Anybody else issues with DAA (Dubai American Academy)?

That is such a shame and certainly not indicative of DAA culture, we really have had only positive experiences with the teachers and TA's at the school. We really do love DAA and the atmosphere there. Normally the teachers are always available for a quick chat at pick up or drop off time, especially in KG, and they will tell you that they are always available to meet with you if you want to make an appointment. Once per trimester is not enough for the little ones, especially when he is new to the school and settling in. I am glad you told the teacher that the TA was making derogatory comments to or about your child. How did the teacher respond ? Like others have asked, is it a new teacher ? I too agree with the others who mention that things are slipping at the school, I hope it is not going to begin to go downhill. Glad it's not only my husband and I, who thought the winter sing-a-long was a joke.. Several of the same songs as last year, what do these music teachers do that they couldn't do a new repertoire and they only had a single festive song. No effort put into it all, clearly slapped together at the last minute, doesn't say much for the music teachers. They used to do lovely concerts, but it all went downhill when the old music teachers left. OP I really hope you can get to the bottom of this, I think you have been extremely unlucky with the teacher and TA. I would take it up with the Head teacher, don't know him but he does seem to be quite responsive and your experiences are at odds with their 'Culture of Kindness' policy. <em>edited by Deise on 15/12/2013</em>

Mum2girls, I share your sentiment re mismanagement in the Elementary/Primary school. A bit selfish on my part but as it is my daughter's last year in the Elementary school I am not too concerned. Yes, the winter concert was definitely not upto par and the after school activities and swim program leave a lot to be desired. One of the reasons we chose DAA too is because we so how well behaved the older children were and that they laid emphasis on a child's overall development rather than solely academic development. I hope the OP is able to resolve this before the winter hols as I would hate to have her stress over the Christmas/New Year hols.

Wow, is it a new teacher this year ? DAA lost a lot of teachers last year, so there are quite a few new teachers there. I have 2 kids at the school and we have been there for 4 years now and I can honestly say that we have NEVER experienced anything like this. Both my kids have blossomed there and we have always had a good experience with the teachers, it has always been an open door policy. My little one had a great year in KG1 last year. Our experience of the teachers and how they treat the kids, is at the completely opposite end of the spectrum to your experience. Regarding the academic side of the school, I really think the school has a good mix of academic and non-academic focus. We chose this school over a British Curriculum school specifically for that reason, so I do find it strange that in KG1 you think it is overly academic, even in KG2 it's not overly academic. Although we have really lucked out with 2 fantastic teachers this year, I do feel something is lacking in the school this year, and I hear other's complaining about it also. However the grumbling I am hearing is more to do with the management of the school, which may be attributed to the split of the elementary school into Primary and Elementary schools in Sept 2013. As the term is progressing, I am getting the feel that they may have weak management in both those schools. On top of that, the superintendent has announced her resignation, and while she is remaining at the school until June, maybe it is kind of a ship without any real direction. The Winter concert this year was an utter disgrace, not even a half-hearted effort to put on an organised entertaining show, don't know if you felt the same about it ! The after school activities are just to tick the boxes and badly managed and their swimming programme is terrible. If it was last year, I would absolutely say that you should go and talk to the head teacher, but this year not so sure how effective that would be. But I still think you should make your concerns known to either the head teacher or even the counsellor, Ms. Mira, who is adorable and has been at the school a long time. It just is not part of the ethos of the school to ridicule kids, or any of the other negative things you have noted. I bet if you are experiencing this in your classroom, there are others who do also ! It is certainly contrary to the very nurturing experience we have had at the school over the past 4 years.

That is unfortunate that you seem to be having issues with the school. My daughter has been in DAA since KG1 and is now in Grade 5. We have always been happy with the school and especially the teachers. The teaching assistants have not always been the greatest though. In all honesty, one of the main reasons for my daughter continuing in DAA is because of the wonderful teachers who she genuinely adores and makes it a point to go and see all of her teachers through the years everyday! I think you may have been unlucky with both the Teacher and TA. Are they new to DAA by any chance? Making derogatory comments about a 4 year olds work is uncalled for and must be stopped immediately. I would suggest meeting with the Elementary Principal to address your concerns. If you feel like the situation has not been resolved, I would then suggest asking them to change classes. This can be done even at this stage. Re the Home Room mom, I guess that has more to do with her as a person than the school. How sad that she doesnt seem to have any manners! Don't try too hard with her, not worth the effort. If you interact with the older children you will see that they do lay emphasis on values and manners. I have had children from the Middle and High School open doors for me and greet me even when I am there just to pay the fees. There have been a couple of issues that involved my daughter and friends/classmates and it was handled wonderfully by the counsellor who went to the extent of not only resolving the conflict and sending me regular updates but enabling the girls to rebuilld their frienship and they have been inseparable for the last 2 years. Please do not think that I am making light of a clearly stressful situation. There is nothing worse that having your little one be unhappy at school... it makes you feel so helpless. Please do speak to the Principal and I am postive this will all be resolved. Good luck! <em>edited by Divazon on 15/12/2013</em>

My kids are at DAA (Elementary as well) and we have been very happy with the school. However not every teacher has been perfect (as is the case in every school) so at times like this, we have tried to increase our communication with the teacher. I initially felt my child's KG teacher wasn't friendly at all towards parents but she turned out to be a fantastic teacher and my child had no complaints and made wonderful friends. We have also had teachers and TA's who have been really really welcoming and have gone out of their way to welcome kids and families into their classrooms. So don't let one teacher/TA dishearten you. But do tell the teacher how you feel about the TA's derogatory remarks (I would). If you're still unhappy, you should see one of the assistant principals and voice your concerns.