We're debating about what school to put Lyra in next year.
Our preference would be to keep her in Montessori, but that isn't available. So, we're down to looking at two different schools. Each offers their own advantages and it's really difficult to try and decide which way to go. So, I'm looking for opinions. What would sway you?
School #1
1. Is accredited by the American School system (not that this will really matter until she's doing standardized testing - which I think starts in 3rd or 4th grade).
2. Uses the International Baccalaureat curriculum - which we really like. It seems to have the closest relationship to Montessori principles.
3. Primarily expat families. Not just American or Canadian, but from all over the world. A smaller population of local families. Perhaps this would make it easier for Russell and I to meet the parents and make some friends.
4. Arabic is taught as a foreign language, but the entire curriculum is in English.
5. Full-day school day (8am to 3pm). I think both Lyra and Russell are ready for her to go for a longer school day.
School #2
1. Is also accredited by the American School systems.
2. Uses Montessori teaching principles in the Kindergaten classrooms. Is not a Montessori school, but has 2 Montessori trained teachers on the staff and they are applying many of the learning principles in the classroom and using some of the Montessori materials.
3. Primarily local families. The curriculum is taught in English and Arabic. Lyra would truly have a chance to learn to speak Arabic in this school.
4. One of her best friends from school now will be attending this school. We've kind of come to know her mother - and I really like her mom (not that we're buddies or anything), but she's really a neat person. So, maybe also a way to continue getting to know that family.
5. Half-day school day (7:45 to 12:30). We'd be able to enroll her in ballet, horseback riding, piano lessons, etc. to help keep her days busy.
Rebecca said...
Ohhh .... Love the IBC school - really opens the future for Lyra if she sticks with it (since you guys seem to be a traveling family!)
Learning Arabic would be so cool too though ...
These two items are exactly what is making it hard for me.
IB school - v. - going to a local school and learning Arabic - When else in her life will she have this opportunity?
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4 comments:
Choice number two is appealing to Baba a bit more except for the horse thing. I'd rather get her into racing karts as they're less dangerous.
Ohhh .... Love the IBC school - really opens the future for Lyra if she sticks with it (since you guys seem to be a traveling family!)
Learning Arabic would be so cool too though ...
Luckily, both your options sound like awesome ones. Good luck with your decision.
Which choice in Dubai would fit in and prepare her for the choice you will make for her when you return to Milwaukee?
I like the all day thing ... give Baba some time for gardening!!!!
I have some seeds I will send Baba, MoonFlowers, its a tropical plant, blooms at night, very fragrant, I tried last year, did not do so well, I got a few blooms. Great plant to be placed where you can see and smell the flower! More suited to hotter area's.
I'm Arab, born and raised in Singapore, and I cannot speak Arabic. I'm 27 and just starting to learn now, but it's always harder when you're older. What I would give to have had the opportunity to learn Arabic at Lyra's age! Go for it! :)
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