Doha, Qatar Report of what it's like to live there - 04/02/25
Personal Experiences from Doha, Qatar
School Name:
ASD
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?
1st and 2nd so far; 2023- current
3. What years did you live here?
2023- current
4. What was your reason for living in the city where the school is located (e.g., government, military, corporate, NGO, retired)?
USG
5. Are other schools available to expatriates in this city? Why did you choose this particular school?
There are multiple school options. ASD is the main one used by Embassy but several kids also go to Swiss and Compass. There is also a British school. ASD has a huge campus but doesn't feel massive as each school has its own area. The school is a lot of amenities that many schools don't offer.
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 are a little clunky sometimes but it is all online. There is a test that kids may go through, whether online or in person. The admissions director who had been here for a very long time just left recently so I don't know the current intake. Start the process early so you know what is needed such as a TB test.
2. How would you rate the school's support and welcome/integration of new students and their families, and why?
We missed the first day of school. I would say for support later maybe an 8 but I also didn't know what to ask for as this was my kids' first school.
Administration & School Procedures:
1. How is the overall communication between teachers and parents, and the administration and parents? How is communication facilitated?
So much online communication. Also for ES the classes have a class parent with a WhatsApp group.
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?
ES- parents donate some money for class funds and then you provide all PE uniforms/swim gear. You can buy the blue athletic mesh shorts at Target for PE to save money and then just use the ASD PE shirt.
Academics & Resources:
1. Is there before and/or after-school daycare available? What are the costs?
No but nannies and in-home help are plentiful so that is what people use here.
2. Does the school have a library? How large is it? How updated are the books? Can students borrow books to read at home?
Yes. I have only been to the ES library. It is great and the books are updated with current fads. Students bring home books weekly and can borrow over the summer starting in 3rd grade.
3. What are the technology requirements for students? Do they need their own laptops/ipads? How is technology integrated into the classroom and homework?
Ipads used in some classes. Laptops start in 4th grade I think. They do teach cyber awareness at school, which parents appreciated.
4. How are information technology resources at the school. Are they up-to-date? Is there a computer lab?
It seems to be but I have not looked into it.
5. Describe the physical education resources at the school. Is there a gym? A swimming pool? Are there playing fields or tennis courts available?
There are several gyms, baseball field, track field and swimming pools in addition to soccer fields.
6. What is the approximate teacher-to-student ratio in the grades that your child attended?
1:11
7. 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?
I think the school does a great job. They are working on emotional intelligence as well as integrating learning in all the subjects so it flows. I absolutely love the school, teachers and the overall experience. We would stay here for the school as long as possible.
8. Is the amount and type of homework generally appropriate for the age and grade of the students?
only reading at home so far.
9. What fine arts electives are available (music, drama, visual arts)?
Not sure as my kids don't choose those yet. ES does do concerts 1x a year and plays in older ES.
10. Are the teachers at the school required to speak English as a first language--or at least fluently?
Yes.
11. What services are available for students with learning disabilities at this school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
They break up groups so the kids who need extra help can get it. There is also an outside company that can come in to help with speech and OT but it costs more to have that done at school. I do know of kids with ADHD, level 1 autism, and SPD at ASD. If the kid's needs are too far out of the norm, you will need to look at another school like Hamilton, though. ASD does not offer robust services in this area.
12. What services are available for students with physical disabilities at this school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
I think a wheelchair might be ok? Not sure.
13. 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?
So many sports- soccer, swimming, baseball, track, tennis....there are also sports you can pay for offered at the school by local companies.
Social & Emotional Well-Being:
1. Do expatriate students socialize with local students at the school? Are both groups successfully integrated into the school culture?
Yes it appears
2. 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.
The ES is really inclusive and kids generally are kind.
3. 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?
I don't see this being an issue. The kids from all backgrounds at school
4. What can you say about diversity among the faculty and staff at the school and their experience in supporting minority students?
Extremely 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 stay here as long as we could just for the school. I am really sad to have to leave it. We extended as much as we could to stay.
2. Please describe some of your child's/children's highlights and challenges during their time at this school.
Highlights- friends, the easy bus commute to and from the compound, great teachers, integrated lessons, great after-school options included in the tuition, good academics, good focus on values
Challenges- it is hot part of the year and pollution can be high. One of my kids is more sensitive to it and it can make it harder to play outside during recess. I wish they had air purifiers in the classes. The school day is long for my kids but it is the typical American schedule. Lunches are only 20 minutes which is way too short in my mind. Also the cafeteria food isn't great as they keep changing companies but they are trying to improve.
3. Please tell us anything else you think prospective parents and students should know about this school. Thanks for your contribution!
We love it here!
