Secondary Education (ESO) in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

ASLP is an Eco-School.

As a school community, we are deeply aware of the importance of caring for the environment and protecting our natural resources. Reducing our carbon footprint, using green energy, conserving power, and recycling are daily challenges that we take seriously. Personal and collective environmental awareness is one of the most important commitments we can make as a school.

What Does It Mean to Be an Eco-School?

Creating an environmental policy for the entire school not only strengthens our sense of community and environmental responsibility, it’s also the right decision to make as an educational institution. The American School of Las Palmas is committed to both our students and the planet by educating our staff, students, and families to raise awareness about:

• Energy conservation
• Waste reduction
• Environmental literacy

Our school community strives to achieve a Zero Waste goal by using recyclable materials and reusable bottles and containers. We encourage everyone in our community to reduce, reuse, and recycle!

Recognized as an Official Eco-School

We are proud to have received official recognition from the International Eco-Schools Organization, and our Green Flag flies proudly on campus. We were recently re-audited by the Eco-Schools organization and have once again maintained our official Eco-School status.

Eco-Action Teams and Eco-Council

Preschool and Elementary students participate in Eco-Action Teams, made up of students and teachers who meet regularly to brainstorm and develop projects promoting environmental awareness, energy conservation, and waste reduction.

In Middle and High School, an Eco-Council is formed with elected student representatives from each grade. Together, these teams make up the school-wide Eco-Council, which also includes members of the broader school community.

We proudly implement the KiVa Anti-Bullying Program, a respected initiative developed by the Finnish Ministry of Education and proven effective through rigorous scientific research. This specialized educational program focuses on preventing bullying and addressing it at its roots. Our students actively participate in the program, strengthening their social skills through respect and tolerance, and learning to promote empathy and social awareness.

The MAP Growth (Measures of Academic Progress) assessment allows us to evaluate student progress three times a year in reading and math from Preschool through 2nd grade. Starting in 3rd grade, we also assess language usage. This tool provides accurate, real-time information about each student, helping teachers and students work together toward one shared goal: learning at the highest possible level.

MAP Growth is not a traditional standardized test; it’s individualized and adaptive. The program adjusts to each student’s academic level, challenging advanced learners without overwhelming those who need additional support. Each student can take the time they need to finish, even across multiple sessions or days. The assessment also includes accommodations for students with special educational needs.

MAP Growth is used from Kindergarten through 10th grade at ASLP. After each assessment, families receive a detailed progress report, and students set SMART goals with their teachers. These goals are monitored throughout the year, allowing students to track their progress and reflect on their growth.

All ASLP students from 5th through 10th grade participate in the iPad Program, using iPads as a key learning tool.

We have integrated iPads into the learning process to foster competent digital users, independent learners, critical thinkers, and creative, socially aware individuals. By the end of Middle School (6th to 8th grade), students will demonstrate conceptual understanding, digital literacy, and strong skills in the use of this technology and its main applications, including:

• Visual thinking
• Mind mapping
• Gamification
• Flipped classroom dynamics
• Audiovisual creation

ASLP partners with Banana Computer to offer families a complete iPad package. Families purchase an iPad directly from Banana Computer, which comes pre-configured with all required school software and applications. Students are responsible for bringing their iPad to school, using it appropriately in class and on campus, and ensuring it remains in good working condition.

Model United Nations is a forum where students from around the world meet to debate real-world issues. A significant opportunity is The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN), held at the United Nations venue in The Hague, Netherlands.

Each year, the American School of Las Palmas is privileged to send students as delegates to MUN programs. About 3,500 students from around the world participate in this annual conference during the last week of January. Each school sends a team of delegates who represent a country assigned by the United Nations in a simulation that mirrors UN proceedings.

Before attending the conference, students complete intensive coursework that explains the roles, procedures, protocols, and key focus areas of the United Nations, and they research their assigned country. Students who participate in MUN receive academic credit for their work.

ASLP requires students to complete a minimum of 75 hours of community service in addition to school activities. Starting in 9th grade, students accumulate community hours to complete the credits required for graduation. In Secondary, they participate in service-learning experiences both on and off campus. In the past, students have volunteered with organizations such as the Red Cross and the Parkinson’s Center. Students also support the school community by helping in Elementary, assisting at events, and contributing to extracurricular activities.

From 9th through 12th grade, all students receive preparation, guidance, and support as they choose their postsecondary path. Each student completes a college and career assessment that helps them choose courses and programs that will give them the most options for the future. Students receive an individualized plan after families meet with the college counselors.

Once a week, 11th and 12th grade students attend a College Counseling class, which helps them choose a university in the United States, Canada, Europe, or Asia, among other destinations. We recommend that 11th graders take the SAT in the spring of junior year and retake it in the fall if needed. Students can also sit for AP exams in several subjects, which may earn them university credits. Students who wish to study at Spanish universities receive counseling services adapted to their requirements. Students and families are responsible for making final decisions about postsecondary options.

We also offer the TOEFL exam for students who are learning English at an advanced level. Students who wish to take this exam should do so in the spring of 11th grade. The Counseling Department organizes information sessions, Career Nights, university open houses, and meetings with students and their families.