cost of schooling in Chaing Mai

[Clive]

Good morning
I was wondering if anyone could shed some light as to the cost of Thai schooling in Chaing mai, ages 11 and 14 as my children are half Thai and their mother wishes for them to go to school in Thailand now (I don't often believe her when it comes to money).
Also could you recommend any half decent Thai schools?
Thank you 

[naboo]

Top Thai school is Satit Chiangmai University Demonstration School. It is extremely tough to get into, and if your kids are not fluent and literate in Thai, probably not possible. Not to be confused with Satit Rangsit Bilingual School, Chiang Mai which is a bilingual school and still going through the struggles of a new school.

 

Next is Prince Royal College. Montford is well regarded but, from what I've heard, this is based on historical reputation and not the current situation.

 

Prince Royal College and Montford will set you back no more than THB100,000/year. Satit I don't know.

 

Be aware, if your children have been educated in the West, a Thai school will be very different, and the transition very difficult.

 

Both of your children are at a stage where they will sink in school if they are not able to read and write Thai. Even in the English Programs they will struggle as at least half the classes will be in Thai. If they are not fluent in Thai, look at the international schools in Chiangmai, which range from THB300,000 to THB800,000 per year at the ages of your children - fees increase as the kids get older. Your first criteria to consider is Ameircan, British or IB Curriculum.

[Greenside]

That's a good summary, but if you can't afford an international school and have the option of keeping them at school somewhere developed outside Thailand that will probably serve them best.  The national curriculum is very narrow in several important areas and qualifications earned here (particularly at university level) are not regarded highly in many other countries.

[IsaanFam]

Add some ten thousands unofficial entry fee, especially if you are so late.

[Greenside]

3 minutes ago, IsaanFam said:

Add some ten thousands unofficial entry fee, especially if you are so late.

All schools that I know of have an initial fee which is described in varying ways: "Entry Fee", "Capital Expenditure Contribution", Admission Placement" and others.  This is also true of many, if not most, fee paying schools in England if I recall.  From the school's point of view not only does it provide useful (or maybe essential) additional revenue but it acts as a form of loyalty incentive making frequent and/or frivolous school changes less attractive and could probably be used as a tool to adjust demand for places without affecting the fee structure that would impact everyone and be unpopular with parents.

 

Your post hints that this is some kind of under the table or brown envelope transaction - but in the few times I've had to pay it, the cost has always appeared properly on the bill.  I've heard of others mention in in your terms; has anyone here actually been asked to pay it unofficially themselves?