Singapore American School: A ‘Small school feel’ with a genuine ‘love of learning’

Find out why these parents love Singapore American School!

Name: Leif and Ali Eskesen
Kids ages: 10, 6, 6

How did you first hear about Singapore American School?
The Internet, as we were living in Washington, D.C. at the time.

Did you take a tour of the school before making your decision? What were your first impressions?
My husband took a tour and was incredibly impressed with the facilities. While it is a large school both in terms of facilities and student population, SAS does a great job of creating a small school feel. We fondly remember being blown away by the number of instruments that are at the children’s disposal: percussion, horns, keyboards, strings… it was like a candy store of instruments!

How did your children adjust to the school? Did the school take any special measures to help with the settling in process?
Our children have very different personalities, but overall, each of them adjusted relatively easily. The school was excellent at ensuring that they each received personal attention. Our more reserved children were given extra attention and made to feel quite special. Our gregarious little one simply went about her way, making “a million” new friends on day one.

What in your opinion are the three greatest strengths of the school?

• An ability to specialize the education to a child’s abilities
• Committed teachers who are eager to push the boundaries of education
• Great facilities

How does the school include parents in the community?
Parents are very engaged at SAS at every level. I regularly have the opportunity to be in my young ones’ classrooms, to support a positive learning community through the PTA, or to mingle with other parents at community events, such as Makerspace open house or at the SAS 60th Anniversary Dinner.

How does the school keep you informed about your child’s progress?
We have weekly emails from the school administration and from teachers. Additionally, teachers keep an active blog. And with our oldest, we can read her own blog about what she is learning in class.

What is the number one thing you’d miss if you transferred your child to another school?
The teachers and the facilities. Being at a large school provides many more opportunities.

What kind of child (or family) would you say would be the best fit for this school?
A family that wants to engage in their child’s learning and is committed to learning for the love of learning.

What extra-curricular activities or out of school programmes does the school offer which you have taken part in?
Robotics Club, Game Coding, Little Engineers, Rugby, Acting, Cooking, and Soccer.