I think you're wise to not consider some newer schools -- without a track record, you really don't know what you're getting into, and many of them have wonderful reputations abroad but struggle to get set-up right here in Doha, and you don't want to sign your kid up for a school like that.
Starting with your list:
Al Jazeera Academy has a nice shiny facility, but also has a reputation as being full of locals who get kicked out of other places. Academics are not strong (from what I have heard and see of their kids) They require uniforms, segregate students by gender, many teaching staff aren't happy, tho I believe things are slowly improving.
Al Wakra indep school for boys -- a relatively new independent school, located south of Doha in Wakra. I wouldn't consider it -- independent schools are too much in transition at the moment, would be full of local kids, nearly 100% ESL, with teaching staff who are also native Arabic speakers struggling to teach in English. Maybe in another 5-10 years it'll be ready...
Qatar Academy -- has been IB the longest, the only full IB school in Doha. Strong academics, western staff, about 50% local students, 50% other (with strong emphasis on expat Arabs among the others), extra-curricular programs not as strong as at ASD, uniforms required. Difficult to get into at the moment...
Qatar Leadership -- this is a quasi-military school for local/GCC boys who have a history of behavior problems and need a good kick in the seat of their pants (which so many of them do!). Older kids only, so not an option for your 3 year old son.
American School -- just recently started offering IB program at high school level only (last 2 years), I think. My son goes here. It's about 60% American, mixed other nationalities, no uniform. Basically it's an American curriculum -- so for your three year old it would not be IB right now (they only start with 4 year olds anyway). It's the most expensive school in Doha, so if you're husband's company won't cover the cost, be prepared to shell out. Hard to get into, even more than QA.
Gulf English - located not far from QA, it's mixed gender (I think) and has been around for awhile, but not of the standing that ASD or QA has (but it's better I think than Al Jazeera is).
Personally, I think for a 3 year old, you needn't be worried about IB curriculum so much at the moment. But if you are, I would say Qatar Academy and Gulf English would be your best bets (in that order -- QA is definitely a better school than Gulf English).
I would also offer that I have heard really good things about the Compass School in Doha. It's not IB, but for a 3 year old, as I said, I don't think that matters too much... Based upon my own experience and others' recommendations, I would actually suggest you look at ASD, then Compass, then QA, then Gulf English.
I think you're wise to not consider some newer schools -- without a track record, you really don't know what you're getting into, and many of them have wonderful reputations abroad but struggle to get set-up right here in Doha, and you don't want to sign your kid up for a school like that.
Starting with your list:
Al Jazeera Academy has a nice shiny facility, but also has a reputation as being full of locals who get kicked out of other places. Academics are not strong (from what I have heard and see of their kids) They require uniforms, segregate students by gender, many teaching staff aren't happy, tho I believe things are slowly improving.
Al Wakra indep school for boys -- a relatively new independent school, located south of Doha in Wakra. I wouldn't consider it -- independent schools are too much in transition at the moment, would be full of local kids, nearly 100% ESL, with teaching staff who are also native Arabic speakers struggling to teach in English. Maybe in another 5-10 years it'll be ready...
Qatar Academy -- has been IB the longest, the only full IB school in Doha. Strong academics, western staff, about 50% local students, 50% other (with strong emphasis on expat Arabs among the others), extra-curricular programs not as strong as at ASD, uniforms required. Difficult to get into at the moment...
Qatar Leadership -- this is a quasi-military school for local/GCC boys who have a history of behavior problems and need a good kick in the seat of their pants (which so many of them do!). Older kids only, so not an option for your 3 year old son.
American School -- just recently started offering IB program at high school level only (last 2 years), I think. My son goes here. It's about 60% American, mixed other nationalities, no uniform. Basically it's an American curriculum -- so for your three year old it would not be IB right now (they only start with 4 year olds anyway). It's the most expensive school in Doha, so if you're husband's company won't cover the cost, be prepared to shell out. Hard to get into, even more than QA.
Gulf English - located not far from QA, it's mixed gender (I think) and has been around for awhile, but not of the standing that ASD or QA has (but it's better I think than Al Jazeera is).
Personally, I think for a 3 year old, you needn't be worried about IB curriculum so much at the moment. But if you are, I would say Qatar Academy and Gulf English would be your best bets (in that order -- QA is definitely a better school than Gulf English).
I would also offer that I have heard really good things about the Compass School in Doha. It's not IB, but for a 3 year old, as I said, I don't think that matters too much... Based upon my own experience and others' recommendations, I would actually suggest you look at ASD, then Compass, then QA, then Gulf English.
Good luck!