Schools - Here We Go Again :)
Greetings Everyone,
I understand the topic of schools has been brought up several times, and I have searched old posts, but am still left with several questions.
We will be arriving in Doha this summer and are currently deciding which schools to apply to. So far the only school that can confidently tell me they will have spots for us next year is ACS International. I would really LOVE some feedback about the school from current parents, as I have read very undesirable things about the ACS Schools in the UK (i.e., school just out to make a profit, etc). All that said it would seem it is still worthy applying to just to ensure we have spots for our children somewhere.
Furthermore I spoke with the American School of Doha, and according to them it shouldn't be a problem to get in with them for the next academic year. This is contrary to what I've been reading about the waiting lists for this school. Does anyone have any insight?
The reason I ask is that with 3 children, the application process will be getting very expensive, and I would like to prioritize where we put our money. I'd rather not pay a large application fee just to be on a waiting list.
How do people approach this? Do they basically just apply to several schools and cough up the expenses?
My apologies for the long winded answer - this is all very new to me!
Try doha College. Definitly Stay away from international school of london. I
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 of 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.
Thanks Everyone!
Minoush - I appreciate hearing your friends' experience, that reassures me a lot!
With ASD it depends. If you work for one of their sponsors or are U.S. military then they always have room for you. It also depends what grade level. Some grade levels have more spots than others. THere usually is a waiting list, so stay on top of it.I have two close friends who tried to get into ASD and couldn't so they went to ACS. So far, they love it. They are very happy there. They don't have the infrastructure of ASD but everything progressing quickly. They are happy with teachers and curriculum.
Put your children on many lists. Visit the schools if possible and choose what is best for your children. ASD and Compass are both fine places for children. So do not worry, come to Doha and enjoy the better life for your family Qatar has given you.
Try to inquire @ Compass International School Doha. My 2 kids are going there and they are enjoying their studies, and im happy as a parent. The staffs and teachers are friendly and nice.
One more thing, really the application fees aren't that bad. Usually in the neighborhood of 500QR per child. I saw you had three, I think since it is an 'application fee' they probably won't give a discount on it, but just to make you aware, if they all get accepted to the American School, then within 7 days of them notifying you, you have to pay 5000QR for the first child and 1500 for each additional child. This they do not invoice for, so you will have to pay that within 7 days or lose the spots, then submit the recipt to your company. (8000QR = $2191.78).There is a website here called dohamums.com that is for mom networking and we talk about things like schools and daycare, places to live etc. I think you can check out part of it without being a member just go to www.dohamums.com once you get here and go to an event, coffee, playdate, mom's night out, then you will have access to the member's only forum where there is an infinite amount of wisdom about everything you can think of.Hope all this helps!
Thank you MikaylasMom! Yes, the company does take care of tuition and all other school related costs, I guess I just assumed it would only cover the application fees for one school, will definitely look further into that. Thank you for your input! :)
Usually your company pays school fees and tuition, so most of us pay up front the application fee and get reimbursed by our companies. This way, it's not really s huge expense on your part. For your informtion, school is almost the most expensive thing here. If you enroll a child in Kindergarten at American School of Doha by the time you are said and done payong all fees and tuition for this year it is $20,022. FOR ONE YEAR!!! Make sure your company is paying school expenses or don't come!