any good American school outside of SAS in singapore

[Exactly true]

You could have written the same for TTS - they compare themselves to non selective state schools or Grammars (and they compare v favourably) not top flight independent/private schools.

BUT they are not a selective school, I am not sure that SAS is either? Most independents are in one way or another.

TTS and SAS are the catch all school for the middle class professionals who have school age children in Singapore. As someone else has said very few would be educated in the private/independent system in the US or UK. Most families, especially those whose fees are covered, don't know how high the standards are in the best independent schools so think they've died and gone to heaven. Most have never set foot in the 'best' schools in their home countries and have no idea how very high the general standards are.

[ex-SAS mom]

Yes.... I think when some posters mentioned 'charity', they mean 'endowment'. SAS has started this endowment program (like most private schools..) to benefit less fortunate kids (many in neighboring countries) and give them a chance to get a good education. These funds are generated outside of tuition, and parents are encouraged to give but it is not compulsory.

This is fashioned after most private schools in the US, where often it helps to build prestige. We are paying through the nose for school (and it's actually a lot more expensive than SAS , think average USD 32,000 to 35,000 a year!), and we are still 'encouraged' to give to the endowment!!

(Having said that, there are of course private schools here that charge less)

[That makes sense]

Ex SAS Mum that makes sense. The high fees you quote would be similar in the UK for a top flight independent school. I don't think enough can or would pay this much in Singapore hence why nothing comparable is here.

[ex-SAS mom]

"Exactly True' -
You are absolutely right. Most international schools in S'pore are 'catch-all' for kids coming in. And no, SAS admissions does not require entry testing (at least not in lower school).

We've gone through the whole 'getting into a good private school' process here in the US, and believe me, it's so competitive, I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy-parent!!
As I am very sure it is the same case in the UK!

Bottom line, it's difficult getting a place at SAS or TTS, but for different reasons.

[are you sure]

i would highly doubt the endowment is for underpriveleged children in neighboring countries. Where is their boarding for these kids? Would be interesting to see how many scholarships are given each year to kids with this endowment

[scoobydoo]

I've never heard anything about underprivileged kids coming here and being schooled at SAS.  there is a lot of charity work for schools in Cambodia and I think Vietnam.  Every year, groups of teachers go and work with teachers there.  There is a charity with a girls name that raises money for projects also.  I think if they were bringing kids here and providing paid slots, you'd hear a lot more about it. 

ex SAS Mom, do you have any suggestions regarding returning to the US and being able to get into good private schools-for example any particular skill sets or anything that could be done here to be ready?  I hate the idea of all kinds of tuitions like the locals do. 

[ex-SAS mom]

Sorry I wasn't clear folks, I didn't mean that the endowment is used to offer scholarships to study AT SAS. I meant they mete out some funds to worthy educational causes elsewhere, i think. But really honestly though, most endowment funds are raised to protect the interest of the school as an institution, to support long-term projects geared towards improving the school's calibre and standing. Since this is a trust school, if nothing else we can be 'assured' that funds go back to it and not to some shareholder's hands or something.

Hi Scoobydoo - as for application to a private school in the US - it depends which state you plan to do it. It's much MUCH harder if you intend to send your children to big coastal cities, like NY, LA, SF or Boston.  And let's not even get started on trying to get into Ivy-league prep/feeder schools....Do you have an idea which state you're thinking about?

Look up the Private School Review website - it shows a comprehensive list throughout the States. You'll need a wide lead-time to apply. You are going to need a lot of transcripts, letters of recommendation, show of extra-curricular achievements,face-to-face interviews, and last but not least, required tests  like ERB (Educational Records Bureau) or ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examinations), which are necessary when applying for private education (note these tests are much harder than the standard tests administered by the public school sysytem). Some schools also ask for SSAT (Secondary Sch Admisiion Test)results
I know they say you can't coah the kids for these, but you absolutely can, and there are books you can order to prep. It's a lot of stuff.....let me know if you need anymore questions answered!

[ex-SAS mom]

And that charity Scoobydoo was describing is called Tabitha - SAS' PTA does all the work on that though, not the school! They are kind enough however to provide a store room/office though... I remember doing 3 days of volunteering selling at the fair!

[scoobydoo]

Hi ex-SAS mom,

I'm not sure when or where we'll go.  I've been really happy with SAS, particularly after the public school system where we lived.  I know that there are good public schools in some places so it could be that we'll end up somewhere like that.  At this point, I think it likely that we'll opt for private schools.  Your post just got me thinking and wondering if there are things that we should do as we go along now to be ready for that point.  Thanks for the input.  I'll check into your suggestions.