We are pleased to present the 2023-2024 Annual Report , highlighting our unwavering commitment to nurturing a multicultural learning environment that empowers students to pursue their dreams and serve as compassionate, responsible citizens. Building upon the successes of previous years, we have continued to enhance our bilingual academic programs, ensuring our graduates are proficient in both English and Spanish, and prepared to excel in universities worldwide. Our dedicated faculty and staff have fostered a vibrant school culture, rich with diverse events and activities that strengthen our community bonds. As we reflect on this year’s achievements, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide an education that opens doors to the world for every student.
OUR
SCHOOL
CULTURE
The American School of Puerto Vallarta is known for its multicultural and vibrant school environment. English and Spanish can be heard throughout campus during the many school events, student council activities, fairs, and award ceremonies where families, faculty, and staff cultivate a strong sense of community.
This unique culture is intentionally nurtured by our Board, our administrative team, and other stakeholders. Our mission and guiding principles inspire everything we do, from the way we build our curriculum, to the policies of our recycling program.
Our academic programs are in English and Spanish and they are designed to ensure that our students graduate as native speakers of both languages. They graduate with diplomas from the United States and Mexico, accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), Cognia, the Mexican Ministry of Education (SEP), and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
Our 2023-2024 seniors graduate were accepted into universities in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Spain, and Italy among others.
OUR
HEAD OF
SCHOOL
A WORD FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL
Dearest Sharks,
As we look back on the 2023-2024 school year, it is with immense pride and gratitude that I reflect on all that we have accomplished together. This was a year of growth, achievement, and resilience, and I want to take a moment to celebrate our collective success.
Academically, our students reached new heights. Our MAP test scores surpassed the average of all ASOMEX and Tri-Association schools that utilize this assessment, demonstrating the dedication of our students, the quality of our educators, and the support of our families. Additionally, our SAT scores continue to rise, positioning our students competitively for their future endeavors. Our class of 2024 headed off to Europe, Canada, the United States and Mexico to continue their studies in the colleges of their choice.
Beyond academics, our school spirit has shone brightly on the field and the court. Our athletes have excelled in the local Shark soccer and basketball tournaments, as well as the ASOMEX ones in which we participated. They displayed not only skill but also sportsmanship, teamwork, and perseverance. These achievements are a testament to the hard work of our student-athletes and the unwavering encouragement of our coaches and Shark parents.
Perhaps our most meaningful accomplishment this year has been the strengthening of our identity as a school of belonging. We have continued to cultivate an environment where every student, teacher, staff member, and parent feels valued, respected, and welcomed. Our commitment to inclusivity and connection makes our community truly special. We continue to help our students develop empathy and maturity through school-wide service projects. These initiatives not only build character but also reinforce our focus on sustainability, as each project is linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fostering a sense of global responsibility and environmental awareness among our students.
Financially, we have navigated the challenges of the rising cost of living in Puerto Vallarta while maintaining a balanced budget. This is no small feat, and it reflects the careful planning and stewardship of our leadership team, as well as the ongoing support and trust of our community.
As we celebrate these achievements, I want to extend my deepest appreciation to each and every one of you. Our success is the result of a shared vision, hard work, and a belief in what we can accomplish together. Thank you for your dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to making our school a place where excellence and belonging go hand in hand.
Un abrazo,
Ms. Lisa
OUR
HEAD OF
BOARD
BOARD MEMBERS
VITTORIO AGNESI
REBECCA SCOTTI
JUAN PABLO STONE
ALFREDO BONNIN
FRIDA MESTRE
JERRY SELITZER
A WORD FROM OUR BOARD PRESIDENT
Dear Shark family,
It is a pleasure to connect with you once again through this annual report. The 2023-2024 school year has been marked by dedication, growth, and progress. Our teachers and administrators have worked tirelessly, applying their knowledge, patience, and expertise to enhance both our students’ learning experiences and our school’s development.
On the administrative front, we have made significant strides in adapting to the evolving fiscal landscape of our country. As reflected in our financial results, our school continues to grow stronger each year while advancing efforts to improve our facilities.
Our commitment to sustainability remains steadfast, and we are already reaping the benefits of our investment in solar energy. The successful implementation of solar panels has significantly reduced our electricity costs—cutting our light bill in half!
Looking ahead, we are actively developing new initiatives to further improve our school, always striving to be pioneers in education and a model for our students and community. Your support and involvement are invaluable to this ongoing journey.
As I conclude, I want to express my deep appreciation for the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors. It is an honor to contribute to ensuring that our school remains the leading educational choice in the region.
Best Regards,
Mr. Ernesto Truqui
CLASS OF 2024
BY THE NUMBERS
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE
92%
ACCEPTED TO COLLEGE OF CHOICE AND THE OTHERS TAKING A GAP YEAR
UNITED STATES • Loyola Marymount University • University of California, Santa Barbara* • University of California, San Diego • University of California, Santa Cruz • University of La Verne • Orange City College* • Los Angeles City College • Concordia University • CANADA • University of Alberta* • Concordia University* • University of Calgary • La Salle University Montreal • Lakehead University Ontario* • University of Calgary • York University • Laurier University • Western University • EUROPE • CUNEF Universidad • EDHEC Business School (multiple campuses)*• École hôtelière de Lausanne* • NABA Nuova Accademia di Belle Arte Roma, Italy* • ESCP Business School, London* • University of Amsterdam, Netherlands* • EU Business School* (multiple campuses) • Hult International School of Business*, (multiple locations) • IE University, Spain* • University of Europe* (multiple campuses) • Universidad Europea de Madrid*• University of South Hampton • Tillberg School of Economics and Management • MEXICO • Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara* • Universidad Panamericana* • Escuela Libre de Derecho Monterrey * • Universidad de Guadalajara* • Universidad Iberoamericana • Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores (Tec de Monterrey-multiple campuses)* • ITAM • Universidad Anáhuac • Universidad de Monterrey • Universidad del Valle de México Guadalajara •
* ATTENDING
More than $400,000 USD (8,000,000 million pesos)
OFFERED IN GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS
2023-2024
VALEDICTORIAN
Aisling O’Sullivan
Throughout her high school journey, Aisling O’Sullivan has exemplified academic excellence, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth. With an impressive academic record, a compassionate heart, and a drive to make a difference, Aisling stands out as a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication and perseverance. Her contributions to the National Honor Society, Model United Nations, and to our school community in general have left a lasting mark. In addition to her academic prowess and service projects, Aisling was our women’s soccer team captain, leading them to earn a third place in the prestigious ASOMEX tournament and first place in our local tournament. She was a true inspiration for our younger girls, cheering them on and inspiring them to greater athletic heights.
Aisling will be studying the Global Business Track at IE University in Spain after a gap year during which she will be traveling around the world doing service work.
NHS
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
MEMBERS
AISLING O’SULLIVAN
ANA CECILIA TORRES GARCIA
CIARA O’SULLIVAN
JOSE FERNANDO CASAS
MARIANA BONNIN
MASON SHERMAN
SOPHIA ALMARAZ
The National Honor Society is responsible for setting an example of service to our school community. Members for the NHS are chosen based on their qualities of leadership, character, service and scholarship. In addition to administering the Leer y Crecer program, we perform altruistic, leadership and community support work for various ASPV curricular and extracurricular activities.
PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2023-2024
Donation of school backpacks for every child at Albergue Nueva Vida. • Painted two murals in the kindergarten library in Colorado school. • Book Hospital: refurbished books to give them a second life and donated them to local schools • Collection of used and new books for Escuela Primaria Urbana 115 “Solidaridad” and two collections of books for Escuela Primaria Francisco Villa en Guadalupe Victoria. Collection of new books for Escuela Primaria Solidaridad Tamarindos Ixtapa. • Hosted the STEM / NHS club focused on science, math, engineering and technology. • Ran Model UN classes • Recycling materials collection program and sustainability program at ASPV. • Beach cleaning • Reading advocacy workshops • Design of a mural for the STEM building of the American School with clean and affordable energy as a center of interest.
Primary School Sustainability Projects: Prefirst: “Zero Hunger: Healthy eating” • 1st: “Zero Hunger: Food production for all, in collaboration with Vallarta Care.” • 2nd: “Life on Land: Tree project”. • 3rd: “Climate Action: Persuasive letter to fight climate change”. • 4th: “Reducing Inequalities: Working and supporting the elderly at their residence in Puerto Vallarta”. • 5th: “Reducing Inequalities: Working with children with disabilities, in collaboration with Pasitos de Luz A.C.” • 6th: “Sustainable Cities and Communities: Clean Cafeteria”.
MS/HS: Tide Turners Sustainability: Life Underwater: Massive beach clean-up in collaboration with For Planeta, restaurants, and stores from Punta de Mita, Nayarit. • Green Harvest Foundation: Sustainable Cities and Communities, composting and planting for a better future. In collaboration with Hagamos Composta & Rancho Chumuck. • Zero Hunger: Zero Hunger, food for everyone. In collaboration with Vallarta Care. • Builders: Quality Education, in collaboration with Escuela Primaria 18 de Julio, Quimixto, Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco, and Leer y Crecer ASPV. • Empowering Education for Kids: Quality Education in collaboration with Escuela Primaria Francisco Villa, and Leer y Crecer ASPV. • “Second Hand ASPV” • Service & Sustainability Fair 2023.
SHARKS
HIGHLIGHTS
From October to December 2023, our Institution organized the INTERCOLLEGIATE COPA SHARKS micro and mini-basketball tournament for boys and girls with the participation of more than 10 institutions from Puerto Vallarta. ASPV participated with a team in the mini female category, under the direction of Prof. Gamaliel Del Rio.
Beginning in October, our high school girls’ team participated in the High School Soccer Tournament of Puerto Vallarta “Rafaga Deportiva”.
From September to June our elementary school soccer teams (2016-2017) (2014-2015) (2012-2013) and (2010-2011) participated in the Intercollegiate Tournament of Puerto Vallarta with the participation of more than 15 local schools, our middle and high girls’ team and high school boys’ team also participated, in addition to the the moms’ team.
From November 2nd to 5th, 2023 our Track and Field team participated with 11 athletes in the ASOMEX Track and Field Tournament organized by the American School Foundation of Monterrey where they won 28 medals, of which: 14 were gold, 13 silver and 1 bronze.
From November 9th to 13th, our boys Juvenile Minor Basketball team (2006-2007) travelled to Guadalajara to participate in the ASOMEX tournament, hosted by the American School Foundation of Guadalajara.
From November 30th to December 5th, 2023, our school hosted the ASOMEX soccer tournament “A category (2010-2011)” and in an unprecedented event in the history of ASOMEX, the tournament was held with the largest number of teams with a total of 16 male teams and 11 female teams, and our girls’ team won the sportsmanship trophy.
From February 16th – 20th, 2024 our boys Junior C Basketball (2004-2005) team traveled to Monterrey to participate in the ASOMEX Basketball Tournament organized by the American School of Monterrey.
From March 15th-19th, 2024 our boys’ and girls’ soccer teams of the Juvenile “C” category traveled to Monterrey to participate in the ASOMEX Basketball Tournament organized by the American School Foundation of Monterrey. Both teams won the sportsmanship award and our girls’ team brought back third place.
Our 2010-2011 elementary school team was crowned sub champions of the Intercollegiate Tournament in the Unidad Deportiva La Vía, at the same time our high school boys’ team were also crowned sub champions in the Intercollegiate Tournament, our High School team was also crowned SUB CHAMPION of the same tournament.
At the end of the school year in June, our High School basketball team took First Place in the Inter-High Schools cup.
In July 2024 our school hosted, as it does every year, the SHARKS 2024 SUMMER SPORTS CAMP with the participation of more than 200 students and a total success.
ENROLLMENT
BY THE NUMBERS
TOTAL ENROLLMENT : 362
EARLY CHILDHOOD – 52
PRIMARY SCHOOL – 160
HIGH SCHOOL – 150
70% MEXICAN
10% AMERICAN-MEXICAN
8% AMERICAN
4% CANADIAN
4% MEXICAN-OTHER
4% OTHER
OUR FACULTY
The American School of Puerto Vallarta is accredited in the United States by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS)/Cognia and in Mexico by the Mexican Ministry of Education (SEP) and the UNAM. All of our faculty are licensed teachers with a bachelor’s degree in education as a minimum requirement. We encourage and fund professional development and the pursuit of advanced degrees
TEACHERS, AIDES & COACHES NATIONALITIES
43 Foreign
27 Nationals
4% OF OUR EDUCATORS HAVE A DOCTORAL DEGREE • 53% OF OUR EDUCATORS HAVE A MASTER’S DEGREE
• 100% OF OUR EDUCATORS HAVE A BACHELOR’S DEGREE
OVER 600 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN EDUCATION!
FINANCIAL
INFORMATION
In the 2023-2024 school year, we maintained a high enrollment level (98 %), and continued with diligent school management to achieve our annual goals within budget. As the only not-for-profit institution in the region, we are dedicated to providing a quality education that is aligned with our mission and guiding principles, rather than maximizing profits. This means that we are committed to delivering the best possible education to our students by focusing on the skills they require to become productive members of society.
REVENUE
73% comes from tuition, still our major source of income. Other income is from enrollment fees, books and other ancillary operations.
73% TUITION
23% ENROLLMENT
4% OTHERS
EXPENSES
In the fiscal year 2023-2024, salaries and benefits remained the predominant expenditure, accounting for 77% of our overall income. Notably, our utility costs were halved during this period, attributable to the installation of solar panels.
77% SALARIES
2% UTILITIES
3% TECHNOLOGY
5% MAINTENANCE
8% GENERAL EXPENSES
1% SERVICES
4% SCHOOL EVENTS
PTA YEARLY REPORT
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our amazing PTA for their constant support and dedication. Your commitment to enhancing the educational experience at our school through your time, energy, and resources truly strengthens our community. Whether through organizing events, fundraising, or supporting school initiatives, your efforts make a lasting impact on our students, teachers, and families. Thank you for your tireless work and for always going above and beyond to ensure the success of our school. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a passionate and engaged PTA, and we are truly grateful for all that you do!
HOW FAR
WE’VE COME
OUR SCHOOL FINANCIAL PLAN IS FOCUSED ON
FINANCIAL SECURITY AND LONG TERM GROWTH
Our school is thriving! Enrollment continues to rise, and we’re celebrating eight years of successful fundraising that has transformed our campus. But we’re not stopping there—our commitment to excellence in personnel, programs, and facilities is stronger than ever!
This year, we put the finishing touches on our cutting-edge STEM+ Center, making it even more accessible with a brand-new bridge linking our two high school buildings. Plus, we’re in the final stages of installing a brand-new elevator, ensuring ease of movement for everyone.
Now, we’re gearing up for the next big leap in our Master Plan—a state-of-the-art media center! Designed to be a dynamic hub for learning, collaboration, and connection, this space will inspire innovation and creativity like never before.
Exciting things are happening, and we can’t wait for what’s next!
COMING UP!
THE HUB
Access to information is imperative for a successful student body. In this information age, new digital resources available to faculty and students have replaced conventional forms of research and learning. The HUB at ASPV will be a multi-media center that brings the power of information access into the hands of our community. With a focus on new technologies, The HUB will improve the traditional concept of a library and expand our book collection with digital resources and technology infrastructure for delivery of research and education. It will be a space for greater collaboration between students and a place where we can bring parents in for more workshops and Shark Chats.
Watch this space for more details!