I'm sure you've made a decision, but...
I am looking at St. George and St. Michael's. Any comments, good or bad, with either of them?
Thanks
I am a teacher from the United States (high school English). I came here from teaching in the United States for 7 years, and I've been here 4.
Definitely, the educational system is different than the States. You need to be careful of going with "reputation" or cost because some places are "good to attend" just because of the name and not the quality of education.
I can speak for the place I worked, the International School of Santo Domingo. It's located in Arroyo Hondo, and the director is Ms. Bernadette Blenk, phone 809-732-0880. This school is bi-lingual and in the elementary focuses largely in English. The children will also have Spanish classes, but usually their core class (homeroom and teacher) will be English speaking from the States. There will be some changes in teachers this coming school year (2010-2011), but you can ask these questions from the Director directly. She's very pleasant over the phone.
The quality of education at this school is very good. The standards are high, and the students learn through Whole Language, which uses all the subjects to teach, not just math in math and science in science. The teachers are constantly challenged to set high standards for students, and there's a population who have come from the States and find the material that's being taught at ISSD more challenging than the State-side school.
This school is small, intimate. The classes will never be larger than 16 and most are smaller than this. The faculty is also intimate, so your children will receive immediate attention and help.
This school is moderately priced, in comparison with the other private schools in the city. I believe the elementary is about $110,00, middle 150,00 and high school 180,000 per year. I'm not sure about the pricing, but it's about that (in pesos of course. The current conversion rate is about 36 pesos to the dollar.)
I am no longer with International School and am starting this year at St. George. I've heard mixed information about its educational standards, especially in the elementary that is then reflected in the higher grades. It definitely is a "reputable" place to put your children (people will think you are rich, and in this country, that's something some people think is important to appear). Since I haven't taught at St. George yet, I can't recommend it as confidently as International School.
Hope this information helps. If you've already made a decision, I'm sure it'll be the best for your family. Have a great time here. I enjoy it! I'd be happy to help in anyway I can as you prepare your family for coming.
Susanne