In January, 2001, our founder, Thomas Sheng, accompanied by our advisor and retired US Congressman from Louisiana, the Honorable Robert Livingston, visited with China's Vice Premier, Li Lan Qing, in Beijing. Mr. Sheng requested permission to set up five schools in five Chinese cities where US Consulates are located for the purpose of providing an American-Style education to foreigners residing or working in China. Vice Premier Li approved the establishment of the first campus in Shanghai, with others to follow. LAS is the first school in China to implement an American educational system from pre-school through twelfth grade. Classes follow California's public school curriculum and standards. This is especially beneficial for those wishing to continue their schooling in the US. The principal selected to open the school holds a doctoral degree in school administration and has had over twenty-five years experience as a school administrator in one of the highest achieving school districts in California. All LAS teachers have been selected for their teaching experience and success. In order to produce outstanding students, LAS must begin with distinguished educators. Our school places a great deal of emphasis on technological literacy. In today's high-tech world, it is imperative that students excel in the use of computers. All students are also exposed to the arts, humanities and sciences, as well as ethics, since education must be coupled with character development during the maturation process.