Chile Forum

Thanks Tombi and Marla for your replies. We can probably handle up to $1,500 a month for tuition for the two kids, it's just that up-front initation fee that really kills us given our short stay. Ideally we'd want them in the same school, given the logistics of getting around town and not knowing where we will be living.

We are less concerned about the "quality" of the education they get - both kids are very bright and being in a foreign country is education enough - its more about finding a place that is welcoming and has at least some English instruction so the kids aren't completely isolated.

We have been given recommendations for the Montessori school as well as The Angel's School, if anyone has any advice on either of those...again much appreciated!

We are less concerned about the "quality" of the education they get - both kids are very bright and being in a foreign country is education enough - its more about finding a place that is welcoming and has at least some English instruction so the kids aren't completely isolated.

That makes perfect sense and I agree with you.

I agree, the incorporation is a killer and I'm not sure if there is a way around it - you can try and negotiate though. Montessori could be the answer, it's not big in Chile, (as in popularity wise), but I've seen a few around, mostly kindergartens though, so hopefully the price is not prohibitive and waiting lists not an issue.

I've just had a look and there's quite a few Montessori schools in Santiago. This one specifically caught my eye, as they have an English/Spanish website and I see they have English speaking teachers as they do teach some English basics

http://www.montessorirayhue.cl

Hi Mike,
my boys - 5 and 3, are both in Vitamina Jardin Infantil - it is a chain, and i have friends whose kids attend a different Vitamina and they are equally happy with it. It is all Spanish, but that is the way for your little one to learn quickly.

Re schools, we originally looked in to schools for our older boy for this year, and tried to get into TIPS. They were incredibly unhelpful. Friends with kids there had the attendance arranged through the company, so if you are keen on TIPS, I suggest you get the uni to approach them.

I agree with Marla about SEK. I looked at it and loved the feel of the school. They are located on Los Militares in Las Condes. I have spoken to many parents when i see them walking with kids in the school uniform, and they have always been very positive. The school teaches English one lesson per day starting in year 2. They may be willing to negotiate on fees for a half year. Keep in mind that the school year doesn't start until beginning of March though.

All the best.

You could use K12 charter school (k12.com); not too badly priced for core classes. It is even "free" in some states as a homeschool option--they take the payment that normally goes to the school district on your child's behalf and will even send a laptop and printer. I would guess you'd need to have an address in that state to receive all of the books and supplies. Good luck!

Hi Mike,

I am wondering how you resolved the school situation. I am currently facing a similar problem. I am planning a short stay in Santiago in November - December, 2011, and I have a 5 years old. I would like him to join a school, since I will be working the entire period. I appreciate any advice.

Thanks, Anna

Which Monty school do you mean, Mike? Depending on where in Stgo you are planning on living and if you will have a car, maybe this one? http://epullay.cl/ I was seriously thinking of sending my 2 girls there (4yo and 2yo) but the commute would be an hour each day, plus the tour/interview is all in Spanish so I decided not to.

I ended up choosing Runningbrook instead. It is an infant jardin, day to day the language used is English, the staff are all Chilean, 99.9% of the children speak Spanish as a 1st language and it truly is the language of the playground.

The Jardin starts at the beginning of March, my 2 attended the summer school in January and as my 2 had never been to anything resembling jardin, I was there watching in the classroom for the whole 3 weeks (minus half an hour a day in the last week). It is a great school, and the El Rodeo jardin has a class for 5yo's. They have 2 (from memory) Spanish lessons per week. They also have a school bus which can collect and drop off the children if required, which may help you if you end up sending the children to different schools.

The fees - just shy of $200k per child per month. The matricula (one off fee) was around $200k also. Then you also need to provide an apron for painting/messy stuff and 6 rolls of paper towel per child per year. Class commences at 8.30 and finishes at 12.30, with an option (free of charge) for the children to stay until 1.30. They do not provide snacks/lunch. If your child stays til 1.30 you are required to provide lunch. During term time each teacher holds a class after jardin finishes, which could be dance/painting/cooking/drama etc. This is until 3.30 and costs around 20k per type of class per term. It is optional. There is a uniform, which is inexpensive ($5 USD for shorts, similar for polo shirt). The adult to child ratio is great, typically 2 teachers and 2 helpers per class of 20ish. The children spent most of their time outside in the playground, which has grass! (rare here from what I have seen). The days schedule is broken up evenly so the outside time is not all in one go.

The owner/director Jacquie is marvellous, very knowledgable and passionate about childrens education, she is very well read on the subject, and she has worked in the US. She and her staff truly care about the children, the staff undergo regular training also. In her words (paraphrased) she is unlearning the teachers typical cultural beliefs about a childs "place" and how to respond when a child is upset/acting out. I am really happy with the jardin as are the other parents I have spoken to.

runningbrook.cl

hth