Parent's Review of Access International Academy in Ningbo, China

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

Access International Academy

In what town or city is this school located?

Ningbo

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

American international

What grade levels are represented at this school?

K-12

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

Bus or walk.

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

facilities are average. There are 2 tennis courts, a basketball court and a soccer field and small indoor gymnasium. Classrooms are not that big, neither are they well equipped - no Smartboards or notebooks computers for kids. There is one computer lab with new computers and a small one with obsolete ones. There is no proper iT teacher to manage an IT curriculum. Extra-curricular depends on the whim of the teachers - not very varied and some offer nothing at all. The music program used to be great but is now non-existent with a fake music 'teacher'

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?

No transitioning apart from the usual report. Sadly disappointed by some very inexperienced teachers who do not have teaching degrees and who are working outside their own country for the first time. There are a few very experienced individuals but they are sidelined by an incompetent Head of School.

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

No

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

Closely examine the standard of English within the class your child will be entering and check the teacher's experience and level of English. There are many Korean and Chinese students with poor English and no proper ESL program. It really drags down standards. Ask if teachers have at least five years experience including at least 2-3 years of international teaching PLUS a teaching certification.

William Russell
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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