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

International School of Hamburg

In what town or city is this school located?

Hamburg

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

International

What grade levels are represented at this school?

Preschool to Grade 12

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

A lot of children go to school by bicycle, the majority are driven by their parents, there is also a school bus and a bus line stop close by.

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

The building is a purpose-built facility, that was inaugurated in 2010. Performing Arts auditorium, fully equipped double size gym, great green playground for the junior school, classrooms with interactive whiteboards, several computer labs, a big library. The extra-curricular was revamped this school year (2012-2013), and many activities are now available to the students (arts, sports, special interests) from about 15:15 to 16:30.

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?

Two news full time counselors hired this year. Very caring and full of energy, ready to help the students. The english as an additional language programme is improving throughout the school.

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

The PTA organizes several activities throughout the year. There is an Oktoberfest in October, an international fair in November, where parents from different countries sell foods and items from their respective countries. These events are fund raisers but also help create a sense of community.

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

Make sure you take full advantage of the help offered by the administration and the PTA. I had a lot of questions when our family arrived at the school, but I always found answers, through the admission person, the principals, my children's teachers, the counselors, or through my country representative with the PTA, and of course other parents. I have heard that there have been a few problems before at ISH, but things seem to be improving.