Schools are full!
By aalkeilani •
I'm 2 weeks away from relocating to Qatar (first time). I realize I have a lot to catch up too but what is the deal with schools being full? I have a 6 years old son and education is covered as part of the benefit but my wife and I tried contacting many private elementary schools to register and they all said they're full. We're starting to freak out. What do I need to do to ensure my son gets registered and ready for 1st grade in a decent private school? (I'm from the US and I look forward to a private school in English or/and Arabic).
There is a new school opening in al mamoura called the Phoenix Private school its really nice and they still have places, I had same trouble trying to get my kids a school place and im here since april, so I got them a place in the new school...https://www.facebook.com/thephoenixprivateschool
I moved here 2 months ago myself from UK and had to face the same problem as you. Most of the good schools are already full. The worst affected school group is year 1/2.
Ask your firm if they have special arrangements with certain schools. Ask your HR coordinator about their preferred schools. I am sure they can get your child in a school.
Having failed to find a slot at any school, I barely managed to enroll my daughter at 'Newton International School'. They have a new campus built in 'Barwa City' and are open to admissions.
http://newtoninternationalschool.edu.qa/
Feel free to pm/ask should you need help with anything else.
Oh, my goodness, schools have been full for many, many months now! Two things you can do - (1) homeschool until a place comes available or (2) enroll in a less-attractive school until a place becomes available. Go on Expatwoman.com to get some good information about these options. Some Americans have decided not to come to Qatar because some family issues - such as special needs education - cannot be solved. Your best bet is, of course, ASD. Good luck! (As far as a school in Arabic, most science and literature courses are taught in English anyway - there just aren't Western curriculum schools in Arabic.)
Mandi
thanks, what are these 2 numbers you provided?