The American School of Paris, universally known as ASP, is one of the oldest and largest international schools in the French capital. Founded in 1946 and set on a leafy campus in Saint-Cloud just west of the city, it teaches an American curriculum to around eight hundred students aged 3 to 18 from more than sixty nationalities. It is one of the flagship choices among Paris international schools for families who want a United States style education with strong university outcomes.
This profile covers the curriculum and the choice between the American diploma, Advanced Placement and the IB Diploma, where the school sits on fees, the admissions calendar and the community around it. GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and no school pays to be listed, so what follows is an editorial reference rather than a promotion.
The American School of Paris at a glance
| Curriculum and exam boards | American curriculum, American High School Diploma, Advanced Placement, IB Diploma |
|---|---|
| Stage range | Pre Kindergarten to Grade 12, ages 3 to 18 |
| Founded | 1946 |
| Accreditation | Accredited by the Middle States Association and a member of the Council of International Schools; IB authorised for the Diploma |
| Fee band | Premium tier (see Paris fees guide) |
| Campus area | Saint-Cloud, western Paris |
Curriculum and academics
ASP delivers an American curriculum from the early years through to the American High School Diploma, with one of the broadest course catalogues of any international school in France. In the upper school, students can take Advanced Placement courses, pursue the IB Diploma, or combine elements of both alongside the standard college preparatory programme, which keeps options open for universities in the United States, the United Kingdom and beyond.
The school is accredited by the Middle States Association and is a member of the Council of International Schools, and it is authorised to offer the IB Diploma Programme. It features in our guide to the leading international schools in Paris, where its scale, facilities and dual diploma offering stand out.
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The American School of Paris fees
The American School of Paris sits in the premium tier of the Paris market mapped in our Paris school fees guide, alongside the British School of Paris and the International School of Paris. Published tuition rises by grade across the premium band the guide sets out, with the highest figures in the upper school where the diploma, Advanced Placement and IB courses are taught.
On top of tuition, ASP applies a one off capital contribution on enrolment, a standard feature at the premium Paris schools, along with the usual costs for the cantine, optional transport, trips and examination entries in the senior years. As the fees guide notes, these extras add meaningfully to the headline figure, so families should model the full cost of a place rather than tuition alone.
Admissions and intake
ASP runs an American style academic year from late August to June and opens admissions ahead of each session. The largest intakes are in the early years and at the start of the upper school, with other grades offered as places come free. Because the school is popular and well established, the most sought after entry points carry waiting lists, so relocating families are advised to apply as early as the window allows.
Applications are made online and ask for recent school reports, passport and visa documentation and, for transfers, a school record. Older applicants may be assessed for English and mathematics, and entry into the upper school takes account of prior results and the chosen pathway between the American diploma, Advanced Placement and the IB Diploma. Plan around the busiest grades rather than assuming an immediate place on arrival.
Location and who goes there
The campus is in Saint-Cloud, a green residential suburb on the western edge of Paris within easy reach of Neuilly, La Défense and the western arrondissements where many of its families live. The location places it in the heart of the western international community, which keeps commutes manageable for the American, European and globally mobile professional households that form the core of the parent body. The school's scale and reputation draw a broad international mix.
For the wider picture of how ASP compares with the British, IB and bilingual schools across the capital, see the Paris international schools hub.
The American School of Paris reviews
No verified parent reviews of the American School of Paris have been submitted to GlobalSchoolGuide yet. We hold back from publishing a star rating until we have enough verified first hand accounts to represent the school fairly, and we never fabricate ratings. If your family attends or has attended the school, please consider sharing your experience through our school reviews page to help other relocating families.
Frequently asked questions
How much are American School of Paris fees?
ASP sits in the premium tier of the Paris market in our fees guide, alongside the British School of Paris and the International School of Paris. Tuition rises by grade, and a one off capital contribution applies on enrolment in addition to lunches and transport.
Is the American School of Paris a good school?
ASP is one of the oldest and largest international schools in France, offering the American diploma, Advanced Placement and the IB Diploma with strong university outcomes. Whether it suits your family depends on wanting a large, well resourced American school in the western suburbs.
What curriculum does the American School of Paris follow?
ASP teaches an American curriculum to the American High School Diploma, with Advanced Placement courses and the option of the IB Diploma in the upper school, for students aged 3 to 18.
When do American School of Paris applications open?
The school runs a late August to June year and opens admissions ahead of each session, with the largest intakes in the early years and the start of the upper school. The most popular grades carry waiting lists, so apply early.
Where is the American School of Paris located?
ASP is in Saint-Cloud, a residential suburb on the western edge of Paris, close to Neuilly, La Défense and the western arrondissements.
