Chatsworth v. EtonHouse

[School dad]

We are considering these two schools for our Primary 1 / Year 2 child. We would really appreciate hearing the views of any current and/or former parents from either school, as we have found that the 1 hour "tour and talk" is fairly inadequate. Anything you can tell us regarding curriculum, atmosphere, classmates, teaching/admin staff and any other high or low points of these schools would be very helpful. Thanks.

[jed]

I have a child at Chatsworth, P2.  He loves it.  We are very pleased with the school, the teachers, small class size, etc.  Nothing bad to report.

[School dad]

Thanks, Jed.  It's always good to hear the positives.  We certainly liked Chatsworth - although we were a little surprised to hear that a large number of their primary staff are leaving at the end of this year because their contracts are up. But the program looked very solid.  That being said, Eton is closer to us, has a shorter school day and the academics and activities seem pretty much on a par with Chatsworth - thus our dilema.

[Bessy]

I have also heard really good reviews on Chatsworth, especially their extra-curricular activites such as their sports and camps. They seem to be a school that goes out of their way to help build the children socially and educationally.  

[Giina]

What grade does Eton House currently go up to?  A year ago, we decided not send our daughter there because Eton couldn't guarantee that they would add a grade a year.  They would just do it if they had the demand.  Has this changed?  We chose OFS instead.  

[JT]

I just signed up my children at Eton House because the staff was so accomodating, the teachers are warm and involved, and the children seem truly happy. They let my kids join in the entire class before signing up and basically allow their parents to drop in unannounced. The director/owner is very involved in her schools (saw her in deep discussion with several of the directors/supervisors regarding curriculum,policy, etc.) and they don't seem to put pressure on their kids although many of them excel at their own accord. Currently their International school goes up to P4. It also doesn't have that 150% expat feel which I thought benefitted the children. There's definitely a good mix of kids and a good emphasis on Mandarin too for those who want it.

As for Chatsworth, I didn't like the "formal" feel of it and the staff didn't look too happy to be there. Always a sure sign...

[mum]

My son goes to Chatsworth, he is in year 1 and I can highly recommend the school. The staff is very warm and they really care. The school has a great ECA programm and my son really enjoys himself.

[Bessy]

I have been to Chatsworth several times and the staff have always appeared to be happy and very pleasant..I think "school dad" you should have a trial in both schools for a few days with your child, to see what you think and what your child thinks, you'll soon see which school is right for your family and you..good luck.

[Teacher]

Tanglin Trust is the only school in Singapore worth considering.

[Brit Mum]

As his children are so young he can forget getting them into Tanglin School if he has not been on the waiting list for a year.  My child waiting for entry into year 2 has plummeted down that waiting list.  I do not like the arrogant attitude of some of the people I have spoken to at that school.

[impressed by Tanglin]

The infant teachers are 1st class.  They put so much time and effort in to creating a warm, happy environment.  The educational standards are very high too, comparable to the top UK schools.....hence the waiting list.

[jed]

I wont disagree that Tangling Trust is a great school.  However, it has a (long) waiting list and costs more money.  Plus, the original question was Eton House or Chatsworth.
BTW, Tanglin has limits on the number of non-brit. students it admits, making it alot less international than schools such as OFS, Chatsworth and Dover.  My view is teach your kid the Brit lifestyle at home and let him/her learn about culture first-hand in a multi-cultural environment at school.

[mj]

ITA with Brit Mum.  I  have found the admin staff to be incredibly unhelpful snotty to boot.  I recently pulled my daughter off the waiting list (for year 2) as she was no closer to getting a place than when I registered her 1 year ago and was told she'd definatly be in by Easter.  
I have no problem with the standards of education on offer at TTS just the size of the school and the sea of white middleclass faces in every class.  Your child would have a more multiracial classroom in the UK than here!

As to the original Q.  I have friends with kids at Eton house who rave about the place.  Excellent teachers and a small environment that's very family friendly.

[Nicolle]

School Dad -- Please let me know what your decision is & why.  We are in the same situation, although we are also considering ISS.  Going on gut feeling, we liked Eton better.  However, we are concerned that Eton House currently just has P1 and only "hopes" to add P2 next year.  We wouldn't want to switch our daughter after a year, if they don't have the demand for P2.  Also, I like the international cirriculum at Chatsworth vs the national at Eton House.  Any thoughts?

[international school mum]

I understand you wanting to give your child a multicultural experience here.  However if the majority of children in the class have English as a 2nd language, as some of the international schools do, your child could be disadvantaged.  I am happy with the British curriculum taught at my children's school, and the classes are made up of various nationalities, the difference being  the standard of English that is required for entry.  Culturally, my children and I have made friends in our condo with Singaporeans, and families from many other countries, so we still have that valuable experience of learning about other cultures.