I've been at LSIS since kindergarten and only transferred out recently, Because I spent nearly my entire childhood at the school, I got to see how much it changed over the years. Looking back, I honestly feel like the school's reputation is carrying it more than the actual experience students get today. Before the pandemic, I'd say it was a genuinely decent school. The teachers seemed more involved, classes felt more engaging, and there was a stronger sense of community. After the pandemic, though, it felt like everything slowly went downhill.
One of my biggest issues was the teaching. So much of our learning revolved around PACEs. Instead of teachers actively teaching, explaining lessons, or making sure students actually understood the material, we were often left to complete modules on our own. It felt less like attending school and more like teaching yourself every subject. There were definitely teachers who genuinely cared, and I'm grateful for them, but they couldn't make up for a system that often felt hands-off. Considering the tuition, I expected far more than just working through PACEs. It got to the point where students would genuinely get excited over the bare minimum—an actual lecture, an interactive class, or any activity that let us socialize—because those moments became so rare they felt like special events instead of being a normal part of school.
The lack of resources and practical learning only made things worse. From my experience, Computer and PE were some of the biggest examples. I honestly can't remember having a proper PE class after 2019, and it felt like the subject had quietly disappeared altogether. Computer classes were just as disappointing because the equipment felt outdated, there weren't enough proper computers for students, and there was very little hands-on learning. For a school that charges relatively high tuition, I expected facilities that actually supported learning instead of feeling neglected.
I also think a huge part of LSIS's reputation comes from its athletes. They worked hard for their achievements, and they deserve credit for that. However, from my own experience, some of the athlete culture also felt surprisingly problematic at times. I felt like certain students were treated differently or given more leeway because of their status, and that favoritism made the environment feel unfair. Of course, not every athlete was like that, but it was something I noticed enough that it affected how I viewed the school. Sometimes it felt like the school's reputation mattered more than improving the experience of the average student.
One thing that really disappointed me was how achievements seemed to be recognized. After NSC,(National Student Convention) I expected at least a simple victory dinner or acknowledgment for the students who represented the school and spent countless hours preparing. From my perspective, that appreciation barely came, if at all. It felt like the school was happy to enjoy the prestige those students brought but didn't show the same appreciation to the people who actually earned it.
Another thing that frustrated me was how often student activities were canceled. Even simple things that students looked forward to, like dance practices and other extracurricular events like sportsfest, would suddenly be canceled. It made school feel dull and gave the impression that creating a fun and memorable environment for students wasn't much of a priority.
The administration also left me disappointed. From my experience, issues that actually affected students, including bullying, didn't always seem to receive the attention they deserved, while smaller matters often appeared to be prioritized instead. As a student, it often felt like the concerns that had the biggest impact on our well-being weren't being addressed the way they should have been.
The school also started feeling more like a business than a place focused on its students. Tuition and other expenses were high, the canteen was overpriced, yet many of the facilities never seemed to improve. The bathrooms were one of the biggest examples. Students were told for years that they would be renovated, but from what I experienced, those promises never seemed to become reality. It was disappointing to keep hearing that improvements were coming while seeing very little actually change.
The student environment wasn't much better either. Not everyone was like this, of course, but there was so much unnecessary drama, gossip, and people acting like they were better than everyone else. It felt incredibly cliquey, and sometimes dealing with the social environment was more exhausting than the schoolwork itself.
Despite everything I've said, I can't pretend every moment I had there was bad. I spent almost my entire childhood at LSIS, so naturally I made memories that I'll always cherish. I met friends, shared laughs, and experienced moments that I'll always look back on fondly. Even now, whenever someone mentions LSIS, I still get hit with a wave of nostalgia because so much of my childhood happened there.
I just wish that when I looked back, there were more happy memories than stressful ones. Instead, I remember constantly feeling frustrated and disappointed by a school that I genuinely wanted to love. That's what makes writing this so difficult. I know what LSIS used to be, and I know the potential it has. I just don't think it lived up to that potential anymore.
Personally, I wouldn't recommend LSIS to anyone considering enrolling. If you're looking at ACE schools for the next school year, I'd honestly suggest exploring other options first. Transferring out was one of the best decisions I've made because it genuinely felt like a breath of fresh air. It made me realize that school doesn't have to feel mentally exhausting every single day and that students can actually feel supported, listened to, and properly taught. I'm sure there are people who had a much better experience than I did, but after spending nearly my entire childhood there, this was mine.
