Buenos Aires, Argentina Real School Experiences
Personal Experiences from Buenos Aires, Argentina
Colegio Aletheia
School Website
http://www.colegioaletheia.esc.edu.ar/index.php
Background Information:
1. Are you the parent of a child(ren) attending this school? A teacher at the school? Or both?
I'm the parent of two children attending this school.
2. What grade or grades do/did your children attend at the school? During what year(s) did they attend the school?
We arrived when my girls were ages 3 and 5, respectively. We are three years at post (2017-2020), so when we leave, they will have attended pre-school (3 & 4), kindergarten, and grades one, two, and part of grade 3.
3. What was your reason for living in the city where the school is located (e.g., government, military, corporate, NGO, retired)?
We are with the US State Department, so we wanted to live in the city, near the embassy. My husband is able to walk to work, and the school is about 2km away from our apartment building. We can walk, but little legs sometimes find it tiring after a long day at school, so usually we drive or take the city bus to and from school.
4. Are other schools available to expatriates in this city? Why did you choose this particular school?
Yes. Most embassy families go to Lincoln International School. That is out in the suburbs, and the instruction there is in English--and follows the American school calendar. For our experience, we wanted our girls to learn Spanish, so we chose an Argentine school. We also were looking for something non-traditional, Montessori-like, and Aletheia fits that. It's not a traditional Catholic school (many Argentine schools are), and it has a progressive approach (Reggio-Emilia) to their instruction.
Admissions & Welcome:
1. Are the admissions and placement procedures clearly stated to prospective families, either on the school website or through other means of communication?
The admissions processes are stated on their website, but as with most things in Argentina, it is best to call to arrange an interview. Even better, it's best to meet face-to-face with the administration. We arranged everything through a Skype interview, pre-arrival, and then we went to the school directly when we arrived at post.
2. How would you rate the school's support and welcome/integration of new students and their families, and why?
The support of new families was really great. They always have an "adaptation period" for the new students--giving them time to adjust to the school. Soon after our arrival, other parents reached out and included us in a WhatsApp group so that we could communicate with other parents. Everyone is super friendly and inclusive.
Administration & School Procedures:
1. How is the overall communication between teachers and parents, and the administration and parents? How is communication facilitated?
Communication is ok at this school. There are several avenues of communication: a WhatsApp group, a school portal/website, e-mail, and notebooks that the students take to and from class. Usually, e-mail is the best way to communicate with the administration, and the notebooks are the best ways to communicate with the teachers.
2. Aside from school fees, are there required expenses such as uniforms, laptops/tablets, musical instruments, or field trips that parents are expected to cover? What are the approximate costs?
Families have to pay for uniforms and, if they choose it, lunches. There are some after school activities offered at the school, and those are an extra cost, as well. But the overall costs are far below any private school in the US.
Academics & Resources:
1. What personal or academic counseling resources are available at this school? Is there a dedicated college counselor at the school? Is he/she familiar with universities worldwide?
This is a preK through 7th grade school. To my knowledge, there are no personal or academic counselors at the school.
2. Is there before and/or after-school daycare available? What are the costs?
Yes. There is no additional cost for the before/after school care. But they only are offered one hour before the start of classes (8.00 a.m.-9.00 a.m.) and one hour after the end of classes (3.00-4.00) for the pre-school and kindergarten kids.
3. Does the school have a library? How large is it? How updated are the books? Can students borrow books to read at home?
There is a small library in the school. It is a cozy space, and my girls like to go there with their class, but students cannot borrow the books to read at home.
4. What are the technology requirements for students? Do they need their own laptops/ipads? How is technology integrated into the classroom and homework?
There is a lot of technology at the school. Every classroom has a whiteboard and screen with video capabilities. Teachers often record students when they do English work. My girls don't have homework yet, so I'm not sure about the laptop/homework question.
5. How are information technology resources at the school. Are they up-to-date? Is there a computer lab?
They are very up-to-date. There are computers at the school, and I believe that most 5th-7th graders either work on laptops or computers regularly.
6. Describe the physical education resources at the school. Is there a gym? A swimming pool? Are there playing fields or tennis courts available?
There is a gym, and from 4th grade upward, students are bussed to a bigger campus for gym days so they can have more green space and use better facilities. There are no playing fields/tennis courts/pool at the school.
7. What is the approximate teacher-to-student ratio in the grades that your child attended?
One teacher:: 8-10 kids.
8. Are Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses available in upper grades? If this is an IB school, is the full diploma required of all students?
This is not an IB school.
9. Are students generally challenged appropriately by the curriculum? Please describe any particular strengths or weaknesses in this area. Do you have any thoughts how the curriculum is applied and implemented at this school?
The curriculum at this school is non-traditional and very project-based. Teachers teach the individual versus the entire class. There are also lots of small groups. Kids are happy and challenged. They love going to school because every day is a kind of exploration. They have them doing math in interesting ways; they learn about science and history and art and music. They are writing and reading Spanish and English at the same time (starting in first grade and continuing throughout).
10. What fine arts electives are available (music, drama, visual arts)?
Music, drama, art
11. Are the teachers at the school required to speak English as a first language--or at least fluently?
Again, this is an Argentine school, so all speak Spanish. But the English teachers speak English fluently.
12. What services are available for gifted/advanced students at the school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
There are no special services available at this school.
13. What services are available for students with learning disabilities at this school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
There are no special services available at this school.
14. What services are available for students with physical disabilities at this school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
There are no special services available at this school.
15. What extra-curricular activities (including sports) are available at this school? Have your children participated in these activities? What activities do you feel are missing at the school?
This year, the school is offering a robotics class, gymnastics, and soccer for after school activities--for my girls. I'm not sure what they offer for other grades, but it seems like they change the offerings each year.
Social & Emotional Well-Being:
1. What is the climate for LGBT+ kids at this school? Are there resources they can draw upon? Does there appear to be any exclusionary behavior?
In my opinion, this is a very inclusive school. Most families are entrepreneurs or artists, and as such, it seems they gravitate toward this school and the school, in turn, embraces different kinds of families.
2. What is the climate for children with special needs? Is there a general attitude of inclusion for children with special needs?
If students have special needs, I think they are referred to seek help outside of the school. Special needs issues have been brought up among the parents many times, but the school firmly believes (perhaps because of the Reggio-Emilia ideology) that they can address most issues via one-on-one attention.
However, they probably could benefit from having speech therapists, OTs, and guidance counselors at the school.
3. Do expatriate students socialize with local students at the school? Are both groups successfully integrated into the school culture?
In our first year here, our kids were the first expat kids. They were embraced whole-heartedly. I couldn't have been happier when, on our first day, my then five-year old came out at pick-up with two new Argentine friends holding her hands, happy and curious to be with her. Her class was so excited to have a new girl in their midst--and an American on top of that! They really embraced her, and she now is speaking Spanish like an Argentine, and, I think, her class treats her like one of them.
In our second year here, other expat families arrived--one Finnish, some Brazilian, another American--and they were also accepted very easily. It does help, however, for at least one parent to be able to speak Spanish--just to make the transition more smooth.
4. Are there are any problems with exclusionary behavior, cliques, or bullying at this school? Please describe any problems your children may have experienced in this area.
There have been some problems with some kids among the boys in the first and second grade. Our children didn't experience anything directly, but friends of ours are having trouble in one grade.
Overall Impressions:
1. What letter grade (ranging from A, excellent, to F, fail) would you assign to this school based on your overall experience? Would you choose it again?
A. We love this school at this stage for our girls. It's warm; the teachers are great and attentive and give hugs all the time; the families are welcoming and lovely; and, most importantly, our girls love to go to school.
2. Please describe some of your child's/children's highlights and challenges during their time at this school.
My oldest daughter learned to read, write, and speak in Spanish! My youngest daughter speaks Spanish and is on her way to learning to read and write in Spanish.
3. Please tell us anything else you think prospective parents and students should know about this school. Thanks for your contribution!
We really like this school, and we've recommended it to many people during our time here. It was a perfect place for our girls to go, while young, to learn Spanish, to enjoy school, to be curious, and to feel welcomed by other Argentine kids. It's been an amazing cultural and educational experience for them--and for us.
Lincoln Intl American School
School Website
Background Information:
1. Are you the parent of a child(ren) attending this school? A teacher at the school? Or both?
parent
2. What grade or grades do/did your children attend at the school? During what year(s) did they attend the school?
10, 12
3. During what years were you affiliated with this school?
2001-2012
4. What was your reason for living in the city where the school is located (e.g., government, military, corporate, NGO, retired)?
work
Admissions & Welcome:
1. Are the admissions and placement procedures clearly stated to prospective families, either on the school website or through other means of communication?
A
2. How would you rate the school's support and welcome/integration of new students and their families, and why?
A
Administration & School Procedures:
1. Describe the general climate of the grade level that you teach or your child attends:
I wish to discuss elements of the high school experience.I am not involved with the elementary or middle school at this time.
2. For the following attributes, down to the next blank box, grade your experience at the school on a scale of A (excellent) to F (unacceptable/terrible) and provide comments:<br><br>Overall fair and equitable treatment of all students and families:
C
3. How is the overall communication between teachers and parents, and the administration and parents? How is communication facilitated?
Cnearly non-existent unless initiated by high school parent
4. Services for gifted students who need academic challenge and students with learning difficulties:
C
5. Availability and variety of after-school activities for various ages:
B-
6. Maintenance of appropriately high standards for all students:
C
7. Homework assigned (quality, quantity):
C
8. Administration-parent communication:
B
9. Teacher-student communication:
seems adequate - teachers use electronic system called Moodle to communicate assignments
10. Academics, answer the following questions "yes" or "no" with an explanation if appropriate:<br><br>Are there any classes or subjects where students are not appropriately challenged?
yes. The IB program at this small high school means that students have the same teacher for two years.Some of the teachers are great; others are not.Also, the 2nd half of the year for high school seniors is mostly a waste of time as the classes and teachers are entirely focused on AP/IB testing. No new curriculum is taught in most of the classes.The seniors have some senioritis, but the weak curriculum and lack of education do not help.Also, if your younger high school student has a teacher heavily involved in the IB program or IB/AP testing, he or she will learn very little the second semester of the year.One of my student's teachers was hardly ever present in the classroom during 2nd semester.My student learned almost nothing new 2nd semester and was very disappointed by the lack of teaching and learning.
11. Does your child receive any special-needs assistance or instruction at this school? If yes, what types? Who provides services and where:
The school does not have a special needs program as far as I know.You would need to check.For study skills and lesser issues, the high school has a learning specialist teacher who is very good at what she does to support students.
12. Do you believe the special-needs assistance is appropriate and fills your needs? Explain:
Yes. Program worked very well for special assistance with minor learning and study skills issues.
13. Does the gifted and talented program meet the needs of students? Please explain:
I don't believe the school has a G&T program - you should check with the school.The high school pushes the IB program which has its weaknesses:it locks teachers and students into an inflexible two-year curriculum with hardly any extra time to discuss side topics that may arise, it focuses on testing results and meeting worldwide standards instead of education, and students are locked into the same schedule with the same weak or strong teachers for two full years.The IB program is a marketing tool.
14. Does the school offer a wide variety of elective or non-core classes such as art, music, and drama?
There is a narrow band of options - one of each type.Each elective is taught by one teacher.Scheduling can be tricky due to the one elective/one teacher situation which is likely necessary because the high school is pretty small.
15. Please describe any classes or programs that you believe are missing:
By the time your student fulfills their academic requirements, there won't be much time for many more course options.With a larger student body, the school could hire more teachers and have a few more options and more flexibility so your student could take additional courses that are often now not possible due to scheduling conflicts.The high school is pretty small; the classes and programs are probably relevant for the size.The high school should initiate a class for all second semester juniors and first semester seniors where they study for SAT/ACT tests, work on college essays, work together with students and with teachers to prepare college applications, etc.The high school should help students to prepare for college applications and testing and essays during class time.
16. Are there academic requirements such as trips or other activities that cost money in addition to school fees?
sports and arts exchange trips and community services trips cost additional sums - usually between US$200 and US$500.Argentina is not an inexpensive country for travel, but all of these opportunities are great for getting out of the capital city and fun for participants.High schoolers do a one-week community service stint working in various rural communities and it is an excellent experience.
17. What activities do you feel are missing?
Sports for high schoolers that develop skills for all in a fun, balanced and supportive manner.Soccer is a main sport. Because Argentine schools don't have sports teams, there is not much play against other schools or sports clubs.There are sports exchanges once or twice a year with other regional American schools.High school boys' soccer is coached by contract coaches, non-teachers at the school.Weekly practices revolve around play between Lincoln high schoolers.The contract coaching staff does not succeed or is not trained in positive interaction with participants in a way that promotes skills and self-esteem for all and emphasizes health and well-being and fun.There is an over-emphasis on the outdated model of competition and playing only the best players.Favoritism and lack of transparency for student athletes selected for special games, exchanges or opportunities is an outcome.The high school administration does not get involved much in decisions made by the contract coaches, even when parents raise concerns.
18. Have your children participated in the activities offered? If no, please indicate why:
yes
19. Does the school provide appropriate assistance to new students?
yes - the school is very friendly and supportive of new students
20. Please describe any problem areas or challenges in social interaction at the school:
The school is very social.Kids of all backgrounds seem to mix well.This may not be a problem, but be warned:Argentina is a late-night environment for house parties, many parties start at 1 a.m.Driving age is 17 and, thankfully, very few students have cars.Kids travel in hired cars to and from parties.Also, alcohol is frequently served at parties.
Academics & Resources:
1. What personal or academic counseling resources are available at this school? Is there a dedicated college counselor at the school? Is he/she familiar with universities worldwide?
C- college/career; A courses selection; family support - no experience
2. Does the school have a library? How large is it? How updated are the books? Can students borrow books to read at home?
A
3. How are information technology resources at the school. Are they up-to-date? Is there a computer lab?
seems fine
4. Describe the physical education resources at the school. Is there a gym? A swimming pool? Are there playing fields or tennis courts available?
A-
5. What is the approximate teacher-to-student ratio in the grades that your child attended?
A
6. Are Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses available in upper grades? If this is an IB school, is the full diploma required of all students?
these programs exist
7. Is the amount and type of homework generally appropriate for the age and grade of the students?
depends on the teacher/the high school administration should carefully monitor an overall high school schedule so that students are not tested with multiple tests on the same day or given large projects at times when they are busy with other major events such as IB project deadlines, trips, exchanges or the high school play, college applications, etc.
8. What fine arts electives are available (music, drama, visual arts)?
B
9. Are the teachers at the school required to speak English as a first language--or at least fluently?
yes
10. What services are available for gifted/advanced students at the school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
no - school is basically college prep.AP and IB classes theoretically offer a bit more challenge for more motivated students.
11. What extra-curricular activities (including sports) are available at this school? Have your children participated in these activities? What activities do you feel are missing at the school?
there are some - it is not a wide range, probably due to the small size of the student body and participant numbers
Social & Emotional Well-Being:
1. Do expatriate students socialize with local students at the school? Are both groups successfully integrated into the school culture?
yes - students of various cultures and backgrounds mix easily.The student body is a good mix of Argentines, expats from many countries, and North Americans.There doesn't appear to be any one group in the majority.
2. Are there are any problems with exclusionary behavior, cliques, or bullying at this school? Please describe any problems your children may have experienced in this area.
not to my knowledge - anything like that is dealt with quickly.
Overall Impressions:
1. What is the greatest strength of this school?
friendly - some great teachers - great campus and facility - great location - nice students from a myriad of cultures and backgrounds; friendly and supportive relations among students
2. Greatest challenge?
there are administrators and high school teachers who need new challenges - a number have been at the school for over a decade.Buenos Aires is a nice place to live, but the school would benefit from more frequent turnover and school staff would benefit from new challenges in new locations.Individual career/college counseling is deficient despite the fact that graduating classes are only 60-70 students, not of all whom go on to college.
3. Would you choose this school again? Why?
Yes, because I sought an American curriculum and schedule.Argentine schools start in March and end in November which is tricky for those returning to the U.S. calendar.
Asociacion Escuelas Lincoln AKA: "Lincoln"
School Website
Background Information:
1. Are you the parent of a child(ren) attending this school? A teacher at the school? Or both?
teacher
2. What grade or grades do/did your children attend at the school? During what year(s) did they attend the school?
5th grade
3. During what years were you affiliated with this school?
2010-present
4. What was your reason for living in the city where the school is located (e.g., government, military, corporate, NGO, retired)?
US Embassy
Admissions & Welcome:
1. Are the admissions and placement procedures clearly stated to prospective families, either on the school website or through other means of communication?
I believe US Embassy gets priority placement, locals have a waiting list to get in.
2. How would you rate the school's support and welcome/integration of new students and their families, and why?
Good. PTA is very active, they have a movie rental program to allow families to borrow movies before they have cable, they allow families to use the gym and pool and even keep adult books in the library for parents to check out. They really take effort in making the school a community.
Administration & School Procedures:
1. For the following attributes, down to the next blank box, grade your experience at the school on a scale of A to F with comments:
I was highly impressed with the Professionalism of the school. I received weekly updates from the classroom teacher about what the class was up to. I also personalized emails when my daughter did something great or needed to focus more in a certain area.
2. Describe the general climate of the grade level that you teach or your child attends:
We have had a great experience transitioning from North Virginia Schools to Lincoln. The curriculm is challenging, but the teachers are very available to support the kids.
3. For the following attributes, down to the next blank box, grade your experience at the school on a scale of A (excellent) to F (unacceptable/terrible) and provide comments:<br><br>Overall fair and equitable treatment of all students and families:
There was a transitional period where my daughter felt like the local kids did not accept her. She was told by other American kids that the locals were not friendly. Once she broke the barrier and made local friends, she realized this was not the case. She now has more local friends than Americans.
4. How is the overall communication between teachers and parents, and the administration and parents? How is communication facilitated?
The best part of the school is the communication. They send weekly school updates and each teacher also send class room updates regularly.
5. Services for gifted students who need academic challenge and students with learning difficulties:
As we transitioned, my daughter needed a little tutoring in math. The school provided a tutor list. It was not provided by school, but they were willing to help as much as possible.
6. Availability and variety of after-school activities for various ages:
I can't even count the number of activities offered.Some examples include: art, dance, swimming, track, tae kwando, soccer... and that's just elementary. I believe Higher levels have more competitive activities afterschool.
7. Maintenance of appropriately high standards for all students:
Good.
8. Homework assigned (quality, quantity):
She had a fair amount each week, but not overwhelming. From 5th to 6th grade, the kids are required to read 2 books and do a report durring the summer- which is due the 1st week of school. The kids hate it, but at least it keeps them reading!
9. Administration-parent communication:
Every time I needed something, they administration reacted quickly and with professionalism.
10. Teacher-student communication:
The teachers are top notch, majority are Americans and US trained.
11. Academics, answer the following questions "yes" or "no" with an explanation if appropriate:<br><br>Are there any classes or subjects where students are not appropriately challenged?
In my experience, no.
12. Does your child receive any special-needs assistance or instruction at this school? If yes, what types? Who provides services and where:
No, but she does have a tutor come to the house twice a week. The tutor is a substitute at Lincoln, but we hired her independantly.
13. Do you believe the special-needs assistance is appropriate and fills your needs? Explain:
Yes
14. Does the gifted and talented program meet the needs of students? Please explain:
NA
15. Does the school offer a wide variety of elective or non-core classes such as art, music, and drama?
Yes.
16. Please describe any classes or programs that you believe are missing:
NA
17. Are there academic requirements such as trips or other activities that cost money in addition to school fees?
The school offers a few overnight trips for certain grade levels. If you want your child to go, this is an extra expense.
18. What activities do you feel are missing?
My daughter wishes they would offer gymnastics
19. Have your children participated in the activities offered? If no, please indicate why:
Not many.
20. Does the school provide appropriate assistance to new students?
Yes, everyone including the security guards knew her name in her 1st week.
21. Please describe any problem areas or challenges in social interaction at the school:
My friend who has a daughter in high school is often challenged with local culture. Teens have parties (quinceneras, bdays, etc) that will start at 10PM and go until 2 or 3 in the AM. Thats normal here, but some Americans struggle with the idea of their 15 yr old at a party until 2 AM.
Academics & Resources:
1. What personal or academic counseling resources are available at this school? Is there a dedicated college counselor at the school? Is he/she familiar with universities worldwide?
The counselor worked regularly with classes to talk about bullying and other common issues that the grade levels face.
2. Does the school have a library? How large is it? How updated are the books? Can students borrow books to read at home?
Good selections for all levels in both English and Spanish.
3. How are information technology resources at the school. Are they up-to-date? Is there a computer lab?
My 5th grader was assigned an email account which was used for school regualrly, she also used flash drives and created power point presentations in class.
4. Describe the physical education resources at the school. Is there a gym? A swimming pool? Are there playing fields or tennis courts available?
Durring the warm months, kids take swimming class. Good variety of instruction. After school also offers many competitive sports.
5. What is the approximate teacher-to-student ratio in the grades that your child attended?
20:1 or so.
6. Are Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses available in upper grades? If this is an IB school, is the full diploma required of all students?
Not sure, I believe it is IB programming-but you may need to review their website. I do know that we have many American, local and other international students who continue on to Ivy league colleges after graduating.
7. Is the amount and type of homework generally appropriate for the age and grade of the students?
Yes
8. What fine arts electives are available (music, drama, visual arts)?
Great music and art program. In 6th grade all students are required to take band to introduce them to instruments.
9. Are the teachers at the school required to speak English as a first language--or at least fluently?
Yes, except the afterschool instructors. Their English is less fluent in my experience.
10. What services are available for gifted/advanced students at the school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
NO
11. What extra-curricular activities (including sports) are available at this school? Have your children participated in these activities? What activities do you feel are missing at the school?
Yes
Social & Emotional Well-Being:
1. Do expatriate students socialize with local students at the school? Are both groups successfully integrated into the school culture?
Yes, to birthday parties and sleep overs just as in the US.
2. Are there are any problems with exclusionary behavior, cliques, or bullying at this school? Please describe any problems your children may have experienced in this area.
Sometimes. Bullying is a topic often addressed. My daughter had to break the ice with the locals which took longer than expected, but now she is friends with both expats and locals.
Overall Impressions:
1. What is the greatest strength of this school?
The people and the teachers. There's a passion for the kids that is obvious in all that they do.
2. Greatest challenge?
They need to continue working on integrating the expats with the locals. Shy kids struggle more with this topic.
3. Would you choose this school again? Why?
YES! My daughter loves going to school and is getting a great education, what more can I ask for?
Lincoln School
School Website
Background Information:
1. Are you the parent of a child(ren) attending this school? A teacher at the school? Or both?
parent
2. What grade or grades do/did your children attend at the school? During what year(s) did they attend the school?
9 and 11
3. During what years were you affiliated with this school?
2001-2005; 2006-2012
4. What was your reason for living in the city where the school is located (e.g., government, military, corporate, NGO, retired)?
government
Admissions & Welcome:
1. Are the admissions and placement procedures clearly stated to prospective families, either on the school website or through other means of communication?
A
2. How would you rate the school's support and welcome/integration of new students and their families, and why?
A
Administration & School Procedures:
1. Describe the general climate of the grade level that you teach or your child attends:
friendly, academic, lots of activities
2. For the following attributes, down to the next blank box, grade your experience at the school on a scale of A (excellent) to F (unacceptable/terrible) and provide comments:<br><br>Overall fair and equitable treatment of all students and families:
A
3. How is the overall communication between teachers and parents, and the administration and parents? How is communication facilitated?
B
4. Services for gifted students who need academic challenge and students with learning difficulties:
B
5. Availability and variety of after-school activities for various ages:
A
6. Maintenance of appropriately high standards for all students:
A
7. Homework assigned (quality, quantity):
A
8. Administration-parent communication:
B
9. Teacher-student communication:
A
10. Academics, answer the following questions "yes" or "no" with an explanation if appropriate:<br><br>Are there any classes or subjects where students are not appropriately challenged?
no
11. Does your child receive any special-needs assistance or instruction at this school? If yes, what types? Who provides services and where:
no
12. Do you believe the special-needs assistance is appropriate and fills your needs? Explain:
there is a program but we did not have to use it
13. Does the gifted and talented program meet the needs of students? Please explain:
don't think there is a program for this, but academics in high school is challenging and i have heard of independent studies for math whizes
14. Does the school offer a wide variety of elective or non-core classes such as art, music, and drama?
yes
15. Please describe any classes or programs that you believe are missing:
16. Are there academic requirements such as trips or other activities that cost money in addition to school fees?
no
17. What activities do you feel are missing?
very satisfied
18. Have your children participated in the activities offered? If no, please indicate why:
yes
19. Does the school provide appropriate assistance to new students?
yes
20. Please describe any problem areas or challenges in social interaction at the school:
none
Academics & Resources:
1. What personal or academic counseling resources are available at this school? Is there a dedicated college counselor at the school? Is he/she familiar with universities worldwide?
B
2. Does the school have a library? How large is it? How updated are the books? Can students borrow books to read at home?
A
3. How are information technology resources at the school. Are they up-to-date? Is there a computer lab?
A
4. Describe the physical education resources at the school. Is there a gym? A swimming pool? Are there playing fields or tennis courts available?
B
5. What is the approximate teacher-to-student ratio in the grades that your child attended?
A
6. Are Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses available in upper grades? If this is an IB school, is the full diploma required of all students?
A
7. Is the amount and type of homework generally appropriate for the age and grade of the students?
yes
8. What fine arts electives are available (music, drama, visual arts)?
A
9. Are the teachers at the school required to speak English as a first language--or at least fluently?
yes
10. What services are available for gifted/advanced students at the school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
no
11. What extra-curricular activities (including sports) are available at this school? Have your children participated in these activities? What activities do you feel are missing at the school?
yes
Social & Emotional Well-Being:
1. Do expatriate students socialize with local students at the school? Are both groups successfully integrated into the school culture?
yes
2. Are there are any problems with exclusionary behavior, cliques, or bullying at this school? Please describe any problems your children may have experienced in this area.
school on top of these types of issues
Overall Impressions:
1. What is the greatest strength of this school?
friendly, a family at school, fantastic teachers, strong academics
2. Greatest challenge?
can't think of one
3. Would you choose this school again? Why?
yes
