International School Costs

**aging one** · 17th November 2008 07:37

300,000 per term times two if its me. Twins ya know.

**zehner** · 17th November 2008 07:44

^you were happy with the primary school you sent them to weren't you ao?

pity the secondary system here sucks

**aging one** · 17th November 2008 07:49

Exactly z, the primary school has been great. If we stay I have found a very nice EP program also in Prathum Thani. So we wont have to deal with the Bangkok bullshit. This program actually teaches world history, and geography.

My kids have won several contests there, including speaking, math and science so the school wants them to enter.

**zehner** · 17th November 2008 07:54

did you ever give them extra lessons after school?

**aging one** · 17th November 2008 07:56

yup, Geography and US history, plus I bring them books home to read in English. They have also studied two classes in our English program here at university the last two summers. Two foundation classes, and a hotel and listening and speaking class. I only taught them in the hotel class, but they would have recieved A's had they actually been enrolled. One great thing about the two of them. They do love to learn.

**kingwilly** · 17th November 2008 08:15

Originally Posted by aging one

yup, Geography and US history, plus I bring them books home to read in English. They have also studied two classes in our English program here at university the last two summers. Two foundation classes, and a hotel and listening and speaking class. I only taught them in the hotel class, but they would have recieved A's had they actually been enrolled. One great thing about the two of them. They do love to learn.

That's great stuff AO, parents have to get involved in childrens education, and also to instill a love of reading and a love of learning.

Its a shame and pity when parents here expect the school to 'do everything'.....

**oxfordstu** · 17th November 2008 08:30

AO do the schools here give out scholarships? Your two kids seem like the kind that schools would want to enroll.

**aging one** · 17th November 2008 08:32

They got a 50% scholarship from Harrow, but still 700,00 was above what we wanted to pay.

**kingwilly** · 17th November 2008 08:48

Originally Posted by aging one

They got a 50% scholarship from Harrow, but still 700,00 was above what we wanted to pay.

Harrow is a quite a good school mate, have you tried going back to the financial manager or principal to discuss money with them?

Sometimes they can help out more.

**aging one** · 17th November 2008 08:52

I very well may mate. But the added problem is that my wife has Thai friends with their kids in there and they are not happy. Well of course not the parents dont speak a word of English so they get no reinforcement at home.

Tried to explain that our kids are native speakers of English, but she still does not understand the difference as well as she should.

I also like Harrow as its quite near my house. Keeps things easy. I still have the admissions directors card, and well as the headmaster. He is a Kiwi by the way. Same one as when they opened.

**zehner** · 17th November 2008 08:54

700k....$20k US.....that's a fair old wedge of cash to plop down every year. hard decision for you ao

**aging one** · 17th November 2008 08:58

another big factor about not choosing Harrow, my kids started to school early as they could already read in English at 4. So they only turned 11 the end of October. They will start 7th grade of Mor 1 when they are 11 as well. Even though they tested in to that level at Harrow the school has an age policy. My kids would have to repeat 6th grade. Something they are not willing to do. Creating a bigger financial burden for me as well.

**kingwilly** · 17th November 2008 09:00

Originally Posted by aging one

I also like Harrow as its quite near my house.

This is also a really really huge positive mate. Some of the kids in these schools are getting up at 5.00am to catch 6.00am buses, not getting home till after dark.

Dont let that happen if you possibly can help it.

Originally Posted by aging one

Tried to explain that our kids are native speakers of English, but she still does not understand the difference as well as she should.

easier said than done. but make her understand. its your kids future.

but as Z said it's also a fair chunk of cash (price of a good education imo) only you know all the variables involved, and there may be other good options for you around, so not judging your decisions either.

**aging one** · 17th November 2008 09:01

Thanks for the good thoughts you guys. Really.

**kingwilly** · 17th November 2008 09:02

Originally Posted by aging one

My kids would have to repeat 6th grade. Something they are not willing to do.

I would be a little more open minded about this issue, could be some 'gaps' you aint aware of, gives them time to settle in and socialization is also a point. Also a repeated year gives them a chance to really shine/excel.

Originally Posted by aging one

Creating a bigger financial burden for me as well.

unfortunately this is a real issue. I hope that they might be able to help you over it. But they may not either. Life innit?

(teach you to have twins, huh?

)