<![CDATA[knowledge universe preschools - Pat's, LV, Odyssey, Brighton]]>Dear Parents,

I am a first timer at Kiasuparents and would like to warn you all about Brighton constant fee increases.

My child attends Brighton Montessori International since N1 and within a short span of 2 years from N2 to K2, fees have increased from $800 in 2010 to close to $1,200 in 2012 before MCYS subsidy and GST for just half-day lessons. This represents an increase of $400 in 2 years or a 50% increase within a short span of 2 years despite a lower teacher student ratio in K2 compared to N2.

The school had increased school fees by more than $100 each time in Apr 2010, May 2011 and now planning to increase again in April 2012. Each time the school will cite higher cost of operations as reasons for fee increases. Whilst I understand that costs have increased, I am doubtful that it has increased by so much and there is a fair amount of profiteering and exploitation of the emotional bondage that our children have with the school.
There is emotional bondage because our children will have settled in the school and as much as possible we do not want to switch schools and that is precisely what these schools are exploiting, our emotional bondage.

In December, I received a note from Brighton about Knowledge Universe acquiring the Brighton and I did some research about Knowledge Universe http://www.kueducation.com

Knowledge Universe is a US company and foundered and chaired by Michael Milken. I extracted this information from Wikipedia about Michael Milken http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Milken and you can read about his reputation.

Knowledge Universe has acquired the following pre-schools in Singapore in the recent few years and based on conversations with friends at LV and Odyssey, they have increased their fees substantially.

1. Pat’s Schoolhouse
2. Learning Vision
3. Odyssey
4. Brighton Montessori

If Knowledge Universe acquires another 2-3 mid-end/high-end pre-school chains, they may have essentially created a semi-monopoly of the high and mid end segment and will be free to continue their drive to increase fees. Currently, a number of KU pre-schools are all in the same surrounding area, parents may have little choice but to fork out the fee increases if that happens.

Why are KU pre-schools and in fact some pre-schools free to do whatever they want with fees? It is because MCYS DOES NOT regulate the fees that these schools charge and allow middle income parents to be exploited by these schools.

There is frankly little that I can do and the school knows it. I can't take my child out in K2. But I will do the following:

1. Not put anymore of my kids, the 2nd or 3rd one at Brighton nor any KU pre-schools.
2. Urge everyone else to do the same
3. If you have not sent any kids to KU schools, I urge you not to unless you are willing to put up with incessant fee increases.
4. Write to the MCYS which I have done, I have written to Minister Chan Chun Sing and I urge every affected parents to do the same. Only if more parents put pressure, then will MCYS listen.
MCYS needs to do something to regulate fees in all private pre-schools and not just leave it to free market forces. We are not buying a toothpaste or shampoo here, when our child enters a pre-school, we are bonded for sometimes 3-5 years to it and it is not so easy to switch. It is no different from the private property market, if the government can regulate the private property market prices why not the private pre-school education market prices?
5. Urge MCYS to do something to prevent KU from buying more pre-school chains and allow for more competition

I would like other parents whose kids attend Pat’s, LV, Odyssey, Brighton to share their experience on fee increases and share their thoughts.

James

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/31870/knowledge-universe-preschools-pat-s-lv-odyssey-brightonRSS for NodeThu, 23 Apr 2026 10:00:08 GMTFri, 10 Feb 2012 10:10:23 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to knowledge universe preschools - Pat's, LV, Odyssey, Brighton on Thu, 29 Dec 2016 01:44:44 GMT]]>I sent my child to Odyseey Preschool at Still Road campus but was a such a huge mistake. She was literally bullied by her head teacher because we expressed our dissatisfaction with various things like their extreme exposure to youtube video, the inappropriate content shown to children, their lack of outdoor activities, teacher’s negativity. We brought these issues up on a Friday with the center director and our child was specifically identified, ostracized and bullied by the head teacher on the following Monday. Her head teacher even told her that she had to go to a new school. That made her felt rejected, sad and emotionally devastated as my child looked up to this teacher and felt that she had done something drastically wrong to deserve such treatment.


Curriculum wise, she learnt next to nothing in her 3 months there. She watched tons of video on Youtube and picked up random words of mandarin. Still road has a huge campus with ample outdoor space but it’s just a white elephant. Activities are confined to a tiny space in the front poach. In her 3 months there, she never had waterplay … although we were told to leave her swim costumes in school for such activities. Regardless of activities or curriculum, the worst experience was with the teachers. Besides being bullied and emotionally traumatized by the head teacher, the Chinese is constantly on her phone, messaging! 7 out of 10 times I see her, she’d be on the phone while watching over the kids.

We pulled her out of Odyssey the same day we learnt about the mistreatment and it’s been 1.5 months since my child enrolled in a new school. In her short 3 weeks at the new school, my child can recite some chinese poems though not perfect, did regular art works and enjoy playtime everyday. I’m glad we pulled our child out early and she’s in a much happier and educationally conducive environment now. Her new teachers really cared and ultimately, that’s what matters if your child spends more than half a day at the center. By the way, my child is in N2 this year.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1743223https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1743223Thu, 29 Dec 2016 01:44:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to knowledge universe preschools - Pat's, LV, Odyssey, Brighton on Mon, 04 Jul 2016 08:31:44 GMT]]>Dear KU CEO,


My girl is with Pat’s school since 2015. I am going to transfer her out because of a few reasons which you should take note of.
You mentioned that the fees are mainly for staff expenditure. Can you please explain to me why teachers turnover is
so high? JAN 2015 first month of school change of Chinese teacher (due to child abuse). Half a year later, change of main teacher. 4 different faces within a year. JAN 2016, we have a new English teacher. While I thought everything was settled down. 4 months later change of teachers again. Both English and Chinese. My girl has been with your school 1.5 years but every few month she sees new faces.

What have U done to retain the teachers? Other CC fees are so much lower yet the turn over is not as high as Pat’s. Therefore what you said definitely not justify.

You also mentioned about training of teachers. This is the main reason why I’m transferring my girl out. The Chinese teacher is just doing the teaching based on what she THINKS that has to be done. My personal feeling is that she doesn’t have a heart to teach. Just finish her job quickly n go home. Dare to change the parents-teacher appointment at her convenience. (Telling me to come early because she wants to go off earlier) Typically main lander mindset.

Fees have increased about $200 for AM half day class from last year. I do not mind to pay a higher fees but pls deliver quality education and training of teachers. I am not going to pay $1300+ for half day with this kind of Chinese teacher.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1695503https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1695503Mon, 04 Jul 2016 08:31:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to knowledge universe preschools - Pat's, LV, Odyssey, Brighton on Sat, 01 Feb 2014 16:14:49 GMT]]>Hi parents,

any feedback on fort road/mountbatten brighton? Am considering between Odyssey and Brighton. Love the montessori idea but wonder if the curriculum at Odyssey is more interesting for kids. Heard that Brighton is not full montessori and is more academically driven.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1204523https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1204523Sat, 01 Feb 2014 16:14:49 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to knowledge universe preschools - Pat's, LV, Odyssey, Brighton on Thu, 03 Oct 2013 10:41:50 GMT]]>

ConcernedDaddy:
Even if the govt steps in today and say we will pay for all rents and salaries of childcares, will their fees be drastically reduced overnight?


Economics 101 says not a chance.

The company has shareholders and investors. They expect the company to grow and generate increasing profits. Since the company has already demonstrated that its childcare services can command a premium in Singapore (and there is no lack of demand) why will their shareholders give up any rental/salary savings and return it to the parents?

This is just basic capitalism at work after all. Nothing right or wrong. The same will apply for all other childcares.
Again, they are offering services, they have no product. In this, your economic 101 may not be valid. The fee will drop to attract pple to come for the service not product.

Of course there are factors limit the fee drop drastically.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1111993https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1111993Thu, 03 Oct 2013 10:41:50 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to knowledge universe preschools - Pat's, LV, Odyssey, Brighton on Thu, 03 Oct 2013 09:23:02 GMT]]>Even if the govt steps in today and say we will pay for all rents and salaries of childcares, will their fees be drastically reduced overnight?


Economics 101 says not a chance.

The company has shareholders and investors. They expect the company to grow and generate increasing profits. Since the company has already demonstrated that its childcare services can command a premium in Singapore (and there is no lack of demand) why will their shareholders give up any rental/salary savings and return it to the parents?

This is just basic capitalism at work after all. Nothing right or wrong. The same will apply for all other childcares.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1111906https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1111906Thu, 03 Oct 2013 09:23:02 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to knowledge universe preschools - Pat's, LV, Odyssey, Brighton on Wed, 02 Oct 2013 15:09:07 GMT]]>The government should come in to help subsidy the rent and salary for all childcare.


I understand KU situation. It is very hard to get local to join the workforce. The only way is to make the pay attractive. To bring the cost down, foreign worker is the way, but the government make it so expensive to bring in the fw, indirectly the cost pass to the parents. And again, not many Singaporean like to clean poo poo. Ask yrself, will you clean yr parents when they are old and disable? Or pass the job to a maid?

The government keeps saying improve productivity. Not all sector can do that. Childcare is one of them. instead, should reduce the productivity. Can the Childcare increase the children yet maintain the number of teachers? No!

Most Parents are always demanding/abusive/not appreciative. They always think this is a maid job. Always question and doubt the teacher. Exactly the same way as treating their own maid. But their maid is under contract, no choice but to bear, Singaporean teachers are mobile, they can just quit. Only fw teachers have no choice but to face the problem as they are under contract. That is why, Singaporean mostly shun the job or keep hoping till they find a Childcare less children, less work and less complain yet high pay. (I also want)

Again, The bastard landlord is forever hungry for $. Always asking for sky high rent every 2/3 yrs.

If the childcare closed down, it will create demand for other childcare nearby which result fee increment too once their landlord know they are doing well.

All the factors combined, typical childcare average 2 yrs the childcare will ask for fee increment is reasonable.

We need to change our mindset toward Childcare teacher. Appreciate them. Make them feel important, then they will stay in the line, indirectly , more pple will join the trade. Then the reliance on fw will be less.

Our mindset is, my pay can increase, but not yours is utterly wrong. Your salary increase every year, so are the Childcare rental, your fellow Singaporean (teachers) pay.

If you cannot afford, just move to another centre.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1111274https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1111274Wed, 02 Oct 2013 15:09:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to knowledge universe preschools - Pat's, LV, Odyssey, Brighton on Fri, 06 Sep 2013 11:48:30 GMT]]>Saw the whole page advert in the papers today from KU for teachers’ day.

Must be earning big bucks to advertise the whole page.

Notice that the KU chain is getting bigger, with more brands under them.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1091312https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1091312Fri, 06 Sep 2013 11:48:30 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to knowledge universe preschools - Pat's, LV, Odyssey, Brighton on Mon, 02 Sep 2013 03:26:02 GMT]]>Brighton full day about 1800

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1087540https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1087540Mon, 02 Sep 2013 03:26:02 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to knowledge universe preschools - Pat's, LV, Odyssey, Brighton on Sun, 01 Sep 2013 02:56:00 GMT]]>thanks! guess brighton should be around the same range then

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1087028https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1087028Sun, 01 Sep 2013 02:56:00 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to knowledge universe preschools - Pat's, LV, Odyssey, Brighton on Sun, 01 Sep 2013 02:50:17 GMT]]>Should be full day 2000.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1087027https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1087027Sun, 01 Sep 2013 02:50:17 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to knowledge universe preschools - Pat's, LV, Odyssey, Brighton on Sun, 01 Sep 2013 02:39:38 GMT]]>

dardar63:
Heard odyssey having a price increase of $200

so how much is odyssey now?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1087024https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1087024Sun, 01 Sep 2013 02:39:38 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to knowledge universe preschools - Pat's, LV, Odyssey, Brighton on Sun, 01 Sep 2013 02:38:37 GMT]]>tudor house decor and all that is all well and good but… $$$???


and i’m not even gonna complain about the 4 weeks wait just to view the premises… cos my wife signed up to wait anyways!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1087023https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1087023Sun, 01 Sep 2013 02:38:37 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to knowledge universe preschools - Pat's, LV, Odyssey, Brighton on Sat, 31 Aug 2013 14:19:12 GMT]]>

mooncalf:
This thread has been dormant awhile. I requested to view the premises at Brighton Montessori at Mountbatten and was told to wait 4 weeks for a slot. Obviously this place is still 'popular'. Wanting to find more info online and I chanced upon this. Anyone can update what's a full day fee/month nowadays for PN?

Are you referring to the new Brighton at 764 Mountbatten where Etonhouse used to be? If that's the one I must say it is really nicely done up.. ... 😄

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1086892https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1086892Sat, 31 Aug 2013 14:19:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to knowledge universe preschools - Pat's, LV, Odyssey, Brighton on Sat, 31 Aug 2013 13:57:44 GMT]]>Heard odyssey having a price increase of $200

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1086865https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1086865Sat, 31 Aug 2013 13:57:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to knowledge universe preschools - Pat's, LV, Odyssey, Brighton on Sat, 31 Aug 2013 13:37:56 GMT]]>This thread has been dormant awhile. I requested to view the premises at Brighton Montessori at Mountbatten and was told to wait 4 weeks for a slot. Obviously this place is still ‘popular’. Wanting to find more info online and I chanced upon this. Anyone can update what’s a full day fee/month nowadays for PN?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1086849https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1086849Sat, 31 Aug 2013 13:37:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to knowledge universe preschools - Pat's, LV, Odyssey, Brighton on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 12:06:33 GMT]]>Hi


What’s the current fees for pat schoolhouse?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/917599https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/917599Wed, 12 Dec 2012 12:06:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to knowledge universe preschools - Pat's, LV, Odyssey, Brighton on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 13:29:15 GMT]]>Is PSH the only one under the KU chain to include a new policy of 2 months’ deposit for parents paying the fees by cash/cheque (not using GIRO)?


Any issues with that?

Isn’t cash is king? Seemed like it’s not the case with PSH/KU.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/914552https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/914552Wed, 05 Dec 2012 13:29:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to knowledge universe preschools - Pat's, LV, Odyssey, Brighton on Sun, 11 Nov 2012 07:48:00 GMT]]>Hi all, I have received many PMs since my last post but I wasn’t notify due to my email account issue. I have replied to all today, and my apologies for responding so late. My email is working now so do PM me if you need more info!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/896256https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/896256Sun, 11 Nov 2012 07:48:00 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to knowledge universe preschools - Pat's, LV, Odyssey, Brighton on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 00:11:02 GMT]]>Hi James,

Thank you so much for the very insightful info about KU pre-schools. I was actually thinking of viewing the classes at PSH or LV for my daughter for N1. I am disappointed with the exorbitant fees and reading that they will further increase their fees really makes me think twice! As a "new" mummy, I am shocked at the very high price of educating our young ones. I find it ridiculous.
I totally support the petition on MCYS regulating the pre-school fees.
I am still in search of a suitable pre school for my daughter. I’ve scheduled a visit at one of the PSH next week. Curious to see what they have to say.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/854766https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/854766Fri, 21 Sep 2012 00:11:02 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to knowledge universe preschools - Pat's, LV, Odyssey, Brighton on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 03:26:12 GMT]]>read that pat’s increasing fees yearly

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/834096https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/834096Mon, 27 Aug 2012 03:26:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to knowledge universe preschools - Pat's, LV, Odyssey, Brighton on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 17:04:51 GMT]]>Nobody practise that. Most ask in sept/oct and collect n nov. you should refuse to pay…

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/825477https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/825477Fri, 17 Aug 2012 17:04:51 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to knowledge universe preschools - Pat's, LV, Odyssey, Brighton on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 16:14:58 GMT]]>PSH has asked existing students to confirm their placement for next year as early as August which I feel is ultra KS.


If few objection voices are heard, they will collect this additional one month deposit as early as June in the future.

Is this ok? Do other centres practise the same ??

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/825447https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/825447Fri, 17 Aug 2012 16:14:58 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to knowledge universe preschools - Pat's, LV, Odyssey, Brighton on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 16:10:08 GMT]]>Pats Graduation concert costs 60 per ticket, 180 for photos n 130 for child’s costumes.


Broadway shows are cheaper …

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/825445https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/825445Fri, 17 Aug 2012 16:10:08 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to knowledge universe preschools - Pat's, LV, Odyssey, Brighton on Mon, 02 Jul 2012 06:54:38 GMT]]>Hi James,

I just read about the petition today.
I wished I had read it earlier but this s my first bit to this website.

May I know how many nam dd you collected?.

I know this is a real concern to many parents who have children in childcare and kindergarten but not many of us know what to do when put in suituation as such. Given a choice they will be more then willing to sign the petition to get the attention of our government .

Can we have another round of petition with more proactive action such as getting prent to forward the petition email.

Mummyppp

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/787515https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/787515Mon, 02 Jul 2012 06:54:38 GMT