Belgrade, Serbia Real School Experiences
Personal Experiences from Belgrade, Serbia
ISB
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?
From August 2013, we had two daughters at ISB, the youngest completed the 4th, 5th and 6th grade, and our oldest went to 8th and 9th grade, and left ISB to go to boarding school after the first term of her 10th grade year.
3. What was your reason for living in the city where the school is located (e.g., government, military, corporate, NGO, retired)?
United Nations.
4. Are other schools available to expatriates in this city? Why did you choose this particular school?
ISB was the only international school offering the IB curriculum. There are other schools offering the British curriculum (Chartwell and Prima) and the French curriculum.
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?
Yes. A very efficient and responsive admission officer when we applied in the spring of 2013.
2. How would you rate the school's support and welcome/integration of new students and their families, and why?
Good.
Administration & School Procedures:
1. How is the overall communication between teachers and parents, and the administration and parents? How is communication facilitated?
Communication was good, overall. We had basically no issue in the primary school. There is a weekly newsletter. There are meetings with parents. Some parents had issues with the Elementary school principal, who had a reputation for not being comfortable dealing with women. I could understand the feeling, but it didn't bother me. A new principal came (and has now left) for the Secondary school, and we liked his approach and philosophy, overall. But it seemed that he had trouble implementing new policies.
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?
Yes. Before you even enter the grounds, you have to start paying for pretty much everything. It is an expensive, very expensive school.
Academics & Resources:
1. Is there before and/or after-school daycare available? What are the costs?
There are after-school activities. The choice depends on teachers' skills, availability of coaches and outside teachers, etc. A group of mothers from the Parent Teacher Association fought very, very hard to get the school to offer a swimming program but the administration was not embracive of the idea. Eventually, it happened, but in a lukewarm way. I don't know if that program is still running or not, but I was part of those parents initiating it and the experience was extremely frustrating.
2. Does the school have a library? How large is it? How updated are the books? Can students borrow books to read at home?
Yes, both campuses (The elementary and the Secondary schools are on different campuses, walking distance, though) have a library and students can borrow books.
3. What are the technology requirements for students? Do they need their own laptops/ipads? How is technology integrated into the classroom and homework?
Laptops are provided by the school in the classroom and remain there for the Elementary School. Starting in the 6th grade, kids have to bring their own laptop. This was one of our main issue, and one of the reasons we decided to switch our youngest daughter to Chartwell. Technology was overwhelmingly present, everything was done on computers throughout the day, and then, back home, homework also had to be completed on computers. My children reported that some teachers asked kids, even in the 6th grade, to do their research on the computer, and while the kids were supposed to do that (and actually spent a lot of time watching You Tube videos) they would see teachers on their Facebook account. Mobile phones were allowed throughout the day (this may have changed, I heard that some new rules had been implemented, after a lot of parents complained).
4. Describe the physical education resources at the school. Is there a gym? A swimming pool? Are there playing fields or tennis courts available?
Good when it comes to ball sports. They have a large gym. Basketball, volleyball and soccer are widely encouraged and coached at a pretty good level. The school is part of the CEESA and students can participate in competitions across Europe (at a cost). As I mentioned above, swimming did not seem to interest the school administration at the time our children attended. Track and field activities are there, but not as developed as they could be in our opinion.
5. What is the approximate teacher-to-student ratio in the grades that your child attended?
Good. It changed from year to year, but I don't remember classes over 18 kids.
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?
IB school. IB Diploma taught throughout.
7. 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?
Academically, it is a good school. There were some truly excellent teachers during the years that our kids were there. And there were a few who were so and so just like at other schools.
8. Is the amount and type of homework generally appropriate for the age and grade of the students?
Yes.
9. What fine arts electives are available (music, drama, visual arts)?
All of these are available. Especially drama and the visual arts. They have a beautiful art room flooded with light. And a black box for drama as well as a small amphitheater outside.
10. Are the teachers at the school required to speak English as a first language--or at least fluently?
Yes.
11. What services are available for gifted/advanced students at the school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
There was a school counselor at school. Our older daughter had some issue, and they did try to help. The first year, the counselor was fantastic. After that, a lady came who had been a middle school principal but didn't seem to have any proper training in psychology or dealing with children with any type of special needs (nothing overly serious I should add). According to one of our daughters, "she tried too hard" to relate to students. As for the high school counselor, we did not find her being overly supportive. In the elementary school, they had a school counselor. There was an issue of bullying between a couple of kids at some stage and they addressed it promptly and efficiently.
12. What services are available for students with learning disabilities at this school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
See above.
13. What services are provided for speakers of English as a second language at this school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
They have English as a second language available and students who need it take these classes instead of another language class until they catch up. But we have no personal experience with this.
Social & Emotional Well-Being:
1. Do expatriate students socialize with local students at the school? Are both groups successfully integrated into the school culture?
This is a difficult endeavour. The will to integrate both groups is definitely there. Is it successful? I'm not sure.
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?
Again, it is a good school from an academic standpoint. The experience in Elementary school will depend largely on the grade teacher. Ours was good overall, so I would give it a B.
In the Secondary school, however, things become more difficult. We found technology to be too overwhelmingly present.
2. Please tell us anything else you think prospective parents and students should know about this school. Thanks for your contribution!
We heard that the school is now building a new purpose-built campus a little outside of town.
Chatwell International 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?
Year 3 and Year 5 (British system, equivalent to Grades 2 and 4).
3. During what years were you affiliated with this school?
2015-2016.
4. What was your reason for living in the city where the school is located (e.g., government, military, corporate, NGO, retired)?
Military.
5. Are other schools available to expatriates in this city? Why did you choose this particular school?
We were not satisfied with the pace of learning at the International School of Belgrade (ISB), and our chldren's standardized test scores dropped dramatically during their three semesters at ISB. We looked at Prima and Chartwell as alternatives, and were attracted to Chartwell's Cambridge Certification and its individualized learning strategy.
While the pace of instruction and type of instruction are tailored to individual students, they still have a specified curriculum of knowledge the school expects them to master by the end of each year. In just one semester at Chartwell, our children have regained their previously high scoring on standardized tests and have vastly improved their basic knowledge, particularly in the areas of math and science.
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. We got an introduction to the class and teacher on the first day, a tour, and an explanation of all policies and procedures.
Administration & School Procedures:
1. Describe the general climate of the grade level that you teach or your child attends:
The teachers are very child-oriented, and seek every opportunity to get the students engaged in learning activities. The teachers are also available to parents when needed, and have regular feedback sessions to let you know how your child is performing, and what things he or she can do at home to further enhance abilities.
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. Great atmosphere. Discipline is enforced without stifling child enthusiasm.
3. How is the overall communication between teachers and parents, and the administration and parents? How is communication facilitated?
A. The best we've experienced.
4. Homework assigned (quality, quantity):
A.
5. Administration-parent communication:
A.
6. Teacher-student communication:
A.
7. 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.
8. Does your child receive any special-needs assistance or instruction at this school? If yes, what types? Who provides services and where:
No. We do not have special needs children.
9. Do you believe the special-needs assistance is appropriate and fills your needs? Explain:
10. Does the gifted and talented program meet the needs of students? Please explain:
11. Does the school offer a wide variety of elective or non-core classes such as art, music, and drama?
Art and music are available, but limited staff means limited electives.
12. Please describe any classes or programs that you believe are missing:
None.
13. Are there academic requirements such as trips or other activities that cost money in addition to school fees?
No requirements, but school trips are organized on a volunteer basis. School trips have an additional fee.
14. What activities do you feel are missing?
15. Have your children participated in the activities offered? If no, please indicate why:
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?
A.
2. Does the school have a library? How large is it? How updated are the books? Can students borrow books to read at home?
B. Good, but limited selection of books.
3. How are information technology resources at the school. Are they up-to-date? Is there a computer lab?
A. Not a tech-heavy school, but this is our preference. Children get structured courses in computer sciences and technology, but if you are looking for a school that gives each student a laptop or iPad, this is not the place.
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. Strong physical fitness culture, but facilities are somewhat limited. No playground.
5. What is the approximate teacher-to-student ratio in the grades that your child attended?
A. About 1 to 8.
6. Is the amount and type of homework generally appropriate for the age and grade of the students?
Yes.
7. What fine arts electives are available (music, drama, visual arts)?
B. Art and music are part of the curriculum, but staff size limits what the school can offer.
8. Are the teachers at the school required to speak English as a first language--or at least fluently?
Yes.
9. What services are available for gifted/advanced students at the school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
No additional instruction, but teachers tailor programs to the students, and we believe that our child is appropriately challenged.
10. 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, but we don't take advantage of them because our children use other local programs in our neighborhood.
International School of Belgrade
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?
We started in grade 3 & 5 and are currently in 5 & 7.
3. During what years were you affiliated with this school?
2013-present
4. What was your reason for living in the city where the school is located (e.g., government, military, corporate, NGO, retired)?
Embassy
5. Are other schools available to expatriates in this city? Why did you choose this particular school?
Embassy supported school.
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?
We found the admissions and placement procedures to be very transparent. The Admissions Director was very clear in her early communications and very willing to answer any questions.
2. How would you rate the school's support and welcome/integration of new students and their families, and why?
I found this school to be very supportive of new students and families. My kids were offered welcome buddies to help with the adjustment. Involvement with the PTSA offered many opportunities to meet others.
Administration & School Procedures:
1. How is the overall communication between teachers and parents, and the administration and parents? How is communication facilitated?
I think for some grades it is hit or miss. I have no problem reaching out to a teacher if I have a question, concern, or am unclear about what is being studied. I always have had a response within 24 hours.
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?
"Hidden Costs" would include the school lunches - you sign up for the next month's lunches online. You receive a special access code/pin. You can cancel lunches if needed and receive a credit towards the future month. In 7th grade we had to purchase a scientific calculator, but were notified by the teacher prior to the start of the new school year, allowing everyone plenty of time to purchase it. There are no uniforms at this school. Beginning School year 2017, the upper school students will be required to bring their own laptop, switching from a loaner laptop program that is currently in place. If your child is involved in sports, there could be travel costs involved for tournaments, but often you are given flight options so that everyone involved can vote on the costs of these trips.
3. Availability and variety of after-school activities for various ages:
Both the Lower School and Upper School offer a wide variety of after school activities three times during the school year including everyone from PK-12. To help with the numbers as well as the materials, in the Lower School, there are separate activities that are geared more towards younger (Pk-grade 2) and older (Gr3 - Gr5) students.
4. Maintenance of appropriately high standards for all students:
I think ISB does a good job at keeping the kids stimulated and giving them many avenues to learn. Not all kids learn the same, and I think this school makes every effort to keep kids engaged.
5. Homework assigned (quality, quantity):
In the Lower School, in my opinion, there seems to not be enough homework that is provided, however we supplement with American History classes online, as well as reinforcing the use of programs through the school such as IXL and Raz Kids when finished with the weekly packet.
6. Administration-parent communication:
I feel that this communication is good. Each week the school puts out a newsletter with information from the Director, Principals, and others to inform us of the happenings at the school.
7. Teacher-student communication:
In the upper school especially I have seen some of the best teacher-student communication, especially when it comes to feedback on reports and tests. What I have appreciated is that the teachers still include the parents in the conversation so that we can address anything that may be a concern. In the Lower School, I have not experienced and issues with the teacher-student communication.
8. 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?
This could vary depending on the student. I think my kids are appropriately challenged with their subjects/classes.
9. Does your child receive any special-needs assistance or instruction at this school? If yes, what types? Who provides services and where:
Yes. One of my kids works with the Lower School Learning Specialist for reading and writing. In the beginning we did not feel like we were getting the services needed, however setting up a face to face appointment and sitting together we have been with her and the teachers in seeing that the needs are being met. Outside of school we work with a phenomenal company that provides tele-therapy in services we need (Speech, Occupational Services and Reading Intervention support). The Learning Specialist at the school has included reports from this outside team into our IEP/ILLP that have really helped.
10. Do you believe the special-needs assistance is appropriate and fills your needs? Explain:
See above. While the school can provide some resources for special needs, being able to advocate for your child, as well as spending the time to locate necessary services that may be needed and not provided is very important and not the schools responsibility. They can assist you locating any known contacts, but you need to be the voice for child when you feel needs are not being met. Talk with the teachers, learning support specialist, counselor. If your child has an IEP/ILLP there is a team in place to help your child. Be active in that team.
11. Does the gifted and talented program meet the needs of students? Please explain:
12. Does the school offer a wide variety of elective or non-core classes such as art, music, and drama?
Through after school activities, as well as regular classes, art and music are offered to all students. Drama is offered as an after school activity in the Upper School with at least 2 large productions put on each year. In the lower school, in Grade 4, as a unit theme dance was one of the topics and students presented their learning of rhythm, etc through routines they worked on within their groups.
13. Are there academic requirements such as trips or other activities that cost money in addition to school fees?
Each year Grade 5 has a bonding trip that last from 2 or 3 nights away from Belgrade. The costs is very reasonable as it includes lodging, food, transportation, activities, etc. The Upper School classes also had bonding trips that were an additional costs to the school fees.
14. What activities do you feel are missing?
There could be a list of things here, however because of the area, or school grounds/facilities available, I feel ISB offers everything they can.
15. Have your children participated in the activities offered? If no, please indicate why:
My oldest has had the time to participate in lacrosse, basketball, drama, chess club, the school paper,
My youngest has enjoyed baseball, basketball, soccer, photography club, Lego class, homework club, table tennis, and probably more.
This is the first school where the activities have been offered free, and not as an additional parent cost.
There is a new swimming program that is at the costs of the parents due to travel, rental costs, etc.
16. Does the school provide appropriate assistance to new students?
This is the first overseas school where as new students my kids received a Welcome Buddy. This helped each of them tremendously in learning about the school through their peers, rather than just from an authority figure.
Academics & Resources:
1. Does the school have a library? How large is it? How updated are the books? Can students borrow books to read at home?
While the libraries may be considered small when compared to other schools libraries, they offer a wide variety of materials for all ages. The previous and current librarian are also very active in bringing in authors to visit the school.
2. How are information technology resources at the school. Are they up-to-date? Is there a computer lab?
My kids have spent a lot of their time on laptops and iPads at school. My oldest was provided a laptop from grade 6. They have been able to do presentations based on their learning with the provided laptops.
3. Describe the physical education resources at the school. Is there a gym? A swimming pool? Are there playing fields or tennis courts available?
The PE program in the Lower & Upper School is wonderful, with a variety of topics throughout the school year.
4. What is the approximate teacher-to-student ratio in the grades that your child attended?
These are some of the smallest class sizes I have seen, with at most 15 or so in a class with a teacher and a teaching assistant in the lower school classrooms.
5. 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?
PYP, MP and IB Diploma program are all available at ISB.
6. Is the amount and type of homework generally appropriate for the age and grade of the students?
Having been in the US prior to this posting, I feel that there is less homework given here for the week. Some parents seem to think there is a fair amount, others view it as a lot.
7. What fine arts electives are available (music, drama, visual arts)?
Art, Music, are offered at both campuses. Technology and Design are offered as a class at the Upper School. Drama/Performing Arts is offered as an after school activity.
8. Are the teachers at the school required to speak English as a first language--or at least fluently?
Yes.
9. What services are available for gifted/advanced students at the school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
10. 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. There is a range to include sports, arts, academic, etc.
Social & Emotional Well-Being:
1. Do expatriate students socialize with local students at the school? Are both groups successfully integrated into the school culture?
My kids have socialized with local and expat classmates outside of the classroom, with lots of sleepovers, playdates, etc happening on weekends and during breaks when families may not be traveling.
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.
While there have been episodes of bullying at the Upper School, the new Principal took it very serious and made it known it would not be tolerated. I have heard of instances if what some believed to be bullying in the lower school, however personally feel that bullying may be seen differently by different people and therefore could be a seen differently than our experiences.
Overall Impressions:
1. What is the greatest strength of this school?
One of the strengths of the school is that from the lower school grades they begin to get the students to be global thinkers and how to be good citizens. There is community service action that happens from young ages and does not stop when they students are in Upper school. My oldest had a chance to volunteer with an organization showing elderly people how to use social media easily. Even with language barriers, he found this rewarding. Other students learned about drinking water not being available to everyone around the world, particularly in Sudan and took it upon themselves to raise awareness and fundraise for the Sudan Well Project, smashing their goal of money raised.
2. Would you choose this school again? Why?
Yes. My kids have been very happy there and have made wonderful friends. They have experienced great teachers, a fine learning environment, and we would choose ISB if we had the option.
International School of Belgrade
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?
1 & 4
3. During what years were you affiliated with this school?
2013-2016
4. What was your reason for living in the city where the school is located (e.g., government, military, corporate, NGO, retired)?
US Embassy
5. Are other schools available to expatriates in this city? Why did you choose this particular school?
Embassy support.
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?
No. If they think your kid will be even remotely challenging, they won't accept them.
2. How would you rate the school's support and welcome/integration of new students and their families, and why?
Minimal, students at all ages and levels are expected to adjust immediately.
Administration & School Procedures:
1. Describe the general climate of the grade level that you teach or your child attends:
Small class sizes which is great. Each class has an assistant. Often the 2 classes of the same grade work together.
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- Despite the fact that the international community, particularly the diplomatic community are this school's bread and butter, local wealthy kids get preferential treatment. US embassy kids are particularly seen as problem kids and blamed first for anything. We have witnessed a lot of bullying. If you are a dual working family, you are frowned upon if your work schedule doesn't accomodate a lot of the day-time events and if you can't come in for meetings at the drop of a hat.
3. How is the overall communication between teachers and parents, and the administration and parents? How is communication facilitated?
Minimal, often you don't hear about problems until well after they happen. There was a situation that went on for months where the teachers were taking away student lunches or items from lunches that they felt weren't healthy enough. When the parents finally found out, they went to the PTA and it was stopped. However the teachers didn't feel the need to communicate this with the parents.
4. Services for gifted students who need academic challenge and students with learning difficulties:
None. If you have any needs at all, you are expected to hire a full-time aide and the school selects him/her. The options available may not have actual training or education in special needs education. They also will not adjust expectations for class work, so regardless of ability or physical limitations, your children are still expected to meet the goals set for the entire class and your children will be treated as if they are a problem and will suffer self esteem issues. There are no options for mobility imparied kids, there aren't ramps or elevators, they cannot be accomodated.
5. 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?
Required laptops.
6. Availability and variety of after-school activities for various ages:
There are some, not much variety but some popular ones. The Lego group is quite popular as is the iPad group. There's always soccer and a martial arts class.
7. Maintenance of appropriately high standards for all students:
All students are held to the same standards regardless of ability.
8. Homework assigned (quality, quantity):
Heavy homework load, low quality busy work.
9. Administration-parent communication:
Minimal. Emails about events come out just a few days prior.
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, varies by student ability.
11. Does your child receive any special-needs assistance or instruction at this school? If yes, what types? Who provides services and where:
Yes and no; they got help outside the school mostly but my youngest had an educational aide for the first year and we were not impressed.
12. Do you believe the special-needs assistance is appropriate and fills your needs? Explain:
Absolutely not.
13. Does the gifted and talented program meet the needs of students? Please explain:
No.
14. Does the school offer a wide variety of elective or non-core classes such as art, music, and drama?
Not at elementary level.
15. Please describe any classes or programs that you believe are missing:
Technology for elementary, coding would be nice.
16. Are there academic requirements such as trips or other activities that cost money in addition to school fees?
Yes, and day field trips provide very little notice, you're lucky to get a week.
17. What activities do you feel are missing?
Science and technology.
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?
No. Sink or swim.
20. Please describe any problem areas or challenges in social interaction at the school:
Bullying.
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?
Decent student support, but if your children have to go regularly, be prepared to have to attend regular meetings yourself to be told you are parenting wrong and hope you have a very understanding employer for the frequent absenses.
2. Does the school have a library? How large is it? How updated are the books? Can students borrow books to read at home?
Great library, excellent library staff, always willing to help kids find something new to read.
3. How are information technology resources at the school. Are they up-to-date? Is there a computer lab?
The school claimed they could provide adaptive technology but was actually unable or unwilling to do so. For older students they provided laptops which had to be turned in at the end of the year and the tiniest amount of damage was over charged (example hundreds of dollars for a lost keyboard key...many parents ended up getting things fixed before turning them in to save the price gouging). The school is changing to a bring your own device scheme which is MUCH better!
4. 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 tiny gym and PE is twice a week. There are some after-school sports and for the upper school there is a very robust sports program.
5. What is the approximate teacher-to-student ratio in the grades that your child attended?
High, classes are 20 or less with one teacher and one assistant.
6. Is the amount and type of homework generally appropriate for the age and grade of the students?
No, high amount for lower school and it's mostly busy work.
7. What fine arts electives are available (music, drama, visual arts)?
There is dance, music and art starting at elementary.
8. Are the teachers at the school required to speak English as a first language--or at least fluently?
Yes.
9. What services are available for gifted/advanced students at the school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
No although she was ahead of her peers in several areas.
10. 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?
Small range.
Social & Emotional Well-Being:
1. Do expatriate students socialize with local students at the school? Are both groups successfully integrated into the school culture?
Depends.
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.
YES!
Overall Impressions:
1. What is the greatest strength of this school?
Supported by the embassy. Bus service.
2. Would you choose this school again? Why?
No.
Five stars on Amazon! Don't miss Talesmag's first book of essays, on cross-cultural food experiences from Mexico to Mongolia (plus recipes!)
Read More
