Pre-school in Oman

[Moomaloo]

Hi there. We are moving to Muscat for a year in September. DS will be 4 and in his final year before 'proper' school. We want to find a good pre-school for him but don't really know where to start. Does anyone have any knowledge / advice re: this? Thanks! (Also posted in general travel as I am new and went wrong first time!)

[kreecherlivesupstairs]

Depends on where you are living. The majority of decent schools are around MQ and Al Khuwair. I haven't livied there for eight years now so don't know what the traffic is like.
If you are further down toward the airport, Sultan school is very good - although may only be for Omani nationals or the royal flight school has a pretty decent rep.

[Moomaloo]

Thank you! It helps to have a bit of direction. We are trying to find an apartment at the same time - so hopefully the two will marry up.

[complexnumber]

OK, here's a post I think I can answer with a little authority.

There are three major international schools in Muscat (by international, I mean the students are from a number of different nations, some schools describe themselves as being international, when what they really mean is that the staff are from different countires) These are:

BIST (The British International School of Muscat.)
This has a curriculum that follows the NC, the school is aimed at those families that may be coming to Oman for a couple of years, but intend to return to the UK.

ABA (American British Academy)
This follows the International Bac. and is best suited to those ex-pat families that may be travelling from one country to another and need some consistency with the education their children recieve.

TASIM (The American School in Muscat)
This is, as the name suggests, an American style school, that follows an American style curriculum.

If you are only intending to stay for a year or two, and then return to the UK, then maybe the BIST would be the obvious first choice. But if they are full, ABA is a very good alternative (I have been on the PTA).

[complexnumber]

One other thing, we are very happy in Oman. It's family friendly and much more laid back than a lot of the rest of the ME.

[kreecherlivesupstairs]

I miss Oman. We hope to take DD back to the country of her birth next year for a holiday.
We had such a good time there.

[Moomaloo]

Thanks that is really helpful.