Kigali, Rwanda Report of what it's like to live there - 09/20/19
Personal Experiences from Kigali, Rwanda
School Name:
KICS
Background Information:
1. Are you the parent of a child(ren) attending this school? A teacher at the school? Or both?
Parent only.
2. What grade or grades do/did your children attend at the school? During what year(s) did they attend the school?
2018-2020
They are currently in 10th and 7th grade.
3. What was your reason for living in the city where the school is located (e.g., government, military, corporate, NGO, retired)?
U.S Embassy
4. Are other schools available to expatriates in this city? Why did you choose this particular school?
Yes. We chose KICS because of its Christian values and individualization of education.
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?
Yes, they are on the school's website.
2. How would you rate the school's support and welcome/integration of new students and their families, and why?
In 2018, the welcome and integration as a new family was not good and obtaining information and paying registration fees was very difficult. KICS has rectified many of these issues and the PTO has done an excellent job of welcoming new families now.
Administration & School Procedures:
1. How is the overall communication between teachers and parents, and the administration and parents? How is communication facilitated?
Once you are in Kigali, the communication is good. It is easy to communicate via email and there are frequent meetings and meet-ups with administration.
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?
There are optional Field Trips and Clubs that have additional costs.
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?
There is a play therapist as well as a college counselor on site. This is highly unusual in Kigali. The college counselor is incredibly knowledgeable about universities worldwide.
2. Is there before and/or after-school daycare available? What are the costs?
Yes. I don't know the cost.
3. Does the school have a library? How large is it? How updated are the books? Can students borrow books to read at home?
There is a good library with updated books. The students are encouraged to borrow books to read at home.
4. What are the technology requirements for students? Do they need their own laptops/ipads? How is technology integrated into the classroom and homework?
If students need a laptop, they are issued one. There is an age-appropriate level of technology integration.
5. Describe the physical education resources at the school. Is there a gym? A swimming pool? Are there playing fields or tennis courts available?
The PE resources are minimal and KICS is working on building a new school because of this gap. That being said, there is a soccer field and basketball courts.
6. What is the approximate teacher-to-student ratio in the grades that your child attended?
1:15
7. 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?
AP courses are available. KICS is looking to expand into IB courses in the future.
8. 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?
The teachers do an excellent job of scaffolding the curriculum so that those students who need a challenge receive it and those who require extra help get the support that they need.
9. Is the amount and type of homework generally appropriate for the age and grade of the students?
Yes.
10. What fine arts electives are available (music, drama, visual arts)?
The music and drama department and KICS is excellent! This is a huge highlight of the school.
11. Are the teachers at the school required to speak English as a first language--or at least fluently?
Yes.
12. What services are available for gifted/advanced students at the school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
There are AP classes in high school that are open to multiple grade levels. There is an advanced math club that you qualify for by test score and teacher recommendation. The teachers are flexible and excellent at challenging those students who are advanced. We have had an excellent experience with this in the secondary school.
13. What services are available for students with learning disabilities at this school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
There are support systems in place for those with learning disabilities which is unusual for Kigali.
14. What services are provided for speakers of English as a second language at this school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
There are ESL services and classes.
15. 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?
The basic sports are available: basketball, soccer, badminton, running, and swimming. Band and Model UN have been the highlights of our children's secondary school experience. There is nothing that can compare to going to Nairobi with your Model UN team and debating at the UN complex - the experience of a life time.
Social & Emotional Well-Being:
1. What is the climate for children with special needs? Is there a general attitude of inclusion for children with special needs?
KICS promotes an attitude of acceptance and inclusion for all children.
2. Do expatriate students socialize with local students at the school? Are both groups successfully integrated into the school culture?
Yes.
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.
We have had one problem with bullying but both the teachers and administration were very supportive during this situation and appropriately held the child accountable.
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.
Yes, we definitely would choose KICS again. It is hands down the best secondary school in Kigali
