The American School of Bombay (ASB) had been spread over various apartments in Warden Road ever since its inception in 1981, and the present campus is a culmination of efforts to bring it under one roof. The new school, a four-storeyed structure, is fully air-conditioned and has a large multi-purpose hall, a basketball court and a stage complete with green rooms. Besides, the elementary school -- grades 1 to 5 -- has its own library, computer lab, cafeteria, all independent from the higher grades.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony -- which began with a Flag of Nations parade by the school's 198 students -- US Consul General Franklin Huddle stated that the presence of a major international school in Mumbai will attract more investments in the metropolis. More than half of the total investment in the country is made in Maharashtra, he said, adding that the city had better infrastructure facilities.

``ASB will serve as a symbol of America's desire to strengthen bilateral ties with India. Education has become globalised and we can learn from each other's experience,'' he further added. The students of the school are drawn from families of 26 different nationalities, most of whom work in many multinational corporations, banks and consulates located in Mumbai. According to James A Mains, ASB superintendent, the school caters to children of expatriates.

The syllabus is ``solid American'', says Mains, and ASB offers International Baccalaureate, a curriculum that has international recognition. Besides, there is a Primary Years Programme for children between three and 12, and a Middle Years Programme for those in the 11-16 age group.

The fees, says the superintendent, are ``exorbitant'', as there are various costs to be covered, with faculty members being flown in exclusively for this purpose. But, as the Consul General put it, ``Diplomats and businessmen will be more amenable to living in Mumbai, if there is a school of international standards here for their children.''