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American School of Ulaanbaatar

Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees MNT 25,000,000 - 40,000,000
Ages 5 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 880
Type Co-educational
Opened 2006
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum
Taught languages Mongolian, French, Mandarin
Typical class size 24
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Performing Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service
Stages Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Founded in 2006, the American School of Ulaanbaatar offers an American curriculum for students aged 4 to 18. The school operates as a private institution in Mongolia with Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation to support a US-style diploma recognized by universities in English-speaking countries. From Grade 6 to Grade 12, the program follows the Massachusetts framework, with a balanced, student-centered approach and class sizes capped at 24. Daily schedules run 8:25 to 3:24, featuring core subjects—Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, History, and Social Studies—plus enriching subjects in Technology, Health and Physical Education, and the Arts. Facilities span elementary and secondary campuses, including science labs, a library, ICT, an auditorium, gym spaces, art, music and dance studios, and a learning commons. Co-curriculars include the National Art Honor Society, TED Talk events, and the school newspaper, alongside a robust arts and athletics program. The program supports English-language education and global university access.

VWJC+72G Zaisan Toiruu 42, HUD - 11 khoroo, Ulaanbaatar 17021, Mongolia

The Essentials

American School of Ulaanbaatar has 880 pupils, typical class sizes of 24, instruction in English.

Location

The American School of Ulaanbaatar is located in the Zaisan Area, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The address is Zaisan Hill 11, Khan Uul District Central Post Office, P.O. Box 2365.

Stages

Pre-School, Elementary, and Secondary School

Type

Private school

Country affiliation

United States

School day structure

The school day runs from 8:25 to 3:24.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

The ASU dress code requires wearing the school uniform from Monday to Thursday. The ASU uniform comprises a zippered jacket, a zippered hoodie, a polo shirt, and ASU-issued trousers or skirts. Girls may wear black tights under the skirt. Shoes must be non-scuff and black or predominantly black; athletic shoes are permitted but should be black or predominantly black; Fridays are free dress days.

Food Options

Hot lunch is provided in the cafeteria. The lunch price is 8,500₮ per meal, and lunch money should be paid in advance directly to the cafeteria.

House System

The school uses a house color system; the Elementary School Coordinator/Principal assigns a house color at admission.

Governance and Ownership

The American School of Ulaanbaatar is a private school with three divisions: Pre-School, Elementary, and Secondary. Governance is via a School Board; the Chair is Oyunsuren Dugarjav, who serves as Managing Director and School Founder. The school holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Fees

Annual tuition at American School of Ulaanbaatar ranges from MNT 25,000,000 to MNT 40,000,000 for 2026/27.

Application / Admission and testing fees
- Elementary (KG–Grade 5): Admission and testing fee: MNT 450,000 (one-time, non‑refundable).
- Secondary (Grades 6–12): Admission and testing fee: MNT 550,000 (one‑time, non‑refundable).

Tuition fees by year group (annual and installment breakdown)
- KG – Grade 2 (Lower Elementary): Annual tuition MNT 23,000,000. Instalment amounts: Seat guarantee MNT 6,000,000; Second payment MNT 5,500,000; Third payment MNT 11,500,000.
- Grades 3–5 (Upper Elementary): Annual tuition MNT 27,000,000. Instalment amounts: Seat guarantee MNT 7,000,000; Second payment MNT 6,500,000; Third payment MNT 13,500,000.
- Middle School (Grades 6–8): Annual tuition MNT 32,000,000. Instalment amounts: Seat guarantee MNT 8,000,000; Second payment MNT 8,000,000; Third payment MNT 16,000,000.
- High School (Grades 9–12): Annual tuition MNT 36,000,000. Instalment amounts: Seat guarantee MNT 9,000,000; Second payment MNT 9,000,000; Third payment MNT 18,000,000.
- Sibling discount: 5% off tuition for each second and third child from the same family (birth certificate required).

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Standard installment due dates (example schedule used for the published tuition structure): Seat guarantee due in April; second payment due mid‑August; third payment due early December. For the published schedule the specific dates were Seat Guarantee: April 25; Second Payment: August 14; Third Payment: December 4. Payment deadlines correspond to the semester structure.
- Late/non‑payment: Students may be withdrawn if tuition is not paid within two weeks from the start of the semester. When a student enrolls mid‑semester, the full semester tuition fee must be paid. Unpaid book deposit fees may be deducted automatically from tuition.
- Seat guarantee: Payment of the seat guarantee is required to secure a place for returning students at re‑registration.

Boarding
- Boarding is not available (day school only).

Other costs and recurring fees
- Book deposit (one‑time, refundable after deductions for damaged/lost books): Elementary MNT 500,000; Secondary MNT 1,000,000.
- Uniform (sample prices by section):
- Elementary (Grade 1–5): Polo shirt MNT 50,000; Long‑sleeve polo MNT 60,000; Blue jacket MNT 80,000; Pants MNT 65,000; Skirt MNT 65,000; PE set MNT 120,000; PE T‑shirt MNT 35,000.
- Secondary (Grade 6–12): Short‑sleeve polo MNT 60,000; Long‑sleeve polo MNT 70,000; Pants MNT 85,000; Skirt MNT 85,000; Hoodie with zipper MNT 90,000 (extended sizes incur ~10% extra).
- Lunch (hot meal): Elementary MNT 7,500 per meal; Secondary MNT 8,500 per meal (paid in advance to the student cafeteria account).
- Bus/transportation (per semester, example zone pricing):
- Zone 1 (to Zaisan Mountain): Two‑way MNT 800,000; One‑way MNT 600,000.
- Zone 2 (to Gegeenten town): Two‑way MNT 1,200,000; One‑way MNT 900,000.
- Zone 3 (until Peace Avenue): Two‑way MNT 1,400,000; One‑way MNT 1,050,000.
- Bus service runs by semester and bus fees are billed per semester with published service dates.

Refund policy
- Tuition refunds when a student officially withdraws are applied based on attendance within a semester:
- Withdrawal up to 2 weeks prior to the start of the school year: 90% of the tuition refunded.
- Withdrawal within the first 2 weeks of the school year: 80% of the remaining fee refunded.
- Withdrawal after 2 weeks into the semester: no tuition refund.
- Bus refunds: within 2 weeks of service start 80% of the remaining fee; after 2 weeks no refund.
- Book deposit is refundable after deductions for damaged or lost items and any late pickup fees.
- Note: No tuition reimbursement is made for government‑mandated closures.

Fee payment options and bank details
- Payment methods accepted: Cash payments at the Finance Office and bank transfer to the school account. Credit‑card payment is not indicated in the published fee schedule.
- Published bank details for bank transfers (use the student full name and grade as payment reference):
- Bank: Trade and Development Bank (SWIFT: TDBMMNUB)
- Beneficiary (MNT account): АСУ ХХК Account #: 404197752
- Parents may also pay cash at the Finance Office (Secondary School Finance Office room details provided in published fee instructions).
Academics

American School of Ulaanbaatar teaches Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum for students aged 5 to 18.

Curriculum

ASU offers a dynamic, progressive, and balanced academic program in a student-centered environment. From Grade 6 through Grade 12, the curriculum is challenging and varied and is based on the Massachusetts curriculum framework, culminating in a diploma recognized by universities and colleges in English-speaking countries around the world. The school day runs from 8:25 to 3:24. Class sizes are limited to 24 students. The core subjects are Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, History, and Social Studies, complemented by enriching classes in Technology, Health and Physical Education, and the Arts.

Student Teacher Ratio

Class sizes are limited to 24 students.

Higher Education Progression

The high school diploma is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is recognized as an international diploma. University and college preparation helps students meet entrance requirements for specific programs, with graduates expected to complete ACT, SAT, and/or TOEFL and to perform 40 hours of community service to earn the diploma.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

ASU emphasizes holistic development with a focus on social and emotional growth, alongside physical and academic development. The elementary program is guided by a community-focused theme that highlights social, emotional, physical, and academic growth. The school invites parents to participate in Coffee & Conversation meetings and Parent/Teacher meetings to foster a thriving learning community. The school's outcomes emphasize caring for others, respectful intercultural interactions, and the safety and health of self and others.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English proficiency is assessed using WIDA, which evaluates speaking, listening, reading, and writing. WIDA is used for admissions and placement for students in grades 6-8. MAP Growth measures reading, language usage and math, and is administered for grades 6-11. These tools help guide language support decisions and placement for English language learners.

Mental Wellbeing

ASU supports social-emotional growth as part of its holistic approach. The elementary principal's message emphasizes building a connected community that fosters social, emotional, physical, and academic growth. The Vision and Mission describe involvement, intercultural respect, and care for the safety and health of self and others. Together these elements contribute to students' mental wellbeing by creating a caring, collaborative learning environment.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is integrated into student outcomes, including the safety and health of self and others. The Vision and Mission advocate care for the environment and community and respectful interactions across cultures. The site identifies formal student support structures, such as Learning Commons and a Guidance Counselor within Secondary Student Support. Policies and practices implement safeguarding and child-protection principles to guide staff and student conduct.
Parent Experience

History

The American School of Ulaanbaatar (ASU) is an international private school founded in 2006 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, built on a project started in 2004 to establish an English-language general education with an American-style diploma. It opened in 2006 as a private institution and holds international accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, based in California. The curriculum is adapted from the United States and ASU hires teachers from around the world. In 2020 ASU celebrated its 10th anniversary on December 1, 2020. Since its establishment, ASU has graduated over 250 students, and in the last decade it has graduated over 120 students.

Community

ASU is a community that encourages academic, physical, and creative development, fosters a passion for learning, and inspires intellectual curiosity. The mission emphasizes empowering students to acquire knowledge, be reflective and ethical citizens, and pursue a lifetime of meaningful work. ASU prepares students through rigorous academic and co-curricular programs to succeed in English-speaking colleges and universities and to contribute to a rapidly changing global society.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

ASU maintains a Monthly Parent Teacher Meeting program. Topics have included SAT readiness, High School Graduation Requirements, Digital Awareness Technology and Adolescents, Multiple Intelligences, Stress and Depression, and Career Planning. These meetings provide opportunities for parents and teachers to discuss student progress and plan for college and career pathways. Posts on the page show sessions dating from 2018 to 2020, illustrating ongoing parent engagement.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The school has facilities on both the Elementary and Secondary campuses. Elementary facilities include hallways, a science lab, a gym, classrooms, art, ICT, a library, music, and dance spaces. Secondary facilities include a sport court, hallways, an auditorium, classrooms, art, music, and dance spaces, as well as a science lab, ICT, a cafeteria, a learning commons, a gym and fitness spaces. These spaces support a range of learning activities and student programs.

Sports Facilities

The school has sport facilities including a sport court on the secondary campus and gym spaces on both campuses. These spaces support physical education, intramural activities and athletic programs. The gym facilities are used for a variety of fitness and team-sport activities. Overall, the facilities support a broad PE curriculum and school events.

Academic Facilities

Science labs are available on both the elementary and secondary campuses. ICT facilities support technology-enabled learning on both campuses. A library and a dedicated learning commons provide research and quiet study spaces. Classrooms on both campuses support a range of instructional activities.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Art, music, and dance spaces support co-curricular activities on both campuses. An auditorium on the secondary campus provides a venue for performances and assemblies. The secondary campus includes a learning commons that supports clubs and collaborative work. Classrooms and dedicated spaces help run arts and performance programs as part of student life.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) are integrated into ASU's middle and high school program. CCAs include academic assistance classes and individualized tutorials. CCAs are scheduled on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:35–4:20 p.m., and parental confirmation is required for participation. Students may be exempt from CCAs if they are members of a school-approved Student Organization or if they are on a school sports team in-season, or participate in an extracurricular outside school with proof.

Arts & Creative

Arts are part of ASU's enriching classes; Music, Drama, Dance, and Visual Arts are offered as part of the arts program. The Arts are included in the core enrichment alongside Technology, Health and Physical Education. The school has a National Art Honor Society (NAHS) chapter that has hosted inter-school art competitions. The Senior Art Show and Character Cafe showcase the arts and student involvement.

Social & Hobbies

ASU hosts events that broaden learning beyond the classroom, including ASU x TED Talk. Co-Curricular Activities include quiz games and the school newspaper on Wednesdays. The NAHS chapter participates in inter-school art competitions.

Community & Service

All ASU students must earn 40 hours of community service to graduate. Hours are earned by volunteering with non-profit organizations outside school. No more than 10 hours may be completed for the school community. On-campus activities that support external organizations may count toward community service hours; service as part of a student organization may not count.

Leadership & Professional

Co-Curricular Activities include school-approved Student Organizations. Membership in a Student Organization can exempt CCAs. NAHS and TED Talk involvement provide leadership and professional development opportunities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

ASU integrates Health and Physical Education into the curriculum. The school provides sports facilities including a sports field and a gym. These resources support ongoing athletic and wellness activities as part of student life.
Reputation

Awards

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Accreditations

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredits the ASU high school diploma.
Admissions

Waitlist

Waitlisting allows prospective students to be waitlisted when no place is available for the grade; parents are informed of waitlist status once the required materials are received. Waitlist priority is generally by the order in which applications are received.
School Events
The school has not added events