New private school sparks controversy
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E-mail China Daily, March 19, 2012
A teacher surnamed Chen, who is in charge of enrollment, said about 100 children's names have been entered at present. She said the final list of names will be announced in coming months.
"The school provides a good choice for those overseas Chinese parents who have experienced overseas education themselves and set a high standard of education for their children. Also, it will attract more overseas Chinese to return to the country," said Steve Wang, a 32-year-old man who received his master's degree in the United States years ago.
"But the tuition fee, I think, is a little bit expensive," he added.
Some parents expressed different views. "I would prefer the traditional middle school for my boy, because I'd like him to immerse himself in traditional Chinese culture, which the international schools or the special schools for the kids of returned overseas Chinese cannot provide," said Chen Peiqin, journalism professor at Shanghai International Studies University.
From 2006 to 2007 she was a visiting scholar in the US, where her son attended school in the ninth grade.
Zhang Hongling, a professor in Shanghai International Studies University, shares a different opinion. "I will leave the decision of choosing a school to my daughter herself. But personally I don't think it is very necessary to send her to the special school for the kids of returned overseas Chinese. Considering the amount of money charged by Starriver, I would rather send her to study overseas," she said.
Disputes about "elite" or "aristocratic" schools at the early stage of children's education are increasing, since more and more primary schools and kindergartens are opening, charging high tuition for the children from rich families.
In September 2002, the Beijing Zhongguancun International School, which targets the children of foreigners and returned overseas Chinese, was founded. The school includes preschool, primary and junior middle school education with fees beginning at 63,000 yuan a year.
Similar schools include the Beijing Xinyingcai International School, which was founded in 2005 and targets the children of social elites. The school charges about 70,000 yuan per year.
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