I am looking for advice for schools to send my daughter to here in Thailand. I have looked at many of the international schools and they are very expensive. I am not here on an ex-pat contract so I will have to pay for myself, so I am trying to figure out the best option. I don't want to scrimp on my daughters education but I am hoping that there are some good English language schools available that won't cost me hundreds of thousands of Baht a year; 100,000 per year would be tough and anymore would be nearly impossible. She will start school at either the age of 3 or 4 and I am also interested in what people think about what is better, to put her in a school that has preschool through highschool or should I put her in a preschool and then swith to a different elementary and then a different school for secondary education. I would appreciate any information you could offer.
0
Looking For School For Daughter
Started by CWMcMurray, 2007-07-13 22:15
|
77 replies to this topic
#2
mrtoad
Titanium Member Posted 2007-07-14 00:37:23
I am looking for advice for schools to send my daughter to here in Thailand. I have looked at many of the international schools and they are very expensive. I am not here on an ex-pat contract so I will have to pay for myself, so I am trying to figure out the best option. I don't want to scrimp on my daughters education but I am hoping that there are some good English language schools available that won't cost me hundreds of thousands of Baht a year; 100,000 per year would be tough and anymore would be nearly impossible. She will start school at either the age of 3 or 4 and I am also interested in what people think about what is better, to put her in a school that has preschool through highschool or should I put her in a preschool and then swith to a different elementary and then a different school for secondary education. I would appreciate any information you could offer. Firstly, in response to your question what area are you living in? As I'm sure you don't want to be trekking any long distances with a young child. I also suggest this, as people who are living in the same area as you may have some experience of the local schools. There are some good Thai private schools which offer good English programmes for the younger children, ie. K and P grades.If you can find a school which she can stay at right through the first two grades I think that is often better, as it just makes it a smoother transition for the child. Children do tend to like to have familarity, and by keeping her in the same school she will have her friends and a familair environment. However, when she gets to the secondary age, I would imagine that you would need to reasses the options available and look for the most suitable option. Good luck, and be assured there are plenty of good places that will not cause you to break the bank. Edited by mrtoad, 2007-07-14 00:39:05. #3
Neeranam
Titanium Member Posted 2007-07-14 00:43:29
How old is she now? Can she speak Thai?
#4
Joe Walshe
Senior Member Posted 2007-07-14 02:54:08
We had similar predicament when our daughter was 3. We decided to move back to Ireland so that she would get a very good education and become fluent in English. The richest Thai's would have difficulty giving that to their kids. Our daughter is now 13, an excellent and happy student, and we have yet to retire to thailand. We hadn't planned to stay here so long but one thing leads to another and Ireland has excellent secondary schools as well as free 3rd level education. Otehr than international schools I can't see you finidng a good all round education InThailand.
#5
CWMcMurray
Super Member Posted 2007-07-14 07:10:10
I have been hired by a company on Soi 42 and I am looking to move within the next couple of months. I am looking for houses in On-nut, Ekemai,Rama IV, Rama III, or Klong Toey areas. It will be another year or two before she is ready to start school but I want to start looking now because I want to move somewhere near a good school for her. If I can find a good school for her that would help me pick the area I want to move to in order to be both convenient for me and close for her. Yes she can speakThai but I am more worried about her English proficiency because I am pretty much the only person speaking English with her.
Mr. Toad, do you know good Thai private schools which offer good English programmes in any of these areas? Edited by CWMcMurray, 2007-07-14 07:24:51. #6
think_too_mut
Platinum Member Posted 2007-07-14 08:46:46
I have been hired by a company on Soi 42 and I am looking to move within the next couple of months. I am looking for houses in On-nut, Ekemai,Rama IV, Rama III, or Klong Toey areas. It will be another year or two before she is ready to start school but I want to start looking now because I want to move somewhere near a good school for her. If I can find a good school for her that would help me pick the area I want to move to in order to be both convenient for me and close for her. Yes she can speakThai but I am more worried about her English proficiency because I am pretty much the only person speaking English with her. Mr. Toad, do you know good Thai private schools which offer good English programmes in any of these areas? Srivikorn school - walking distance from anything on Soi 42, has English programme. www.srivikorn.ac.th/svk_leng_eng.asp They are not as expensive as International schools (not sure now, I think it was 50K baht per semester). Check and update us. #7
qualtrough
Platinum Member Posted 2007-07-14 09:57:44
Sarasas Wittaya is a school with a number of branches around Bangkok and within your budget. We have been very pleased so far with our two daughter's education in their bilingual program. I would ignore those who feel that the only hope for your child's education lies overseas or in an international school. A bilingual education alone is worth its weight in gold.
#8
Nibor1945
Senior Member Posted 2007-07-15 12:33:25
Sarasas Wittaya is a school with a number of branches around Bangkok and within your budget. We have been very pleased so far with our two daughter's education in their bilingual program. I would ignore those who feel that the only hope for your child's education lies overseas or in an international school. A bilingual education alone is worth its weight in gold. Perhaps this thread should be in the teaching forum. Whilst I agree that some bilingual schools are good, some certainly are not. The example you gave goes into both categories, I have no wish to go into detail or "rock the boat" for some of the very good but illegal teachers amongst the not so good! whichever school you choose I suggest you count the number of classes then the number of work permits issued to that school, you may come up with a difference of 30 unaccounted for farang teachers in some cases. That means a lot have gone "under the radar" have no degree, no work permit and more importantly no police check. I have some very good friends in the teaching profession but am not blind to the fact that some schools have enough connections to bypass normal MOE requirements. My point in all this rambling is that you should check for yourself before placing your child in possible harms way! Do not accept "blindly" another persons opinion as fact. That said I agree that a bilingual school is the way to go if you don't want the large international school fees, that's the choice I made for my Kids and don't regret it yet. #9
think_too_mut
Platinum Member Posted 2007-07-15 12:49:50
whichever school you choose I suggest you count the number of classes then the number of work permits issued to that school, you may come up with a difference of 30 unaccounted for farang teachers in some cases. That means a lot have gone "under the radar" have no degree, no work permit and more importantly no police check. I don't see much point here. Is it that easy for illegal, no WP, no-degree teachers to come and work in bilingual schools? Is it easy for a parent to sift through school's WP documentation in search for illegals? If that is so, where do we end up? Choosing school "A" with only five illegals against schools "B" with 11, "C" with 16? #10
Nibor1945
Senior Member Posted 2007-07-15 13:05:42
whichever school you choose I suggest you count the number of classes then the number of work permits issued to that school, you may come up with a difference of 30 unaccounted for farang teachers in some cases. That means a lot have gone "under the radar" have no degree, no work permit and more importantly no police check. I don't see much point here. Is it that easy for illegal, no WP, no-degree teachers to come and work in bilingual schools? Is it easy for a parent to sift through school's WP documentation in search for illegals? If that is so, where do we end up? Choosing school "A" with only five illegals against schools "B" with 11, "C" with 16? Unfortunately that's just about what it does come down to, talk to the teachers, talk to the school and assess the situation yourself. Because it is a fact that it is that easy, even after the imposition of "stringent" new checks. to be employed illegally in "certain schools". #11
easybullet3
Senior Member Posted 2007-07-16 02:59:09
I am looking for advice for schools to send my daughter to here in Thailand. I have looked at many of the international schools and they are very expensive. I am not here on an ex-pat contract so I will have to pay for myself, so I am trying to figure out the best option. I don't want to scrimp on my daughters education but I am hoping that there are some good English language schools available that won't cost me hundreds of thousands of Baht a year; 100,000 per year would be tough and anymore would be nearly impossible. She will start school at either the age of 3 or 4 and I am also interested in what people think about what is better, to put her in a school that has preschool through highschool or should I put her in a preschool and then swith to a different elementary and then a different school for secondary education. I would appreciate any information you could offer. if your daughter is younger than 3 years old, then maybe you are just after an international playgroup? if so, then theres plenty of full time or part time international playgroups around bangkok. some department stores have these kinds of schools within them. I send my son (5 yrs old) to one called Fulla Kids in SuanLuang. (its near to Chid Lom, central shopping area of bangkok). I pay 600 baht a day for him on a part time basis. I can even drop him for half a day for 300 baht. its international and most kids are 3 - 6 years old. (they have another branch near to victory monument that has 2 - 4 year olds). its not a teaching school. its purely playgroup. the staff are all really nice. I am happy sending my son here on a part time basis and I teach him early level stuff myself, (reading, writing, and other stuff that I want him to know). anyway. goodluck! #12
solo siam
Super Member Posted 2007-07-16 03:04:42
We had similar predicament when our daughter was 3. We decided to move back to Ireland so that she would get a very good education and become fluent in English. The richest Thai's would have difficulty giving that to their kids. Our daughter is now 13, an excellent and happy student, and we have yet to retire to thailand. We hadn't planned to stay here so long but one thing leads to another and Ireland has excellent secondary schools as well as free 3rd level education. Otehr than international schools I can't see you finidng a good all round education InThailand. #13
CWMcMurray
Super Member Posted 2007-07-18 08:09:05
Srivikorn school - walking distance from anything on Soi 42, has English programme. They are not as expensive as International schools (not sure now, I think it was 50K baht per semester). Check and update us.
Sarasas Wittaya is a school with a number of branches around Bangkok and within your budget. We have been very pleased so far with our two daughter's education in their bilingual program. I would ignore those who feel that the only hope for your child's education lies overseas or in an international school. A bilingual education alone is worth its weight in gold. Thanks for the information. Are there any other parents out there who are happy with their child's education? #14
alankatana
Member Posted 2007-07-21 13:13:21
This has been a big problem here in Thailand and finally there is a solution. Praht Thai School is now opening the first THAI INTERNATIONAL school in Thailand in the Minburi area (near new airport) .
The idea behind the school is an International Level education and curriculum for Thai and Thai/Foreigner mixed children. A full equivalency to British Australian and US crurriculum is delivered by QUALIFIED Teachers from Thailand the UK and Australia, without losing the value of a solid Thai foundation to the education syllabus which is a full part of the delivered programme. This school really IS the answer. This will get your children and international school level qualified education base at a much lower cost and avouid you having to settle for something you may otherwise have felt in the past you are stuck with. #15
think_too_mut
Platinum Member Posted 2007-07-21 15:02:34
A full equivalency to British Australian and US crurriculum is delivered by QUALIFIED Teachers from Thailand the UK and Australia, without losing the value of a solid Thai foundation to the education syllabus which is a full part of the delivered programme. This school really IS the answer. Claims, claims but nothing more. What are the fees? Either get your web site right or don't post it - it killed little interest I had. #16
CWMcMurray
Super Member Posted 2007-07-25 19:41:43
This has been a big problem here in Thailand and finally there is a solution. Praht Thai School is now opening the first THAI INTERNATIONAL school in Thailand in the Minburi area (near new airport) . The idea behind the school is an International Level education and curriculum for Thai and Thai/Foreigner mixed children. A full equivalency to British Australian and US crurriculum is delivered by QUALIFIED Teachers from Thailand the UK and Australia, without losing the value of a solid Thai foundation to the education syllabus which is a full part of the delivered programme. This school really IS the answer. To find out more call the school and asking for Khun Sumattaya on 02 915 2100-1. You will be gald you did. website: www.prahtthai.com Email: principal@prahtthai.com This will get your children and international school level qualified education base at a much lower cost and avouid you having to settle for something you may otherwise have felt in the past you are stuck with. I don't have anything bad to say about the website but I would be interested in finding out the fees. My question is simply this, why don't a lot of schools put their fees on the website? All it says onthe website is to take advantage of the introductory fees but why the secrecy? It is not only this school, only about 50% of the schools I have looked at publish their fees online? Do you have different prices for different people? If not then what is the need for each person to call and get the price? This is a genuine question and not a flame; I hope you take in that light and I would be very interested in your response. #17
think_too_mut
Platinum Member Posted 2007-07-25 19:55:32
I don't have anything bad to say about the website but I would be interested in finding out the fees. My question is simply this, why don't a lot of schools put their fees on the website? There is another thread, where the link is - to the most of the schools. The site has gathered info from many schools and the fees are (usually) there. Have a look. http://www.thaivisa....40729_thumb.jpg Mods, you may want to merge this and that tread. #18
alankatana
Member Posted 2007-07-26 16:25:36
Claims, claims but nothing more. What are the fees? Either get your web site right or don't post it - it killed little interest I had.
[/quote] Praht Thai School The point about the fees not being quoted on the site is a valid one and I have made a suggestion in that regard to the school. The are addressing that. Their fees are excellent by the way especially for those who get in and freeze the deal they have in the current building they have specially fitted-out for the initial school opening. If you are interested in a good school now or in the future with international curriculum benefits for your child (assuming you have a Thai child or Thai-mix child) then you will be glad you had a look at Praht Thai. That's about all I can say. By the way to declare my interest. I am a friend/colleague of one of the directors here doing some work and research on e-learning. No financial or any other vested interest other than that and other than the fact that I actually care how kids get educated and I know what these guys are doing is first rate. So if the colour of the website or the pics on it are your only concern then I guess finding a good school doesn't rank a mention. Want to know the fees? ...just call and ask them...not too tough if you are really look ing for a school...which are the only people that are of interest to them I would assume. As you said ...you had little interest to start with! And as for the comment about the old teacher if that was directed at the pTS site then I have to smile....the only guy I see on there is one of the teachers who I asked about and found is in his early thirties.so......  Cheers Alan #19
qualtrough
Platinum Member Posted 2007-07-26 20:06:06
I don't have anything bad to say about the website but I would be interested in finding out the fees. My question is simply this, why don't a lot of schools put their fees on the website? There is another thread, where the link is - to the most of the schools. The site has gathered info from many schools and the fees are (usually) there. Have a look. http://www.thaivisa....40729_thumb.jpg Mods, you may want to merge this and that tread. #20
think_too_mut
Platinum Member Posted 2007-07-26 20:16:42
I don't have anything bad to say about the website but I would be interested in finding out the fees. My question is simply this, why don't a lot of schools put their fees on the website? There is another thread, where the link is - to the most of the schools. The site has gathered info from many schools and the fees are (usually) there. Have a look. http://www.thaivisa....40729_thumb.jpg Mods, you may want to merge this and that tread. Thanks for pointing it out. Here it is: www.isat.or.th/search.asp I wonder - nobody else has noticed. Quite an important part of the post. Copied it from the original post. #21
CWMcMurray
Super Member Posted 2007-07-26 21:16:33
Khun Alan
As the OP, I would just like o say thank you. The information you posted is exactly the type of information I was hopeing to get when I started this topic. I just hope that the way many people have been attacking you doesn't dissuade others from posting about other schools.
Edited by Totster, 2007-07-27 03:22:15.
#22
alankatana
Member Posted 2007-07-26 21:31:59
You're most welcome and I do hope it helps some. I have passed on all the comments to the school and it may prompt them to look at some of the web items discussed but as I have said, on speaking wiith their powers that be, they seem far more concerned about deilvering educational substance which I for one whole-heartedly agree with.
Thanks Alan #23
Sulaphat
Senior Member Posted 2007-07-27 02:59:49
I've looked into this issue at length for my children and have spoken to senior administrators at a couple of the schools offering a bilingual education based upon the Thai MOE curriculum, including one of the schools mentioned in one of the posts above. From what I have been able to gather, the bilingual schools are fine and offer a very good local standard education and would probably prepare a student quite well for a university education at a Thai university.
When specifically asked whether the bilingual curriculum would prepare a student well for a university education at a competitive US university (pre-med, law, engineering or other top profession), I was told that no, it probably would not. So it really comes down to what opportunities you wish to keep open for your children and how much you can afford to pay to do so. #24
MsFigure
Senior Member Posted 2007-08-02 09:07:08
I am looking for advice for schools to send my daughter to here in Thailand. I have looked at many of the international schools and they are very expensive. I am not here on an ex-pat contract so I will have to pay for myself, so I am trying to figure out the best option. I don't want to scrimp on my daughters education but I am hoping that there are some good English language schools available that won't cost me hundreds of thousands of Baht a year; 100,000 per year would be tough and anymore would be nearly impossible. She will start school at either the age of 3 or 4 and I am also interested in what people think about what is better, to put her in a school that has preschool through highschool or should I put her in a preschool and then swith to a different elementary and then a different school for secondary education. I would appreciate any information you could offer. Earlier this year we were in the same position as you in that we were looking into schools for our 3 year old daughter and initially we were considering sending her to a normal thai school until she was ready to start grade 1 in a couple of years as we couldn't see the point or justify in spending so $$$$ on nursery or kindergarten. We thought at our daughters young age that she wouldn't be taught much and that it would more like a social/playgroup than proper school but we now know that is not the case. Both my husband & I are australian and not on any ex-pat contracts so fees are totally out of our pocket but after much discussion and consideration we decided that it would be best for our daughter to attend either a bilingual or international school instead and at least give it a try. After looking into a number of schools (both private bilingual and international) we ended up visiting St. Andrews (in Rayong) and immediately knew that was where she would start her schooling (and be able to continue through with all her schooling as long as we live here). We liked the curriculum and what the school offered, and it wasn't too expensive when compared to a couple of other schools we looked at, plus we had heard all positive comments from parents with children already attending. Angel was invited to join the nursery class during our visit to check out the school and had the best time and couldn't wait to go back again. She just completed one term in Nursery and whatever doubts we had about spending so much money on preschool grades were completely gone with what she has learnt and how much she grown during one short term not to mention how much she loved going to school, how much she loved her teachers and new friends. She will be starting Kindergarten next term (end of this month) and asks everyday to go to school - the fact that she has learnt so much already and really loves the school makes it worth every $$$$ that it costs us. Good luck 
#25
thaigene2
Super Member Posted 2007-08-11 18:40:07
I have followed this thread with great interest, as we are in the same boat as you.
I also checked out the Prart Thai site and noticed some of these things mentioned. I also read the reply. 150-170 a year is not worth it, and the fact it's in Min Buri is fine if you live on the Eastern outskirts. We don't. We live in central bangkok (and not in Suk). Like many expats, I am worried that I will dump a bunch of money in the way of admisson fees then end up moving abroad again in just a couple of years thus throwing the admission fees out the window! So we're also looking - but I want an EP (English language Programme), taught at a Thai private school. So far I've found two. One is Amnuay Silpa on Sri Ayuthaya (across from the Foreign Ministry on Rama 6). A Prathom level (P1,2) will run you 160,000 year. There is a 100,000 entry admission) fee. So scrub that one. (we have 2 kids - so double the fees). The other place is something-whittayu (sorry Iforget gut they have a website..google for it). Again they want 100,000 entry fee then around 80,000 per year (i think - you need to double-check that). So we're still looking the Amnuay Silpa looked good 24 kids to a class all in English all qualified farang teachers and a British Head of primary. Follows the England and Wales curriculum. OK - so there you go - how about others sharing some info about centrall locatedBKK EP schools? Many thanks - TG2 Edited by thaigene2, 2007-08-11 18:42:12. |
Sponsored by ... |
