Parent's Review of Dresden International School in Dresden
What is the name of your child's school? (Please report on one school per survey.)
Dresden International School
In what town or city is this school located?
Dresden
How would you describe this school? (i.e. American, British, International, Local, etc.)
Local
What grade levels are represented at this school?
preK -12
How do most children get to school everyday? (bus, train, walk, etc.)
Tram, private transportation, some ride bicycles, very few walk. No school bus service available.
How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?
Average quality, usually disorganised sport activities, extra and high cost on parents when join tournaments.
Well organised art and drama activities.
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?
DIS does not have a B plan for international students at all if they are coming from non international systems. IB curriculum seems to be in place but some teachers teach American and British style. Both in MYP and DP there are very poor and / or none assessment practices. Report card grades are not realistic. Students who join mid year receive no academic evaluation to start with and no support (Math, Science, Learning skills, school requirements etc.) to get adjusted to the new school environment, other than ESL. Admin team tend to avoid poor teaching practices, are in favour to EU & North American staff, look down on minorities, no appreciation towards experience, cultural diversity and different point of views.
How would you describe the social activities available for parents through this school? Are there parent-teacher organizations?
PTA consists of mostly elementary school parents.
What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling their child in this school?
Keep in mind that DIS is not truly international, majority German. Culture shock is huge both in school and the city. East German mentality still dominant in student and parent body. Alcohol& drug abuse, smoking, under age clubbing and sexual activities are excessively common starting from middle school.
It is known/heard that some teachers join students in some of these activities.
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Comments about this Report
guestMy child attended DIS for three years from 9th-12th grade. I think it is quite an exaggeration that alcohol, drugs, smoking, clubbing and sex are "excessively common". I agree some of this goes on, as it does in all school communities. Drinking age of 16 is something parents should talk to their children about,and monitor. (this is younger than other places).
