Parent's Review of New International School of Thailand (NIST) in Bangkok, Thailand

What is the name of your child's school? (Please report on one school per survey.)

New International School of Thailand (NIST)

In what town or city is this school located?

Bangkok

How would you describe this school? (i.e. American, British, International, Local, etc.)

International

What grade levels are represented at this school?

Pre-school through high school

How do most children get to school everyday? (bus, train, walk, etc.)

Children get to school every way possible. Most do not walk. Buses and private transportation are the most common.

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

Although the space is small compared to the other two big schools in Bangkok they do a great deal with it. They are also constructing new buildings and renovating existing buildings. Classroom sizes are good, there is a good canteen, the sports center is new and exceptional, a new arts center is in the final stages of completion, the youngest children have their own playground separate from the younger primary school children.

The extra-curricular activities offered are of an extremely wide range. Several sports opportunities are available from soccer to swimming to gymnastics. There are clubs such as the environmental club, student councils, and drama. Each school year there are three extra-curricular terms offered where the options include roller-blading, arts and crafts, video club, board games, pottery, math games, etc.

What has this school done to help your child transition from the curriculum in your home country into the curriculum in your new country? Are there programs to prepare your child for repatriation?

We arrived at the school four years ago six weeks after the school year had started. This was our oldest son's first introduction to school and he came in behind his classmates, many of whom had been in pre-school and had tutors. The school provided extra tutoring four days a week for several weeks to get him up to speed. In the next two years when our son was having difficulties, the same extra assistance was provided, once on the recommendation of the teacher and one on our request. ESL programs are offered for non-native English speakers, the school counselor is actively involved in every primary grade classroom.

There are no programs to prepare for repatriation.

How would you describe the social activities available for parents through this school? Are there parent-teacher organizations?

There is a parent/teacher organization but at this time it is not very strong. In the past the school had been somewhat resistant to the concept of a parent/teacher organization although that is slowly changing. The parent/teacher organization has also lacked committed, competent volunteers.

However, there are programs for parent involvement. Many of the lower grades ask for in-class parent volunteers. Parents are involved in class outings. Many nationalities have country-specific groups that meet socially and to support the school. The primary school has class parents for each class and these individuals organiztion get-togethers for parents and their children.

What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling their child in this school?

Frankly, NIST is the most international school in Bangkok. When asked whey they choose NIST over the many other schools available, many parents respond that it was because of the international make-up of the school. Our sons best friends are Isreali, Indian, Thai, Norweigan, and American.

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