<p>I currently go to a small public school, thats a bit poor. But it's an overall good School, I can take a lot of AP courses there like:
AP BIO, AP PSYCH,AP PHYSICS,AP CHEM, AP CALC, AP EURO, COLLEGE FRENCH, COLLEGE ENGLISH, AP ART.</p>
<p>Thats a pretty good amount of ap courses for a small school. But I've also been given an opportunity to go to a more private school, but its out of the country! It's in Dakar, Senegal. And It's called the International School of Dakar. My dad was assigned in Senegal for work(IBM). It's an American school, so I'd be learning american curriculum.</p>
<p>I told my dad that I'd tey the school out for my Sophmore year of Highschool which is this coming school year. But I'm hesitant about spending my remaining years of high school over there.</p>
<p>Do Colleges, like stanford. Take into consideration where you graduate from? Would it benefit me more to go to that private school, or can I stay in that public school knowing I get the same chances of getting Stanford, that I would if I went to a private school? </p>
<p>I asked this in college forum didn't really get much info back from students. But I want to see another perspective, as parents what do you think I should do? why?</p>
<p>I’d compare the schools. ISD offers “Advanced Placement (AP) courses in French Language, English Literature, English Language, Biology, Calculus AB, Psychology, Human Geography and Studio Art” according to their website, but that’s subject to change, if they don’t have enough interest in a course to justify teaching it. There’s also only 90 kids in their 9-12 section, is that big enough for you? The student body size will also limit their sports teams, and if that was a part of your life, or something you want to pursue in the future, consider it.</p>
<p>I went to an international school for my junior and senior year (American School, Kuwait) and did mention it in passing in my essays (West Point, Harvard, William and Mary) but didn’t really play up the “I’m a citizen of the world” factor, as that wasn’t my passion. </p>
<p>Is that the perspective you’re looking for?</p>
<p>My son is currently studying at an international school in Manila, Philippines, which follows a US curriculum. It does not offer AP classes but does have the IB Diploma. There are a lot of students that do go to university after in the States and I think overall, they benefit from their experience abroad and some do get accepted into the Ivy League schools.</p>
<p>The education in international schools abroad are often very good and I think you would enjoy the whole atmosphere that is has to offer. Good luck!</p>
<p>I think it’s more important to do what you want to do and then find a college that fits you instead of trying to mold yourself, your classes, your school, into what some imaginary college wants. I would, no question, go abroad. Don’t spend your HS career just preparing for College.</p>
<p>Colleges do take into consideration the school you have graduated from. They will want to see that you have taken a rigorous curriculum in the context of your school. You can also get brownie points for making opportunities to go beyond what your school offers - especially if it’s a particular area of interest for you. </p>
<p>Having spent a good part of my childhood in Africa, I’m inclined to advise going to the American School in Senegal and make opportunities there. You will have experiences that can’t be replicated.</p>
<p>PS I once translated a book about indigenous housing in Senegal. :)</p>
<p>My three children currently attend an American International School in South America. Overall, I would recommend the experience. Two of my children are happy with it, the other not so much. Here are the pros and cons (from our experience).</p>
<p>Pros:
Classmates are from all over the world (in our case every continent except for Africa).</p>
<p>Small classes (get to know teachers very well)</p>
<p>If you want to participate in sports you will most likely be able to make the team even if you are not a sports superstar. Same for other activities (drama, music, etc).</p>
<p>Fluency in another language</p>
<p>I personally think (hope) that you will stand out a little in the admissions process because of your international experience. </p>
<p>If you look at the school profile for the school you would attend, you will see there are acceptances at top school including Stanford. So the possibility exists if you take advantage of the opportunities. </p>
<p>Cons:
The small size may limit your opportunities both academically and socially. You need to decide if you are comfortable with the small size.</p>
<p>If you really want to pursue a sport seriously, you may not have the same level of coaching and competition that you would have in the U.S. (depending on the sport).</p>
<p>If a teacher is not good at teaching, you will notice it a lot more than at a big public school in the U.S. as he will teach multiple levels of the same subject. Most of our teachers are excellent, but we are currently dealing with a math teacher that is not so good. Because the school is small, he is the only teacher for Geometry and Pre-Calc so no possibility of transferring to another teacher for those classes. </p>
<p>If you have any questions, please let me know.</p>
<p>The American International School in Kingston Jamaica is crap. That being said, the International Schools are all different. It could be a big boost for your college app if you live in a another country for a few years, especially somewhere exotic like Dakar. Lots of pros and cons all around.
I should clarify with AISK (American International School Kingston). The quality of the academics is below average compared to the other private schools in Jamaica, although it does offer IB’s. The student population tends to be transient. In other words, kind of like you. Tend to be only around for a year or two, until the parent/s get transferred to a different location. However, facilities are top notch.</p>