Choosing the ideal International School for your child

28 Nov 2017

We all know that getting the right education, from kindergarten through to high school graduation, is an essential part of shaping the future of our children. It is the first step in preparing them for adult life – providing the introduction of a structured schedule; the opportunity to widen their social circle; the acquisition of skills and knowledge.

But the world is a big place, and we are now more globally-connected than ever before. “The careers of all of our students will be global ones, in which they will need to function effectively in multinational teams,” notes Dr. Allan Goodman, President and CEO of the Institute of International Education. So, how can we prepare our children for that?

More and more, International Schools are becoming a popular choice for parents seeking to give their children the best possible academic opportunites. The benefits of an international education are staggering and undeniable, not only from an academic standpoint, but also from a perspective of personal development and growth.

While there may have been only a handful of International Schools in each country a decade ago, research by the International School Consultancy indicates that there are now 172 international curriculum schools in Thailand, while Malaysia has 142, Japan 233, Singapore around 63, and about 8,000 worldwide.

With such a range of available locations, students attending an International School now have the chance to study and live in some of the most beautiful and culturally exciting places the world has to offer.

But how do you choose the right one?

To help you make that all-important choice – here are 4 International Schools that could be the ideal fit for your child…

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL (SINGAPORE)

Standing alone as Singapore’s only international Christian school teaching an American curriculum, the International Community School (ICS) is committed to educating minds and transforming lives through its holistic approach to education.

Founded in 1993, ICS has been teaching students for 25 years – almost half the entire lifetime of Singapore itself! It holds accreditation with the Association of Christian Schools International (ASCI), and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), as well as being an affiliate member of the Network of International Christian Schools (NICS).

The average class size at ICS is only 16 students in the Elementary school and even fewer in Middle School and High School ensuring children are never just another name on a list. Here, teachers are committed to knowing every student and to helping them develop emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. Priding itself on its excellent academic record, ICS offers a dynamic and challenging curriculum, with every child benefitting from a personalised learning experience. Students are encouraged to apply their knowledge outside of the classroom through taking part in a variety of extra-curricular activities and clubs.

ICS also emphasizes that High School students grow in leadership through serving both the local and international community as part of their community service program. With more than 26 nationalities represented in its student body of 450+, ICS is truly a global community. Alongside academic excellence, the school strives to teach love and respect for all, across all cultures, races, and nationalities.

KIS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

With knowledge, inspiration, and spirit as their core values, the KIS International School is an IB World School, exclusively offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) programs to its students.

Located in a tranquil, gated and guarded estate in Bangkok, the KIS International School’s facilities are purpose-built for the school’s needs, while remaining artistic and visually stimulating.

The KIS International School partners an academically challenging international curriculum with a well-rounded programme of sports, creativity, and community service, supporting its students to become successful and responsible global citizens. Through its use of the IB curriculum, students are taught to think for themselves, have a global perspective, and make a positive difference to the world.

Students at the KIS International School are also offered the chance to study languages. With students from many linguistic backgrounds coming together, the school believes that the opportunity to learn a second language, alongside the continued development of their mother-tongue, is crucial for cultivating cultural understanding and empathy.

JERUDONG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Jerudong International School (JIS) takes the key aspects of holistic education (thinking skills, integrations, active engagement, participation, language, and leadership) and places them at the forefront of school aims.

JIS recognises the importance of a well-designed environment in enhancing and enriching student learning experiences, and boasts an impressive school ground of over 300 acres. Students are encouraged to take pride in their school campus, jumping at the chance to take on and lead projects in improving their surroundings, such as designing seating and creating an Eco Garden.

With a strong emphasis placed on their status as an International School, JIS seeks to encourage understanding of the wide variety of cultural traditions and beliefs represented in its student body. With weekly House Concerts and House Sports, pupils are able to engage and integrate into their shared community, learning mutual respect for their peers and people around them, as well as taking on opportunities to develop leadership expertise. Staff at JIS work hard to help students become the next generation of self-confident, well-rounded, and high-achieving global citizens.

CONCORDIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SHANGHAI

As a leading International School in China, Concordia International School Shanghai believe in giving students the instruction and holistic support needed to excel.

This American curriculum school encourages students to find their own unique identity by intersecting rigorous academic learning with a range of activities, from fine arts to athletics. Concordia International School Shanghai believes in helping students find their passions, and in giving them the chance to gain confidence in doing something they love.

Through their Applied Learning courses, students are encouraged to explore and deepen their interests even further, while building strong connections between their academic studies and future real-world endeavours. These courses are patterned on those usually offered at a college level, and encourage students to develop higher order thinking skills as well as giving them the opportunity to develop the skills required in their career of choice.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International