Moving in November, when to apply for schools?

[Sputnam]

We may be moving in November. We are American, currently living in No. California. I have a 2 year old and almost 7 year old. It is important to me that they attend good schools. My husband's company will pay for private school. My question is, how difficult will it be to find a school for my boys? Do the American schools run on the same scheudule as our school here (i.e. winter break, new semester starting in January). I know of SAS and Stamford, are there other American schools we should consider. As to neighborhoods, our budget is around $7000 a month, should we find a school first or is there a central neighborhood that is good for most schools?

Thanks For any help, it will be a quick move and I am anxious to get all the details worked out.

[nutnut]

School first, they are harder to find than condos! $7K will find you a place most anywhere on the island or differing quality and size depending on location.

[SCinSG]

There are four schools in Singapore offering an American curriculum: SAS, Stamford, Chatsworth and International Community School (ICS). For Chatsworth you need to check if that's at both of their campuses or just the Orchard one.

Schools can be tough to get into, so the earlier you apply, the better. If nothing else you will get onto their waiting list and move up faster than if you wait until later.

The schools do follow the same schedule you mentioned.

For neighbourhoods, there's a lot to consider. You can be close to work, close to school, close to both (if you're lucky!) or somewhere in between so parents and kids both have to travel a bit to get where they're going. SAS is all the way in the north. Stamford is more central.

[nutnut]

Chatsworth is IB curriculum, not US curriculum. - at both campuses, not sure of the others.

[Sputnam]

Thanks for the help, my husband will be there next week, so I will have him start the school search. Should i prepare myself for the possibility my older son won't be able to start school in January or is there some sort of fallback? Are there some International Schools that do not have waiting lists? I really want him in school so he makes friends and doesn't drive me crazy!

[nutnut]

That's a very real issue, you could struggle to get your kids in at any age in any school, waiting lists are a nightmare!

For your reference, when I was choosing a school I bought this book, as you are still in the US, you will be able to buy the pdf, it was worth the $35 (SGD) as it gives you a really good overview of all the schools and comparison charts that you simply cannot find elsewhere! including facilities, curriculums, age ranges and on and on and on... (and Ariston)

http://www.internationalschoolguides.com/

Good luck!

[movingtospore]

Apply right away, and at more than one school. Then hopefully you will have a choice.

It can be quite tough to get into SAS but on the other hand there are always exceptions to the rule it seems.

Lots of American families at Stamford and the Canadian school as well. So I would say apply at SAS and a back up school or two and go from there.

[movingtospore]

Also I would say - where to live can wait - the school is the big issue. You can wait until you know your school and a bit about the place to decide on a neighbourhood, if your company will put you up in a serviced place for a bit.