Expat Children in Local Schools

[Indirabg]

Hi,

We are considering local school for our son who is eligible for P1 in 2015. Anyone have kids studying in local school and what is your experience? We stay on the east...what are the schools which accept foreign students?

thanks!

[beppi]

The topic has been discussed many times (search the forum):
There is a complicated, centralized allocation system, which heavily favours citizens over PRs and finally (if there are any places left) foreigners. Thus you are lucky to get a place at all for your kid - and it will not be at the more popular school, nor is it likely to be near your home.
Also: Unlike local kids, foreigners have to pay school fees for around S$500/month.

[Indirabg]

Thank you for your reply.

I was more interested in recent experiences / local schools in the east that expats are putting their children into. Over the last few years, have heard that opera estate is one such school on the east but increasingly becoming difficult to get...in essence is there another like "opera estate"?

thanks,

[beppi]

A forum search for "local school application" brings up these useful threats:
http://forum.singaporeexpats.com/ftopic ... pplication
http://forum.singaporeexpats.com/ftopic ... sc-20.html

[BedokAmerican]

I don't have direct experience with this, but as far as the proximity issue goes:

I also live in the east (Upp East Coast/Bayshore Rd). My neighbors got their child into a local school for primary in Tampines, closest school with an opening. They pay $100+ per month for bus service out there.

As you might know, it's tough to get your kid into a school nearby where you live because foreigners get last pick. It's not like in some (SOME, not all) other countries where you automatically go to your zoned school based on your address. Also, public schools cost $513 per month for primary. That's not much compared to some of the private/int'l schools, but it's still a decent chunk of change.

[ms.yang]

Hi there, you cannot choose a school for your child but apply at the end of the yr together with other Intl kids with MOE. They decide where your kid can study at. However, if you are renting a place, you may just move your hse near to the school that your kid is going to.