Parent's Review of International School of the Algarve in Porches, Portugal

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

International School of the Algarve

In what town or city is this school located?

Porches

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

British International

What grade levels are represented at this school?

Age 3 to 18

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

school bus service or private car

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

Very good. We looked at the various options in the Algarve before choosing this school. It is a large purpose-built school and I think it has around 700 kids. There are big sports fields, a huge library and modern science labs. We felt this gave lots more options for the children as they get older than the alternatives. There are plenty of sports clubs and other activities after school too.

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?

As we are from UK the transition was very easy as the kids were going into the English part of the school. There were meetings before the term started so we could meet all the teachers and the other parents and children. This meant they knew a few faces before the term began.

I believe there is a special support department with a full time teacher to help new kids arriving that don't speak much english.

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

There is a PTA and we found them very active. They organised a big Christmas bazaar which was to raise money for charity. They are also organising talks on internet safety which we thought was very important.

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

We wanted a big enough school to give good opportunities for subject choices and team sports. We have been very please so far and the kids look forward to going to school every day.