Parent's Review of QSI Chengdu in Chengdu , China

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

QSI Chengdu

In what town or city is this school located?

Chengdu

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

American curriculum, international staff and student body

What grade levels are represented at this school?

3 to 18 years old

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

School bus or car

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

3 storey-building with library, science lab, art and music rooms, computer room and multi-purpose room. Separate playgrounds for pre-school and elementary; basketball court; access to swimming pool in the summer. Varied after school activities offered 3 times a week including ball sports, drama, cooking, arts and crafts, scrapbooking, chess etc. Regular day field-trips for elementary, overnight trips within China for middle and high school.

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 teaches the American curriculum and does not offer specific adjustment to curricula of other countries. Classes are small (average 10 students) so individual teachers are able to assist students to adjust. Special needs and ESL support are available.

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

There is an active PTO that organizes events throughout the year. Parents participate in and help to organize a Fall Festival, Christmas Program, Middle School Festival, International Week, Spirit Week, Chinese Week, Olympic Day, end of year BBQ and End of Year Program plus additional social events for middle and high schoolers. As is usually the case, there tends to be a core group of parents who are active and volunteer their time and the PTO is always looking for more help.

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

My children are very happy at this school. Teaching and testing standards are high and there is a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The student body is very international, which creates a stimulating environment. Staff have gone out of their way to accommodate different learning needs. The school has grown rapidly over the past few years and needs to expand facilities to accommodate the growing numbers - plans for this are well underway. In the 2010-2011 school year there is a new Director and Director of Studies who are developing the school during this period of rapid growth.