schools

[worried]

O.K. I need some really good advice here re schools. We have been here about six months and placed our 4 year old in a smaller Int. School. I won't mention the name as we do now want to change schools, mainly for our own reasons as other parents seem fairly happy.

As it will be a another change, I want to make sure I pick the right one. We are considering the Australian Int. or Dover Court. Any feedback on these two schools would be great. The Overseas Family school is also an option but probably after the above. Tanglin is out of the question as the bus pick up would be 7. which I think is just too early.

Also any info on the bus system would be great as this would be the first time he has been on a bus.

Thanks for any help.

[Kris]

Dear Worried...it really depends what it is that you are unhappy about, and similarly, what it is that you want for your childs education. Different schools offer different curriculums and styles of teaching and learning - all schools do not suit all children. What are you looking for?? If you can answer that question, then people will probably be able to give you some decent advice.

[ks]

we sent our kids to dover court and they have been there a year, we have a 7 and a just turned 5 yr old. We have been very happy with the school and both have made great friends and are doing really well.  The class sizes are small - if that is what you want? our kids leave at 8am on the bus and return home at 3.30 which is great. (I think 7am is too early for a 4 yr old) we come from the UK and dover court follow the UK system. e-mail me if you need any further information

[lackin presid't]

I would like to put a plug in for OFS. Despite our struggle in choosing a school- I went with my gut reaction to the program and the children I observed. With my 8yo and 5yo- the experience has been grand. The teachers are very child-centered and the core curriculum allows for so much creativity and inquiry. The famly support is good too with many moms/dads assisting in the class and participating in the programs. I would never attend a school that did not encourage parent participation- yet makes sure the CHILD does the homework and NOT the parent. The children appear very confident and without the "attitude" prevelent in some of the private campus'. The kids are on the bus at 8:40 (for a 9am start) and are home by 3:50(3:30 dismissal). Both kids have Madarin daily and formal swimming/music/art weekly. very global and very acedemically supported. My 2-cents

[to worried]

Could I pls have your telephone number as I am in a similar situation but my 5 year old child is currently attending a big international school. We could exchange some points.

[jws]

I agree totally with Lackin President(?)...
Our two kids 6 and 9 are attending OFS and it is the best school experience they have had in their live abroad. My wife is participating in school support activities and the management and teachers support active parents, whereas other schools see it as being nosy. They organise great ECA ranging from Scottish Dancing to Soccer and Music to IT.
Thumbs up for OFS.

[worried]

Thanks for the info. The main problems are virtually no parent participation, a slightly inflexible attitude with regard to a major language lesson that has to be taken every day. Although this is causing alot of stress to my child there is no alternative. Also we were originally told a half day or full day was available for the class. But now we have looked into full day after Christmas that does not appear possible unless he goes into a different class in the afternoon.

I'm sure this seems minor but my main concern is that of all schooling first school should be fun and stress free.

Thanks again.

[more 2 cents]

For what it's worth, we also have our 5 year old at OFS and are extremely pleased with it. We looked at numerous schools when we arrived and settled on OFS because it fit with our philosophy that in kindergarten we just wanted our child to have a really enjoyable experience. The bus was a real concern- we live far enough away that our child catches the bus at 8 am and doesn't get back until 4:20. The length of the trip will depend on how far you live from the school you choose and how many children get on / off  before your child.  I would suggest asking the schools which bus company they use and then calling the comapny to find out about timing. The good news is that after all our worry, our child is so happy with his buddies on the bus that he has a great time !!  Oh - and the bus company should allow mum or dad (if they are able) to ride the bus with the child for the first week or two to ease the transition (we did it for a week with a younger sibling along!!).
Good Luck!!

[Sue]

Would think twice about the Aussie school. My eldest is there and loves it but The pre school is not as good as it could be. The buildings are falling apart and I suspect this will worsen as they are moving in 2 years.. The class sizes are too big, and since the preschoolers are surrounded by kids up to the age of 18 I feel they get a little lost in the scheme of things. My choice would be to go for a smaller school where the littlys are more secluded from the main school and are a priority.

[nikki m]

Yet another thumbs up for OFS. The kids don't mix out of age and grade range so the elementary kids are in when middle school kids are out and about etc....great school not the deluxe campus of some schools in town but a truly international makeup.  Every school function makes me think of the song Imagine and brings tears to my eyes....a sentimental one I am but the experience is priceless and gosh most of us didn't come close to getting till college.  Great PA to that supports the multi cultural experience of the school among other things.  Can't say enough good about the school

[Liya]

I am seriously observing the option between two schools: OFS and the American Internetional school, that seem to be neglected in the forum.
What is your opinion for/against the American School?

[Sajberspejs]

UWC is easilly the best international school and it takes students upwards from five years old, but I'm not sure about pre-school.
I'm assuming that UWC isn't the one you want to change from because UWC is by no means small.

[Liya]

From what i have hears sajberspejs, SAS is the best school!

[Liya]

From what i have hears sajberspejs, SAS is the best school

[my 2 coins]

Not to start an international event...and without sounding too sophomoric...and esprit de corps aside...
I AM SO GRATEFUL MY KIDS DO NOT GO TO SAS!!