Parent's Review of The English School in Salmiyya, Kuwait

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

The English School

In what town or city is this school located?

Salmiyya

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

English curriculum

What grade levels are represented at this school?

Through 12 years

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

Bus

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

Some new, very clean; swimming pool is covered, large play areas for kids

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?

Nothing. My child was transitioning from Kindergarten in another international school that was pegged to an American curriculum and was expected, at barely six years old, to be able to read fluently and to write a one-page composition in his own legible handwriting in order to enter Year 2 (American system Grade 1). My child (who is *not* special needs) was not able to do this, therefore did not pass the assessment test. The details of what the test would be were concealed until a few minutes before the test was administered. This school needs to be more transparent in advertising its requirements for entry (I would not have bothered applying if I had known that reading and writing were the only criteria for judging the academic potential of a small child). I decided this was a blessing, and will look for a more holistic-oriented education for my family, but I wanted to post this to warn other parents about this outdated curricular focus. The centuries-old emphasis on "the three Rs" is passe' in the modern world, and very narrow-minded.

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

N/A

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

Ask for details about the assessment exam first, consider carefully what is being tested, and explore plenty of other options. Academics are important, but being a well-rounded person serves you better in real life.

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