Schools for Western Expats
Hey!
I'm moving to Doha for the fall of 2014 and would like some info on schools. If possible I'd like the discussion to focus on personal experiences with the school your child is currently in, and not a bashing of schools they are not in (I've lived in the UAE: been there done that!)
My hope is to be able to take any information in order to prioritise which schools we'd most like our kids to end up in (provided there are spots available!). Curriculum isn't a big factor for us: I'm looking more for schools that let kids be kids, that have a high English-speaking demographic (multiculturalism is most welcome!), with great teachers/administrators and the opportunity for me to be part of my child's educational experience through volunteering and whatnot. BTW, my children are 7 and 5.
Any input would be greatly appreciated - I seriously need all the help I can get right now!!!
I would avoid the Canadian School. The American School of Doha ticks all of the boxes you mentioned, but is extremely difficult to get into- long waiting lists. My kids attended there and I rate it A+. Most good schools here are oversubscribed. You will need to apply to several and hope for the best for the first year. Apply now!
HI, I shifted recetly to Qatar, and got stuck with the admissions. There is Govt. Law that you can't admitt your kids if they don't have resident Visa. And you can get their resident Visa once you have six months bank statement. Which inturn means you can't admitt your kid to any school for about six to seven months after you shift here. Better think on this as I am already suffering for not doing enough reserch before shifting to qatar. I have tried almost all internatioanl schools and kndergarten to get admission.
Minerals, your post has pretty much been what I've been looking for. Thanks so much for all the helpful input!
Just one more question: There isn't any recent info on the Canadian School online. Being from Canada, it's an attractive option if it's considered a good school. What's the word on the street about the Canadian School?
Check this site..
http://www.expatwoman.com/qatar/monthly_qatar_education_nurseries_7558.aspx
And
dohamom.com
Minerals say it all and I agree..
Hi, Qatar is very different from the UAE, that being said it is not impossible to adjust, but it is not possible to compare. as for schools there are a few expat schools you'd be best to google now and contact the schools talk to them yourself and decide if the school, teachers etc suit the education you would hope for (intellectual, physical and emotional).
I would advise that you secure a place now do not wait too long most schools star taking in for September in January and when it comes to fall it is difficult to find places, sometimes it is the luck of the draw and you'll find out last minute the place is in the school you want. In addition to this look at the school fees these do vary quite dramatically.
Another big thing about Qatar is the travel time 10km in peak time can take up to 1 hour so be prepared for the drives to and from if required, or be prepared to live near your chosen school.
Doha College is raved about and takes children from the start of their education to the university, dess has a huge waiting list and large class sizes, but children and british expats seem to like it, newton has some shoddy schools and barwa a new campus with no results to date but we have a group of children on the compound who love it, compass is pricey but i have heard only good remarks about it, Sherbourne has had mixed reviews from parents and children but is of course pushing for a high standard of education, Montessori (spelling is probably way off) is another option although the name may have changed but this may suit you.
Ultimately there are a fair amount of choices but schools are hard to find. Today i have been informed about attestation of childrens reports, enquire as to whether this is needed in advance of getting out here as that is one thing which is similar to the UAE they love stamps and sometimes it is easier to get stamps before leaving your home country, however laws change here as they do in the UAE so ask s you begin to find the school you want that has a place.
Good luck school hunting and I hope you enjoy the move to Doha.