Doha, Qatar Report of what it's like to live there - 09/07/23
Personal Experiences from Doha, Qatar
School Name:
The American School of Doha
Background Information:
1. Are you the parent of a child(ren) attending this school? A teacher at the school? Or both?
Parent
2. What grade or grades do/did your children attend at the school? During what year(s) did they attend the school?
High School
2020-2021 academic year and graduated in 2023
2020-2021 academic year graduating in 2024
3. What years did you live here?
2020-present
4. What was your reason for living in the city where the school is located (e.g., government, military, corporate, NGO, retired)?
Government
5. Are other schools available to expatriates in this city? Why did you choose this particular school?
Yes there are several international private schools.
Doha College (British curriculum) and The American School of Doha (ASD) are the largest western schools. Others include ACS and GEMS.
We chose ASD for the American college preparatory curriculum that includes a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and for high school athletics and activities, including American Baseball, Model United Nations and Speech & Debate. ASD is part of the Middle East South Asia conference providing regional competitive opportunities.
Admissions & Welcome:
1. Are the admissions and placement procedures clearly stated to prospective families, either on the school website or through other means of communication?
Admissions information is available. ASD is admissions selective and often has a waitlist for admissions.
2. How would you rate the school's support and welcome/integration of new students and their families, and why?
We arrived during the COVID pandemic but in spite of the restrictive preventative measures mandated by the local government, ASD did a good job of welcoming us to the school community.
Administration & School Procedures:
1. How is the overall communication between teachers and parents, and the administration and parents? How is communication facilitated?
Several avenues of communication including digital platforms Powerschool, Schoology, and weekly newsletter as well as parent-teacher conferences.
Teachers, counselors, and administrators have had open communication and there was always an open door for communication.
The school also reached out proactively when there was a concern about my child.
2. Aside from school fees, are there required expenses such as uniforms, laptops/tablets, musical instruments, or field trips that parents are expected to cover? What are the approximate costs?
In the high school there is an annual technology fee. Other expenses are voluntary associated with sports or activities.
There is an additional testing fee required to take AP exams.
Academics & Resources:
1. What personal or academic counseling resources are available at this school? Is there a dedicated college counselor at the school? Is he/she familiar with universities worldwide?
High school counseling team provides both academic and personal support and helps with college advising. In recent years the school has hosted university visits and college fairs as well as a university night for general information. However it is impossible for the counselors to be experts on every school in the U.S. and abroad so parents should take an active role in the college application process and may be well advised to retain outside assistance with expertise specific to their child's academic goals.
The SAT exam is offered in Doha and students to register to take it well in advance as spaces fill quickly.
ASD requires high school students to take the PSAT which is proctored at the school, in preparation for the SAT.
The ACT is not currently offered in Qatar and should be taken in the U.S. if needed/desired for college applications.
2. What are the technology requirements for students? Do they need their own laptops/ipads? How is technology integrated into the classroom and homework?
Technology is very well integrated at the high school, particularly after virtual learning throughout the pandemic. My high school students had both a laptop and tablet for classroom use as well as desktop computer at home. Please check with the school for current requirements as technology requirements change.
3. Describe the physical education resources at the school. Is there a gym? A swimming pool? Are there playing fields or tennis courts available?
ASD has the only baseball field in Qatar as well as a track and field, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gymnasiums and athletic training facilities.
4. What is the approximate teacher-to-student ratio in the grades that your child attended?
Most class sizes are 12-15 students
5. Are Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses available in upper grades? If this is an IB school, is the full diploma required of all students?
Yes
6. Are students generally challenged appropriately by the curriculum? Please describe any particular strengths or weaknesses in this area. Do you have any thoughts how the curriculum is applied and implemented at this school?
ASD is a college preparatory school and the standards based grading model in the high school is similar to what students can expect in the university setting (midterm/final with few, if any, grades for homework). AP students will have a mock AP exam as well as the full subject AP exam through CollegeBoard. There is an additional testing fee required to take the AP exams.
IB program is also offered, it is important to note that the IB program is a two year course of study, so families should not choose this program if their student will not be attending ASD for both years.
ASD is somewhat rigid with their high school course requirements. Parents should request an evaluation of their students' transcripts and review the course prerequisites and graduation requirements prior to enrolling.
7. What fine arts electives are available (music, drama, visual arts)?
See school website for current offerings
There are several options.
8. Are the teachers at the school required to speak English as a first language--or at least fluently?
Yes
9. What services are available for gifted/advanced students at the school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
All the classes at the high school are taught at an "honors" level with numerous advanced academic opportunities.
10. What services are available for students with learning disabilities at this school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
This high school at ASD would not be a good fit for students with learning disabilities.
11. What extra-curricular activities (including sports) are available at this school? Have your children participated in these activities? What activities do you feel are missing at the school?
Yes, there are a good variety of extra-curricular activities at the high school. There are also several service trips that students can elect to participate in, check the school website for current offerings.
Social & Emotional Well-Being:
1. What is the climate for LGBT+ kids at this school? Are there resources they can draw upon? Does there appear to be any exclusionary behavior?
It is important to note that Qatar is a Muslim country and ASD must abide by the rules and regulations of the State of Qatar and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. LGBTQ+ activities are considered to be immoral by local laws.
2. Do expatriate students socialize with local students at the school? Are both groups successfully integrated into the school culture?
ASD is a very international school and there are many Qatari and Arab students at the high school. My children have a diverse group of friends, including local students.
3. Are there are any problems with exclusionary behavior, cliques, or bullying at this school? Please describe any problems your children may have experienced in this area.
No worse than any other school. Issues are promptly addressed by administration.
4. What is the climate for students who identify as ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious minorities at this school? Are there resources they can draw upon? Have your children had any experiences in this area?
ASD is incredibly diverse.
Overall Impressions:
1. What letter grade (ranging from A, excellent, to F, fail) would you assign to this school based on your overall experience? Would you choose it again?
A
I would choose it again. My graduated ASD student was admitted into one of their top choice universities and major and received several scholarships. I feel they are well prepared for college.
