Any good local school wih ex-pat population?

[depends]

phase 3:  I think that 'more popular' leads into 'better' because it also attracts more applications for open teaching positions and thus the school is able to choose the best teachers.

on one hand, more popular =  better, because you're getting the creme de la creme selections of students who are top tier, bright and hardworking. spurred on by peers, kids may perfrom better. also comes hand in hand with proactive parents who 'can be bothered' and will contribute  and do pull their weight (volunteer, donate, make time to input and help with school activities if neccesary etc)

on the flip side, more popular (like the poster after you said) = elitist.
with students and parents often very (read: too) competitive. teachers may be better, because they're under great pressure from parents to perform. but this push also trickles down to their students - some, who though bright may not thrive too well under such rigorous situations.

also, if i am not mistaken, the better schools get rewarded with more opportunities (better funding, enrichment etc)

[tiggerpooh]

Thanks everyone.  Looking at the posts its better to stick to international school.  We are considering Chatsworth ORchid Road. Anyone with kids going there ?  Any feedback?

regards

[to op]

Back to local schools.

I guess first question is to define good. Our kids went to local pre school and looked at primary but zero chance of going where their friends went. That said the definition of good was grade output (btw their friends universally hate it).

Gave up and went int route. They did a visit to a local school and it was excellent, it wasn't popular with locals though so could have got in.

Anyway, your definition of good may be different to a local one.

Anyway, can't help on last question but good luck.

[on the contrary]

phase 3:  I think that 'more popular' leads into 'better' because it also attracts more applications for open teaching positions and thus the school is able to choose the best teachers.

I wouldn't recommend the schools which are "popular" among Singaporeans. These are the same schools that place unnecessary emphasis on exam results (hence, their popularity!)

Many of the phase 3 schools provide a much more well-rounded education. Otherwise...

Ithe elementary school has a good rep and I got a very good 'feel' from the place when I visited. Not scientific I know but I have only heard positive comments from parents with children at the lower grades

SJI is a good option