Community Members Spill the Chai: How far Will Parents go for a Top School?

I look for institutions that go beyond academics. I see character, curiosity, resilience, and culture. The ideal school is one that balances intellectual and emotional intelligence, preparing children not only to excel in examinations but to engage mindfully with the world.

The school should have a strong sense of community, value leadership and inclusiveness, and a long-standing history. These are also key indicators of an institution worth trusting.

I believe philanthropy should be rooted in conviction, not transaction. If I were to contribute financially, it would be because I align deeply with the school’s vision and wish to enhance its programs. For me, integrity in education is non-negotiable; a child’s place should be earned.

However, this is not the case in some schools in Bangkok. They ask for a donation as a way to secure your seat in the school. I am not fully against this system, as it exists all over the world. However, it is unfair to students who have rightfully earned their place through examinations or good merit.

Where do we draw the line on what’s acceptable? Perhaps schools need to consider what standards they are setting.

I believe every parent is driven by the desire to provide the best opportunities for their child, and I can understand the pressures that shape these decisions. That said, I personally place greater value on merit-based admission. True admission decisions should be guided by a student’s abilities, values, and potential.

When schools uphold integrity in their selection process, it reinforces both the child’s confidence and the institution’s credibility. However, there can be limited seats available. Thus, it is not surprising that some schools have resorted to donations as one of the determining factors for admission.

There is no right or wrong answer; it simply aligns with you as a parent. It is a 20-year or so investment in your child’s education. Is the donation necessary?

I value giving children quality time. Living in Bangkok, where traffic can be stagnant, the distance to the school from home is a big factor, so time is not wasted on travel.

I value schools that look at each student as an individual and don’t practice mass and general knowledge on all equally. I also believe the pace of teaching should be individualised, appropriate pressure should be applied for the respective age groups, and physical and social activity should play a major role alongside education.

I would make a donation if there were minimal choices of schools only, the competition to get in was fair, and emphasis was given on donations leading to the betterment of the school itself.

If there were a minority percentage of seats with donations and the donations were towards the betterment of the school itself, then I would thank those who make them.

I wanted a school with a high-quality education and strong facilities so my child could try out different skills and interests. At the same time, I felt it was important to have a balance between learning and well-being.

It didn’t need to be a “top” school for me. It was more important to me that it was well-rounded.

No, that’s not something I would do. I would prefer my child to get in because it’s the right fit. If not, I believe there are always other good schools out there. I think in some places, a donation probably does help, but it’s not something I’ve personally considered.

I think every parent makes the choices they feel are best for their child. For us, it just happened diff erently, and I feel grateful things worked out naturally.