Rio De Janeiro, Brazil Real School Experiences
Personal Experiences from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
American School of Rio de Janeiro
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?
My oldest attended 7th and 8th grades. My youngest attended 5th and 6th grades .
3. What was your reason for living in the city where the school is located (e.g., government, military, corporate, NGO, retired)?
Consulate
4. Are other schools available to expatriates in this city? Why did you choose this particular school?
Yes, British, German, etc. The American School is supposed to follow U.S. curriculum and is on the North American schedule, starting in August and ending in June. But since the school is basically functioning as a Brazilian school, they follow much closer to a Brazilian calendar than North American.
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?
In our experience, the admissions process was unorganized, forms were lost and we had to complete them again. We went for a scheduled tour, which they had forgotten about and scrambled to give us a last-minute tour with a secretary. I would not say that procedures are standardized or followed.
2. How would you rate the school's support and welcome/integration of new students and their families, and why?
Very weak. Our children were given a guide for their first day, since the school is approximately 80% Brazilian students, both of our kids had local student guides who were not fluent in English and did not remain with our kids for the entire day. We felt that the school counselor for upper elementary and middle school did not help to support our kids. We experienced very weak programming in the social-emotional area.
Administration & School Procedures:
1. How is the overall communication between teachers and parents, and the administration and parents? How is communication facilitated?
Teachers communicate fairly well with us on a regular basis, even with limited English teachers (of which there are quite a few). In our experience, the administration is not great at communicating with parents and often don't follow through with "next steps", etc.
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?
You have to pay for uniforms, laptops are mandatory, and an annual week long trip that is about $1,000 per child.
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?
There was a US College Counselor who left in June 2018 after two years. EARJ has hired a new college counselor, but I am not sure where she is from or what experience she has. We had some concerns with school counsellors as mentioned and don't send our kids to them for support.
2. Is there before and/or after-school daycare available? What are the costs?
As far as I can tell, there is no before or after school care. In my opinion, this is likely due to the unrest at the favela that surrounds the school. My perception is that it's not safe enough at the school for any type of daycare. While the windows that face the favela are bulletproof, the school shut down for four days in September of 2017, due to extreme tensions on the campus grounds between gangs and the police.
3. Does the school have a library? How large is it? How updated are the books? Can students borrow books to read at home?
EARJ has two very small libraries. This is probably my oldest child's biggest complaint. Students are only allowed to borrow books marked as their grade level. (6th graders can only borrow 6th grade books), etc.
4. How are information technology resources at the school. Are they up-to-date? Is there a computer lab?
No computer lab.
5. What are the technology requirements for students? Do they need their own laptops/ipads? How is technology integrated into the classroom and homework?
The students have to bring their own laptop. Homework is often only IXL online activities. I think the staff need updated training in regards to using technology in the classroom appropriately; when I check my kids' laptops at night, they have been on Netflix, Youtube, etc. during class time. So not sure how they monitor or if they do.
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 no swimming pool, nor tennis courts. There is a gym, and the soccer field is nice, but I understand it shuts down when tensions rise in the favela due to concerns that the schoolchildren could be affected. The school wisely has a "no open space" policy that they put into place when it sounds like an increase in fighting at the favela. From my count, we receive an average of 5 "no open space" policy emails per month.
7. What is the approximate teacher-to-student ratio in the grades that your child attended?
1 - 25
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?
Yes, IB is available.
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?
I would say students are not academically challenged at EARJ. My oldest currently has 100% in all of her classes but I have had other friends move kids to boarding school due to concerns about academics. Another friend who just left reported that her children are a bit behind at their new school and will need to "catch up."
10. Is the amount and type of homework generally appropriate for the age and grade of the students?
No homework in elementary and very little in middle school.
11. What fine arts electives are available (music, drama, visual arts)?
No drama classes or plays are put on at EARJ, which was a huge disappointment for my kids. There are music classes in elementary school but not in middle unless you sign up for band. In my opinion, visual arts are not an area of strength.
12. Are the teachers at the school required to speak English as a first language--or at least fluently?
EARJ has many, many local hires as main classroom teachers and in my opinion their English is not fluent enough to be an American School homeroom teacher. Most of the elective teachers have very limited English skills and the Portuguese teachers do not speak English at all.
13. What services are available for gifted/advanced students at the school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
We have met with the school twice about this and they have stated to us that they do not have Gifted or advanced classes at this time.
14. What services are available for students with learning disabilities at this school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
Very limited special education services. One learning specialist for all of lower school who is a local employee. We have heard from parents that there is too much demand for too few staff.
15. What services are available for students with physical disabilities at this school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
None. The school is built on a hill and each building is a 6-story building that the kids climb every day. The layout of the school would be challenging, if not impossible for anyone with physical disabilities.
16. What services are provided for speakers of English as a second language at this school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
17. 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?
The school has no after school activities, e.g., art or dance. There are sports, but practices seem to be canceled frequently due to the issues with the neighboring favela.
Social & Emotional Well-Being:
1. Do expatriate students socialize with local students at the school? Are both groups successfully integrated into the school culture?
Not at all.
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.
It seems that the majority of students are Brazilian who have studied together their entire lives, so they come across as indifferent to the international students.
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?
I would assign a letter D and would not choose it again. As a matter of fact, we might curtail early from Rio due to our frustration with the school. Our children are in middle school and in our opinion, the school is not adequate for middle school or above. I would say for elementary school age children it is "acceptable", but not for older children.
2. Please tell us anything else you think prospective parents and students should know about this school. Thanks for your contribution!
Parents should be aware of the location of this school and the real issues of violence surrounding the school every day. There is only one road up to the school and one road down (same winding road). You pass the favela entrances along the way and there are police and soldiers at every entrance. We were not aware that the school was located in an area we do not feel is safe, and I would have appreciated knowing this before we bid on Rio.
Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro
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?
1st, 3rd (lower school), 6th (middle school)
3. During what years were you affiliated with this school?
2012-2014
4. What was your reason for living in the city where the school is located (e.g., government, military, corporate, NGO, retired)?
consulate
5. Are other schools available to expatriates in this city? Why did you choose this particular school?
Reputation, sports, proximity to consulate housing
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?
B+
Not sure I can be objective, but I found them to be SUPER-helpful to U.S. Consulate families.
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:
Nurturing and friendly, open to new students and focused on the children being comfortable and happy. My kids loved EARJ and still speak about their friends and teachers from the school.
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?
A
Excellent-- through power school and frequent teacher emails. This place was much more like the U.S. than our current post. We are blessed in that regard in Rio. We had caring teachers (Brazilian and American alike) who really got to know us and our kids.
4. 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?
Laptops (bring your own) and school lunches (but you can send lunch with your child).
5. Services for gifted students who need academic challenge and students with learning difficulties:
C+
Not sure, since our kids fall within the "average" range. I knew a few Foreign Service families who were unhappy because they thought the school was not challenging enough for their "high-achieving kids". That said, I knew a few Consulate families with truly brilliant children who never complained and found the teachers very accommodating.
6. Availability and variety of after-school activities for various ages:
B
This was hard due to traffic, but our daughter did get to play basketball after school at EARJ, and the school PTA (not the consulate) worked to provide busing to help kids have the opportunity to participate. Kids who wanted to participate were able to do so.
7. Maintenance of appropriately high standards for all students:
B
Some teachers pushed the kids, others not so much.
8. Homework assigned (quality, quantity):
B
Mostly appropriate.
9. Administration-parent communication:
A for elementary principal and secretary-- she was great, too. Get to know her!
C for middle school.
A for headmaster (new-- Mr. Sherman)
A for the nurse too (she really helped us)
10. Teacher-student communication:
B+
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?
Yes, the kids are challenged, but only if they choose to be. Everyone wants the children to be happy and feel good about themselves, so they don't push them too hard.
12. Does your child receive any special-needs assistance or instruction at this school? If yes, what types? Who provides services and where:
No.
13. Do you believe the special-needs assistance is appropriate and fills your needs? Explain:
N/A
14. Does the gifted and talented program meet the needs of students? Please explain:
N/A
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:
Swimming-- but the school is in a rain forest, so I understand why that won't work
17. Are there academic requirements such as trips or other activities that cost money in addition to school fees?
Yes, although I don't think they are required. We paid about 1000 US dollars for our daughter's trips, and she also did a basketball tournament. We were in Brazil when it was expensive, so this was a factor that led to some families not doing the end of the year trips. I will say that in our case, each time she traveled, she was well cared for and had a rich experience. She got sick on one trip, and the athletic director (a woman!) carried her on her back. I won't ever forget how well the people at EARJ cared for my children.
18. What activities do you feel are missing?
Again, swimming, but EARJ won't be able to get a pool.
19. Have your children participated in the activities offered? If no, please indicate why:
Yes.
20. Does the school provide appropriate assistance to new students?
Yes.
21. Please describe any problem areas or challenges in social interaction at the school:
The school has new director, and I hope he addresses the challenge of creating a central mission of high achievement and shares that with the community.
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+
Counseling was available, and I knew the counselors at each grade. They reached out and were available for conferences.
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
My kids always had books to read.
3. How are information technology resources at the school. Are they up-to-date? Is there a computer lab?
B-
The kids had to bring their own device.
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
16 to 1. There is a full-time teacher and aide in every class.
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?
No experience with either.
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, many sports.
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, my kids had Brazilian, Swedish, Finnish, French, Colombian, Canadian and American friends.
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.
No, not that I could tell.
Overall Impressions:
1. What is the greatest strength of this school?
LOVE FOR THE CHILDREN, kindness, a warm and caring school. My son had an emergency on the bus and needed to be rushed to the hospital (ER) for an allergic reaction. The teacher assistant found him and knew immediately to take him to the ER. Both my son's teacher and teaching assistant waited at the hospital with my son until I arrived and remained there in the waiting room until we were released. The teachers care so much about the kids.
2. Greatest challenge?
This is a super laid-back school that didn't push as hard as I thought they could at times.
3. Would you choose this school again? Why?
Yes. After being at a new post and seeing how unhappy my kids are, I would go back there again. I chose a strict school after EARJ, thinking that would motivate my kids, but it didn't. They did well and were happy (in general) at EARJ because they felt accepted and loved. If you are trying to get your kid into Harvard, stick with Asian posts where there is a ton of pressure. If your kid just needs to feel loved and safe-- give EARJ a try. They appeared to be tightening standards and focusing on teachers' professional development when we left. Brazilians are very kind to kids, and that shows at EARJ.
The British School in Botafogo
School Website
http://www.britishschool.g12.br/
Background Information:
1. Are you the parent of a child(ren) attending this school? A teacher at the school? Or both?
Parent
2. Are you the parent of a child(ren) attending this school? A teacher at the school? Or both?
Parent
3. What grade or grades do/did your children attend at the school? During what year(s) did they attend the school?
K (daughter) and - Grade1 and 2 (son)
4. What grade or grades do/did your children attend at the school? During what year(s) did they attend the school?
K (daughter) and - Grade1 and 2 (son)
5. During what years were you affiliated with this school?
2006 - 2008
6. During what years were you affiliated with this school?
2006 - 2008
7. What was your reason for living in the city where the school is located (e.g., government, military, corporate, NGO, retired)?
government
8. 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. Are the admissions and placement procedures clearly stated to prospective families, either on the school website or through other means of communication?
A
3. How would you rate the school's support and welcome/integration of new students and their families, and why?
A - much more individualized attention and accommodation than the other intl American school I almost enrolled my son in.
4. How would you rate the school's support and welcome/integration of new students and their families, and why?
A - much more individualized attention and accommodation than the other intl American school I almost enrolled my son in.
Administration & School Procedures:
1. Describe the general climate of the grade level that you teach or your child attends:
Nurturing, supportive staff who motivate children to learn and enjoy learning and teach on a wonderful spacious campus with lots of room to run and great playgrounds for recess.
2. Describe the general climate of the grade level that you teach or your child attends:
Nurturing, supportive staff who motivate children to learn and enjoy learning and teach on a wonderful spacious campus with lots of room to run and great playgrounds for recess.
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:
A Lots of intl expats as well as local Brazilian families and school and students made everyone feel welcome.
4. 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 Lots of intl expats as well as local Brazilian families and school and students made everyone feel welcome.
5. How is the overall communication between teachers and parents, and the administration and parents? How is communication facilitated?
AScores and grades available online for parents, agendas to communicate daily things, just enough PTCs, emails for any other questions
6. How is the overall communication between teachers and parents, and the administration and parents? How is communication facilitated?
AScores and grades available online for parents, agendas to communicate daily things, just enough PTCs, emails for any other questions
7. Services for gifted students who need academic challenge and students with learning difficulties:
?
8. Services for gifted students who need academic challenge and students with learning difficulties:
?
9. Availability and variety of after-school activities for various ages:
A - we only took advantage of the soccer
10. Availability and variety of after-school activities for various ages:
A - we only took advantage of the soccer
11. Maintenance of appropriately high standards for all students:
B
12. Maintenance of appropriately high standards for all students:
B
13. Homework assigned (quality, quantity):
AA little assigned every day that seemed just the right difficulty and was not overly burdensome
14. Homework assigned (quality, quantity):
AA little assigned every day that seemed just the right difficulty and was not overly burdensome
15. Administration-parent communication:
A Information about everything I needed but not extra paper.
16. Administration-parent communication:
A Information about everything I needed but not extra paper.
17. Teacher-student communication:
ABoth my children loved their teachers and understood the classroom and teachers' expectations
18. Teacher-student communication:
ABoth my children loved their teachers and understood the classroom and teachers' expectations
19. 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
20. 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
21. Does your child receive any special-needs assistance or instruction at this school? If yes, what types? Who provides services and where:
No
22. Does your child receive any special-needs assistance or instruction at this school? If yes, what types? Who provides services and where:
No
23. Do you believe the special-needs assistance is appropriate and fills your needs? Explain:
N/A
24. Do you believe the special-needs assistance is appropriate and fills your needs? Explain:
N/A
25. Does the gifted and talented program meet the needs of students? Please explain:
N/A
26. Does the gifted and talented program meet the needs of students? Please explain:
N/A
27. Does the school offer a wide variety of elective or non-core classes such as art, music, and drama?
Yes - was nicely balanced to include art and music.The religion class I wasn't really interested in was fine, too.
28. Does the school offer a wide variety of elective or non-core classes such as art, music, and drama?
Yes - was nicely balanced to include art and music.The religion class I wasn't really interested in was fine, too.
29. Please describe any classes or programs that you believe are missing:
Having been at the British School for the past three years I've come to appreciate the mandatory drama class as a norm in the curriculum.I think that's been a wonderful thing and don't remember them doing it at CHapel.
30. Please describe any classes or programs that you believe are missing:
Having been at the British School for the past three years I've come to appreciate the mandatory drama class as a norm in the curriculum.I think that's been a wonderful thing and don't remember them doing it at CHapel.
31. Are there academic requirements such as trips or other activities that cost money in addition to school fees?
Not in the lower grades but yes as they get older.
32. Are there academic requirements such as trips or other activities that cost money in addition to school fees?
Not in the lower grades but yes as they get older.
33. What activities do you feel are missing?
34. What activities do you feel are missing?
35. Have your children participated in the activities offered? If no, please indicate why:
Yes
36. Have your children participated in the activities offered? If no, please indicate why:
Yes
37. Does the school provide appropriate assistance to new students?
Yes, we felt warmly welcomed from the beginning and had the feeling that the administrators knew and cared about us as individuals.I did not have that impression from the en masse briefing for new families at the other AMerican intl school.
38. Does the school provide appropriate assistance to new students?
Yes, we felt warmly welcomed from the beginning and had the feeling that the administrators knew and cared about us as individuals.I did not have that impression from the en masse briefing for new families at the other AMerican intl school.
39. Please describe any problem areas or challenges in social interaction at the school:
None.
40. 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?
N/A
2. 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?
N/A
3. Does the school have a library? How large is it? How updated are the books? Can students borrow books to read at home?
A though mine weren't into the reference and periodicals at that age.
4. Does the school have a library? How large is it? How updated are the books? Can students borrow books to read at home?
A though mine weren't into the reference and periodicals at that age.
5. How are information technology resources at the school. Are they up-to-date? Is there a computer lab?
I don't remember if they started that that young but I wasn't looking for this.
6. How are information technology resources at the school. Are they up-to-date? Is there a computer lab?
I don't remember if they started that that young but I wasn't looking for this.
7. Describe the physical education resources at the school. Is there a gym? A swimming pool? Are there playing fields or tennis courts available?
A
8. Describe the physical education resources at the school. Is there a gym? A swimming pool? Are there playing fields or tennis courts available?
A
9. What is the approximate teacher-to-student ratio in the grades that your child attended?
B I think it was about 18:1 plus an assistant
10. What is the approximate teacher-to-student ratio in the grades that your child attended?
B I think it was about 18:1 plus an assistant
11. 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?
I didn't check but I'm sure they have
12. 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?
I didn't check but I'm sure they have
13. Is the amount and type of homework generally appropriate for the age and grade of the students?
Yes
14. Is the amount and type of homework generally appropriate for the age and grade of the students?
Yes
15. What fine arts electives are available (music, drama, visual arts)?
A
16. What fine arts electives are available (music, drama, visual arts)?
A
17. Are the teachers at the school required to speak English as a first language--or at least fluently?
yes - language of instruction is English and lots of native English speakers
18. Are the teachers at the school required to speak English as a first language--or at least fluently?
yes - language of instruction is English and lots of native English speakers
19. What services are available for gifted/advanced students at the school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
No
20. What services are available for gifted/advanced students at the school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
No
21. 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?
I recall so but we only did soccer and gymnastics.
22. 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?
I recall so but we only did soccer and gymnastics.
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. Do expatriate students socialize with local students at the school? Are both groups successfully integrated into the school culture?
Yes.
3. 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.
No.My kids are dual nationals and fluent in Portuguese but their English-speaking newcomer friends had no problems at all either.
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.
No.My kids are dual nationals and fluent in Portuguese but their English-speaking newcomer friends had no problems at all either.
Overall Impressions:
1. What is the greatest strength of this school?
Feels like a small school where there is individual attention to children and families and everyone is made to feel an important part of the community.
2. What is the greatest strength of this school?
Feels like a small school where there is individual attention to children and families and everyone is made to feel an important part of the community.
3. Greatest challenge?
It may be a little small for high school children who are used to socializing in large high schools.
4. Greatest challenge?
It may be a little small for high school children who are used to socializing in large high schools.
5. Would you choose this school again? Why?
Definitely!I wish we could go back.We loved everything about it and my children love to visit and attend class whenever they can (even giving up vacation days).I also liked that even though it's a relatively expensive school, it wasn't THE most expensive expat school and the other kids and families - even if they were wealthy - were down to earth, friendly, and did not ooze arrogance that you sometimes see among the elite.I also loved that they had uniforms, so no debates about what to wear.
6. Would you choose this school again? Why?
Definitely!I wish we could go back.We loved everything about it and my children love to visit and attend class whenever they can (even giving up vacation days).I also liked that even though it's a relatively expensive school, it wasn't THE most expensive expat school and the other kids and families - even if they were wealthy - were down to earth, friendly, and did not ooze arrogance that you sometimes see among the elite.I also loved that they had uniforms, so no debates about what to wear.
