Being a One World International School family for seven years, the Fitzsimons have experienced what the school has to offer from preschool to secondary school level. Here’s what they have to say about their children’s school.
Mark and Nittaya Fitzsimons were faced with one of the most important decisions for their family many years ago: choosing an international school for their eldest daughter. This would be the family’s first school in Singapore, and if all goes well, it’s the couple’s hope that their younger children can join their eldest sister in the same school.
They eventually chose to enrol their daughter at One World International School’s (OWIS) Nanyang campus, and in a blink of an eye, they’ve been part of the school’s community for seven wonderful years. “Today, our children are 12, 10, nine, and five years old, and they’re all happily studying at OWIS Nanyang,” the Fitzsimons shared.
Having experienced what OWIS has to offer for seven years from preschool to secondary school stage, Mark and Nittaya have seen their children develop academically, socially, and personally. They commented, “The school has lived up to our expectations in many ways over the years, and it’s been especially meaningful to watch each child have their own individual experience at the school.” Read on as they share their full review of OWIS with us.
What are some of the things you look for in a school for your children?
One of the most important things for us was finding an environment where our children could feel happy, supported, and confident while receiving a strong education. We also wanted a school that would allow our children to grow as individuals, rather than just focusing on their academic results.
You mentioned OWIS lived up to your expectations; can you elaborate on that?
We’ve seen how our children feel seen and supported in OWIS. Their teachers have taken the time to understand who they are, encourage their strengths, and help them through their challenges. As parents, there’s no greater comfort than knowing that your children are happy, well cared for, and as a result, excited to attend school every day.
OWIS also has an international learning environment, where our children learn alongside classmates from different backgrounds. This has helped them become more open-minded and comfortable interacting with people from different cultures. This is especially important for us, as it’s a crucial part of preparing them for the real world beyond school.
We’ve seen this in OWIS from the early years through primary, and now into secondary stage with our eldest. This long term experience has given us confidence in the school and in the people who work with our children.
What do you value most about the school?
The sense that our children are not simply students in a classroom means a lot to us. OWIS treats our children as individuals with different personalities, interests, and strengths, encouraging them to grow in their own way. We’re incredibly grateful for the teachers, friendships, and memories our children have gained here.
The choice to join OWIS all those years ago was an important decision for our family, so seeing all four of our children grow and thrive here has made it one that we continue to feel very happy about.
Do you have any advice for parents who are looking for the perfect school for their children?
Look beyond the curriculum and facilities. Visit the school, speak to the teachers and staff, and pay attention to how the children seem to feel in the environment. For us, finding a school where our children feel safe, happy, supported, and motivated is just as important as their academic performance.
Thanks for sharing, Mark and Nittaya.
This post is in partnership with One World International School.
