School Advice
By expatmommie •
Hello Everyone,
I am hoping to get some suggestions as to what schools you might recommend in Doha. We are coming from Canada and are looking for an International type of school with a strong curriculum (likely American/British?). Also is it possible to find such a school that includes an Arabic/Islamic Studies component?
Also, how far in advance will one need to register for the 2012/2013 school year?
Looking forward to your responses! Thank you!
Just meant we hold Canadian passports as opposed to having lived in Canada for a few years....no disrespect intended.
expatmommie, you mention you are: "Canadian (born and raised)", as opposed to what other Canadian? (not born nor raised?). Last time I checked, there was only one type of canadian bacon!!
ASD is about the same price as a high end private school in the States. ASD does not look at passports, they go by where you work. First the sponsors, Qataris, and U.S. Military, then siblings, then everyone else. As long as your child passes the assessment and there is a spot, you are in. Nationality doen't matter.
The shortage of school places in Doha makes everything quite simple, really. If you do find a good school in Doha and you can afford the ludicrous fees, then you will find that the waiting list will be so long that your child will probably only be offered a place after your contract has come to an end. If a school does have a place for your child, it must mean that the school is rubbish.
PM me x
Thank you everyone for your input. This is very daunting I must admit. As I do my research, based on the websites, many schools look promising, and then I read bad reviews! I can't seem to find any school that has fairly consistent good reviews. I really appreciate everybody's input and would welcome any more. Thanks again!
Qatar Academy???? Not one of the best schools in Doha!!!
No, but some of the American/British schools give priority to children with those passports, which means that no matter where your child is on a waiting list, if another child with the "right" passport turns up- your child is left waiting again.
The better American & British Schools are very expensive someone mentioned that the American School Doha for example is charging 65,000 Riyals. There is the Qatar Academy for 40,000 but the list is so long and priority given to certain companies highly unlikely your child would get in in the next 12 - 24 months.
I suggest you contact all the schools directly that interest you/seem suitable. Get more info - then come back with their names and people can comment on them directly.
Thank you everyone, this is great information to work with!
marycatherine: you mentioned that some schools may require one's passport to be of a certain nationality. We are Canadian (born and raised) - does that mean we do not qualify for American/British schools?
Thank you!!
Try ACS, this is the new American school in Doha, google their website for more info. It's an American school with 3 other campuses in England. We finally chose this school after considering others.ASD, is another American School but space is not readily available, but they'll take your application fees with a smile and the next day will let you know that there's no open spaces available. Long story....I also looked into Compass and that is a no go! Nice looking campuses but I personally know 3 sets of parents who have taken their kids out of there with really bad things to say about the way they run the school.I also considered ISL, good parents' reviews and happy kids. I've also heard good things about DESS. ISL and DESS are british curriculum. I'm sure there are many other schools I didn't mention.Good luck, I would recommend you get in touch with the schools and ask for their requirements before you get here in case you need your kid's teacher to fill out recommendation letters or other paperwork.
My two (10 & 12) are in Doha British & Montessouri School and they love it - Staff are lovely and facilities are great!
there used to be a list on ql as well of schools.A couple good ones that come to mind that would fit your bill are the American School of Doha, and the DeBakey High School. Depending upon how far they are along the path, the Qatar Canadian School may be offering some high school at an appropriate grade next year (they follow the Alberta curriculum).
Try The Next Generation Schoolhttp://www.TNGQatar.com
If you do a quick search on these forums and ask you question on the Qatar expatwoman website you'll get lots of info. Here's a link to one listing http://www.onlineqatar.com/education/international-schools.aspx
However, be very aware that the better schools generally have long waiting lists and some require your passport to be of a certain nationality. The better schools are also generally very expensive.