I remember that feeling of confusion when first coming to Singapore over three years ago. I understand what you are going through. Luckily, you have some great choices in front of you. We're originally from Hawaii and new to the IB program and I could talk about how great it is more than the space is allowed for me on this reply. I told my husband that we can never move back home now because of how much I love my son's current school.
We first started out at OFS for K1. I liked it for the reason that it was a full day program. His teacher and assistant teacher were great. It was my first experience with IB. My son does not go to that school anymore for a couple of reasons. One, the facilities at the time (I haven't visited since we left two years ago) were not being well kept. It felt tired throughout the entire campus. I felt like the money we put into tuition was not being spent well. I felt like my son was a number at that school because it was overcrowded. While so many schools have a waiting list, OFS seemed to take every child in and it felt like an overflow school with many kids coming and going every month as soon as they got into their "real" school of choice. Having had my son there for a year, the only people that knew my name as far as the staff were his two teachers. I was at the school every day helping with his class as the class Mom and yet not once did anyone from the staff acknowledge me. Simple example, every time I went into the Kindergarten office, I would have to say who I was and who my child was....every time for the whole year. It didn't bother me at the time but looking back and seeing the difference between OFS and the current school my son attends is like night and day.
My son has been attending Stamford American since the beginning of K2 and is currently in Grade 1. I am so lucky to have found this school for my son. Right now we are at the temporary campus and there are so many exciting developments planned for the new campus opening Fall of 2012. The superintendent is amazing! The school feels like a family with so much parent involvement and activities buzzing. I have made many friends there myself. Also, everyone in the front office knows everyone's name and their child. Since our first interview/meeting at the school, I was greeted with open arms and felt welcomed by all staff and parents. My son is very happy there and says he never wants to leave Singapore now. You must go to one of Malcolm Kay's talks (our superintendent) to hear all the fascinating things planned for our current campus and future one. He makes me excited about the school every day. You definitely won't feel like a number at this school. In fact, let me know if you're going there for a tour and I'll be sure I'm there to greet you myself!
Hope to see you around!
xoxo
