50 Years of ACS Cobham

From Texas to Lennox Gardens: A Journey That Sparked a Lifelong Love of Learning

When Mark Webb arrived in ASL Knightsbridge in London in 1971 at the age of 14, he had no idea just how profoundly his world was about to expand. “I was used to needing a lift from my parents to go anywhere—my world felt small,” he says. But within days, he discovered the independence that London’s public transport system offered. And more significantly, he stepped through the doors of 11 Lennox Gardens—then the heart of the American Community School—and began what he calls “a four-year adventure of growth into adulthood.”

Back in the U.S., Mark’s experience with public schools had left him uninspired. “They seemed designed to suppress any joy or love of learning,” he recalls. “I don’t remember ever feeling that teachers cared about their students or their subjects.” At ACS, everything changed. “From day one, I felt respected and trusted, treated as a partner in my own education.”

The school’s teachers didn’t just instruct—they shared their passions, fuelling curiosity in and out of the classroom. But it wasn’t just the academics that left a mark. “My classmates came from all over the world,” Mark says. “Getting to know them was as important an education as anything that happened in classrooms. Many of them remain lifelong friends.”

Mark fondly remembers the cultural and academic enrichment that extended far beyond textbooks. “We had opportunities to travel to Italy, France, Russia, Romania, and other parts of Europe and North Africa. These trips strengthened our bonds and gave us a view of the world that most students our age didn’t have.”

That spark ignited at ACS carried Mark forward into a lifelong academic journey. He earned a BA, two MAs, and a PhD, and spent his career as a university faculty member—a vocation he held until retiring just last year. “ACS set me on the road to a fulfilling and meaningful career. I know it did the same for many of my classmates.”

Looking back 50 years later, Mark is filled with admiration for the school’s founders, Mr. Speed and Mr. Polaris. “Their vision created a place that has made the world a far richer place,” he says. “ACS continues to grow, expand, and enrich lives. I hope it continues to do so for many decades to come.”

Ivy Zelman, Class of 1984 – Reflecting on ACS Cobham’s Early Years

“The beautiful campus we had to enjoy every day. The lower fields were a great hangout place.”

Ivy’s fondest memories of her time at ACS Cobham revolve around the school’s picturesque campus. The space provided not just a setting for learning but a place for students to connect, socialize, and form lifelong friendships.

“Being from New York, we got to meet other American families from NY and the Northeast, which made us feel at home.”

For Ivy and her family, ACS was more than just a school—it was a community that helped bridge the gap between their home in the U.S. and their new life abroad. The school’s international environment fostered a sense of belonging, especially for those from similar backgrounds, making the transition to life in the UK much easier.

When asked about the vision and spirit of the school during its early days, Ivy noted that the small student body made the school feel like a close-knit family.

“It felt like a family. We were a small student body, so everyone knew each other in high school and middle school. It felt like a big family.”

This sense of community, even in the early years, laid the foundation for the warm, supportive environment that ACS Cobham continues to cultivate today.

For Ivy, ACS Cobham was instrumental in shaping her worldview.

“It made me more worldly.”

Her experience abroad broadened her perspectives, something that undoubtedly helped shape her path as a professional in the finance industry.

Now, as the school celebrates its 50th anniversary, Ivy has a piece of advice for current students and families:

“Enjoy the best years of your life!”

Her words reflect the timeless value of the ACS Cobham experience—years of personal growth, exploration, and lifelong memories.

Ivy Zelman’s Professional Bio

Ivy Zelman, class of 1984, is a highly respected figure in the finance world. She is the Founder and CEO of Zelman & Associates, a premier investment research firm specializing in real estate and housing markets. With over 30 years of experience, Ivy has built a reputation for her deep insights into the housing sector and her ability to guide investors with a strategic, data-driven approach.

Prior to founding Zelman & Associates, Ivy held leadership roles at several prestigious financial institutions, including Bear Stearns, where she was an equity research analyst. Her extensive knowledge and expertise have made her a sought-after speaker and advisor, and she continues to be a leading voice in the industry.

Ivy’s success is a testament to her education, the relationships she built, and the global perspective she gained during her time at ACS Cobham. Her story is an inspiration to many, showing how the lessons learned at ACS Cobham have contributed to her distinguished career.

Tom Stahr ’83: Finding Family, Friendship, and a Global Outlook at ACS Cobham

When Tom Stahr arrived at ACS Cobham in the late 1970s, he discovered something extraordinary—a community without barriers.

“There were no boundaries, no cliques, no real exclusions,” Tom recalls. “Friend-groups were widely varied—different ages, nationalities, backgrounds. Everyone was welcome.”

For the Stahr family—two parents and four children, all enrolled at ACS—the school became much more than a place of learning. It was a space of belonging.

“School was both a safe place and a place that challenged us. Not just academically, but in how we understood the world and our place in it,” he says. “My parents must have felt great comfort knowing ACS was such a nurturing and stimulating environment for all of us.”

A First Day to Remember

Tom’s first day at ACS remains etched in his memory. After a welcome address on the lawn outside Heywood House, a student named Chris tapped him on the shoulder and invited him to join a group on the lower field.

“I followed him and met about half a dozen students—some of them new like me. I was instantly welcomed,” Tom says. “Incredibly, that same group of friends is still in touch. In fact, we’re planning a reunion in the U.S. nearly 50 years later.”

Tom also forged lasting connections with his teachers—many of whom he still interacts with today.

“I’ve stayed friends with five or six of them, and I’m regularly in touch with three on social media. That tells you everything about the kind of bonds we built at ACS.”

A School with Vision

Tom remembers the spirit of the school in its early days as one built on opportunity and community.

“It nurtured a strong sense of family while giving us the freedom to grow in unexpected ways. Back then, the school was small enough that everyone knew everyone. As it grew, that intimacy changed, but the sense of community remained strong.”

Lasting Impact

Looking back, Tom sees ACS Cobham as the foundation of his personal and academic development.

“The experience completely shaped who I became. It gave me a sense of wonder, an appreciation for other cultures, and an enduring sense of curiosity, independence, and optimism.”

Words of Wisdom

As ACS Cobham celebrates its 50th anniversary, Tom has heartfelt advice for today’s students and families:

“Enjoy, appreciate, and cherish every moment. The experience is unique. The relationships and impact will last a lifetime.”

Sam McGee – Class of 1994
“Your time there may be short, but it’s special.”

When Sam McGee reflects on his time at ACS Cobham in the late 1980s, his memories are defined not just by academics, but by a uniquely international perspective that shaped his worldview. “What I remember most is the rigor of the academics and the global outlook in the teaching,” he says. “Oh—and having a Dutch school on the same campus!”

Arriving in the UK in 1987, long before the digital age transformed how we connect, ACS was a rare lifeline to home for American families living abroad. “This was before the internet, social media, or 24-hour news,” Sam explains. “Back then, the only ‘American’ things we had were USA Today, reruns of Dallas, and ACS. The school became a touchpoint—it grounded us, while also opening us up to entirely new ways of thinking.”

That openness—to people, cultures, and ideas—became a cornerstone of his ACS experience. “Being surrounded by different perspectives made me realize how important it is to broaden your network and your thinking beyond the U.S. That alone was a formative experience.”

Some of Sam’s fondest memories are personal and close to home—literally. “I remember watching my older sister, Amy McGee (Class of ’88), shine in school plays. I was so proud of her.”

Although ACS Cobham has grown significantly since Sam’s time there, he recalls the early days as being full of intent and care. “It was a relatively small campus, but I loved it. There was real intentionality from the staff, and you could feel it.” That commitment translated into a classroom environment that pushed him to grow. “I loved being tested academically. It helped me see what was possible.”

Now, decades later, as ACS Cobham marks its 50th year, Sam has a message for current students and families: “Get involved. Do the travel all over Europe. Your time there may be short—but it’s special.”