Choosing a School in Buenos Aires
The school that you decide upon for your children will depend upon several factors. The most important is the length of your stay in Buenos Aires, as well as how much you would like to integrate your family into the local social fabric. Most bilingual private schools, and even a few public schools, will provide an environment in which the kids can interact freely with local children and take the time to learn fluency in Spanish and the culture. Most international schools have a very mixed student body and will match the outstanding educational quality present in the most elite schools of your home country. A few, however, may limit your children’s friendship circles, as they will largely associate with other expats. If you are relocating to Buenos Aires after the school year has started (late February/early March), most schools are able to accommodate your family, and international schools are the most accustomed to students leaving or arriving mid-semester.
A quality school will have a headmaster or superintendent who is willing to meet with parents before enrollment. At bilingual and international schools, a family interview with a school representative is a requirement for admission. Talking to a teacher or a head of school will help you to see how the school’s learning philosophy works and how much of a priority will be given to your child’s needs.
The best way to find a quality school is to ask around. Talk to local residents and find out where they send their children. If you’re relocating for work, get in touch with colleagues at your new job to get their recommendations. Living in a safe, family-friendly neighborhood will not automatically guarantee that the local school is of high quality, or even accommodating to foreign students, so it’s always advisable to do some research.
