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From the Archives: 1990s

The 1990s were a decade of contrasts, marked by both optimism and conflict. It was an era that set the stage for the 21st century with technological innovations, cultural shifts and significant global realignments.

The decade began with the end of the Cold War and the launch of Operation Desert Storm. Apartheid ended and Nelson Mandela was elected as South Africa's first Black president. The European Union was formally established and the euro was introduced as the official currency for many EU nations.

The World Wide Web took off when personal computers became more accessible and the first widely used browsers (remember Netscape?) became the digital frontier and the dot.com bubble was in full swing. Mobile technology advanced rapidly and text messaging became a phenomenon. 

Pop culture saw the rise of grunge and pop music and Hip-Hop went mainstream. TV saw iconic shows like Friends and The X-Files and movies included blockbusters like Jurassic Park, Titanic and Disney's animated renaissance. Independent cinema also gained traction.  Fashion had distinctive trends including baggy jeans, flannel shirts, crop tops, platform shoes and grunge styles. 

The 90s saw increased awareness of global warming and environmental issues. The world became increasingly interconnected leading to a rise of consumer culture and the spread of Western cultural influences globally. 

SYA launched its first website and made history by opening SYA China and becoming the first educational organization to receive permission by the Chinese government to allow American students to live with local families. 

SYA Kaleidoscope: Reflecting on 60 Years
A group of students standing on a staircase

Key Moments

1990

  • 55 students to Spain and 60 to France.

1991

  • Co-founder Dan Olivier dies in March.

  • Executive Director Woody Halsey travels to Beijing with Phillips Academy to explore possibilities for a new campus in China.

  • 55 students to Spain and 64 to France.

1992

  • Edna Atkinson is honored for 25 years as secretary in Barcelona.

  • Olympic Games are held in Barcelona.

  • 54 students to Spain and 62 to France.

1993

  • 56 students to Spain and  61 to France. 

1994

  • SYA China opens as a semester program.

  • 55 students to Spain, 60 to France and 18 to China.

1995

  • Founder Clark Vaughan dies in February.

  • 52 students to Spain, 62 to France and 29 to China.

  • In the spring, SYA becomes the first U.S. institution given permission by the Chinese government to allow host family stays for an entire school year.

1996

  • 56 students to Spain, 63 to France and 44 to China.

  • Former SYA Spain Resident Director Ed Sainati dies.

1997

  • 55 students to Spain, 63 to France and 40 to China.

  • SYA launches its first website!

  • Trustees vote to move SYA Spain to Zaragoza following a site search led by Francesca Piana, newly retired as SYA Spain Resident Director.

  • Trustees decide that the China program will become full-year in 1998-1999.

1998

  • Trustees launch SYA's first strategic planning project.

  • Ángel Vilalta retires in June after 34 years. A teaching fund campaign begins in his honor.

  • SYA France celebrates 30 years with a celebration in Rennes.

  • During the summer, SYA Spain moves to its new campus at Liceo Europa in Zaragoza.

  • SYA China operates as a full-year program.

  • 63 students to Spain, 63 to France and 58 to China.

1999

  • SYA China students participate in first "Winterim" trip to Vietnam, a 30-day immersive experience.

  • SYA Spains moves to a new site closer to the city center.

  • The strategic plan identifies two projects: a feasibility study for a campus in Italy and establishing a formal fundraising program.

  • 62 students to Spain, 62 to France and 51 to China.

  • Board of Trustees is expanded to seven heads of school.

Leadership in the 1990s

Executive Directors: 
1990–2007   Woodruff W. Halsey II

SYA Spain Resident Directors:
1990-1992    Harrison McCann (Phillips Academy)
1992-1997    Francesca Piana (Phillips Academy)
1997-2002    John Rosen (Milton Academy)

SYA France Resident Directors:
1986–1991   André Vernet (Phillips Exeter Academy)
1991–2000   Geoffrey Bird (The Thacher School)

SYA China Resident Directors:
1994–1995   Charles Miller (American School in Japan)
1995–1996   Thomas Trethaway (The Hotchkiss School)
1996–1999   John McLoughlin (Boston College High School)
1999-2006    Jeffrey Bissell (Marquette University)

Welcome New Member Schools

1990
Westminster Schools

1992
Albuquerque Academy

Flashback to the 90s

Can you spot yourself or your classmates? Do you have photos to share? Email the alumni office if you have photos to share and please include a caption.