We are 5 weeks in, and so far our girls are happier than I expected. More frequent vacations, experimental trips, incredible soccer coaching...and, so far, good grades. They might casually mention there is more homework, but they aren't stressed over it. DD12 is grade accelerated, but she isn't finding it any more difficult than stateside. Half the eighth grade class is taking geometry so our girls have many kids taking geometry with them.
My friends who have kids attending international schools in various countries had warned me that the classes would be more difficult, and the reviews of this school had said the same thing so I figured it was true. I did find out that some kids leave to go to another international school because they find this school too difficult, but we just are not experiencing that. In fact, we are working with an advisor to see if DD12 can do some work with high school kids.
I find that I have great sympathy for the kids with the pushy parents. The kids are getting little rest and have been known to fall asleep in class. The college advisors are telling the parents that the constant grind is not helpful, and it won't help them get into the colleges they want, but the parents will not listen (the school has college counselors who focus on different countries). The kids are tired and stressed. My kids are now realizing they do not want to push themselves that hard. They like more of a balance of fun and academics.
