The American School Dhahran (ASD) operates as a not-for-profit institution, providing education from Kindergarten to Grade 12. It caters to both the American community and the diverse international population residing in the Dhahran/Khobar region of Saudi Arabia. ASD delivers a curriculum aligned with American standards, culminating in either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program or a comprehensive selection of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The school's overarching mission is to inspire innovation and compassionate action, recognizing the imperative for students to find innovative solutions in an ever-changing world while fostering a sense of compassion for creating a peaceful and humane society. ASD's educators uphold the principle of collaborative planning to ensure the quality of each student's education. They prioritize a departure from traditional textbook-based teaching in favor of designing courses based on educational standards. This approach, characterized by a backward design model for unit and course development, encourages student-centered classrooms with an emphasis on learner agency. The integration of newly adopted standards is carried out meticulously to optimize professional development and support for the teaching staff. Starting from the earliest grades, ASD promotes active learning among students, encouraging them to analyze, question, and take intellectual risks within a nurturing environment. As students progress through their educational journey, they gain greater agency and autonomy, with numerous opportunities to expand their horizons through enrichment programs, extracurricular activities, and leadership roles. The school offers a wide array of courses, and during the high school years, it provides a thoughtfully crafted college-preparatory program. At ASD, the community is regarded as a close-knit educational family comprising teachers, students, and parents. Together, they collaborate to ignite innovation and cultivate a spirit of compassionate action.