International school expenses
My husband and I are relocating from the states to Doha within the year --date depending on availability of school places for our children.
In advance of the transfer, the Co. is asking us to submit a proposal for "total education expenses" for the girls-- budget comprehensive of tuition, fees, books, bus, uniforms, camps, etc..
I've read many posts on the different international schools, and am reviewing tuitions, etc., but wonder what other fees etc. we'll encounter-- and also, for parents who've been around a few years, by how much are fees increasing year-on-year?
(Girls ages 7, 8 and 11.)
Many thanks for your replies.
Obviously you do not understand the curriculum if this is your stance on the school. ISL-Qatar runs on the IB programme which if you knew anything you would understand is learner centred. Which contradicts your comment about the school not being focussed on the learner.
As for learning something useful, that depends on your take on what is useful. Did you want your children to memorise facts? Yes, then no ISL is not the school for you. Did you want your child to understand the deeper concepts behind, to be able to think critically and reflect on their learning? Yes, then ISL is the school for your child.
As for your statement about students leaving that may be the case but you should also be looking at staff movements. Are teachers changing every two years or are they remaining consistent? If the teachers are leaving it is cause for concern because they know something you may not. Having said that the only people I know leaving the school are leaving for Sherbourne because they wanted British Curriculum not International but were very happy with the school for the time they were there.
Before making grand sweeping statements perhaps acknowledge that the school was not for you but that the extensive waiting list says otherwise. The school has an international student body, and challenging curriculum. It may not be your ideal school but let people make their own judgements rather than being bitter in a public forum.
Read more: http://www.qatarliving.com/node/2317901#ixzz1ydrO2UaJ
Honestly, One of the worst schools i have ever seen not just in Doha, but world wide. Not a learner place, but rather a place for kids to kill time. It looks organized, but kids learn nothing usefull at that school.
The international school of london is one of most expensive schools in Doha and yet the worst by far. Everyone i know attending the international school of London in Doha is about to leave the school.
Poor education and a total waste our kids time to send them to this school. Stay away of this school and try other ones. Such as Global, Doha College, DESS.
We and our friends had a terrible experience in regards to learning. Some of us managed to send the kids to other school and some are looking for places for their kids.
Read more: http://www.qatarliving.com/node/861280#ixzz1oyXaS0VV
QA seems to be accredited by the same assoc. but they are no where near as expensive.
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Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
How unique is it that ASD be accredited by New England Association? Do other schools have similar accreditation? Compass's tuition would suggest the school is of the same caliber as ASD.
ASD is accredited by New England Association. That's why their tuition fees skyrocket.
Trust me-- some days I wish I could leave all three girls behind...
We've heard the schools are frequently opening new buildings or changing locations. Compass, e.g., said they've got a new building on-deck. I worry about getting the kids into schools close to home, and then having to shuttle them across town the next year.
Thanks again. Nice to get a list together of the expenses we're looking at for the next couple years.
ISL just opened this year. I believe IB curriculum. I heard Compass still has some openings. It's going to be tough getting all three in one school and school run traffic is just crazy. Doha College school and American School (ASD)are next to each other. British Montessori (brand new campus) is also on that side of town. London and Newton Int'l are way across town from ASD. Doha English Speaking School (DESS) is probably not a chance since they give preference to British passport kids. Qatar Academy is a good school. IB curr. but hard to get info out of the front office.
Not sure about fee increases. I know DESS went up and that capital fee at ASD is only a few years old since they are paying for a whole new wing. ISL and Doha College have capital fees too.
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Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Thanks, both.
I haven't read much on the International School of London. Do you have students there or know anything about the curriculum? Waitlist? etc.
Year-on-year, are fees going up much?
Thanks much for your help.
See the "Qatar Schools Database" link at the bottom right. There are links there to most of the schools' websites and most put all fees on their websites. They've got loads of fees here -- capital fees, assessment fees, application fees... I'd say Compass and American School are the highest. International School of London is up there too. American School is pretty much considered the best one.
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Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
American School of Doha: 50.000 - 60.000 Riyals tuition Grades 10 up to 12.