Doha - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are two American Schools, though most everyone I know send their kids to the American School of Doha (ASD). ACS is another school but only a very small handful of expats attend there. There are a few other schools but I am not familiar with them. We have been to three other posts and ASD is by far a better school, in regard to academics. They have high standards and high expectations. There is a lot of formative and summative testing weekly so the pressure is never off but that results are better grades. The quality of books at the High school level are impressive, they offer both AP Capstone and IB, and most all work is performed on their computer (which the school provides). Sometimes I feel they are being "schooled" but at the end of the day, the numbers are all that many colleges care about anyway so they are being prepared for college acceptance as they should be. My child has scored 4s or 5s on every AP exam he's taken so that is a testament to their rigor, IMO. The school offers a robust sports program with traditional sports to include swim (and sometimes B teams for those who don't make the team), in addition to after school groups for things like karate, swim, and other areas of interest. They have a late bus which brings home the kids on the sports teams so during season, no need to worry too. much about rides. It can be hard to make the team though with lots of great competition within the school walls. The school also offers Hydra, which is a fee-based swim program. They race locally, have different ability levels within the group, and it is a great way to keep your child busy while keeping them in shape too. You are responsible for the pick-up and drop off to the school. There are several volunteer opportunities to volunteer ranging from Booster Club concession stand and store, PTA with a variety of events, Arab Mothers Association, and/or the elementary school as a home room parent. When you arrive at orientation, there will be a booth where you can sign up to volunteer. - Oct 2023
The American School of Doha (ASD) is the one most of the Embassy uses. It's a huge campus, think small US college. They offer top-notch facilities (the only regulation baseball field in the Gulf) and classes. My kids really enjoyed their time at ASD and miss it a lot. ASD has busses from the compounds to the school. - Jul 2022
I don't use them yet, but I heard that the American school is very nice and good, and people are happy there. I have heard that not everyone who applies is accepted to the school. - Apr 2021
The American School of Doha (ASD) is considered one of the top-five best American Schools in the world. They are top shelf, though their one knock is they aren't always the best with learning disabilities. - May 2017
Plentiful international schools and many good quality ones are available. The American School of Doha is excellent, and has the waiting list to prove it. - May 2017
many schools, all full. - May 2015
ASD is the main American school here; there are several other options but they fall far behind in quality. ASD is reputably one of the best American schools around the world. - Feb 2015
We love the American School of Doha. My girls are incredibly happy!The teachers are dedicated and innovative. There are myriad after school activities too-- free of charge and late transportation is available. Big thumbs up. - Apr 2012
There are many schools here, some good, but I wouldn't bring my family and kids here, Arab kids are spoiled rotten and will spoil your kids too. - Mar 2012
Everyone raves about the American School here, which is said to have great facilities and dedicated teachers. I was told that children have to meet certain basic standards to enroll in the school, and some USG employees were not able to enroll their kids because they didn't meet the qualifications. - Mar 2012
Our children attend the American School of Doha (ASD) and we love it. The new campus is top-notch and the teachers are incredibly creative and caring. - Jan 2012
There are plenty. American School of Doha and Doha College (British System) come to mind. Qatar is also home to branch campuses of some the world's best universites (Cornell, Carnegie Mellon, Georgetown, UCL, Northwestern, HEC Paris and more to come). - Jun 2011
The American School is good, as are some English schools. - Oct 2010
ASD is fantastic. Beautiful campus. Amazing facilities - but it is very far from all housing communities. Kids spend over an hour each way on the bus. Bidder beware! The school is often not in session, making it impossible to not have childcare if both parents work. All U.S. holidays are given many days off, then add in Ramadan, two weeks for Eid(s), half-Tuesdays every week, and copious amounts of teacher work days. The kids are just never in school. As of this post, the kids have already missed over 7 weeks of school, and it's only December! Further, if you are embassy affiliated, don't assume that your child has guaranteed admission. The school is full, and they are reserving spots for those companies that contribute a lot of money. They have a formula that they go by. If ExxonMobil contributes said amount, then they will allow said amount of kids in. Fair? It seems the Dept of State's contributions to security/land and such is of little concern. Bidder beware. - Dec 2009
There are a lot, but they are all impacted. Unless you have guaranteed admission through your employer, then you will face a waiting list. - Sep 2008
