Principals from Shanghai Experimental School and the Shanghai Number Three Girls' High School visit Santa Monica HS to compare education systems. Major differences identified by the two female principals include that Samo students are offered many electives; more opportunities to participate in sports; and, the students rotate between classrooms. At the schools in Shanghai, students have strict requirements for math and science, few sports programs, and teachers rotate between classes not students. Similarities between the two education systems include extensive music programs, language programs, and a biweekly newspaper. At the two Shanghai schools, students begin learning English in 1st grade and soon become fluent. In addition, the girls' high school in Shanghai broadcasts its own T.V. station.
Both principals have invited Samo students to visit their schools in Shanghai. An interesting fact is that they currently have children attending high schools in the U.S.
Valerie
(Excerpt prepared from The Samohi biweekly newspaper, May 29, 2008)
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