Tips for selecting the right international school

Shanghai Expat Forum Index » Hot Topics Forums » Family Life and Kids

Author

Message

MatildaGirl

Talker

Joined: Nov 05, 2004
Posts: 107

Status: Offline

Posted: Dec 16, 2004 - 11:23 AM
Post subject: Tips for selecting the right international school

The family is planning a pre-location visit to Shanghai in January. We have arranged to tour some schools and still waiting to finalise touring details with other schools. What should I be looking for, what types of questions to ask? Etc. I am only familiar with the education system in Australia, so it would be good to receive some tips from other parents.

tnmom

LoopKicker

Joined: Mar 04, 2004
Posts: 881
Location: Shanghai
Status: Offline

Posted: Dec 16, 2004 - 05:05 PM

Here are some things I would ask:
1. Class size? Subjects offered?
2. Language program - Opportunities to learn Mandarin, How much cultural emphasis in the curriculum?
3. Compatibility with home country curriculum - not a problem if this is a pemanant move, but if you will be moving back to Australia you want to make sure that your kids will be able to slip back into the curriculum as well as possible (or you may decide that the cultural experience is worth a little give and take academically)
4. Extra curricular activities - do they have what you want or will you have to search outside of school?
5. College recruitment program - for older grades - where do their graduates go to college? Who recruits at the school? What is the reputation? Do they offer appropriate college tests? Counseling for college application process?
6. Drug testing policy, uniform policy, etc. - nice to know up front.
7. Be sure to ask what the acceptance process is like - we were surprised to end up on the waiting list at SAS because we thought we had a seat guarantee from our company. It all worked out, but we moved here not knowing exactly where our younger two kids were going to school.