds an MM in Music Composition from the Longy School of Music in Boston and an Ed.M. in The Arts in Education from Harvard.
ACTIVITIES
AISU
AISU has a very active student community. Students plan and participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities including sports, dances, and clubs:
Student Activities include: Dances, Clubs, National Honor Society, Yearbook, Student Ambassadors, and Student Government.
Competitive sports include: Soccer, Cross Country, Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, and Cheer. Outdoor activities include: Equestrian, Golf, Hiking, and Skiing
American Universities often give preference to students with a wide variety of interests and activities. AISU encourages all students to experience and participate in a range of in-school programs, extracurricular activities and other pursuits.
Art Programs include: Drama, Choirs, Orchestra, and Jazz Band.
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KATE YOUMANS, M.ED. Director Project Based Learning and CTE With degrees in mechanical engineering and education, Kate spent seven years working in the medical device industry. She developed a variety of surgical instruments from initial conceptualization to product launch. She worked to develop students’ interest in STEM careers through educational programming with the National Science Foundation and the Society of Women Engineers. She joined the Office of Engineering Outreach Programs at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Kate is passionate about providing students with the inspiration and skills needed to be successful in future science and engineering careers. Kate enjoys exploring the outdoors, swimming competitively and cooking and baking for friends,
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM
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merican International School of Utah invites students from around the world to enjoy all the benefits of an American high school education. Students will improve English language skills, improve their opportunities to attend a top tier US University, and make lifelong friends from across the globe. AISU offers an all-inclusive package for non-US students attending AISU. That includes tuition, books, fees, as well as room and board. The total cost is $50,000 per school year. Scholarships may be available based on need and exceptional ability. AISU International students have two housing options, homestay or dormitory. Students who chose home stay will improve their English skills living with a pre-screened American family. Students will eat with their families,
MARCIA LING EVANS Director of International Programs
have a private bedroom, share typical household chores (for example cleaning their room and bathroom), and have the opportunity to participate in other family activities. Cost: $850 per month. Students who chose to live in a dormitory will stay in a supervised apartment just a minute’s walk away from AISU. Students will have private rooms and associate with other foreign students supervised by an AISU staff member. All meals will be provided by AISU. Cost: $1,000 - $1,400 per month. Other fees students may accrue include travel, extracurricular activities, transportation, clothing, housing, health insurance, and miscellaneous expenses. Prices subject to change.
Ms. Evans received an Electrical Engineering degree from Henan Technology University in China. Her experience includes working as an electrical engineer for the China National Electric Apparatus Research Institute in Guangzhou, a representative of Taiwan Film Making and as Director of Marketing for Hong Kong Apolo International Shipping Co. After arriving in the United States she owned and operated a language translation service and an international students educational exchange program. She has taught at Utah Valley University, Brigham Young University, Wasatch Academy as the chairman of the Math Department and at Snow College as an Associate Professor.
GOVERNOR OF UTAH August 26, 2014 Michael Farley CEO, Superintendent American International School of Utah 4998 South 360 West Murray, Utah 84123 Dear Superintendent Farley, It is my pleasure as Governor to congratulate you, your faculty and staff, students, parents, and the community at large, as you celebrate the opening of the American International School of Utah. I regret being unable to attend this historic event due to another commitment. Education is one of the cornerstones of Utah’s prosperity and a high priority for my administration. I commend you and the faculty and staff at the American International School of Utah for your efforts to prepare our children and youth for the future by providing
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them with skills and abilities to succeed. Indeed, you lay a foundation that allows them to pursue higher education and meet employer needs when they move into the increasingly global marketplace and work environment. I also wish to express appreciation to the parents and the community for their support of the American International School of Utah and its students. Studies show consistently that when parents and the community collaborate with schools and advocate learning, students are more likely to achieve higher academically. Again, congratulations and best wishes for your success in the years ahead. Sincerely,
Gary R. Herbert Governor
A 21ST CENTURY APPROACH TO LEARNING American International School of Utah (AISU) is a K-12 charter school and private school based in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America. AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF UTAH 4998 S GALLERIA DR., SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84123, USA 001-801-989-7191 www.AISUtah.org