Hello, We are moving down to SP come Mar. 1st and I have a 2 (almost 3) year old daughter and 3 month old son. I heard that there is a preschool on AC and was wanting to get some info on it ( cost, who runs it, hours, activities, etc.)

She's also very sociable and I wanted to see if there are any dance classes at all in SP, or any regular activities for small ones. Oh, are there any Moms type clubs or get-togethers as well to get involved in?

Also, I'd like to try my hand at sewing as a hobby (did when I was young, but lost it)... anyone know cost of sewing machine on island or BZ city? Where can I get fabric and patterns?

Any info from anyone would be helpful! Thx!

just my opinion but i don't think that there are to many american families down there with children, that are that young, i think that there is a dance studio on the island because there are a few dance companies down there.

Thanks. Yep, I'm aware we're probably be one of the only American families there.. but that's the great part. Looking forward to meeting new people and getting away from the overboard commercialism here. Can't wait!

There are a couple of preschools on the Island,sorry I can't remember all their names but had my fellow when he was young in the A.B.C. School, very similar to preschools here in Canada, there are lots of little ones in S.P. yours will find friends quickly, there a also a couple of dance schools down there, Barbara's Dance, and San Pedro Dance I think, ask at the primary school or library, what activities there are for little ones, enjoy.

no offense to any of the schools or teachers on AC, but i have heard some say that the educational curriculum is nothing like schools in the states. the schools there are not up to those standards,.

so how come when kids from here go to the "states" they get advanced a grade?

i have never heard that, need some more information/facts about that?

where are your "facts"?

i have just heard it from a local friend

your friend is full of s**t

oh well i don't think he is, so what are your opinions on the educational system on AC compared to the states.

better here

do you have any infomation on how it could be better there, or is it your opinions, did your go to school in the states, and then go to school on AC, i doubt you did.

manana. all your answers will appear here

"manana" thats how everything goes on that island, manana, manana, manana,. okay well i'll be waiting

you sound like someone who shouldn't come here

well ive been there, and its an island where everyone runs on there own time "island time", and thats whats is so great!

Casa, don't know the education laws in Florida, but in Califoria there is a "NO ONE gets left behind" laws suck. Way to many kids that have a 6-8grade mentality graduating just to make room for more "stupid" kids.

yeah deacon we have that law to "no one left behind" one of Bush's brothers "ideas", there idea is to just lower the grade scores to lower points to make it look like we have more kids graduating with higher grades.

Hopefully that type of mentality will never get to Belize

Read your thread again, go to the S.P. fitness clab to check out Mum type activities, there is a sewing place on Back Street opposite the football field, I was in there last July, think a basic machine was about $300.00 Bz. They had material but can't remember is they had patterns. In Belize City across from Brody"s there is a material store alot more selection, can't remember it's name, but it's not hard to find.There is a shop across from the Church that makes to order clothes, she might be able to help you with sewing lesson's if not inquire at the High School, Miss Martha in the office I'm sure would know someone.Again enjoy, It's a great spot for little ones.

Schools here in Belize run on a modified British system - it is our very own Caribbean System.

The Caribbean system is a little advanced compared to the US system. Our kids start school at age 4 and in the states they start around age 5.

Most children that I know that left Belize and went to school in the US were considered "advanced" and went to the top of their classes.

Of course Belizeans are not taught US history/social studies, and typically that is the subject that can keep them "behind" instead of immediately advancing a grade or 2.

We have excellent schooling here, however a child must apply his or herself in order to fully appreciate the standard of education offered.

I was educated here on the island and feel that I I received a good, solid education here. I wasn't fortunate enough to go on to college, however my younger sister did attend college in the US and managed wonderfully.

Wow, what a response! Thanks Monica and Amanda for the great info. Sorry to cause such a sir with the topic of education on the island. I too heard from a few locals while we've been on the island that the kids educated in BZ are advanced a grade when/if going to a US school/college. In fact, a lady I was speaking with was telling me about how are son moved from here to L.A. to live with his dad and was advanced a grade to 8th grade because of his entrance exams, etc.

As a teacher myself, I feel confident in the information I've received from locals, the internet, and the schools themselves about the education my kids will get. Of course there are pros and cons in comparison with the US, but ultimately as the parent, it's my responsibility to make sure my child is the learning what she/he needs to learn.... I'm the most important teacher in their life. If needed, I'll supplement with homeschooling. Coming from a a state in which is overburdened with too many kids, no budget, lots of useless testing (which could be improved if those who were requiring the test actually step foot in the classroom after the tests are taken to really help in way that would benefit students -- sorry run-on).

As far as the preschool issue.... Monica, when You had your little one there... how many kids were usually in the class? How many teachers? Do they teach any Spanish too(I hope)? What was the cost?

At the fitness club... are their classes for litte ones too? I know that there is a Pilates class (how is it?), but wanted to know if there are any water type aerobics class or swimming lessons for little ones. We will be living just around the bend from the club and am looking forward to going there often to work out, swim, and play tennis.

Oops, lots of typos in my last thread, sorry.

Dive Chick, funny you ask about water aerobics, before reading your last post I was going to comment on that as you first asked about "MOM" groups and activities.

Just today when I was at my salon my friend that I go to mentioned that we are going to get a group of us (10+) to attend water aerobics together in the evening. They currently have it M-F 7:45am. It will be fun to get a group together and then every now and then do dinner together after!

oh and strange you ask about tennis!!! I just joined the Fitness Center so I can swim laps and play tennis. Are you experienced? I have never played tennis so I am looking for beginner partners. They have a list of people looking for partners and their levels at the club. You should join NOW before Feb 14, they have a special with 5 months free if you join for the year.

As far as schooling, my friend left Belize when she was 12 (she is now in her 30's) she was a grade ahead in math and another subject when she moved the states. I am going to be tutoring and assisting at the school soon and will PM you my opinion as to where children are as opposed to the states. I agree with Amanda. And El Diablo...oh, wow, did I just agree with him? Cool. Really, it depends on WHICH schools in Belize and which schools in the states. Education does vary quite a bit throughout the states. You can't say one is better than the other. You are also correct in " but ultimately as the parent, it's my responsibility to make sure my child is the learning what she/he needs to learn.... I'm the most important teacher in their life."

Kraz-k what school are you going to be tutoring at?

as far as pilates, it is next to Sol Spa. Carrie is excellent. M/W/F/S is yoga and Tu/Th pilates. $15 BZ/class for locals.

You might be a good workout parnter for me. I am going to do the water aerobics once a week, yoga or pilates once a week, swim laps once a week, run once a week and lift weights 3 days a week.

I will let you know by the end of this week. It is undecided and have appointments with the schools. I am looking to tutor at public schools so most likely the Roman Cath. Elementary School. I have to make sure all is legal with permits and all before beginning.

There is at least one Mommy and Me group here. The kindergartens tend to be a little crowded. They mainly teach english because most of the kids speak spanish at home. Your children will pick up spanish by osmosis once they begin to make friends.

There are some childrens dance groups.

In the summer the fitness centre runs childrens groups for swimming, tennis, yoga etc.

There are a couple of big fabric stores in Belize city and couple of small ones here. You will be able to get some sewing patterns too.

There is a place here that makes clothes by order and I am sure they would love to let you watch and maybe pick up some pointers.

There are some bridge clubs, art/painting clubs etc too. You won't be bored!

I agree you will find lots to do if you look or nothing at all if that's what you want. Mum's every where find each other. My son has never taken Spanish classes but has picked it up from his friends, your's being young and there permanently will have no trouble.

Man, I can not wait to get down there!! It sounds like there are a lot of activities from which to choose, both for me and our children. I'm excited about the possibility of meeting some of you and getting involved in the groups you all mentioned. Thanks Kra-Z-K for the tips on the fitness club. I'll look into joining so that we can save on the free months. Thanks for the tip on the sewing info. I'm sooo excited to get down there and get involved!

I too hope that they catch on with speaking Spanish early... it will be so beneficial!

One other question... do you all know of any Nanny/in-home babysitters that are trustworthy? I'd like to find someone to help with watching the little ones for a few hours here and there so that I can go diving with my hubby sometimes.

Does anyone know if there is a website for the SP Fitness Club?

I do not think so. But if you hav any questions, I am going today and can get them answered. I am looking forward to seeing you soon, when do you arrive?

We are coming down the first part of March around the 8th or so. (Haven't quite booked tickets yet, as my hubby has to finalize a few things with our dive shop here). Thanks for checking into that for me. Regarding the membership for the club, since I won't be there before the 14th of Feb, could you check and see if I could get the membership now somehow even though I'm not going to be on the island til March? I'd sooo appreciate it!

BTW, do you have children also on the island? How long have you been on the island?

In answer to your last postings, ... I'm a definite beginner in tennis... I played a bit when I was really young, but haven't since I was about 10. In fact, for Christmas, I bought a racquet for myself, my hubby, and a child's one for my 2 year old along with some tennis balls.... all of which have already been brought down by my parents who came and bought a condo on the island just this month.

funny, I just got home from the gym and read your post but have the answer anyways. You can buy the membership now....and they are so kind that they freeze your membership if you are gone for a month at a time. So you can buy it Feb 8 for a year but it will be good until March 8, 2007 as you can freeze your first month.

SUPER cool you are a beginner tennis player. I hope we will get together to learn.

Great. Thanks for that info. Do you happen to know their email/contact info? I don't have it in order to get a membership. Do you know the fees associated with becoming a member? Sorry to burden you with this! Thanks!

not a burden at all! I have their # on my membership card on my keychain, 011-501-226-2683. Normally it is $100 BZ/ month ($50 US), $50 BZ initiation. Right now it is $700 BZ ($350 US)/ YEAR, no initiation for single and have a family rate too but don't know it off hand.

I am going to lift weights at 3pm so I will find out and if you have other questions ask me before 3pm cause I am not going Thu or Fri.
Now...get here sooner so we can play tennis!

I am sorry I did not notice one of your questions was for me a few posts up. No, I do not have children right at this time. I do have one friend with a 5 month old and have some friends due in the next 5 months who I am sure will be playing with your 3 month old. plenty of children and yours will make friends fast.

Since your post was originally about things to do here in town for you and your kids, can you read my post in General Chat about the Youth Program and help me with ideas?

$1600 BZ for all family members for a year. In addition to the gym it includes unlimited tennis, water aerobics, and use of the huge pool. They are supposed to get aerobics back too.

Thanks for the good info Kra-Z-K...I'm going to check this out as soon as I get there and settled...maybe Friday...

will you be here yr round? Looking forward to meeting you too! Perhaps you'll be interested in playing tennis with Divechick and I. Do you play or have interest? Looks like a few people are moving down at the same time and interested in joining the gym...great! Buddies to keep me motivated to get in shape.

Divechick, are you still arriving in the next week or two?

Yep, we'll be there in about two+ weeks. Finally!!!

ME TOO ME TOO! I am SO EXCITED to read this thread! I own a womens boxing gym here in PA, and do Tae Kwon Do. Was hoping that there was
"good gym life" down there...

I am coming in on March 18 and would love to get together to work out any and all days.

can teach ya'll to box a little if you teach me to play tennis a little?

Lara, PLEASE open a boxing gym here, PLEASE I would be your first person to join.

Kra-Z-k,I'm hoping for exercise only. You are far to cute for the real thing

Keli
I was planning on getting with the owners of the gyms down there to see if i could set up classes. My gym here has a boxing ring, heavy bags, hand targets, kicking shields and all sorts of stuff that will totally kick your butt!

Yes deacon, excercise only, HOWEVER, NOTHING is as good a workout as an intense sparring session.

OH MY GOSH, it is one of the FEW things on my I WISH list here. I am yoyur first person to join, already have my gloves. I think u will do well.

As far as beint too cute for the "real thing" you must not know me! You will see in person. Far not too cute for the real thing. BRING IT ON, the intense sparring sessions.

do you have head gear and a mouth gaurd? I can bring some for you and we can work out a couple times when i am down.

you have one MAJOR advantage though...you are used to the heat...it flurried here this morning, but i like to sweat so thats a good thing!

i do somewhere but rather buy a new one. I have not done it for over a year and when I took a month break my trainer used to say it was like I was new when I got into it again. I am ready to punch, kick and GO! Bring the bags and equipment. We need a ring too Serious, I can't wait and a few others I know would do it too.

love the enthusiasm! will bring you a head gear and a mouth guard. can bring shin and foot guards too if you think you will have time to spar a couple times with me. that would be SOOOO GREAT!

as for movin it all down, i cannot tell you how much i would love to do that, but i have to look into how much it would cost...the ring cost $1000 to ship to Phila from Indiana, so i cannot imagine what it would cost to get it down there...plus to reopen a gym, pay rent and all that...that would take quite a bit of money and i would need a good number of enrollments.

opening a gym down there would be a freakin DREAM but i dont think the long term appeal is there to sustain it. I'm not good enough to train someone for years, and i dont know if that makes sense. Having said that....i really gotta get down there...lots to think about!

lemme know if you want me to bring gear if you think you will have the time. its pretty bulky stuff, but worth it for me to have someone to 'play' with.