Home-Schooling options in Thailand

[arnold40844]

After much deliberation this past 2 years and visiting many international schools its time to make a decision on where I send my daughter (3 years old) and ultimately my son (1 year old) in 2016. We have looked at virtually all the schools within travelling distance from Pattana to smaller outfits and i still remain unconvinced as to the level of education my children would receive. I have no doubt that Concordia offer a great education, but the cost for 2 kids is just madness.

Having been home educated myself, i have recently been looking in this option and would appreciate any advice from people who have been down this road. My wife is completely against it by the way, her initial reaction was bursting in to tears whilst whaling out "I just want to be normal"...

I really like the idea of being able to choose a curriculum and have more control over what my children are learning. Its not about the money, although I dont want to end up spending over a million baht a year on a mediocre education.

I understand the basics of how to go about doing this legally, i was more interested in direct experience, potential issues with social skills, and how to deal with becoming an abnormal social outcast, ridiculed and mocked by all the normal people.

[sdanielmcev]

Understand that home schooling is a full- time job for 1 parent. Usually you will be affiliated with a local schoollfor social functions.

[arnold40844]

The plan was to hire a full time teacher...

[bikerlou47]

I home school. Just know that you will have much difficulty to provide a quality education in this country. At the current age of your kids keep them home let them hear English every day .

[sundrenched]

The plan was to hire a full time teacher...

I hear Gary Glitter is available.

[arnold40844]

The plan was to hire a full time teacher...

I hear Gary Glitter is available.

Yeah that's really funny, a convicted pedophile.

[arnold40844]

I home school. Just know that you will have much difficulty to provide a quality education in this country. At the current age of your kids keep them home let them hear English every day .

Thanks for your response. Its certainly going to be a challenge if we decide to do it, how old are your children?

We both work from home albeit very long hours, we would be able to dedicate some time to lessons but the I think having a tutor that comes for 6 hours a day 5 days a week would be the way forward. We would also have a Thai teacher that visits twice a week.

[Eliot Rosewater]

The plan was to hire a full time teacher...

A real, qualified teacher will need to get at least 100+ per month. That will be minimum 1.2 million per year.

A qualified teacher will also need a work permit which you will not be able to provide. Well maybe, but I would think it would be very difficult.

I think home schooling can be a great idea but you need to be realistic as well. As mentioned the child or children will also need social interaction. You will need to find a venue for that.

[cooked]

I also wanted home schooling for the granddaughter but met up with too much resistance from her parents and the family in general. She now goes to a private school 25 Km away (guess who does the transport?) and I help her with English, music and maths. If I was doing home schooling I definitely wouldn't be employing a teacher, that takes away the whole point of learning at home. Six hours a day is excessive I think, schools have such long days because they are forced to go at the pace of the slowest, and a lot of time is lost with their 'Thainess' stuff.

[Eliot Rosewater]

I also wanted home schooling for the granddaughter but met up with too much resistance from her parents and the family in general. She now goes to a private school 25 Km away (guess who does the transport?) and I help her with English, music and maths. If I was doing home schooling I definitely wouldn't be employing a teacher, that takes away the whole point of learning at home. Six hours a day is excessive I think, schools have such long days because they are forced to go at the pace of the slowest, and a lot of time is lost with their 'Thainess' stuff.

At least in the US; you will (by law) need a qualified teacher for some aspects of home schooling; assessments etc. This becomes more prevalent as the child gets older; you will need specialists in different subjects.

To assume that you could teach subject content in every subject to a middle school student is far fetched. I (as a qualified teacher) would not feel comfortable teaching secondary math for example.

[cooked]

With respect, teachers don't like home schooling for obvious reasons. There are plenty of programs out there to help you through the process, and one of the aims of HS is, or should be, to teach kids to teach themselves. To get there, you have to wade through swathes of non secular extremist Christian web sites. In Thailand they have to have a school which accepts them so that they can do their exams every year but there is no obligation to have a teacher present.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/education/site2007/cvjl3107.htm

You will doubtless hear people telling you that this can't be done, mainly school admin and other bureaucracy.

This one looks ok: https://www.khanacademy.org/ and this one: http://www.secularhomeschool.com

Edited December 17, 2014 by cooked

[chrisbacke]

Should start with the disclaimer that I know nothing of the legal requirements of Thailand, or of your specific situation or child(ren).

Homeschooled 'all the way' (1st-12th grade in the US). My parents were Christian, so I used a Christian series of textbooks that look and feel so old-school nowadays... If we spent more than 2 hours a day on our 'formal' homeschooling education, something was usually wrong. There's also something to be said about allowing time to pursue their own pursuits - and you'll be amazed what you can learn from cooking, playing with Legos, building stuff with hammer and nail (or power tools, when they're older)...

The homeschooling requirements in the US are different for each state, so if you'll be heading back to the US see what's needed as records go for your state. Note the 'qualified teacher' is not necessary in every state.

I'm unsure if there's a complete series of textbooks or curriculum in the secular world, so I'd suggest researching for that. Teaching your child(ren) to be self-sufficient and the discipline to work on their own will help you out immensely. They may not be ready for that at 5 years old, so tailor it to their ability...

Since you're an expat - and a parent - you've probably found yourself the subject of plenty of unwanted 'advice'. In much the same way, I'd encourage you to ignore the naysayers - these days you can do the entire homeschooling experience online, or with textbooks, from basically anywhere in the world. For better or worse, your relatives are probably more interested in 'fitting in' and are more comfortable with the 'Thainess' you're probably looking to avoid...

Finally, a yearly standardized exam should be part of the routine, whether it's required by Thai law or not. It'll help formalize what will otherwise feel as informal or formal as you make it. Best of luck =)

[paulhen]

Check out Punchy Homeschool on Facebook. I have never been there but a brilliant Thai girl I met 3 years ago in Chiang Mai goes there happily. I tried to get her a scholarship at American Pacific International but the Board of Directors decided against the funding. This countryside Thai girl spoke lovely english at age 6. Her parents were pretty intent on continuing homeschooling and maybe they were right.

But I have no insights about Punchy myself, but you can pursue or not as you wish. But I expect someone there can direct you to other homeschool options in Chiang Mai.

[CTO]

Did you check out Rasami? Or the French school, both not cheap but far cheaper than others, small classes which I love, nice teachers,

[8OA8]

I met a gentleman last year and he was telling me about how he went about homeschooling his daughter. He traveled to the Philippines and found a teacher there and offered the suitable financial compensation for her to move to Thailand and live in as a homeschooling teacher.

If he's reading this I'm sure he'll be able to advise the technical aspects of organizing this. He was very positive this was the way to go.

[Estrada]

I paid a lot of money to have my 3 children study at International Schools in Thailand. With two of them I had to take them out of school, as the teachers in the international school were mostly not good. I then taught them myself for a year and then paid for them to attend a craming school for GED at Language Express next to BTS Ploenchit. My youngest daughter sailed through her online GED exams and is now doing a Bachelor Degree in Computer Animation and Multimedia at Stamford University in conjunction with a University in New Zealand. My son is currently studying for his GED at language express and will take his exams in January. Our eldest daughter has always been addicted to video games, so we sent her to the Convent School in Klong Toey as a boarder, coming home at weekends and holidays. She did quite well and is now studying computer animation and Japanese at Thai-Nichi University. She is still playing too many video role playing games, but then she will be designing video games and working as an animator.

If you are going to home school then you should have the level of education in the subjects you are teaching, otherwise send them to a good school or employ at good full time Pinoy teacher at around B35,000/month

Edited December 20, 2014 by Estrada

[lost_in_space]

A friend of mine just started his daughter in the Calvert program. I think it's about $115 a month. They provide darn near everything, even lesson plans, if I understand him correctly. It's accredited, too.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvert_School

[HaleySabai]

Check out Punchy Homeschool on Facebook. I have never been there but a brilliant Thai girl I met 3 years ago in Chiang Mai goes there happily. I tried to get her a scholarship at American Pacific International but the Board of Directors decided against the funding. This countryside Thai girl spoke lovely english at age 6. Her parents were pretty intent on continuing homeschooling and maybe they were right.

But I have no insights about Punchy myself, but you can pursue or not as you wish. But I expect someone there can direct you to other homeschool options in Chiang Mai.

Where is 'Punchy' located,don't see any address or contact details in FB?

My daughter is turning 6yrs,old in March, so time to make some decisions. We are considering the new API in Mahia since we live nearby but I just find it hard to justify 300,000 baht for grade.1...half that money could provide a resourceful home-school environment. There seems to be a strong trend for Thai-parents who have the means to go the homeschool route,the ones we have met echo an equal distrust in the Thai education system,no matter what level it is.

OP: let your wife (assuming she is Thai) read these articles about Thai home school. Might sway her attitude a bit.

http://www.manager.co.th/CelebOnline/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9570000138765

http://thaipublica.org/2014/12/home-school/

Edited December 27, 2014 by HaleySabai

[Sirpia]

We will be Homeschooling our daughter. I will follow the UK keystage curriculum and use an (as yet unchosen) online source, likely some private tutors and classes too.

For secondary level they will likely study at the British Council and do their iGCSE through their 2 yr study period (aged around 14-16).

Thai schools are no place for children to learn.

[Sirpia]

I paid a lot of money to have my 3 children study at International Schools in Thailand. With two of them I had to take them out of school, as the teachers in the international school were mostly not good. I then taught them myself for a year and then paid for them to attend a craming school for GED at Language Express next to BTS Ploenchit. My youngest daughter sailed through her online GED exams and is now doing a Bachelor Degree in Computer Animation and Multimedia at Stamford University in conjunction with a University in New Zealand. My son is currently studying for his GED at language express and will take his exams in January.

Good info about these education centers that prep students for these International examinations and qualifications.

The GED is accepted by the Thai MoE as equivalent to the Thai M6 Cert. As is the iGCSE.

https://bangkokcommunityresources.wikispaces.com/GENERAL+EDUCATIONAL+DEVELOPMENT+(GED)

Homeschooling and using private education providers that offer Internationally recognized certs such as these is really the only way to go in my eyes (besides Int. Schools).

These look good: http://aims.co.th/

Edited December 27, 2014 by Sirpia

[Deya]

I would like to share my experience. After great 2 years in kindergarten for some reasons the whole class moved out and we organized homeschooling for our small group of 9 children. Professional teacher, great program, freedom to decide the sports and other activities. Close contact with our children as parents professionals in art, music, sports, dance, yoga were involved teaching. Taking turns for lunch supervision and adopting healthier school rules. Sharing the costs. We had a great time and we become friends. Some moved out as often can be in Phuket and we continue with a smaller number of children - 4. It was better to move home to us and save on the money for rent. Already 2 calendar years has passed and this is the 3d school year. Soon my son will be 9. The results are amazing.

Always the teacher is so very important - wether at school or home; the support and understanding of the program at each child's home has been as important too.

In many ways the children are ahead, no wonder - small class, work hard, be self- directed and learn to solve problems. If I have to do it all over again - I wouldn't change anything! But couldn't do it on my own. The good experienced teacher is a must.

Now we would love to have some more children - for our new kindergarten group age 3 to 6 or for our lower elementary group age 6 to 9. We are based in Land and House, Chalong , Phuket.

Good luck to you all starting to homeschool your children, it is a great journey, not easy though.....

[rhaugland]

The Chiangmai Starfish Learning Center in the city of Chiangmai is a project of the Starfish Country Home School Foundation (www.schsf.org). It is offering totally free bilingual Thai and English classes and math for preschoolers from 25 April 2016 for three weeks. In addition to full-day classes, they will receive food, snacks and can go swimming in the swimming pool.

Leaflet_Summer Program_English page 1_new map_3.pdf

Leaflet_Summer Program_Eng_page 2 Final.pdf

Leaflet_Summer Program_Thai page 1_new map_3 (1).pdf

Leaflet_Summer Program_Thai page 2_new map_3.pdf

[DavisH]

The plan was to hire a full time teacher..

A fully qualified western teacher, who can teach all subjects, will be much more costly that most international schools here. And how would that teacher get a work permit?

[DavisH]

I paid a lot of money to have my 3 children study at International Schools in Thailand. With two of them I had to take them out of school, as the teachers in the international school were mostly not good. I then taught them myself for a year and then paid for them to attend a craming school for GED at Language Express next to BTS Ploenchit. My youngest daughter sailed through her online GED exams and is now doing a Bachelor Degree in Computer Animation and Multimedia at Stamford University in conjunction with a University in New Zealand. My son is currently studying for his GED at language express and will take his exams in January.

Good info about these education centers that prep students for these International examinations and qualifications.

The GED is accepted by the Thai MoE as equivalent to the Thai M6 Cert. As is the iGCSE.

https://bangkokcommunityresources.wikispaces.com/GENERAL+EDUCATIONAL+DEVELOPMENT+(GED)

Homeschooling and using private education providers that offer Internationally recognized certs such as these is really the only way to go in my eyes (besides Int. Schools).

These look good: http://aims.co.th/

Some of my students opt out of finishing school and do GED's. Generally they find regular education too difficult. I would also look closely at which universities will accept GED's in Thailand. Certainly not all of them do. Most of the better students will do SAT's (1 and 11). They seem to be more widely accepted.

[plum77]

I have been homeschooling my boys aged 10 and 8 for about six months now. I decided to leave good old Northern Ireland to travel for a year and teach them myself...it has been a very positive experience for us all.

We do school work for about two hours per day but not everyday. Then again we sometimes work on the weekends, it fits in around what we are doing. The kids have their own blog and update this, publishng articles, editing photos and video and uploading these/http://littlebrownfeet.com/ is the site if you want to look They re learning about other cultures, religions and meeting new people, all good in my opinion

We are following guidelines from home and if we return home they will slot back into the school system again...but that is a thought for another day.

You will make the right decision for all your family and good luck

Plum

Edited February 26, 2016 by plum77

[rwdrwdrwd]

This group might be worth checking out OP - Thai based I think (almost all in Thai anyway) - https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeschoolnetwork/?fref=ts

[Clive]

Homeschooling is pretty much as easy or difficult as you wish it to be. I have been homeschooling my 2 children in the UK for a good few years now.
Initialy I got all the negative responses like what about socialisation? However in the uk there are many groups and where I live with the increasing pressure and lack of freedom of thought in schools lately so many families are taking the plunge.
I generally and taking my children to at least 1 activity a day, sometimes more but as these last a minimum of an hour, often longer they have the same if not more socialising than if they were at school.
With the added benefits of 1-1 tuition its a no brainer.
However in Thailand I m not sure about the socialisation aspect (something that I wish to look into soon). Im not sure if there are many home ed groups and I think it depends largely where you will be located.
Good luck with your journey

[Clive]

is there a Facebook homeschooling site for english speakers living in Thailand

as all thai websites are in Thai...funny that lol

[rhaugland]

This is as close as it gets

http://www.homeschoolnetwork.org/

If you are near Chiangmai you can contact me too about possible FREE options at the Chiangmai Starfish Learning Center in the city

[bikerlou47]

There are many issues to consider, all of which I have considered.i am home schooling our daughter if you would like to have a conversation we can exchange numbers and talk a obout options.