school kids in Hua Hin

[gj]

I have established that there are no international schools in Hua Hin but as I understand there are a couple of bi-lingual Thai schools.
Can any parent comment about the standards of education and suggest which school I could send my kids to when I move down from Bangkok to Hua Hin in October.
I have kids ranging from 3 years old to 11.

[Thaiclan]

Hi, I've been in Hua Hin for 1 month and you are right that there are no International schools here. I checked out a local English Program school, but I decided that it wasn't any better (and probably worse) than a Thai school. I've decided to home school my daughter age 4 (I'm a teacher from UK). I'm currently looking for a small group of children of similar age so that I have a small group to work with (optimal for education at that age group).
There are plenty of expat kids in the English Program school and the Thai schools too. I suppose it depends what you really need from a school.

[Jockey]

My neighbours English kids go to an International school between Hua Hin and Cha Am

[suzannejames]

My neighbours English kids go to an International school between Hua Hin and Cha Am

Could you possibly find out and post the name of that school along with the grade levels taught?

So far as I know, Somtawin is the only international EP school in HH area, and is primary through grade level 9 this year. If there's another school I would love to make an inquiry and compare the two.

I only know of international universities between HH and Cha Am.

[gj]

Thanks for the reply.
I guess from what is said there is no real quality education in Hua Hin which is sad.
So which school is better equipped, with properly teachers (Bed or PGC qualified), Samroiyodwittayakhom school or Somtawin school?

[Thaiclan]

Somtawin teachers have a degree and a TEFL. Usually its the same for the Thai schools too. Most of the teachers are first time teachers. I think Hua Hin really needs an international school - then I wouldn't have to home school my daughter!
Good luck

[lomuamart]

Whoops to anyone who may have seen my post as I successfully managed to make it from Thaiclan.
Matter resolved - and here it again. From me. I should get some skoooooling!!!

[lomuamart]

Why does HH need an international school?
I know I'm being provocative, but give me one good reason, bearing in mind the mindset here in this country.
They're just not interested in ideas or thoughts "from outside".
C'est la vie.

[Thaiclan]

I think an Int'l school would be a great service to all the expat kids here. there are a lot of families put off just because of the lack of "western" education available. I'm sure (hope) it won't be long until one of the already established schools sets up down here.

[PeteC]

I've decided to home school my daughter age 4 (I'm a teacher from UK).

Just out of curiosity, what is that going to do to your daughter's educational transcript? Is home schooling generally accepted for entrance to higher levels of formal education? You being a certified teacher may be a factor but, how about parents who don't have your qualifications? Pete

[Big A]

The Catholic church has a program that I heard was similar to Somtawin.

[Thaiclan]

I've decided to home school my daughter age 4 (I'm a teacher from UK).

Just out of curiosity, what is that going to do to your daughter's educational transcript? Is home schooling generally accepted for entrance to higher levels of formal education?

I follow the British Key Stage curriculum for her. Home School is very organised and well resourced. Most of the major curriculums (US, British, Singaporean, Australian) have a "home school" section where parents can purchase the curriculum and resources. You don't have to be a teacher to do it - just dedicated to your childs education. Plus I think it is important to then organise group activities with other kids so that social education is also developed.

[PeteC]

I follow the British Key Stage curriculum for her. Home School is very organised and well resourced. Most of the major curriculums (US, British, Singaporean, Australian) have a "home school" section where parents can purchase the curriculum and resources. You don't have to be a teacher to do it - just dedicated to your childs education. Plus I think it is important to then organise group activities with other kids so that social education is also developed.

Thanks TC, very informative. Good luck with your endeavour. Pete

[Jockey]

My neighbours English kids go to an International school between Hua Hin and Cha Am

Could you possibly find out and post the name of that school along with the grade levels taught?

So far as I know, Somtawin is the only international EP school in HH area, and is primary through grade level 9 this year. If there's another school I would love to make an inquiry and compare the two.

I only know of international universities between HH and Cha Am.

You are correct, Somtawin is not 'international' as yet but is supposed to be moving into a GCSE program over the next few years. They cater for Kindergarten to Mathium 6 (about 18 years old). It is made up of 50% Thai and 50% international students. All subjects are in English.
Cost = 36,000 baht per semester.

[Big Boy]

Jockey wrote:

Cost = 36,000 baht per semester.

I should know the answer (I've been paying my granddaughter's school fees for a few years now), but what does a semester equate to please? I'm guessing it is the English equivalent of a term. If correct, how many semesters are there in a year?