SAIS vs OFS

[malcontent]

I do not expect him to only work in NZ. I hope he needs to set up his own business in the country he will choose later to settle down.

Taiwan and mostly Guangzhou. We have a family and friend there, many language school scholarships are offered. So it will be not too hard to plan. Most importantly, it is a must to learn Chinese. I will send him, maybe before his university life for a year or 2.
Yes, Taiwan or China are not university destination for him. It is only to learn Chinese.

NZ is beautiful but expensive and hard to find work in. What about Taiwan?

I have often wondered about the value of Chinese language abilities. Everyone says it’s a must to learn.

My kids both learned it to a pretty high standard, but I have my doubts about how much it will benefit them in their lives. At most it makes their grandparents happy because they are more fluent in Chinese than English, but they tend to speak Bahasa at home. Since moving to Singapore in 1996, I’ve missed out on any opportunities, and I certainly have no aspiration to live or work in China. It’s not exactly a desirable lifestyle destination, and isn’t likely to be anytime soon.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Speaking from experience, I was the cause of the change of 2nd language abilities in the late 1990's~early millennium after going to war with the MOE regarding my daughter taking chinese as a 2nd language. (Backstory, wife is Singaporean Tamil, me American Caucasian) They tried to tell me she had to take Tamil as a 2nd language. I railed at that as it was of no use. Anyway, I beat them with their own rulebook which stated (and in the late 80's my daughter was the first to put it to the test) that if you take your mother tongue at 1st language level you have your choice of the 2nd language. This was where I hung them out to dry as my daughter's 1st language is determined by the father's race (even though it called the mother tongue (-sic!)). The problem is that nobody at that time had ever had a Singaporean Child who's mother tongue was technically English (there is only 3 Native recognized languages here and the language of Government (English). So she was the first with English as a mother tongue and as she was taking it a 1st language level, they had no choice. Ultimately, when my son started school, he didn't have an issue taking chinese as she already had set the precedence. Now they are a lot more flexible.

Anyway, if you have an option to have your child take Chinese as a second language, and are prepared for the tutors, etc. It can be well worth it for the child. Both of my children if they have thanked me for my foresight once they've thanked me a thousand times. My daughter has worked all over the world and has, as the HR functionary of Maersk Drilling & now Noble Drilling (same company), used the language almost on a daily basis and still does today at 40. My son, a professional barber and musician on the local scene who has toured China twice has gone over big time with the crowds as he can rap with the crowds in their own language. What happened was I was preparing them if they happened to return to the US (if I did) then with that language knowledge they would be very valuable to any international company with Asian focus. English and Chinese are the only two languages they need in future world. Meanwhile it also gives them lot's of face right here on the little red dot as well.

SMS

[hnlee]

This is a very interesting topic to discuss about how important mandarin to my sons' education.

Honestly speaking, I am from a traditional Chinese family (I believe your wife as well since she was from a small city of Indonesia), so to learn about fluent Chinese is a must for us, especially to make our elderly happy .
On a different case, based on my experience, to be able to speak fluent Chinese will be so helpful when dealing with Chinese investors and I often dealing with them.
In my mind, No doubt in the future to come especially comes to my sons time, dealing w/ various kind of works w/ Chinese investors are becoming common things. Only people who can speak fluent Chinese will be able to deal easier and vast with them.

Well, the build-up tunnel that connect China to South East Asia is real and still on progress. I thought it was a joke before like some short of Disney's futuristic movie, but when that time comes, everybody has to be ready with tougher competitions. Only w/ good education and learning various kind of languages especially mandarin will not be in vain.
That is just based on my experience, but of course not everyone will agree with this, it depends on our nature of work.

I do not expect him to only work in NZ. I hope he needs to set up his own business in the country he will choose later to settle down.

Taiwan and mostly Guangzhou. We have a family and friend there, many language school scholarships are offered. So it will be not too hard to plan. Most importantly, it is a must to learn Chinese. I will send him, maybe before his university life for a year or 2.
Yes, Taiwan or China are not university destination for him. It is only to learn Chinese.

NZ is beautiful but expensive and hard to find work in. What about Taiwan?

I have often wondered about the value of Chinese language abilities. Everyone says it’s a must to learn.

My kids both learned it to a pretty high standard, but I have my doubts about how much it will benefit them in their lives. At most it makes their grandparents happy because they are more fluent in Chinese than English, but they tend to speak Bahasa at home. Since moving to Singapore in 1996, I’ve missed out on any opportunities, and I certainly have no aspiration to live or work in China. It’s not exactly a desirable lifestyle destination, and isn’t likely to be anytime soon.

[hnlee]

Thank you for your input and sharing your experience. I really appreciate it.

Speaking from experience, I was the cause of the change of 2nd language abilities in the late 1990's~early millennium after going to war with the MOE regarding my daughter taking chinese as a 2nd language. (Backstory, wife is Singaporean Tamil, me American Caucasian) They tried to tell me she had to take Tamil as a 2nd language. I railed at that as it was of no use. Anyway, I beat them with their own rulebook which stated (and in the late 80's my daughter was the first to put it to the test) that if you take your mother tongue at 1st language level you have your choice of the 2nd language. This was where I hung them out to dry as my daughter's 1st language is determined by the father's race (even though it called the mother tongue (-sic!)). The problem is that nobody at that time had ever had a Singaporean Child who's mother tongue was technically English (there is only 3 Native recognized languages here and the language of Government (English). So she was the first with English as a mother tongue and as she was taking it a 1st language level, they had no choice. Ultimately, when my son started school, he didn't have an issue taking chinese as she already had set the precedence. Now they are a lot more flexible.

Anyway, if you have an option to have your child take Chinese as a second language, and are prepared for the tutors, etc. It can be well worth it for the child. Both of my children if they have thanked me for my foresight once they've thanked me a thousand times. My daughter has worked all over the world and has, as the HR functionary of Maersk Drilling & now Noble Drilling (same company), used the language almost on a daily basis and still does today at 40. My son, a professional barber and musician on the local scene who has toured China twice has gone over big time with the crowds as he can rap with the crowds in their own language. What happened was I was preparing them if they happened to return to the US (if I did) then with that language knowledge they would be very valuable to any international company with Asian focus. English and Chinese are the only two languages they need in future world. Meanwhile it also gives them lot's of face right here on the little red dot as well.

SMS

[hnlee]

Hi Parents,

Comeback with the result. Finally we decided to enroll at OFS.
Here are some of my opinions about both schools:

OFS
Positive:
a. Many sport activities are offered (they are strong in swimming & have a good program for the competitive team)
b. Variety of facilities like: semi indoor basketball courts (more than 1 bball court, in fact it is 4, so many events can be held together), a huge greenish outdoor football/soccer/rugby/hockey fields, a moderate size of gym room (quite variety of gym equipment - I did my gym routines so I know it is more than enough for your teens to build up their body strong and healthy), a big semi indoor swimming pool (still can swim in the thunder), running tracks, a full air-conned multi-functional hall.
b. OFS has a very good layout and healthy school environment for our kids because it is so spacious. I like the air there, so refreshing.
c. Study preparation program is for free for non native English speaker students before they are going to mainstream classes.
d. Very speedy, warm, friendly and welcoming response from admission office
e. IB and IGCSE are offered.
g. All students are NOT ALLOWED to go out from the school in active hours.
h. A huge parents' room to wait for their children & a very comfy waiting room at 1st floor.
i. A huge outdoor dining hall (I read some negative review about the food from the internet but when I tried, the taste was not bad at all. I think most of our kids eat too much tasty oily junk foods).
j. A well mannered students & respectful teachers.
k. Teachers and students are so welcoming to guests.
l. No cell phone while studying (only on break time and lunch break are allowed).
m. Strict security
n. Very strict on guardianship rules
o. Has a free bus for parents or guardians to back and forth between school and Pasir-Ris MRT
p. Located in green area in Singapore.

Negative:
a. I cannot find it yet, let my son tell his journey later.
b. All negativity I found in the internet seems cant be reliable ( I will share my opinion below)
c. There is no perfect schools, so I believe I will find one in the future

SAIS
Positive:
a. Many sport activities are offered
b. Has an indoor full air-conned basketball court (but sometimes they use it as volley ball court, multi functional hall as well and kinda cramped), a huge greenish football/soccer/rugby/hockey field, a small rock climbing wall (good activity for your teens), .
c. A strong American education system (IB system as well)
d. A comfy small cafe for parents, a comfy indoor air-conned moderate size dining hall (not sure how SAIS can arrange the students to have their lunch together here though cus it will not be enough).
e. A very professional and welcoming front liners / admission team (they have a live chat online which I found it very helpful).
f. Students - teachers respect relationship seem so well built.
g. No cell phone while studying (only allowed when on a break or lunch break)
h. Located at town / near Orchard and very convenient because so near to the MRT by walking distance.
i. Strict security
j. For kids who love adventures, they have a mandatory field trip program for our young ones, such as go to Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Negative:
a. Admission take a bit longer to response (try to remind from live chat)
b. The school can be hot/warm because it is located in central area / air flow not really well
c. School layout a bit cramped
d. Students can be so free and not showing manner to elderly on their break time such as raise up their feet on the table, laying down on the library chairs (for Asian families, showing proper manner is a must).
e. Students - teachers relationship seem like more into a family (from my perspective).
f. Need extra money for school laptop and EAL or a non native English speaker class
g. Teachers & Students do not care with their guests.

I dont discuss about academics too much because it is depending on each parent's perspective. I have sons who are not into academics (all of my sons can do it moderately but not too special).
They are good in communications, making friends, music, strong in sports. So I do not want to waste time to push them in full academics, I have to find a way for them to nourish their skills & talents. So basically it is depending on what kind of vision or mission of each parent would like their children to accomplish.

Every individual's talent both academics or non are back to students' habits. Even tough they are good at it, if they do not put hard work or effort, they will be just another ordinary individual no matter how well and prestigious you place your children into.
I believe a balance life will provide us a good success in the future.

For each of the school reviews from the internet, for me, they are not reliable because they are either out of date, or from spoil children (who complained about the food or no air con on the hallway), or from parents who might be lack of understanding of how each school system's work.

So I think this is a wrap for my son's new mid-school choice. Let us see in the next few months to come what kind of journeys he will share to me and my family.
Lastly, my wife was a perfect academics score student from primary to her university years. She is now accepting that my genetic is running strong in my sons instead of hers

Thank you everyone for your feedback.

[malcontent]

Congrats on finding the school that feels right for your kids. My sincere hope is that it will continue to feel right for them. The #1 thing is that the kids are happy going there. Please share your first-hand experience after your kids have settled in. OFS has been in Singapore a long time and is accredited by WASC.

If OFS does MAP testing, you will know how OFS students fare academically after your kids take this test and see the results which show their score, the overall school score and the U.S. domestic score. At SAS, students at the school score well above the U.S. national average.

[hnlee]

Thank you. I will share the experience in few months to come.

Congrats on finding the school that feels right for your kids. My sincere hope is that it will continue to feel right for them. The #1 thing is that the kids are happy going there. Please share your first-hand experience after your kids have settled in. OFS has been in Singapore a long time and is accredited by WASC.

If OFS does MAP testing, you will know how OFS students fare academically after your kids take this test and see the results which show their score, the overall school score and the U.S. domestic score. At SAS, students at the school score well above the U.S. national average.

[hnlee]

Hi Everyone,

So this is the 2nd week of my son studying in his new school, which is OFS (1st time ever he studies in an International School as well).
He told me that he found it fun, joyous, and has a supportive surrounding when he got home at the 1st day (totally different when i sent him to his school bus. He scared when the bus approached us LOL ).

Here are points I need to share:

1. Environment: OFS is so supportive from teachers and class-mates.
2. His SPP3 classmates are mostly Japanese and Korean. They speak in English most of the time (sometimes their mother tongue, I think it is natural if you are in the circle). My son is the only Indonesian in the class and all the classmates respect him.
3. When we are talking about academics, each parent has their own goal for their beloved children.
From some review I have read or some comments here, I will say it is unfair to say OFS is not too serious in academics because when I follow my son's schedules and tasks. OFS provides many homework and keep to date whatever they do or will do in the future. I would say, back to the students and parents how they manage their time to follow what their children have been through.
(Parents can follow their children tasks by online).
4. OFS recently announced some of their students who won in math, chess and some sport competitions. If the school cannot nourish their students, I do not think they have these gifted champions.
5. My son is into basketball, he looked for the school's coach and he is so welcoming. So did his future team-mates. Hope he will make it to the main roster next month.
6. OFS offers many free unique school programs at lunch time or after-school programs.
7. The school also offers enrichment programs but these are charged. I think it is normal because they hire professionals.
8. Happened to bump to OFS soccer coach and basketball coach. I could see they are so spirited, enthusiastic and supportive to their students.
9. When mentioning profit vs non profit schools, I think it is normal in order to maintain a healthy financial condition and to upgrade the school. Nothing is free in Singapore.
10. Admins give fast response. This what I like about the school so we can do our next steps as soon as possible.
11. Canteen foods are acceptable both in taste and price. I tried it. Most importantly, my son really love the canteen pizza and the western foods.
12. In conclusion, I will say every school has their strength and weakness. I agree school like SAS or UWC is the most favorable of all but my goal is not to enroll my son to a superb school.
What I need is the school that can provide and to maximize my son's talents, hobbies, routines,and finally education so my son will thrive and to be ready to face his future.
13. Forgot to mention I like the layouts because the school has a very good air flow at the hallway despite the hot weather in Singapore.
14. Just got called by my son few minutes ago and he said time flies fast in OFS. LOL...

Let's see next month if he can make it to the school team and he will join his favorite PE lesson, which is swimming.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Nice in-depth review.

[Sara.Haddah]

hey there! honestly, both SAIS and OFS have their own strengths, and it often comes down to fit, which it sounds like you’re already tuned into.
SAIS does lean more into a progressive, American-style environment, lots of room for creativity, individuality, and talent development outside traditional academics. if your son’s into sports, media, and music, he might thrive there, especially with the IB pathway that allows for depth and flexibility. the lack of greenery is a fair point, but some families find that the strong co-curriculars make up for the more urban setting. and yes, they’re openly inclusive and diverse, which can be a plus depending on your family’s values.
OFS, on the other hand, has a more blended international vibe, it tends to attract a wider mix of cultural backgrounds, and the IGCSE + IB structure** can be a good balance if you want a bit of academic rigor but not as full-on as some local-style schools. the campus layout and green space are definitely more expansive, and if your son is leaning toward OFS socially and emotionally, that’s huge, comfort often leads to confidence. if you’re still undecided, you could try using a tool called doris.school that lets you compare schools based on curriculum, co-curriculars, learning environment, fees, and more. it helped a friend of mine filter down schools with a strong focus on sports and arts without compromising academics.
at the end of the day, your thoughtful approach and your son having a voice in this already sets him up for success. happy to help dig deeper into specific programs if you want!

[hnlee]

Hi Sara!
I am happy when somebody can give more information when come to the variety of International School choices.
I agree with everything you say.

So in this case, my son already find OFS as his second home. Every teacher is so supportive.
He is into sport and we have so many great sport teachers / coaches. He also successful in his basketball competitive team.
Coming to friends, he is so adaptive with new friends, new classes and he would like to challenge himself to new activities in the next semester.
What I like about OFS is, both sports and academics run equally so my son has to fight for both ends order to be successful in the school. Well, that is part to become a responsible student as well
Not forgetting to mention most of his new friends are good friends and students. So supportive to each other. They even invited me to their weekend BBQ party, and they were so discipline when time to go home at 9 at night at the most.
I noticed OFS also had many positive activities including sports day, sports night and also school picnic (it is like more into an introduction about diff countries cultures and foods, parents are so supportive in this event and plenty free foods were given). Recently my son graduated from mid school and OFS provided a very neat, simple, and so meaningful presentation. Very professional.

Again, nice to read your information and we need more people like you who gave good sources for parents who are still in need for searching schools in Singapore as their expectation .

hey there! honestly, both SAIS and OFS have their own strengths, and it often comes down to fit, which it sounds like you’re already tuned into.
SAIS does lean more into a progressive, American-style environment, lots of room for creativity, individuality, and talent development outside traditional academics. if your son’s into sports, media, and music, he might thrive there, especially with the IB pathway that allows for depth and flexibility. the lack of greenery is a fair point, but some families find that the strong co-curriculars make up for the more urban setting. and yes, they’re openly inclusive and diverse, which can be a plus depending on your family’s values.
OFS, on the other hand, has a more blended international vibe, it tends to attract a wider mix of cultural backgrounds, and the IGCSE + IB structure** can be a good balance if you want a bit of academic rigor but not as full-on as some local-style schools. the campus layout and green space are definitely more expansive, and if your son is leaning toward OFS socially and emotionally, that’s huge, comfort often leads to confidence.

[Sara.Haddah]

Hi there, thank you so much for the feedback! always down to help wherever I can!

[headachehealer]

Honestly, OFS is not a good school in my experience. I used to know some of the good teachers there but it seems that they were suddenly replaced for no good reason. The feedback I got was that OFS only cares about making a profit (which is tied to results) which obviously reflects on the owners of the school whoever they may be and not necessarily the teachers. Yes, the owners are to blame & I do not think I'd feel any kind of pride if I was the owner of OFS and more like shame that the only reason for the school is to make money and definitely not to help humanity. If you are one of the owners then prove me wrong please! Do better! The school needs to change it's overall philosophy and stop thinking only about results but also about the fragile minds of it's students.

I guess if you worked there and saw some kind of injustice you won't fare well if you report it so those who know what I am talking about have probably just kept their mouths shut or moved to another school without saying too much. Oh! What an environment of fear some people live in! Be careful if you are a parent and think that any school is going to give your kids a proper education these days because passing exams has nothing to do with what is really needed to become a good adult.

Some smart Alek might try to candy coat or suppress my comments (as is your custom in these kinds of schools) because you have no respect for others. If you are one of them, then you do not deserve to be a teacher and definitely should not be around children who need to learn to express themselves without fear and condemnation. If you have done anything other than just stay in academia, then you don't have a right to comment about what children need for the real world -which is pretty nasty these days. As for SAIS, I have no experience so cannot comment.

Remember that these kinds of schools make big bucks and so if there is a serious issue, they are more than likely to sweep it under the carpet. Better to send your kids to a local school in Singapore & don't make them feel they are more special than others because they are a foreigner or because their parents have more money than most.

[hnlee]

Wow,

This is the 2nd yr of my son enrollment in OFS and he is happy. So do I as a parent.

I am so sorry to hear your bad experience but luckily, we are having everything in contrary with your statements.

1. Last year OFS senior teacher just retired from the school and he was one of the kindest. He got every spotlight that afternoon.
2. Not sure what kind of profit you talked about. It is Singapore, I never believe if there are institutions claim that they are non-profit organizations.
3. OFS provides free competitive after school trainings way long before the competition start, free lunch and after school programs.
4. I studied in cheap International School in singapore back in 1999, with similar year, my brother went to well-known local singapore school and now my son is at his best experience in OFS by my opinion.
So yeah, I know the differences.
5. School and teachers always update exams and homework. Even when my son feel unwell and skipped his after school training or even did not take the school bus, the school reported to me via email.
6. I found my son is becoming more discipline, work harder and always on time as he is now reaching High School.
7. But I agree with you To be successful, many factors are involving, including strong parenting and society instead of just depending on grades, big schools, famous universities, rewards and awards. So it is complex and this is a different story.

I wish you the best and finding what you aim most, again sorry to hear your experience with OFS

Honestly, OFS is not a good school in my experience. I used to know some of the good teachers there but it seems that they were suddenly replaced for no good reason. The feedback I got was that OFS only cares about making a profit (which is tied to results) which obviously reflects on the owners of the school whoever they may be and not necessarily the teachers. Yes, the owners are to blame & I do not think I'd feel any kind of pride if I was the owner of OFS and more like shame that the only reason for the school is to make money and definitely not to help humanity. If you are one of the owners then prove me wrong please! Do better! The school needs to change it's overall philosophy and stop thinking only about results but also about the fragile minds of it's students.

I guess if you worked there and saw some kind of injustice you won't fare well if you report it so those who know what I am talking about have probably just kept their mouths shut or moved to another school without saying too much. Oh! What an environment of fear some people live in! Be careful if you are a parent and think that any school is going to give your kids a proper education these days because passing exams has nothing to do with what is really needed to become a good adult.

Some smart Alek might try to candy coat or suppress my comments (as is your custom in these kinds of schools) because you have no respect for others. If you are one of them, then you do not deserve to be a teacher and definitely should not be around children who need to learn to express themselves without fear and condemnation. If you have done anything other than just stay in academia, then you don't have a right to comment about what children need for the real world -which is pretty nasty these days. As for SAIS, I have no experience so cannot comment.

Remember that these kinds of schools make big bucks and so if there is a serious issue, they are more than likely to sweep it under the carpet. Better to send your kids to a local school in Singapore & don't make them feel they are more special than others because they are a foreigner or because their parents have more money than most.

[headachehealer]

OFS typifies this new era of mass manufacturing, quality control, labelling and making sure that the product conforms to a specification. This is not education but manufacturing for a profit. I'm pretty sure that the owners look at their graphs regularly to see how quickly their investment is returning like they look at their stocks and bonds. OFS is a cold-hearted machine-like entity which reflects on the owners (whoever they are). I say the "owners" and blame you "owners" because the money is going into your pockets but at the same time you would have us believe this is a "Family School" - Is this a joke? Family School?

Talk to most of the teachers there and ask them serious questions and you won't get a proper answer. What you will get from the teachers is an answer that falls within the guidelines of what a teacher is allowed to say? OFS teachers are always worried about results and keeping to timetables with no concern for the children's welfare because your master is looking for the $$$ and $$$ equate to exam results and attendance and so you must obey the wishes of your master which is $$$ for them and no $$$ for you if you begin to feel that a school should be something more than just a meat factory.

Honestly, I don't see a bright future for OFS because it's principal foundations are all really messed up.