cheapest school in singapore for expat kids on student pass?

[jb_slinky]

Hi,

I know being a PR has its advantage such as low school fee. But I plan on having my future kid be on a student pass. And I think I heard from my Singaporean friend that he knew someone who is on student pass but was able to study in a Singapore public school. Although there was a bond required I think. Is this true? Anybody here had experience?

Also, I know International School here is expensive, but do you guys know any good cheap school from kindergarten to highschool? are there ways to make things cheaper for the kid with a student pass to study in singapore? any expert advice?

thanks a lot.

[carolynW]

Sorry this isn't expert advice but I was speaking to a friend who works at the MOE and apparently it is singapore's policy to have foreigners children attend local schools to have more "affinity" to singapore.

He was trying really hard to sell the local schools vs. the International School to me, my concern was more, being a PR will I have committed my child to national service. To this question, I have no clear answer yet as I have one friend that is PR and his child had to attend NS (which although his son griped and complained enjoyed it thoroughly in the end, esp when he can put a pic of him and a tank in his facebook and an increased popularity with the girls). He may have been a PR and with PR parents.

[jb_slinky]

Sorry this isn't expert advice but I was speaking to a friend who works at the MOE and apparently it is singapore's policy to have foreigners children attend local schools to have more "affinity" to singapore.

He was trying really hard to sell the local schools vs. the International School to me, my concern was more, being a PR will I have committed my child to national service. To this question, I have no clear answer yet as I have one friend that is PR and his child had to attend NS (which although his son griped and complained enjoyed it thoroughly in the end, esp when he can put a pic of him and a tank in his facebook and an increased popularity with the girls). He may have been a PR and with PR parents.

hmm, if it's singapore policy to encourage foreigners in attending a local school, does that mean it's okay for local schools to accept non-PR students? if yes, how much would a non-PR student pay the monthly school fee? it better be way cheaper than International Schools.

[sundaymorningstaple]

it better be way cheaper than International Schools.

Why? Do you think International Schools are better than local schools? Sorry do disillusion you but they are just as good and in a lot of cases even better. But to answer you question, yes they are cheaper than most Int'l Schools.

[JayV]

Local school fees at Primary level for International Students (non ASEAN) are $145 per month while PR's pay $3.50.

[viajera]

if you work here and your child is on dependent's pass, your child can enjoy PR rates for two years (new MOE regulation starting 2009). aside from the $3.50 per month, there are other fees, so total fees would be around $15, excluding books, uniforms, etc. no regitration fees, no deposits.

all of these info and more, are on the MOE website.

[jb_slinky]

it better be way cheaper than International Schools.

Why? Do you think International Schools are better than local schools? Sorry do disillusion you but they are just as good and in a lot of cases even better. But to answer you question, yes they are cheaper than most Int'l Schools.

hi, sorry but that's not what i'm implying. actually, i've never thought of that until now that you've mentioned it. anyway, i'm confident of local schools as well, because of their good curriculum. which raises another question, do all local schools have exactly the same subjects? meaning if the student transfers to another local school, there won't be repeating of levels due to different subject not credited, etc.?

[imrankassim]

it better be way cheaper than International Schools.

Why? Do you think International Schools are better than local schools? Sorry do disillusion you but they are just as good and in a lot of cases even better. But to answer you question, yes they are cheaper than most Int'l Schools.

hi, sorry but that's not what i'm implying. actually, i've never thought of that until now that you've mentioned it. anyway, i'm confident of local schools as well, because of their good curriculum. which raises another question, do all local schools have exactly the same subjects? meaning if the student transfers to another local school, there won't be repeating of levels due to different subject not credited, etc.?

Local schools are a brilliant way to get your kids in tune with the local culture, make new friends etc. Also chances are youll be able to rent a flat or condo in same area as the school. Expenses are definitely cheaper than international schools, also I've played rugby at the United World College and it looks like a right proper dump, no offence but I wouldnt send my kids there theyd come out as junkies. Anyways, like its been said, check with Ministry of Education (MOE) they'll be able to point you in the right direction, chances are you'll be able to transfer some of the credits your kids already have.