Best primary school Doha
To all the prospective mums looking at primary schools before coming-our 2 boys and girl have been at DESS for 2 years almost and we are moving them as soon as places for all 3 come up at another school-will say which one once we have left as don't want the children to be punished in any way. Many parents I talk to in playground looking at doing the same although no blog will say this as far as I can see and not sure why. DESS was the best school before any others came along 10 years ago but now at best an average state primary school by Scottish/UK standards. One advantage-cheap-but you get what you pay for in this case.Does not compensate for no provision after school for the wee ones, staff who don't make eye contact with parents,rude office staff and not at all an international feel-mostly folks you would not want to meet at home-and who moan about maids or the fact the Doha is not like Glasgow(!!). If you have an expectation from the website it will be like St Chris' in Bahrain or DESS Dubai(both schools our kids were in) IT IS NOT-far inferior.I wish someone had told me this 2 years ago. MaryQ
Hi,
It's great to hear some truths. I am sorry that the school your children at was not very good for you.
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.
Yes I can only agree with Jane D response, i really feel you should make an appointment to talk about this with the school, something has obviously upset you. When i have spoken to teachersc/year leaders/headteacher in the past, i have recieved nothing but support from all parties invloved, not always the answers we want to hear! but to know the support is there is important.
I have been in the Middle East now for most of my childrens schooling & out of all schools, DESS is still in my mind right up there at the top of the A list.
I hope you find a way to solve your issues.
Dear MaryQ,
I was most surprised to read your post! I had no idea that a parent at DESS could feel like this. My children are very happy there. The teachers seem completely committed and I have several friendship groups of really lovely parents (from the various classes that my children are in), who are supportive and fun to be around.
You are obviously very angry, so I suggest you make an appointment to speak to the Head about your specific concerns.
I can also let you know that there is an after school childcare club that you can get details about from the friendly, helpful office staff.
As for us parents, I am truly sorry that you feel that we are 'folks that you would not want to meet at home.' I have no suggestions how to rectify this!
Hope you've found this answer useful.
Dear QL Member, I have to respond to your thread as I feel we must be parents of a different DESS! My 2 children attended DESS (now moved on to secondary school)but they both had a fantastic education & enjoyed going to school, I still have friends with children at the school, who are also very happy.
All of the staff were always sincere & approachable, especially the registrar who was invaluable when moving to Doha & registering our children at the school, providing not only help with registration, but advice on being new to Qatar.
I cant help feeling that maybe you are really unhappy with something and you should approach the school and talk to them about it. If there was ever anything bothering me or my children, we were always able to approach the teacher, heads of year and even headteacher, it may not be the answer I always wanted! but staff couldn't have been more supportive.
It is one of the happiest schools in Doha.