Association of American Schools in South America (AASSA) / American International Schools in the Americas (AMISA)
entry by Julie M. Marx, Global Family Expert at Expat Valley
The Association of American Schools in South America (AASSA), now operating as American International Schools in the Americas (AMISA), is a non-profit organization founded in 1961 to support American-style international schools in South America and the wider Americas. Its mission centers on improving understanding through international education and strengthening the quality of teaching and learning across member schools. AASSA/AMISA facilitates communication, cooperative action, and professional learning among schools offering predominantly American curricula taught in English. Member schools typically serve globally mobile, binational, and locally mobile families seeking U.S.-oriented college-preparatory education.
Comparable terms
American International Schools in the Americas (rebranded organization); Tri-Association (regional American-style schools); Regional Education Association (international schools)
Why this matters
AASSA, now AMISA, has long shaped the landscape of American-style international education in South America and beyond. Its professional networks influence school policies on curriculum, accreditation, and student support for mobile families. Including AASSA in the glossary helps practitioners understand both the historical terminology and the current organizational structure serving these schools.
Cross-references
International School (Education); CIS (Professional Bodies); Tri-Association (Professional Bodies); AAIE (Professional Bodies); AISA (Professional Bodies); CEESA (Professional Bodies); EARCOS (Professional Bodies); WASC (Professional Bodies); ECIS (Professional Bodies); School Search Consultant (Professional Support Roles); DSP (Professional Support Roles);
AASSA/AMISA is part of the constellation of regional American-style school associations that collaborate with bodies like Tri-Association and AAIE in serving global families.
Sources
Search Associates affiliations page (AASSA)
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