The American School Foundation, A.C. was founded by a group of American industrialists living in Mexico City at the end of the 19th century. The school began as a kindergarten in the home of John R. Davis. Kindergartens were a new concept in American education and Mr. Davis invited his mother-in-law, Mrs. Bessie Files, who had recently completed her training in this innovative approach to the education of young children, to teach in this newly created private school. The first nine students to enroll in Mrs. Files' kindergarten class on August 6, 1888 were children from American, Mexican and British families who wanted the best in modern education taught in English for their children.

By 1894 the student body had grown, as had the demand for an American-style education. Additional faculty were hired from the United States and the necessary funds were raised to expand the curriculum and the classrooms. On September 21, 1894, The Mexico Grammar school was formally incorporated, by-laws were adopted, and John R. Davis was elected as the first president of the Board and W. M. Taggart was named its first principal.

By 1902 the school enrolled 455 students and a high school had been added to the grammar school. In 1905 the school added boarding facilities for its older students.

Throughout its history, The American School has enrolled a diverse student population representing children from all over the world. There has always been a consistent interest in the school's academic program in Mexico City. Although the school and its families faced several political and economic challenges throughout its history, the school has remained open since its first days in 1888. The early commitment of a number of benefactors, such as Lewis Lamm, E.O. Orrin and S. Bolling Wright, provided the strength for the success of the school.

In order to maintain the school's non-profit status and to ensure its longevity as an educational institution committed to an American education in English, ASF became fully incorporated on July 19, 1921. A new school was built that included a library, a theater and a Parent Association was formed. The school became accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1931. It was the only school in Mexico City to model itself after schools in the United States and to adhere to the mission of the founding members to prepare its graduates for university study in the United States.

In the 1940s the school moved to its current location. Today, ASF enrolls approximately 2,600 students from kindergarten through grade 12, representing more than 40 different nationalities. Its 17-acre (6.9 hectare) campus includes athletic, academic and arts facilities. It continues to offer the best of American independent education and to prepare its graduates for university study at the finest universities in the United States, Mexico and the world. As was the case in its past, the school continues to benefit from an active and committed Parent Association and an extensive alumni network.