Hey – how much would you love to study abroad in Los Angeles, California? After all, LA is the “entertainment capitol” of the world, the land of celebrity sightings, a global, cultural hotspot, and a verified sunshine paradise. But, LA is really much more. It is also home to some of the world’s top schools and colleges and an assortment of other hidden wonders that make this city both colorful and intriguing. There’s definitely more to the “entertainment capital” than first meets the eye…
If you’ve got a finger firmly on the education pulse, you might already know that California boasts a popular education scene. It’s home to many highly desireable universities like Stanford, Cal Tech, the University of California system (Berkeley, Los Angeles, Davis, etc.). And, it’s also home to a new, rapidly developing international boarding high school. If you are hungry to explore high school in a completely different city, country, or continent, you may want to set your sights on the vibrant feel of attending school in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles!
American University Preparatory School (AUP) – a private, international boarding high school created by a group of experienced international educators – offers more than academic excellence. AUP was created to develop global leaders who understand the world around them and are eager to find ways to change it!
AUP is not your average “traditional” boarding school as it promotes interdisciplinary academic programs by combining student-driven research project with technology literacy. Their faculty aim to create students who will go on to be inventors, problem solvers, and leaders by immersing them in a culture of collaboration, creativity, curiosity and critical thinking. They want to ensure each lesson is tailored to each specific student and that it suits his/her needs.
The Campus
AUP students get the best of both worlds as its strategic location places the school in the middle of a lively city that’s also known as a cultural haven. Located on Figueroa Street across from the World Trade Center, students enjoy access to neighboring facilities like the YMCA athletic facility and the Colburn School through a network of safe skybridges. It’s easily accessible and one of the few places that offers restaurants, libraries, cafes, a gym, and accommodation all in one enclosed space. This is just one of the many features that makes AUP so appealing.
The campus is also within walking distance from the famous Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Broad Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Grand Park, Grand Central Market, Pershing Square, L.A Center Studios, the Library and more. So, if you ever need to take a break from studying or seek some inspiration, you’ll know exactly where to look!
Moving further out of the neighborhood, students can go to Chinatown, Olvera Street (Pueblo de Los Angeles), Little Tokyo, Historic Filipinotown, and Koreatown for some fun weekend trips. It’s a chance to connect with locals and immerse oneself in global culture, food, and language.
The Facilities
- Accommodation
Students at the boarding school can enjoy brand-new residential facilities that include loft-style beds with a cabin desk beneath, as well as a great closet space. They also gain access to the café, lounge, and campus study spaces at all times. Each residential floor is provided with satellite television, computer workstations and an outdoor balcony for when you need to take a break from the books. Students also get the chance to workout at the YMCA Ketchum-Downtown as the place offers plenty of recreational activities, including swimming, basketball, tennis, and a full complement of workout equipment. Another factor that makes AUP attractive is that students have the opportunity to live in a safe campus environment but are still able to step foot into the big city. Living on campus is also a great way to test the waters and help you prepare for life at a large university setting.
- Clubs & Activities
Aside from achieving good scores in school, the AUP aims to enrich students by encouraging them to join clubs and activities to strengthen their college résumés. AUP currently hosts several clubs that include Acting, Code the Change, Debate, Human Rights, Model United Nations, UNICEF, Volunteer, Science and more. Joining such clubs allows students to build character and learn invaluable skills like teambuilding and leadership.
- Student Support
One of the main fears about moving to boarding school is wondering if you’ll fit in and be able to cope with the enormous changes around you, be it within your social circle, in an academic sense, or in your cultural lifestyle. It’s not always easy but AUP understands this perfectly, hence why they provide world-class student services to ensure local and international students receive the best care and support on top of their educational needs. The school provides academic advising, college counselling, academic tutoring, ESL support, international services, and personal counselling to ensure your experience at AUP is a memorable one.
This academicly focused high school believes in nurturing students to become great thinkers and world leaders. And that’s what every student wants – teachers and support staff who understand, guide, and motivate them to reach for the stars. Intrigued to know more about the AUP and their academic and curriculum course? Click on the links below and prepare for a study experience like no other.
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