Job Discussion Forums

linebacker · Joined: 15 Apr 2008 Posts: 16

Hi folks. We are considering a move to Al Ain. We are looking for information on schooling for our children - in particular what schools are good, which ones to avoid, relative tutition costs, etc...

Any info on schooling would be greatly appreciated.

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

There have been at least 2 threads on this in the past 6 months. Suggest you seach on "Al Ain Schools" that might bring up the most recent info.

Zoot · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 408

There's not a decent school in Al Ain. However, the one most popular for expat folk is Al Ain English Speaking School. Exorbitant fees and definitely no value for money.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 3:09 am Post subject:

I've heard that the primary section of that school is passable.

NCTBA

johnslat · Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 3:33 am Post subject:

Dear NCTBA,
Only if you're smarter than a 5th grader.
Regards,
John

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 4:19 am Post subject:

An', sir, that seems to be the main complaint about the place...if supposedly smarter than a 5th grader and promoted beyond those nether regions...the difficulties begin.

The only reason I throw in my two dirhams worth is I have a mate that's transferring there in the "Fall" and when I mentioned about the bad rep that the place had, he assured me that it would be fine for his young daughters.

That being said, I think that he's considering this to be his last contract. Wink

NCTBA

Tom Le Seelleur · Joined: 27 Dec 2007 Posts: 242

Linebacker
How old are your kids and what curriculum are you looking for ? American, British, French or Lebanese. There are four schools of note that most expats who work in the major companies/colleges send their kids. The fees vary. I have personal experience with the Al Ain English Speaking School - AAESS.
Tom

Zoot · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 408

And would that personal experience be a positive or a negative, Tom?

Iamherebecause · Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 11:55 am Post subject:

I no longer have kids at AAESS but colleagues seem happy with it and the teachers I know who work there are fully qualified professionals (not a given here even in an overpriced private school).

People seem increasingly unhappy with Emirates National School and many parents are pulling their children out and sending them to AAESS.

The Lebanese school... poster must mean Choueifat... I always worry when anyone involved in education sends their children there.

I know people who put their kids in Madar International school but moved them to AAESS as soon as places were available. There's another school called Manor House which opened in September; it recruited freshly qualified teachers from overseas, and the ones I know are staying for a second year (more staff loyalty thanChoueifat then) but no real idea what the school is like. And another one called (I think) American Private School with a big sign outside saying 'Foreign Teachers,' which is an odd selling point given that in international schools here I have only ever come across one Emirati teacher.

Iamherebecause · Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 11:56 am Post subject:

I no longer have kids at AAESS but colleagues seem happy with it and the teachers I know who work there are fully qualified professionals (not a given here even in an overpriced private school).

People seem increasingly unhappy with Emirates National School and many parents are pulling their children out and sending them to AAESS.

The Lebanese school... poster must mean Choueifat... I always worry when anyone involved in education sends their children there.

I know people who put their kids in Madar International school but moved them to AAESS as soon as places were available. There's another school called Manor House which opened in September; it recruited freshly qualified teachers from overseas, and the ones I know are staying for a second year (more staff loyalty thanChoueifat then) but no real idea what the school is like. And another one called (I think) American Private School with a big sign outside saying 'Foreign Teachers,' which is an odd selling point given that in international schools here I have only ever come across one Emirati teacher. And what a bizarre boast it is anyway.

Sunburnt Individual · Joined: 20 May 2008 Posts: 91

The schools worth considering sending your child to are:

AAESS - most Westerners send their kids there. My colleagues who are parents of students at the high school there seem to find it adequate at least. It seems to set the bar in the area as far as activities and community goes.

Our Own English High School - the kids that I've met that go to ANY of these schools are extremely well educated, have excellent English, and are well versed in a variety of disciplines. It's Indian curriculum.

ENS - They keep going through admin changes and the quality depends on what teacher your kids get, it seems.

Al Madar - this school is where rich kids go, but they bleed students constantly and they don't have very effective teaching. I taught a kid this year who was #1 in his class in Madar (and his mom showed me the papers) but couldn't pull a 70% in my school. He was bright enough, but his English was non-existent.

Al Dhafra - Overall good quality instruction although it could use a makeover and some resources. UK curiculum to grade 8 and then you choose US or UK. Student body is about 30% Emirati with most other students being Arab, although there are some westerners and a good number of Arabs born in the west.

Liwa - same quality level as Al Dhafra but it's about 70% Emirati students and in much better shape.

Al Ain Juniors - seems to be fairly high quality academically but parents get frustrated with the lack of anything offered aside from classroom learning (e.g. sports teams, clubs, etc.)

Manor Hill does NOT hire qualified teachers because I know one who works there.

Choueifat - I HATE HATE HATE HATE this school and think it's a terrible system to put a child in, but, I'm sorry to say, it is better than any school in Al Ain other than the ones I mentioned above. A disgusting admission on my part.

If you're going to come here, the main problem is finding a school for yoru kids. They all have waiting lists and there's enough demand for them to be choosy.

linebacker · Joined: 15 Apr 2008 Posts: 16

Thanks for the info SI. Really appreciate it.

BTW, Tom any chance of indicating a + or - experience with AAESS? As far as I can see, its AAESS since we would want a North American/UK curriculum.

We will contact this school shortly

Iamherebecause · Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 7:30 am Post subject:

Tom Le Seelleur · Joined: 27 Dec 2007 Posts: 242

Linebacker
If your kids are of primary level then the school is fine. From year 7 cracks begin to show. However, there is a new head of secondary who has been making a lot of improvements. added to this, the school has invested heavily in the last year to build a new learning block, swimming and sports facilities and this should create a far better learning environment. The 'Friends of the school' are very supportive contact them on
[email protected]
Good luck

Sunburnt Individual · Joined: 20 May 2008 Posts: 91

I don't know much about Sanawbar even though I drive past it everyday. I sent them my CV and they sent me an offer back that more or less said "sign and return." No face to face interview, no phone interview, no questionaire, nothing. On top of that the offer was laughable and I know of no westerner who works there, although they might and I've just never met them.

I don't know about the quality of their instruction but their recruitment was frightful. I might have been an ax murderer for all they knew.