
Have you ever asked yourself why is my children's school so subpar even though you are paying a premium price to attend? The operations are bad, the facilities are incomparable to other schools in the same price range and in many cases in the lower price bracket? I you have, you’re not alone in your perplexity. Out of frustration I did a little digging and I found out that most great schools and universities in Thailand, US, and UK all have these 4 common denominators.
NON PROFIT
FACULTY
ALUMNI
PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION / PARENT COUNCIL / ADVISORY BOARD
IMPORTANCE OF OF THESE 4 PILLARS
NON PROFIT
Operating as a non-profit entity allows schools to prioritize educational quality over profit-making. This structure often aligns with mission-driven goals focused on student welfare, community service, and holistic education. Non-profit schools typically reinvest their resources into improving facilities, hiring qualified staff, and developing comprehensive programs that benefit students. This commitment to education rather than profit helps create a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically and socially
Many private schools are structured as nonprofit organizations, often funded by donations, grants, while some private schools are associated with churches or other religious institutions, others may receive grants from educational foundations or philanthropic donors.
FACULTY
The faculty is the backbone of any educational institution. Quality teachers not only impart knowledge but also inspire and motivate students. A well-qualified faculty fosters an environment of learning that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and personal growth. They are instrumental in implementing innovative teaching methods and adapting to the diverse needs of students. A strong faculty can significantly enhance student engagement and academic performance, making it essential for a great school.
ALUMNI
Alumni serve as a vital link between the school and the broader community. They can provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and financial support through donations or fundraising initiatives. Successful alumni often return to share their experiences, inspiring current students and enhancing the school’s reputation. A strong alumni network can also help in establishing partnerships with businesses and organizations, further enriching the educational experience.
PTA / PARENT COUNCIL / ADVISORY BOARD
The Parent-Teacher Association is crucial for fostering collaboration between parents and educators. A robust PTA encourages parental involvement in school activities, decision-making processes, and community-building efforts. This partnership enhances communication between home and school, ensuring that parents are informed about their children’s education and well-being. The PTA can also organize events that promote school spirit, raise funds for projects, and support various initiatives that benefit students.
EXAMPLES
All the Ivy League and top tier universities in the US like MIT, CalTech, and Standford are non profit entities. Even the all top tier, Ivy League version of the US high schools like Phillip Exeter and Phillip Andover are non profit schools.
In the UK, all top tier universities and schools are non profit like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, LSE and Eton.
In Thailand the classic top tier Thai schools like Assumption Bangrak, Bangkok Christian, St Gabriel, Suan Kularb, Vajiravudh, Mater Dei, St Joseph Convent, and Wattana Withayalai schools are non profit schools. The top tier international schools in Thailand like ISB, NIST, and Bangkok Pattana are also all non profit schools.
CONCLUSION
For the parents that are still looking around for a school make sure that the school has these 4 pillars in place before enrolling your child. For the parents that are already enrolled in a school, checkout if the school has these 4 pillars. If you are frustrated with the school, probably it lacks one or more of these. And probably the most important one will be whether it’s a For Profit or a Non Profit school.
There has been an explosion in the growth of international schools in Thailand. Now every Tom Dick and Harry Billionaire wants to open up an international school because it’s so lucrative. Most are For Profit schools and most are new schools with minimal track record. Not having a track record is really a critical issue! You are going to invest your time, hard earned money, and your child’s future for 12 years while not knowing if the school is capable of preparing your child to be able to attend top universities around the world. This is like buying an insurance policy from a non-reputable company, pay your annual fees for 10-20 years while not knowing if the company is going to be around or will be capable to take care of you when you are old. And just because they franchised or partnered up with a reputable school in the UK or the US doesn’t mean they will be able to deliver the same results here in Thailand.
There are many criterias in choosing a school like reputation, legacy, price, distance, curriculum, COED, all boys or all girls, boarding or day school etc. But this is a long term commitment, for at least 12 years. This one decision will a make a lasting impact on you and your child’s quality of life while attending the school and his or her future thereafter. This is one of the biggest decisions that you will ever make on behalf of your child. So choose wisely.
Beware of malicious marketing tactics! A lot of the new schools, knowing their shortcomings, lure the creme de la creme students from other schools with full scholarships, have them ace on the national test, or get accepted to Ivy League schools, and claim it to be the success of their school.
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