Over
118 years ago, Mrs. Bessie McRae Files, who had completed her
training as a kindergarten teacher in the United States, was
persuaded by her son-in-law, John Davis, to open a kindergarten
in Mexico where children of English-speaking people could attend. Mrs.
Files converted a room in the Davis home into a classroom,
rented a piano, had furniture made locally, and brought books
and supplies over from the U. S. On August 6, 1888, the school
located at 2nda. Calle de Iturbide was opened, with an enrollment
of 19 pupils. In
1894, Mexico Grammar School was formed, with 96
students in Kindergarten, Primary and Grammar grades.
The new school
was
housed at 1era. Calle de Colón No. 9, where
classes started on November 5, 1894. The
school kept growing, and there was need for a new home. In
1905 the school was moved to Calle de Industria No. 15, which
was larger and had playgrounds and an athletic field. A high
school was added and the name of the school was changed to
Mexico City Grammar and High School. As
more and more students were enrolled, it was obvious
that the school needed even larger facilities. On October
5th, 1922,
the building at Insurgentes and San Luis Potosí was
ready for occupancy, and it would be the home of
The American School for 24 years.
Since
1946, our School has been at its present location, Sur 136
No. 135, with its main entrance at Bondojito 215.
Throughout
the years, there have been many changes to the premises, and
there are more yet to come! If
you would like to read more about the history of The American
School, don't hesitate to visit us at the Alumni Office. (Entrance
through the Finance Office, up the stairs)
