Update on Stamford American International School

Each week I receive several emails asking for an update on my original blog post on Stamford American International School.  So on the eve of orientation for the new school year, I figure it's about time to write about how last year turned out.

Is the school perfect?  No, of course not.  To say it was would be unrealistic.  So here are the pros and cons so far:

Academics:

Leaving for the 4th grade overnight camping trip

I am thrilled with the education my children received last year.  I credit most of that to the two teachers my children were lucky enough to get.  Cooper had Mrs. Piroshka (PJ) Roth for 2nd grade and Sophia had Mr. Lachlan Wood for 4th grade.  When you bring so many children together from so many backgrounds, it is difficult to create a work environment that challenges and supports everyone, and both teachers did an amazing job.  When I had concerns (rare) they were addressed immediately and I feel my children were challenged and kept interested. 

I  was also impressed with the amount of writing done in both grades, and was especially impressed with the public speaking exposure in Sophia's class.  At one point, the kids were required to give a speech running for Class President, Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer, and the speeches were broadcast over the internet for the families to watch.  The teacher even gave estimated times for parents so they could plan their day accordingly. 

We are rapidly coming to the end of our time here, and while we were at home in the US last month, both kids had to be tested for entrance to a school upon our return.  They had to take part of the Stanford Achievement Test (not to be confused with Stamford :-) and I can tell you that they were *well* prepared for it.  The test administrator was extremely impressed, and I attribute much of that to the curriculum at Stamford.

Teachers: 
I already praised their homeroom teachers, but I have to also give credit to all the other teachers I have met.  I've gotten to know several of them pretty well, and I am confident that my kids are in great hands whether they are in math enrichment, PE, art class etc. 

They won the 10U Championship!

Sports and Extra-Curricular Activities:
As far as the after-school activities, they are trying hard and have done a decent job ironing out some glitches.  It's not perfect yet, but they've improved the sign-up process each time and they have a good variety of activity choices.  If you have a high school-aged child who is a sports star, I am not sure this is the school for you (yet).  I implore the school (because I know they will read this) to spend more money and effort on improving the athletics...it really is the key to winning over a huge demographic of parents out there.  The kids need better uniforms, access to outside coaching and more diversity of sports.

Note:  There are many wonderful first-class coaches at SAIS, and we are lucky to have them.  This is meant to suggest that not all coaches should be drawn from the pool of SAIS teachers.  If parents have experience coaching, or it is smart to bring in outside coaches to make the teams competitive, then it should be done.

Parent Culture:
Coming to Stamford, I was admittedly nervous of the whole "expat mom" culture.  I don't get dressed up to go to school (okay, maybe I'll try to look decent at orientation tomorrow, but you will frequently see me in my exercise clothes!) and I am not one of those "ladies who lunch".  After meeting the other moms, I feel silly that I was ever worried.  I have made some of the most wonderful friends in the last year, and look forward to visiting these friends all over the world for many years to come. 

School Events:

International Fiesta

The school holds some really great events during the year.  One is the International Fiesta, and features a ceremony much like the opening ceremonies of the Olympics.  The children line up by country (and are encouraged to wear traditional  dress of their homeland) and march around the gymnasium behind their respective flags.  Many performances follow, and then country-specific food can be sampled.  It was a really cool event, and I was fortunate that my in-laws just happened to be visiting at the time so they could witness it.

Other major events include a huge, elaborate Halloween party, Christmas party with silent auction baskets provided by each class, and a fancy charity gala in the Spring.  The PTA at Stamford certainly works hard!

Sophia's Friends at the International Fiesta

I'm sure I'm missing some things, but I hope this gives interested parties better insight into the school a year later.  We have probably only five months left at Stamford and I'm truly devastated to leave.  I thought we'd have at least another year, but that's not how it has worked out. 

Best of luck in your school decisions.  There are many wonderful schools in Singapore, but for us, Stamford was hands down the right choice.

As much I want to help, please do not send us questions on the school, as we have already repatriated to the US (March 2014).  Best of luck!