Singapore American School

[on our way...]

We're looking to relocate to Singapore and would like some outside info on the American School. I've heard amazing things from expat parents and teachers at the int. school we're at now. Any info would be great? Teachers, environment, atmosphere, etc.
THANKS!!!

[guest]

We've also just relocated to Singapore and our daughter chose to attend the American School. As a former teacher this is what I think of the school. Overall very very good. The staff are all dedicated and well trained. The facilities are awesome - intermediate pool, theater computer centers etc. The staff is great with dificulties kids have in relocating. b Drawback is size - there are 11 classes in my daughters third grade! and location. My husband works at the other end of the island. We live in between, so our daughter spends 35 - 40 minutes on the bus.

[shoppinmommy]

My kids have been going to this school for 3 years (ECC, Primary and Intermediate). The facilities are excellent, and the "specials" classes are top notch.

The inconsistency in the teching styles, academic demands and teaching abilities can make for an uneven path. Generally, seems best for the "average" child or kids who have defined learning disabilities who qualify for "resource." The rest are definitely pushed to the middle, which can be tough on the high achiever.

Overall, a fine school for a 2-3 year assignments, with a strong liklihood of a smooth transition back to US public schools.

[Taga-Bukid]

Good point on the inconsistency in teaching styles. Never thought of it, but it makes sense, as most teachers are expat wives or husbands themselves, so the turnover should be somewhat high. Although I did ask this of the schools I visited and the answer was 2 years.

My kids are currently in ISS, but we've confirmed that both have class slots for the upcoming 2008 school term in Aug/Sept. Both have been on the wait list since last year. Part of the reason for transferring is that SAS has got some phenomenal facilities, better than most elementary and high schools I've seen/attended in the US. ISS, although good, is definitely lacking in this. It worries me that the kids have to be bussed to a different place for swimming or for big events. Although most likely safe, it introduces the possibilities of the worst during travels.

[road.not.taken]

How the heck did this thread get resurrected after years and years?

I agree with shoppinmommy that the styles and academics is uneven at SAS from teacher to teacher, but I think that's based more on administration and not that they are expats as Taga-Bukid suggests.

They are teachers, hired as such to do a job, and are on a contract. The good ones are asked to stay on, the bad ones are not. Very, very few are 'trailing spouses'. There are over 300 now, some variation is to be tolerated I suppose.

Shoppinmommy also nailed the 'march to the middle' phenomenon. The overall test scores indicate it is a school full of high achievers, but I understand your comment. Lee Kuan Yew's grandson turned it around at SAS when his local school kept failing him. Turns out he was dyslexic and he thrived at SAS, since it was a problem they could deal with effectively. Nice to hear the Minister Mentor sing our praises, but you're right - the school has lost some of the breadth of a public school in the US, since it is under no obligation to conform to 'no child left behind.'

[Taga-Bukid]

road.not.taken,

Which IS school do you think excels at identifying high achievers and supports them with commensurate programs?

My daughter was supposed to be in the 3rd grade in the US, but because of her age was placed in the 2nd grade @ ISS. I was worried that the math level etc would be behind as she's also been going to Kumon for 2 years now. I specifically asked and pointed this out to the administrators when we were still searching for schools and requested that it be addressed if it manifested itself. Sure enough, my daughter was "bored" with school. As she entered in early November and with the school term almost over, I waited until this new 2008 term to see if the school would do anything. Thankfully they did, as my daughter and another student go to a "more advanced" math class. Thanks.

[road.not.taken]

I'm not sure any of them properly address this issue. In many ways these International Schools are just a way station, between more permanent schools at home. Like your daughter, because of the age cut-offs, my daughter was also placed in a grade she had already had in the US (pre-school) at SAS but with the understanding pre-K was more of an option and not the next grade necessarily. When they failed to put her directly into Kindergarten and skip pre-K, I had her evaluated by a private Psychologist who recommended she be placed in Kindergarten. So she 'skipped' a year. You might want to consider a private evaluation, but I would think long and hard about changing grades. SAS has a gifted and talented program, have you looked into it?

[Taga-Bukid]

Thanks R.N.R. No I haven't looked at the "gate" program yet. I will. I only visited the schools once back in October 2007 and was more concerned about finding a spot for both of them in the same school. Thanks again.