Dushanbe, Tajikistan Report of what it's like to live there - 08/12/15
Personal Experiences from Dushanbe, Tajikistan
School Name:
School Name: QSI Dushanbe
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?
Pre-k and 2nd grade
3. During what years were you affiliated with this school?
2014-2015
4. What was your reason for living in the city where the school is located (e.g., government, military, corporate, NGO, retired)?
Government-state department
5. Are other schools available to expatriates in this city? Why did you choose this particular school?
Only option
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?
A- I haven't heard of anyone having issues with this. Classrooms are divided by ages instead of grades like in the U.S.
2. How would you rate the school's support and welcome/integration of new students and their families, and why?
A- we went to visit the school on a Tuesday and my kids were enrolled and in class by end of week. They are very accommodating.
Administration & School Procedures:
1. Describe the general climate of the grade level that you teach or your child attends:
Both my boys attended for the 2014-2015 school year. The new Director is very good and dedicated to making school improvements. I found the teachers (both local and American) to be very engaging and hard working. The children were challenged, liked their teachers, and enjoyed a successful school year.
2. For the following attributes, down to the next blank box, grade your experience at the school on a scale of A (excellent) to F (unacceptable/terrible) and provide comments:<br><br>Overall fair and equitable treatment of all students and families:
A- 23 different nationalities are represented at QSI. I never saw or experienced unfair treatment of anyone.
3. How is the overall communication between teachers and parents, and the administration and parents? How is communication facilitated?
A- excellent. Teachers sent regular emails and use the Class Dojo App for behavior monitoring. The director also sent bi- weekly newsletters and was always available by phone and email.
4. Services for gifted students who need academic challenge and students with learning difficulties:
D-Reportedly done on a case by case basis. But there are extremely limited resources here for kids on either end of the spectrum.
5. 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?
No. Everything is included with the tuition.
6. Availability and variety of after-school activities for various ages:
B-There is Tae Kwon Do, chess, foreign language, drama and soccer.
7. Maintenance of appropriately high standards for all students:
A- they follow the standards of ethics and educational requirements in accordance with QSI guidelines.
8. Homework assigned (quality, quantity):
A- Less than 30 minutes for the 2nd graders, none for Pre-k. The teacher was very creative and designed fun and engaging ways for the 7 year olds to complete their assignments.
9. Administration-parent communication:
A
10. Teacher-student communication:
A
11. Academics, answer the following questions "yes" or "no" with an explanation if appropriate:<br><br>Are there any classes or subjects where students are not appropriately challenged?
Not to my knowledge.
12. Does your child receive any special-needs assistance or instruction at this school? If yes, what types? Who provides services and where:
13. Please describe any classes or programs that you believe are missing:
I would love to see a more cohesive "end of the semester" performance. Last year the "talent show" consisted of kids from each class performing a song or two while the older students and high schoolers basically performed really awful karaoke. Those with real talent (like dance or instrumental) got to perform one piece. It would be great to see a short play/musical performed and more effort put into the drama program.
14. Are there academic requirements such as trips or other activities that cost money in addition to school fees?
No. Those costs are included in tuition.
Academics & Resources:
1. Does the school have a library? How large is it? How updated are the books? Can students borrow books to read at home?
B- there is a small library. Children attend weekly and are required to check out one book.
2. How are information technology resources at the school. Are they up-to-date? Is there a computer lab?
B- there is a computer room and children attend technology weekly. The older students (high schoolers) rely on the Internet for their curriculum.
3. Describe the physical education resources at the school. Is there a gym? A swimming pool? Are there playing fields or tennis courts available?
B- there is a PE teacher who conducts class twice a week, but there is very limited space for outdoor games. No large field to play baseball or soccer. These types of activities are conducted off campus.
4. What is the approximate teacher-to-student ratio in the grades that your child attended?
A-Not exactly sure of the numbers but the class sizes are relatively small. This last years 2nd grade (6 & 7 year olds) was the largest with 18 kids.
5. Is the amount and type of homework generally appropriate for the age and grade of the students?
Yes.
6. What fine arts electives are available (music, drama, visual arts)?
C- there are very few extracurricular activities. There is drama for the older kids, but no "end of the year play/show" I think it's just more of a fun after school playtime activity. There is weekly art class for elementary students and an annual art contest.
7. Are the teachers at the school required to speak English as a first language--or at least fluently?
Yes- all teachers speak fluent English.
8. What services are available for gifted/advanced students at the school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
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- many expat parties for kids and adults alike.
Overall Impressions:
1. What is the greatest strength of this school?
Without a doubt the kindness and dedication of the teachers. Very committed and always available for discussions.
2. Greatest challenge?
The outdoor/indoor space is a huge problem. The director is still looking for a new school location, but real estate is limited here. I would love to see new playground equipment purchased and more room for this ever expanding school population.
3. Would you choose this school again? Why?
Yes, but am glad we will be leaving in one year. I think the school is great for the young elementary student but would be very concerned it I had a middle or high schooler. The school is still pending accreditation and lacks enough stimulating exracurriculars and I would be worried about integrating back into the U.S. Schools for an older child. The faculty really does their best with the very limited resources of Dushanbe.
