schools again!!!!

[another brit]

I am about to pick a school for my 41/2 year old and had decided on the OFS. However after reading some of the postings on this board I am having second thoughts.

Although alot have been favourable I am concerned about the comments regarding language. We want an international setting but also want to make sure she will be able to converse with playmates.

Any comments especially from Brit's with kids at the school would be appreciated.

Thanks, sorry to harp on about a much discussed subject!

[Yet another brit]

I can understand your concern and would like to try to help.  I have a 4yr old at the OFS in K1.  His class is very mixed and there are alot of non-english speaking kids.  However they are all georgeous and all picking up English at pace.  My son was in an International pre-school last year but has made fantastic progress this year despite his teacher having so many ESL's in the class.  I suppose from our point of view the language issue has never seemed like a problem, our sons now come home with little snippets of Mandarin, Japanese, Thai etc, which I think is terrific.

I think the OFS is great but I also hear good things about the other International schools, so good luck with your choice.  I would be very happy to help out if you have any more questions!

[attitude]

When a chid is in a classroon with children from all around the world, they learn so many valuable things, such as tolerance, acceptance and understanding. Children have a way of communicating with their playmates, despite what adults may call "the language barrier". Have you been in to a classroom at OFS? That will be the best way to decide if it's the right choice for you - I'm sure that there are many english speaking children there as well!! Good luck with your decision.

[ofs mum]

If you like the school your children will benefit immensely from the multicultural exposure.  There seem to be about 4-5 ESOL children in each class at the beginning of the year.  Those children learn English very quickly.  There is no one nationality that has a majority, but your child's class will probably have kids from USA, UK, Australia, Canada and other English speaking countries.  It's a great school and my kids have been very happy there.