Help! Need advice re: daughter in IB program
Hello all.My husband has been offered a job in Doha. My daughter is currently enrolled in the International Baccalaureate diploma program in the US. I found there are 3 IB schools in Doha: the Qatar Academy, the Gulf English School and the Al Jazeera Academy. I tried to call/e-mail all of the schools but they seemed to be closed. I also found out that most schools have very long waiting lists. Consequently, I’m in a bit of a panic. Can anyone tell me if the wait list applies to IB programs as well? It was my understanding that one of the advantages of the IB program was an easy transfer process from country to country.  I’m considering staying in the US with my daughter and starting her at high school IB program, and then have my husband in Doha keep checking in with the three schools until a spot opens up. Is there a smarter approach perhaps? Can anyone tell me anything about the schools? There seems to be little information out there on the Gulf English School or Al Jazeera Academy.  Any help is appreciated! Thanks!
I know The Gulf English School well. It is well established and is very over subscribed. The school offers the National Curriculum of England and Wales and also 90 minutes each day of Quran and Arabic Studies. The school has a new Management in place and I know that the standards are improving all the time. Well worth a look
Maybe saying "awful in every way" was an exaggeration. I mean, it does have indoor toilets, air conditioning, clean facilities and other redeeming qualities. I understand that other parents may have a different point of view, that's fine for them. We've been unable to get them into other schools at this point, so we will very reluctantly give AJA another year and see if the situation improves. I am starting a job here soon and my main purpose is to save my salary so that, if neccesary, I can send them to ASD next year and actually be able to pay their extortionist tuition. Forgive me for spewing bitterness about the educational system in Doha!
I've read many negative things on QL about AJA, but my experience is very different. I know many people who are also quite happy with it. Funnily enough, the only negative people seem to be regulars on QL!
i agree with iman. Al Jazeera is really a bullshit. and the Director is an absolute A$$.
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iman, in another posting you mentioned your kids didn't want to leave AJA, yet now you say "it's awful in every way". Is it really possible for a growing school to be awful in every way??
Most likely caused because people with young families come out her to set themselves up, and many leave prior to later high school years.
By the way, why is it that primary schools are so much more overbooked than the secondary schools? Why is there an over-abundance of young children here? I have never understood that.
Year 5 will be very difficult but year 10 should be easy. If you haev a british passport then there might be some advantage given by the school like DESS or Doha College primary.
My kids go to Al Jazeera and I strongly dissuade you from applying there. It is awful in every way. Strangely enough, I am also considering Gulf English School as well for my children and am submitting applications this week. Simply put, it can't be any worse than Jazeera.
at the moment the demand far exceed the supply for seats in schools. if at all possible i would recommend you visit the school before enrolling your child, if you can find a place. as you can expect the schools often have a strong religious approach, some of the schools you have mentioned might be difficult for western expat children. currently the problem seems to be worse for younger children. my advice to you will be to make sure that you children have secure a place in a suitable school, before coming here.
I guess I'm a little curious too.
I'm starting with QP soon and my family will follow later (probably January). I've been told that QP has some guaranteed seats at some of the schools but I've also been told that there isn't. How hard is it to get into the schools (Grade 10 and 5)?