Local schools and american kids

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Member since 15 September 2012

Gr8expectationsNew member15 September 2012 22:21:29

Hello everyone,

I am hoping a parent or someone with experience with the local school system in Brussels can provide some guidance. It appears that if you are an American in Brussels it's assumed that you can afford to put your children in an international school. We, evidently, are the exception. I'm currently negotiating with my international company for a position in Brussels. The position will not pay me enough to put both of my kids in international school so we will have to put our two daughters (5th and 3rd grades US) into a local school. How can we find out what local schools would be best suited to cater to the needs of my kids? The oldest speaks and reads French fluently, whereas the youngest understands French but speaks it enough to get by and reads it even less. Neither know French grammar rules nor spelling. How do I go about finding out which school could help them? They are "A" students who excel in their respective grade. My oldest is even an entire grade advanced in mathematics. Any assistance would be helpful. We are looking at Ixelles, Uccle, WSL, and WSP. We will not have a car for a least several months if this move works out.

Bien a vous,
N

Fred Indonesia Expert

Member since 02 August 2009

A smile is the universal welcome.
Max Eastman

FredIndonesia Expert15 September 2012 23:10:57

28395

We have national plus schools here where English is the first language.
They may have something like them over there.

Google?

Primadonna Jordan Expert

Member since 03 August 2012

Jordan & Netherlands Expert

PrimadonnaJordan Expert16 September 2012 05:48:47

5319

I assume that the situation in Belgum is simulair in the Netherlands. Every school their must have a school prospectus so you can see how and what they will teached. Every school must have a program for foreign children.
Children are very capable to learn a new language very quickly.
You will be amazing ho soon the can speak French.

I undestand that you are not in Brussel yet so maybe you even don't know where you want to go live.
In the beginning you don't have a car so it is important that the school must be near your future house.

So, the best way to find a school when you still in the USA is, like Fred mentioned, to google.

It is also wise to go to the Belgium forum and ask your question over there, you can visit by following this link

Good luck!

Christine ViP

Member since 29 September 2008

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ChristineViP17 September 2012 09:40:03

42879

Hi Gr8expectations,

welcome to Expat.com!

Your topic has been moved on Brussels forum for better visibility.

ps: I see that you have similar post here: https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=197283

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