Tell us about the children you have attending the school?
I have 3 children currently attending Singapore American School (SAS). Savannah is 6 and in Kindergarten, Maddie is 9 and in the 4th Grade, and Abbie is 12 and in the 7th Grade.
What were the most important factors for you in selecting a school?
I had two main considerations: First of all I wanted to find a school where my children could all be together on the same campus – SAS offers placements from preschool to grade 12. Secondly, an environment where they would be challenged and given tools to succeed was important.
How has the school lived up to your expectations?
SAS has exceeded my expectations. Our children have been challenged and encouraged to excel. I have been amazed at their achievements both academically and personally. While SAS is well known for academic excellence, they also ensure that students develop roundly in terms of character, collaboration, communication, creativity, innovation, critical thinking, and cultural competence.
What do your children like most about attending SAS?
Well, they love it! I think their favourite aspect of the school are the opportunities it delivers – the opportunity to make friends from all over the world, the opportunity to have amazing technology at their fingertips, the opportunity to try new things and to learn new skills, the opportunity to run and play all over campus, and the opportunity to be a part of the SAS community.
What sort of curriculum does the school offer?
It’s similar to that of U.S. college preparatory schools. SAS has the largest Advanced Placement Program outside the US (with some of the highest scores in the world) and offers the American High School Diploma at the senior level. It is the best of an American curriculum in that there is flexibility for students to find their passion. The school provides an international perspective too, as reflected in the curriculum and extra-curricular activities. There are daily language classes in Mandarin or Spanish for elementary students and French, Chinese, and Spanish for middle and high school students. Technology is fully integrated into the curriculum too.
How much homework is expected of the children?
Our youngest doesn’t have homework, but she brings home “Just Right” books each week to practice reading with. Our 4th grader usually has about 30-45 minutes a night. Our 7th Grader has all of her assignments on Google Calendar and has a rotating A/B schedule, so she usually has 2 nights to complete assignments and she spends about 2-3 hours a night working.
Do your children participate in any extra-curricular activities at the school?
Yes all three of them have participated in many different activities including acting, ballet, climbing, cooking, volleyball, swimming, soccer and art. There is something for everyone from sports to the arts, and languages to IT.
Are you satisfied with the level of communication you receive from the school?
Yes, I receive regular electronic newsletters from the school with all the important information for each child. I also hear frequently from their individual teachers. I love that each class has an online blog with a calendar, updates and pictures. Abbie and Maddie also have their own SAS blog accounts so that they can chronicle the things that they are learning and doing.
What do you value most about the school?
Definitely the teachers. You can tell that they really love the kids and what they are doing. They have the resources and the support to really push the kids. Their love of teaching fosters an environment that gives my children a love of learning!
What advice would you give other parents trying to choose a school?
I would suggest a visit to the campus and try to meet and talk to other parents that have children attending the school. We weren’t able to do that before moving to Singapore and I was extremely anxious about choosing a school sight unseen. But luckily, after our first tour of SAS, my mind was completely put at ease – the whole feel of the school felt like the right fit for our family.