St. John Mary International School

[YangYaiEric]

Hello.

Does anyone have any information about St John Mary school in Saraburi? I'm considering sending my 15 y.o daughter there as a full-time boarder. Any useful comments would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers.

Eric.

[Scott]

Some time ago we had some inquires about the school. I will try to see if I can find the thread. As I recall, there wasn't much information given. Given that this is an internet forum, that's good, because people seem to be more willing to comment negatively than positively!

[Scott]

The only thing I can find, is this. It isn't very helpful.

So, now it is up to posters who may have some experience with the school.

[Nawtier]

I know a Thai couple that send their kids there, they say it is very good.

But they are commenting from a Thai perspective, not an international one and I know they have no experience of overseas education themselves.

[Scott]

I can tell you that Thai parents are much harder to please than Western parents--as a very general rule.

[Somtamnication]

If the school has nothing to hide, request a few phone numbers of parents and dig that way.

[YangYaiEric]

OK guys, thanks very much for your input. Much appreciated !

Cheers!

[Nawtier]

Wait outside the gates at finish time....try not to look like a perv.....and talk to parents, wife to thai and you with any foreigners if they turn up......also talk to the foreign teachers and see what their body language is to you.

[Scott]

Most schools have an entrance exam. Parents accompany the child. We frequently have parents escorted around the school and can discuss the curriculum, the class size and other aspects of the school. It certainly isn't too hard to find a teacher or two that you can talk to.

If you are a native speaker, it would be appropriate to ask to have one of the farang teachers show you around and discuss the English portion of the program.

Most foreign teachers are forthcoming about both the good and not-so-good about the school. As you (and your wife, if possible), you will probably see parents or students that you know and can then easily contact the parents. This presumes that the school is not too far from where you live.

Some schools have a parent's association of sorts who might be able to help you as well.

[paulfr]

To me, for a school to really be "International" all the

students must speak English both with the teachers and

among themselves. This results in very good English language

skills and the student Nationalities are mostly non Thai.

Sometimes the school may be for example a French International school

where the same thing is true, but for French instead of English.

Many schools employ English speaking Western teachers.

But the students are mostly Thai and speak Thai among themselves.

These are "English Programs" within a Thai school, NOT

International schools.

I do not know but seriously doubt St Johns is International

using this criteria. I pass this school on the way to my Thai

wife's home several times a year and feel sure the students

are mostly Thai and speak Thai among themselves. This means

their English speaking/reading/writing/listening skills

will be quite limited.

If someone knows differently, please correct my above assertion.

Edited January 17, 2011 by paulfr