St James or Nan Yang?

[cornucopia]

I feel the only attraction for Nanyang Kindergarten is 100% Chinese during the first two years. When K1 onwards, u may consider to transfer yr child to another school.


It's the curriculum that matters most. New Building is a bonus. Not forgetting the school fees increased from $560- $780. And this year incresed to $1400 before GST! About 100% increase because of new building.

U may try to request if u are able to see their worksheets.

Good Luck. :celebrate:

[caracarn8]

Thank you, dear Cornucopia!

[JHJC]

Cornucopia,

1400 school fees is for a mth or a term?

[hquek]

I heard good things about NY Kindy from my fren. Teachers caring, not stressful (no tingxie/spelling until K2), loads of after school enrichment (it’s positive for me cos parents can free up their weekends) to choose from.


I would have considered if it weren’t for the distance. Moneywise it’s definitely not cheap - but consider that you pay peanuts, you get …

[caracarn8]

$1400 per term (3 mths)

[CheerfulMum]

Some sharings…


I queued for NK since we moved to Sin fr Jkt when my elder DD turns 3yo.
Mid of this year, after almost 2 years of waiting, were offered places.

By this time, by DD has spent her N1 and N2 years in an international preschool and my son who is 2+ just started his N1.

I am attracted to NK cos of its 100% Chinese immersion for N1 and N2 levels and its strong chinese emphasis in K1 and K2. Cos we are english speaking family.

Like you, i too had to tour the school during school break and find that the current old campus looks clean and spacious, ample toilet cubicles and wash basins plus koi ponds and rabbit running around is a big plus.

I find that my son’s and daughter’s teachers are caring and committed.

Foodwise. .can be improved.

Lots of enrichment to choose fr after school to free up weekends. Usually run for 45 mins. Act 3 speech and drama, mandarin Speech and Drama, Mandarin Vocabulary, Gym, Chinese Calligaphy, Music together etc.

Fees wise…can get rather hefty after the basic $1400 per term (3 mths) plus all the adds on above.

Final verdict: I placed my DD back to her international school after a term at NK cos she find it hard to adjust from an enquiry and play based learning to the academically vigorous and high Chinese standards found at NK. Most of her classmates started out at N1 and she jumped in at Term 3 K1 so its understandbly her Chinese is nowhere near her classmates. She acutely felt the lack of "play" time and freedom to explore compared to her old school. Told me they are assigned a play corner and not allowed to venture to other play areas. This is vastly different to what she is used to.

On the other hand, my son has adjusted well and is doing his Pre-Nursery. Even tho at times he look rather forlorn with the limited play time! I attribute it to his young age and thus able to adapt better. A huge plus point cos he is not resistant to learn and speak Chinese vs my girl who always ask me to stop speaking chinese when i attempt to utilise my very limited chinese ability!
I also met a fellow parent who trf their kids fr St James to Nk and seems satisfied w their decision.

Tho i had to do two diff school runs, i am glad that i made the decision based on each child’s needs and differences. My girl has blossomed back to her usual bubbly and cheery self and my son is singing Chinese songs at home…ohh…what music to my ears!

They will move to their new premise next year and I certainly look forward to improved facilities and better environment.

[CheerfulMum]

Add ons…


Its true that huge and expensive cars are a common sight at NK. Some plus drivers and needless to say an army of maids too.

There are lots of sensible cars too such as mine and to date, I do not experience any negative comments or remarks from my son or any other persons i come into contact w at NK.

At the international preschool my girl attends, the cars are possibly as huge, if not humongous too…a few w CD plates as well and again we do not come across any unpleasant encounters.

Generally kids that young are nice and sweet… as to when the reach upper primaries…mmm… that "my car is better than yours" issue may crop up then!

[ChiefKiasu]

CheerfulMum:

Some sharings...

Thanks CheerfulMum! Your insight into Nanyang kindy will certainly be useful for people considering it as an option.

[i3mum]

Hi caracarn8,


My 3 kids are currently in St James. 1 in Nursery & my twins were in Pre-Nursery. My kids enjoyed their school everyday & also misses school during the school holidays.

Have you gone for the school tour? Maybe you can call & arrange for one & have a look. The Principal, Jacqueline is very warm & friendly. She can remembers most students and call my kids by the names when she sees them. The teachers & staff are also very caring & dedicated, I got no problem sending my kids to school, especially when my twins started school this year Jan when they were only 25 months. And I split my twins in 2 separate classes, it's amazing that they didnt cry or have any separation anxiety. I supposed the teachers did a great job! :lol:

For me, I also dun drive a branded car, but my kids still gets along well with their classmates. Some kids went to school by the school buses, & I also seen grandparents took a bus together with their grandchildren to schools.

[hquek]

I think when it comes to famous kindys, big big cars and branded bags are a part of life. Another friend - whose kid is in SJ, told me of mothers toting their Birkins when they drop off their kids.