I am looking for opinions and personal experiences if possible regarding your choice of education for your child/children.

I am an American x-pat with a 15 year old currently in an international school and very happy with his education. My dilemma is my 3, almost 4 year old.

I had made a decision to send him to the international pre-K, as we will most likely return to the US after my older one graduated (3 more years). The basis for this decision was that the international school would prepare my younger one to transition back to the US with little difference in curriculum.

But the only real 'benefit' of living here for my younger one would be to learn the language (German). And although they 'teach' German, I have found a bi-lingual school (English/German) and feel that this would provide him the best opportunity to really learn the language. I am also thinking that even if upon our return he is a little behind based on different curriculums, he would have plenty of opportunity to catch up only being in 1st or 2nd grade.

I am interested in any personal experiences, although I know a lot of this depends on the child, etc. I did search the other threads related to school choice, but most of them deal with private versus public or Swiss schools.

Thanks in advance.

Will your child have the opportunity to speak German once you are back home again?

Lou - Certainly not like he will here, but my thought is that when young brains are exposed to something like another language, they will be more adept to learn additional ones.

We do plan to continue with German once we return...

For me the choice would be the bilingual school if you are going to continue with German in the USA. It would mean that the child will also be able to play with the local kids while you are still here which is a big advantage for him\her. Of course this is just my opinion.

Thank you Lou. Opinions are appreciated.