Parent's Review of Castle Park School in Dublin
What is the name of your child's school? (Please report on one school per survey.)
Castle Park School
In what town or city is this school located?
Dublin
How would you describe this school? (i.e. American, British, International, Local, etc.)
30% International
What grade levels are represented at this school?
Pre-school to 6th Class (6th Grade)
How do most children get to school everyday? (bus, train, walk, etc.)
Walk, bike, drive
How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?
Excellent. A choice of 40 "hobbies" or extra curricular activities, taken both during and after school.
A private school. Originally a Presbyterian school, but all faiths are made to feel welcome and there is Communion class for Catholics. (Yes this matters in Ireland as every school teaches religion there).
The pre-school program is Montessori based and excellent. Starts at age 3.
We relocated our home to be closer to this school. There are only a few private "international" choices in Dublin. The others would be St. Andrews in Blackrock (Dublin), The German School in Clonskeagh (Dublin) and the International School in Ballsbridge (Dublin). Those are the ones that come to mind initially.
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?
The school is friendly to parents of the international community. Repatriation - no.
How would you describe the social activities available for parents through this school? Are there parent-teacher organizations?
Excellent. Has an PTA (Parent's Organization) which is unusual for Ireland -- in private or public school. International parent involvement (and local parents) is high and makes it easy to meet other expats and locals who want to meet expats and to become part of a community. Active "welcome network". Coffee mornings, active parent involvement in school activities. No fundraisers like in the U.S., just social activities.
What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling their child in this school?
Politeness and proper conduct are very important. Do not be a typical pushy American. We loved this school. They will seem distant at first (very Irish) but you will find that everyone will warm up to you over time if they find you are polite. The international parents will warm up to you much quicker, and so you can have friends who are both expat and local parents (and children) over time. The other parents accepted our sometimes strange seeming American ways, perhaps because they sensed we were truly friendly and well meaning.
By the way, excellent academics.
Uniforms -- yes -- all schools in Ireland have them.
More Parents' Reviews of International Schools in Ireland
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Comments about this Report
guestFirst of all, thanks a lot for the information. My wife and I are moving to Ireland next july and we are looking for a school as we have 2 children aged 7 and 4. I am from Spain and my wife from Russian and we are currently living in Spain. Although our children are studying in a British School we are a bit worried about how they will adapt to a new school out of their contry, so the idea of an international school where they are used to receive foreigh students sounds very good. I do not want to be rude, but could you tell what are the fees for the education, lunch and transport? Thanks in advance.
guestMost private schools in Dublin of any sort would range somewhere in the 5,000 to 15,000 euro per year range (perhaps varying more in this economy? - I don't know), with details (transport, lunch, etc.) varying by school. There are some "semi-private" public schools as well that have very reasonable fees (and with niche programs or curriculum) but there will also be an admission process to go through. Speaking to people locally, you can uncover these public schools, perhaps you might also find assistance at some of the international clubs or embassies, however, being that it is Ireland, going and talking to people in person is the best way to learn about such things, which makes it difficult sometimes to get all of this done before you get there. Being introduced by a relocation agency can help as well, and they can give you additional guidance on school choices.
ausmumAs an Australian mother with two boys in Castle Park, one in the Montessori dept, one in the Prep dept, I would have to agree with this report. The school has provided an excellent education with many opportunities. The school is small (approx. 2 classes per grade) and encourages interaction between the various years. Its also important to note that CP is a co-educational facility (which is not common in Ireland). The current facilities are 2 years old (after refurbishment and expansion).
guestHi all, This school is on the top of our list to consider for our move in April 2013. Any current updates and comments would be appreciated. We are currently in an International School in London UK, originally from Canada. My son would be entering Form1 Prep. Thanks.
