As we embark on another school year, it is the perfect time to reflect on our past successes while continuing to strive toward our collective future.

Amerasia’s journey has been one of remarkable growth and achievement. Our community is thriving, attracting staff and students from 18 months to 18 years old from more than 50 nations. Remarkably, about 80% of our exemplary teachers hold master’s or doctoral degrees, and all are certified in Montessori or IB pedagogy for their relevant age levels and subject areas. With a wealth of international teaching experience, our staff provides invaluable insights, embodying a true “global perspective.” This international mindedness, a core tenet of the IB philosophy, remains one of our greatest strengths as we instill the attributes of the Learner Profile, grace, and courtesy in our students. We eagerly anticipate continuing this global collaboration and sharing best practices in our search for “more right answers.”

While our Amerasia community has grown more global, we have consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence. This dedication has enabled us to achieve milestones such as becoming the first AMS-accredited Montessori school in all of Asia, the first IB World School in Shandong Province, and the 17th IB continuum school in China offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). We are also proud of our partnerships with ACAMIS (Association of China and Mongolia International Schools) and our accreditations with the Middle States Association (MSA) and the Council of International Schools (CIS)—the “Gold Standard” in international education. We should take immense pride in these monumental accomplishments.

However, our measure of success lies not in these “end goals” but in the journey that brought us here. I continue to stand proud of a community that faces all challenges with great optimism, a deep faith in one another, and a love for life and learning that has become the hallmark of the Amerasia family.

In the end, we have been called to partake in a great journey of transformation. Our child-centered, inquiry-based, holistic approach aims for each student to self-actualize. When individuals begin to discover their true nature and strive toward their highest potential, they learn to value and cherish one another, live without prejudice, create more democratic communities, and use their powers of reason and creativity to solve the multitude of complex challenges that currently face the human race. As we nurture courageous, internationally minded leaders, we allow our students to express themselves freely while surrounding them with unconditional acceptance and love. In the words of Maria Montessori, it is precisely this freedom to discover the nature of the Self that will allow our children to “penetrate life’s secrets, and win its rewards, not only for themselves but for all.”

I extend my heartfelt thanks to all staff, parents, and students for their unwavering support of the Amerasia mission and vision. I look forward to our journey of continued collaboration throughout the school year.