Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.cois.org
) or the Accrediting Commission for Schools Western Association of
Schools and Colleges (
www.acswasc.org
).
THE SCHOOL'S CULTURE
Every school has its own culture, which may or may not appeal to you. Western
Academy Beijing, for example, strives for an individualistic environment, where stu-
dents are free from uniforms and interact with teachers on a first-name basis; the
British School of Beijing prefers a more traditional private-school culture, in which
students wear a uniform and stand when an adult enters the room. ISB has strong
sports and performing arts programs, and also has a well-organized PTA. Consider
their value system. Does the school prioritize exam scores above all else or does it
also build other values into the children's days, such as caring, respect, responsibil-
ity, sharing, and so forth?
CULTURAL COMPOSITION
Some schools are more international than others. While many schools may have a
fairly even mix of nationalities, others may attract more students from a particular
country. For example, where one school might have a high proportion of Korean stu-
dents, another might enroll more German or American students. The school's name
isn't always an indication of the composition of students.
SUBJECT OFFERINGS
Of course the major subjects are all going to be there, but some schools have addi-
tional subjects that may be important for your child. Children interested in a career
in law may need Latin, or perhaps they need to study a given language as a native
speaker rather than as a second language.
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
There is a healthy amount of interschool competition amongst the international
schools, and if your child has eyes on one day turning into a pro athlete, you'll need
to ask about each school's specialty.
