Parent's Review of AICS Amsterdam International Community School in Amsterdam, Netherlands

What is the name of your child's school? (Please report on one school per survey.)

AICS Amsterdam International Community School

In what town or city is this school located?

Amsterdam

How would you describe this school? (i.e. American, British, International, Local, etc.)

International

What grade levels are represented at this school?

1-12 (ages 4-19)

How do most children get to school everyday? (bus, train, walk, etc.)

Mixture-walk, car, metro, bike

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

Minimal- small playground. The library is tiny. No restrictions on the internet (allows for viewing of indecent images.) The school is 8 or nine years old, but operates like a school that just opened its doors. Extra curricular activities offered one day a week.

What has this school done to help your child transition from the curriculum in your home country into the curriculum in your new country? Are there programs to prepare your child for repatriation?

None of these services are offered!

How would you describe the social activities available for parents through this school? Are there parent-teacher organizations?

Yes there is a parent -teacher organisation and coffee mornings, but parents sit around complaining how poorly the school is run. Some teachers encourage parental help in the classrooms.

What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling their child in this school?

Wait another 5 years (2014) until they are operating at a decent level. Improvements are made every year, but the school is a long way from being satisfactory. Very disorganised, poor communication from school, young and inexperienced staff. Primary school is better than the secondary school (had a child in each).

From this experience, I would say look for a government school that has at least been operating 15 years before attending one. This school should not be asking fees for the services they offer.

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