The OWLS school: the center of our world during our stay in Germany
“My girls (who were 2 and 5 at the time) instantly took to its warm and loving environment. The school is a magical cross between the comfort of home and the rhythms of a school. The teachers are its heart and soul and every single one was of the highest quality. As a professor who trains teachers in the United States, they impressed me with the joy and expertise they brought to their work. I was also impressed by the teacher-student ratio and the number of men working at the school – both rare in the preschools in the United States and good for students.
In addition to their regular play-based activities, my girls attended German and music classes, and my older daughter had class with one (yes, one!) other 5 year old that taught her the alphabet and some simple math. Elli loved this class and her teacher, Christine. She learned more there than she is currently in her class in a public elementary school; and she had more fun doing it.
The fact that OWLS school invested in this costly class simply because these two children were ready for letters demonstrated to me that the school makes decisions based on what is good for the students, not necessarily what is good for the bottom-line.
The girls went on exciting fieldtrips, had a birthday party and got up every morning looking forward to getting back to school. And every morning, I dropped them off feeling utterly assured that they were in the best of hands.
It has been six months since we returned to the United States and my girls still mention the school and its teachers at least once a week. We all wish to return. And we all wish that the preschools in the United States were as good as the OWLS school.”
Mother of Elli and Cara
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“We have been impressed with the warmth and concern the teachers show on a daily basis.”
Parents of Ruben
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“The OWLS school is a very special place and we are proud to be a part of it.”
Mother of Nathan and Jacob
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“I was extremely happy to hear again from you. Omar always mention you all, and he misses you too.
Actually we all miss you, as I told you before the DAI was our best
experience in Germany, you were all great to us :).
Can't express how much positively Omar was influenced by his short stay in
the DAI, I bought him an atlas, and he keeps explaining to me where Nick
and Brent were from and talks about all teachers’ and friends’ countries,
flags and others. Of course he's happy to be back home again, but he's
looking forward to visit many countries, and I think we will allow him
join international campaigns when he's a little bit older. I hope we can
see you here in Egypt, the weather is great nowadays:).
Best wishes for you and for all great DAI staff members.”
Mother of Omar
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“As you might already know, we are definitely moving back to the U.S. in the summer. It is sad to have to leave DAI now that that things have a nice settled pace, but, at the same time, it is great to see that Heidelberg can offer a great enriching and secure corner for international children. Johannes has grown a lot this year and this is no doubt due to your efforts.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Brent for his commitment, his creativity and his respect for kids and to Katharina for her efforts to solidify our program.
Needless to say that I will be delighted to help as a council parent until the end of Johannes' stay. We absolutely need to get that yard before we leave!
Thanks for everything!”
Parents of Johannes
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“Now the day to say “good-bye” is coming close. During these days, we think a lot about how Simon’s time in the Kindergarten had begun more than 3 years ago (at Schlossberg first) and how he passed all the different stations in the Kindergarten He started with Sarah-Jane and Andrea, changed to Stephanie and Jon, and finally became an ABC eagle under the care of Therese, Christine, and Jason.
For us, it is very hard to say good-bye now. You do wonderful work and we like to express our gratitude for everything you have done for Simon. We are glad that another member of our family, Simon’s little sister Tosca, will come to you next year –
Thank you very much and have a perfect summer vacation.”
Parents of Simon and Tosca
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"Your kindergarten at DAI is really a very special place.
It is like an extension of your family. It is so much more
than a school.
Charlotte has learned so much this year.
she has learned numbers and letters, songs, art and how
to make friends.
Also she is very physically strong due to your comittment
to taking the children outside each day. The field trips are
amazing.
She has grown so much over the last year thanks to all the
teachers. You have the BEST teachers I have ever seen with
young children.
We are going to miss all of you so much."
Parents of Charlotte
