American High School

I hear it is extremely challenging to get kids in ASD, so you may want to check on whether or not there is space. Now, if your husband works for one of their main donors, like Exxon Mobile, there shouldn't be much of a problem. But, there seems to be a long waiting list if you aren't, even if your child has excellent grades.

It's not uncommon for people to get here and not find space even though they counted on it. Just make sure you ask hard questions...

Oh yeah, it is one of the most sought after school in Doha. I'm told it is very good. Too many kids in Doha to fit though. The schools are not able to expand quickly enough, so some good students end up in sub-standard schools temporarily.

Thanks, I talked to my husband this afternoon and he is going to try and make time to get there in the next few weeks. We won't be coming till the end of the year - so we will have time. I just want to get all the info I can. I was hoping to make a trip there for a visit, but too many things going on here. I really appreciate your help.

Lisa

I was told by the people at the ASD to contact them anytime with any questions that I have. It might be worth your while to ask some of your questions directly of them. If you can't find an email address for questions on the ASD website, let me know. I have quite a bit of literature from them with names, email addresses and phone numbers.

Good Luck!

Thanks happyheart and MandG. That is very encouraging news. Our son is so into his sports and it is a big part of his life. Seems like my decision is becoming easier and easier.

MandG.

Thank you for the input and the encouragment!

Don't know how competitive, but there are always people playing ice hocking at the rink in City Centre. They are in uniforms and stuff, so it must be some sort of league. Good Luck Ladies!

I'm not sure about the baseball at ASD but I have heard they have youth baseball leagues in Doha through age 17 very similair to little league/Babe Ruth leagues found in the States. My oldest is also big into playing baseball as well as ice hockey. My understanding is that there is also a youth hockey league as well. Can anyone confirm this information?

Thanks for that information. I pretty much assumed that there was no gridiron football there, but is there baseball? The schools website listed softball for boys and girls. If I knew that he could continue in one of his sports that would be a big help. My husband was trying to find out for me, but he has been swamped with the project that he is working on. Your comments are very encouraging. Thanks again.

My husband and I just visited Doha a couple of weeks ago and did a tour of the ASD. We have two children both good students and active in sports. One will be in 8th grade and one will be in 10th grade. We were impressed with both the academic curriculum (their AP courses were excellent) and the sports programs offered. We were told that the teams compete against other American schools in the Middle East which we found to be very interesting. Also a lot of opportunity to travel and experience other cultures in an academic setting. Just a note though - we were told their football is not American football but soccer. The new building is almost complete and should be ready for the start of the new school year and will house the middle and high school.

Thank you MandG. I have visited their site and it looks pretty good. I was just trying to get a parent's or teacher's opinion. I am still on the fence right now. I did see their list of sports and they do not include football or baseball (his two true passions). We have lived in the Middle East before, 7 yrs in Saudi Arabia. Our oldest son did boarding school in the states. As far as how long, that is another question. Just so hard being apart from the hubby. Thanks again, I really appreciate it.

http://www.asd.edu.qa/pages/sitepage.cfm?page=32659

Above is the link for ASD (American School of Doha). We don't have kids, but I am a teacher and we have heard wonderful things about ASD. I believe, but can stand to be corrected, that they are in the process of building a new middle/high school campus expected to be open for the 2007-2008 school year. One thing I would consider is whether or not your son will be able to come here and remain here for all of high school. While the transition to a school in Doha may be pretty easy, the transition back to a school in the states to complete say senior year might be a challenge. Just something to consider. We moved here from the states a couple of months ago, so please feel free to email us if you have any other questions! Good luck!