Private school recommendations for foreign kids in CM?

[GooMaiRoo]

My family might be returning to live in Thailand soon, specifically Chiang Mai. Does anyone have a recommendation for private English-speaking grade schools for my kids? We can't afford the pricey international schools and our upper limit is about 100,000 baht per child per year for tuition. Things such as swimming pools are less important than a creative environment, progressive teaching philosophy, a good demographic (i.e., not dominated by spoiled Thai-Chinese brats), dedicated teachers and small class sizes. Having some of the classes in Thai is a plus. Thanks.

[setaputra]

The spoiled Thai-Chinese brats may think something similar of your children of course. With an attitude like that you won't fit in to Thailand

[GooMaiRoo]

I tought for years in Thailand. The privilaged, urban classes of Thailand often spoil their kids. The rural kids were much more humble and respectful of adults. I speak about this from experience.

[Bung]

Originally Posted by GooMaiRoo

My family might be returning to live in Thailand soon, specifically Chiang Mai. Does anyone have a recommendation for private English-speaking grade schools for my kids? We can't afford the pricey international schools and our upper limit is about 100,000 baht per child per year for tuition. Things such as swimming pools are less important than a creative environment, progressive teaching philosophy, a good demographic (i.e., not dominated by spoiled Thai-Chinese brats), dedicated teachers and small class sizes. Having some of the classes in Thai is a plus. Thanks.

When you find a school that delivers all that let me know, I will put my boy in there!

[DrB0b]

Waree School, Chiang Mai. English program, Sarasas School Chiang Mai, English program. For older children Prince Royal School, Montfort School, or Sacred Heart Convent (girls only).

[liveinlos]

You won't get any English International School anywhere near the price you are quoting. Prem International is upwards of 400,000+ baht for elementary school

[DrB0b]

Originally Posted by liveinlos

You won't get any English International School anywhere near the price you are quoting. Prem International is upwards of 400,000+ baht for elementary school

He didn't ask for international schools, in fact he specifically said he didn't want an international school.

[setaputra]

Originally Posted by GooMaiRoo

I tought for years in Thailand. The privilaged, urban classes of Thailand often spoil their kids. The rural kids were much more humble and respectful of adults. I speak about this from experience.

Glad you didn't teach those kids English

[GooMaiRoo]

Originally Posted by DrB0b

Waree School, Chiang Mai. English program, Sarasas School Chiang Mai, English program. For older children Prince Royal School, Montfort School, or Sacred Heart Convent (girls only).

Your recommendations are much appreciated. I'll look into these schools. Thanks.

[DrAndy]

Originally Posted by DrB0b

Waree School, Chiang Mai. English program, Sarasas School Chiang Mai, English program. For older children Prince Royal School, Montfort School, or Sacred Heart Convent (girls only).

what are the fees for those?

[DrB0b]

Originally Posted by DrAndy

what are the fees for those?

Less than 100,000 per year. The average fee is about 5,000 per month. Add-ons like swimming, music, martial arts, and English Program can bring it up to about 9,000 per month. My son went to Waree and now goes to Sarasas (because Sarasas is directly linked with Prince Royal, where we'd like him to go next year). We pay for all the extras except for English program, he learns English from me and Scooby Doo. The fees total 6,500 per month. I'm quite happy with his education so far. These are not International schools, they follow the Thai curriculum, but the teachers are good. Because they follow the Thai curriculum some "extra" education, history and civics mainly, is the responsibilty of the parents. Something I have no problem with.

[DrAndy]

thanks for that

I agree that any parents should supplement their kids education, in whatever school

and teach them to question things, although the teachers may not like that too much!

[Jardine]

I agree with Bob on the Schools he has mentioned.

Waree has a good rep up to 12 (Pratom).

PRC and Montford better rep for the later years.

Heard good things about Sarasas too.

Also there is the school inside CMU. Hard to get into but know people who went there and it seems very good.

[mobs00]

Originally Posted by DrB0b

My son went to Waree and now goes to Sarasas (because Sarasas is directly linked with Prince Royal, where we'd like him to go next year). We pay for all the extras except for English program, he learns English from me and Scooby Doo. The fees total 6,500 per month. I'm quite happy with his education so far. These are not International schools, they follow the Thai curriculum, but the teachers are good. Because they follow the Thai curriculum some "extra" education, history and civics mainly, is the responsibilty of the parents. Something I have no problem with.

Bob,

Could you share your reasons why you are sending him to Prince Royal? I've read some reports below from a fellowship program with Princeton University and they don't seem to be to flattering of the school.

I am also curious as to what Sarasas offers over Varee as I was going to send my daughter to Varee. What made you switch?

Prince Royal College | Princeton In Asia

[fbill]

Originally Posted by GooMaiRoo

My family might be returning to live in Thailand soon, specifically Chiang Mai. Does anyone have a recommendation for private English-speaking grade schools for my kids? We can't afford the pricey international schools and our upper limit is about 100,000 baht per child per year for tuition. Things such as swimming pools are less important than a creative environment, progressive teaching philosophy, a good demographic (i.e., not dominated by spoiled Thai-Chinese brats), dedicated teachers and small class sizes. Having some of the classes in Thai is a plus. Thanks.

GooMaiRoo,

To me, "Spoiled Thai-Chinese brats" are no more spoiled than spoiled brats of upwardly mobile families anywhere in the world.

This is not the first time I have come across farangs saying negative things about the Chinese in Thailand. These Chinese have lived in Thailand for a long time and they are Thai citizens unlike you.

It seems to me that the reason so many of you loser farangs make such remarks about the Thai-Chinese is because they, unlike their fellow "Thai-Thais" are not so easily impressed by the likes of you.

This is the 21st century, not 15th century when Christopher Columbus discovered America. You have to offer the Thai-Chinese more than colored glass beads.

Kindly remember when you come to Thailand you are but a visitor, so please leave your racism baggage back where you came from.

Bill

[dirtydog]

Originally Posted by fbill

Kindly remember when you come to Thailand you are but a visitor

Think you chose the wrong forum, if you use the word visitor you will prefer the thaivisa forum, if you use the word guest and expect to be treated like a guest then this forum might do you.

[setaputra]

Originally Posted by GooMaiRoo

I tought for years in Thailand. The privilaged, urban classes of Thailand often spoil their kids. The rural kids were much more humble and respectful of adults. I speak about this from experience.

A noble profession, teaching

I take off my hat to you

You say you 'tought' for many years here. How many?

And when you say "privilaged' classes do you mean they were privileged because they could not spell or 'privilaged' to have you as a teacher giving them lessons in spelling

[Aguda]

I don't live in Chiang Mai yet, so can't speak from personal experience, but maybe this school would be of interest:http://www.panyaden.org/ The price is in your range, classes are taught 50% in English and 50% in Thai. You may not care for the Buddhist philosophy, up to you. Possibly some of the Chiang Mai members know something more of the school. I hope this is of help!