Well, the school year in the Philippines is winding up this week for most kids here. It’s kind of a milestone year here in the Martin household, as two of my kids are going on to High School next year. The next school year startes in early June. It makes me both proud and happy to see my kids entering high school. Both of these kids (Aaron and Jean) are twelve years old.
What? Twelve years old? High School? Yes, I know, a bunch of you who are reading this are saying “Bob is off his rocker, high school doesn’t start at that age!“ If we were almost anywhere else in the world you would be right. In the United States, kids are generally 14 when they start high school. Not so in the Philippines, though.
In the USA, you go for 6 years of Elementary School, 2 years of Junion High School (sometimes called “Middle School”) and 4 years of High School. So, you have a total of 12 years of primary school, and most kids graduate from high school at age 18. Although I am not certain, I believe that these ages, and the number of years of schooling are fairly common worldwide. It’s different in the Philippines, though.
Here in the Philippines, the standard primary education consists of 6 years of elemenary school and 4 years of high school. Total primary schooling is 10 years instead of 12. So, as I said, my two 12 year old kids are finishing up 6th grade this week, and will be starting high school in June.
I have mixed emotions about this. One thing is that the kids here have a much longer school day than the kids in the USA do. My kids leave the house at about 6:15 am for school, and they don’t get home until about 4:30. In the States, many kids won’t leave for school until 7:30 or 8:00, and may well be home before 3:00pm. So, the kids here have a longer school day. Also, while it is not common, there are even times when the kids have to go to school on weekends! Yes, it has happened a number of times that there would be classes on Saturdays, although it is not too common.
On the other hand, a side of me (most of me) thinks that the kids in the Philippines, including my own, would benefit greatly from an additional two years of schooling. I see parts of the education here that are lacking. Don’t take that statement wrong, because there are also parts of the US edcuation that are severely lacking too, but I am talking about the education here at this point. I also think that kids who graduate high school at age 16 are really not mature enough to enter the world of work and such. They still need to mature a bit more before they go out on their own. Of course, in the Philippines, you don’t really “go out on your own” after high school as kids in the US do, though.
One thing I do know is that my kids, at age 12, are pretty happy (albeit a bit nervous) to be about to embark on their high school days. Their cousins in the States are, no doubt, a bit jealous to be running a couple of years behind. All in all, I aqm proud to see my kids growing up, and I think that they are responsible kids, and pretty well prepared to enter high school soon.
I know that in the discussion in the comments, it is nearly certain to turn into a debate of whether the Philippine education system is doing a good job, or if it is lacking. Sure, there are parts of the education here that are lacking, but as I said earlier in this article, there are parts of the US education that are lacking too, so that’s just normal. I feel that if you send your kids to a good school here in the Philippines, they will get an excellent education and can compete anywhere in the world. For proof of that, just look at the number of Filipinos who are working all over the world, many even in quite high jobs with plenty of responsibility. If they were not well educated they would not be sought after in this way.
Good luck to Aaron and Jean as they embark on the final step of their primary education. Of course, college will follow for them, but going into high school is a big accomplishment!
About MindanaoBob
Hi Bob,
I went to High School at 12 here in the uk,although its different today.
I did read a while back that the RP gov’t is in discussion to extend schooling for a further 2yrs,to bring it in line with most of the world.
regards chas.
Hi Bob!
We have many students in our extended family. I hear every now and then that some have completed courses only to change majors and pursue other career goals. It is tough enough to decide what career path you will choose at eighteen; I would think that decision would be overwhelming when you are only sixteen. I often wondered if the system was similar to the Japanese education system. I may be wrong but I think that at some point the students there are given an aptitude test and segregated into vocational or professional fields. I read that this was considered a source of the high suicide rate among Japanese teens because of the family honor factor.
Bob
Good Luck to all your kids.
Did your oldest Son ever get into a Science school that you spoke about a year or so ago.
Hi Bob! It’s great that you’ll have teenagers soon. That’s a new chapter for your househld.
I had the benefit of catholic education there from gradeschool to highschool. In highschool, boys & girls were confined in each campuses. Every October (rosary month), flag ceremonies had to start at 6:40 am for a month long rosary. It was a different time. Most saturdays, we stay school to practice drills, or any extra curricular activities. If you go to private school, you have more subjects than those who go to public schools. But better public schools are strong in math & sciences.
I go to school here too and I noticed american students as very grade obsessed. They all want A & they make this known. Over all, american students are more responsible than most Filipino students their age. I think it’s ingrained in american school system. There has been a long time argument Re teachers here getting higher pay if they produce students w/ higher SATs. Of course, teachers who are assigned to low performing students do not like this.
Another interesting topic here.
I think there are weaknesses in almost every countries education systems for sure, but of course, able and willing pupils will always excel. I’ve never quite understood the US terminology on shool years, so the clarification was interesting. I note that you refer to it all as “primary” education.
Here in the UK, our schooling starts at either age 4 or 5, depending on your date of birth, and we have seven years of what we call primary education; i.e. primary 1 through primary 7. You will be aged 11 or 12 when you end your primary education and move on to “high” school, sometimes also known as secondary or grammar school. You must complete year 1 to 4, and reach the age of 16 before being allowed to leave school. That gives a minimum of 11 years education as a legal requirement. Those who do leave at age 16 generally go into full time work, albeit fairly basic jobs in shops or factories etc. Those who go on to further education will generally complete at least 5th year and often 6th year high school before going on to college or university. So moving up to high school at age 11 or 12 is usual for us here in the UK. My mother in law, currently here in the UK on a visit from the Philippines has been quite astounded by the level of education that our daughter, just turned 6 in January and in Primary 2 now, has achieved. She can read and write well, has basic arithmetic skills, undestands the basics of money and coinage, and is generally an excellent communicator. Not that she is special, except to us of course; actually she is on a level with her other classmates. My mother in law, and ex teacher in the Phils. seems to think that she is generally at the same level as an 8 year old would be in the Phils. What I would comment on, is that although the primary/high school and age ranges have remained unchanged for many years, certainly since my experience in the 1960′s, the quality of the education has improved considerably. I think that Caroline, now halfway through her primary 2 year, is approximately where I was at the end of primary 3.
Certainly, I’d agree that in most cases 16 is actually too young to move into full-time work, and “hold your own” as it were, but many actually do quite well. In fact, a great many of the world’s most successful business people got out of education as early as possible so they could get on with the business of working. And many also spend a couple of years working and gaining “life experience”, in this way before moving back into full-time further education later on when they feel ready. That’s the route I followed myself in fact.
I can certainly testify that with only a few exceptions, all the Filipina nurses I have met, and that’s dozens now, have been very intelligent, and I think that is a tribute to the quality of the education that they were lucky enough to get, and perhaps also to the families that were able to give them that advantage.
Good luck to your kids Bob, I’m sure with the support they will obviously get from yourself and Feyma, they will do well.
Yea Bob its differant to see some filipina nurses already graduated at age 18.
My wife is in school and has mandatory classes like PE and filipino and english.
Here in the US, the curriculum is basic courses but i think PE is a thing of the past.
She does go 6 days a week from about 8 am and gets home sometimes not until 9 pm.
Send my congrats to Aaron and jean jean well done !
I also have a graduater that was even validictorian !
my daughter will be starting high school this year ( going to my old high school ) she is an honorroll student to bad her dad wasn’t she is from mati. she wants to be lawyer and model. she is very smart my wife ask why americans go to 12th grade i said thats the way we do it here every country has there own way of doing there education. we all want the best for are kids no matter what poor ,rich ,middleclass we do what ever we can to make sure of it
Hi Bob
I disagree with you on the age thing. I think much of what is wrong with western culture is from keeping people from growing up when they should and they often become stunted in their emotional and independence growth.
Seriously I think the Philippines has the ages and school time about right. Sure I would like to see more in depth teaching more books for the students and some vocational technical trade schools for high school age but I think the age and length of schooling is about right.
In the US at least in my part of the country(MO) middle school is going by the wayside nowadays and grade school is K-8 then 4 years of high school. This was my own experience over 20 years ago and I think many other states are doing the same now.
Personally I don’t think I learned anything in high school it was a big waste of my life. I have often told people I wish I had been able to take a college equivalency test out of grade school so I could have skipped wasted years.
Bob: Congrats to the kids! If they wanted to attend uni in the States, would they need to “make up” the two years to bring their ages in line with the US system, or would they just need to take their SATs and submit an application? Do US universities have a problem with a Filipino doploma, to your knbowledge, or do they consider it an equivalent?
Hi Bob,
I think you have it right in your article – grades 7 & 8 are considered Junior High or Middle School. At least that’s how I remember it. According to wikipedia, Middle Schools in North America are usually grades 6, 7 & 8. So it has changed since I was in junior high! I immigrated here to the US after my 6th grade graduation. But rather than enrolling me in high school, my mom enrolled me in 8th grade to give me a year to acclimate to the American way of schooling. I remember being shocked and petrified at the way junior high kids acted. The first day of school, some boys (8th graders) dumped another boy (7th grader) in a trash can! To a newcomer, that was scary! This was the mid-70s, although I don’t think much has changed over the years when it comes to pranks done by kids.
Good luck to your kids. I’m sure they’ll do well.
Congrats on the kids Bob ..hope they all turn out to be scholars.
… Phil n Jess
Good on yor kids Bob, I’m sure their anxious to start. I firmly believe that pubwik skools are pretty good here in the states as i gragitated and did pretti well!!
Kidding aside I would have no problems sending my kids to RP schools, aside from my wife being an RN the rest of her family were/ are teachers( mother inlaw retired Priciple, Son in Law high level education director, sister in law teacher ect…) so i have a good grasp of how serious education is taken there. A side benefit which is a MAJOR concern for most familys in the States is the violence,drugs, sexual pressures present in USA schools which sharply contrast with the RP schools.
Hi Bob!
I was wondering if your children speak Bisaya with their school friends? A little off topic but was wondering if they picked it up more quickly due to their youth.
I know in at least one instance where the education is equivalent. I handled the paperwork of the holder of a Philippines Bachelors Degree who was considering application to a University here in the northeast USA. One of the requirements was to have the foriegn student submit their scholastic credentials to World Educational Services for evaluation. The holder of the Philippine Bachelors Degree was considered qualified as the same Bachelors Degree as if it had been issued here in the USA.
The comparison of cost of going to a University here in the USA and the Philippines is a sharp contrast. Just a fraction of the overall cost in the Philippines compared to here.
I toured a popular University when I was there and I was quite impressed with the facilities and had a chance to speak with the faculty, administration and students.
Hi Bbob -
There are actually cities that have a grade 7 in elementary. Manila schools are definitely set up that way. I remember because I kept teasing my Manila cousins about being in high school already.
I am 100% with you on kids graduating too early. So many graduate h.s. and are not really sure about what college courses they are interested in. It’s not the only reason, but i think this is why so many take up Nursing or Physical Therapy. It is the popular way to go for a 16 year old high school graduate.
Do a little experiment & see if how many Filipinos’ jobs match their college degrees. There are so many who wished they more sure of themselves after high school. This writer included.
My wife, Aissa, graduated high school at 15. She says there were a few more students younger than her in college & agrees with your sentiments.
Kamusta ka Bob,
I wish the best of luck to Aaron and Jean2x..I didn’t realize there wasn’t 12 years of schooling there. I did know about the longer days.
Rose leaves the house at 6:30am each morning to get Chesca there by 7:00am, then picks her up for lunch at around 11:45pm, and then takes her back around almost 1:00pm, and picks her up again at 4:30pm. Yes, you are right about the weekends too, each month they will do exams, mostly on a Friday and Saturday. The final exams for this year are Monday and Tuesday, not sure why they changed that. This is a private school..it is St. Josephs College in Maasin City.
And there is no way I will be “throwing stones in this glass house”, I can only speak for myself and only about the Maryland School system and Florida schools…they both have a lot to overcome as far as I can see, but I don’t really blame the teachers here in Florida, they seem to really care and do the best they can with what they have to work with…meaning the way they teach as dictated by the school districts here in Palm Beach County. As far as the Philippines goes, from what Rose has told me, Chesca is doing very well in school, and also, is learning alot more than I did when I was a first grader.
Of course, Chesca is “fluent” in bisaya, but she is still learning new words, and now she is also learning Tagalog, and now English. That is pretty tough for a 7 year old child, but, in the long run, I think it will be good for those kids to tackle those kinds of studies and that amount of work. So as far as I can see, the longer days, and more studies will be good for them in the future, as far as good discipline, and responsibilities.
So kudos to all of your children there Bob and Feyma, and I hope they enjoy there summer vacation, maybe all will be good down at the in-laws farm and they can spend time there this summer.
salamat kaayo,
Danny
Hi Bob,
Im just curious, how would that work if my daughter, who is 14, and ready to graduate the eighth grade here move into the philippine school system there?
Having grown up through the American system of education and having children here go through the Philippine system i do see significant differences . I think both systems have something to say for themselves regarding their specific cultures and what works well for one perhaps would not or the other .
I would like to see this country invest more in learning options unrelated specifically to attending a 4 year university . Trade schools seem to be sorely lacking here and fact of the matter is a quality electrician or plumer in a first world country can make as much as a college graduate in some cases .
I do believe the Philippines is also severly lacking in educational opportunities for the disadvantaged child . Our youngest son is autistic and receives home schooling 4 days a week due to the lack of options available here in CDO . On the other hand if i were state side i could never afford private schooling for him so it’s a two – edged sword .
Goodluck to all your kids Bob… & God bless.
First off I want to say that you have been an inspiration to me Bob. I have been a long time reader yet this is my first post. I am in my early 30′s, a tech graduate, and I am considering moving to Bacolod in maybe 5 to 10 years if my fiancee wants to move back after she has been here in the USA for a few years. She is still in Bacolod at the moment. Knowing that you and some others here made the move before your retirement age and are able to make a comfortable living gives me hope for my future plans.
Sorry for the off topic rant. I am curious about your future plans for your children as I assume they are all American Citizens. Are they going to be able to get decent jobs in the RP after they graduate college or do you plan to help them to open their own businesses? I know that there are some limitations for American Citizens as far as getting jobs there and the best thing for them to do is to somehow open their own business. Just curious of your thoughts about that even though any decisions you will have to make regarding that are many years away.
Thanks for this site. You are inspiring me to start a blog about my thoughts of making the move in a few years. Hopefully I can use you as a resource and possibly a mentor. Maybe in a few years I will be known as Bacolod LJ.
It would be nice if the RP did have a full 12 years of school, the biggest grip would be cost to the parents, When you think about it in the states you get out of high school your no longer a minor normally 18 years old, in the RP your still a minor, Most are not going to be moving out on there own like in the US they are simple to young.
One of the sad thing here if you want a decent job say like were I have a house in Angeles City you need a college degree just to work at a fast food restaurant or at the mall. Not much incentive to finish college to make less money a year than your school cost. Plus a lot of schools are just not up to date and could definitely use more funding.
Well Sir BoB, congratulations to your kids, it is an exciting period in their lives. I wish them and you all the best. I am sure your able to provide the options necessary for them to make a their own decisions in the future.
Students going to college at 16? What, can they tie their shoe laces yet? I guess it is the cost factor and the sheer numbers of students and the lack of facilities. We need more MacDonalds stores to employ the College grads here ( really weird to need a college degree to flip a burger ).
The Pines Govt should concentrate its resources on teaching the kids trade skills in high school, those skills are desperately needed here. Take a look around the houses in the Pines could do with a some serious renovations lol.
Hi Bob
When I was living in Mississippi we knew an exchange student from
Russia when she graduated in the states she still had to go to school
in Russia becuase there standards were far greater then ours.
hi bob,
congrats on your new high schoolers. I, too went to high school so young and so small, during the principal interview, he asked me if i was just going to buy something from the store and got sidetrack on my way. i finished high school at age 16. at that time, we had NCEE ( national college entrance examinations) you have to pass the exams to get accepted on a 4-year course. if not you have to go to tech school. am not sure if its still practice now. Main problem in Phils about another 2 years of schooling to be added is money. Its already hard for parents to put them children to school, another two years will surely dry them up. When scholls over, the parents are breathing a sigh of relief because now they can stop thinking about the “baon” everyday, atleast for 2 months.
My brother in law is finally graduating from high school… at 21. I paid the last 2 years to send him to Atenao but his grades were lackluster and he has a real “I dunno what I want to do with my life” attitude. So respectfully I declined to send him to college, I don’t have the money to spend if he doesn’t want to apply himself. I have offered to send him to trade school but he’s dragging his feet about that as well. I dunno what to do anymore I’ve got more important things to worry about. Congraduations on your kids going to high school. I graduated High School in the states when I just turned 17 and I got my college degree at 20 so I’m pretty proud of that accomplishment.
Great article Bob!
You made some generalizations about schools in the U.S. I’d like to point out they vary somewhat from region to region and state to state. My children started school at age 5 in Pre-K. Grades one thru four were called elementary school. Grades 5 & 6 were middle school. Grades 7 and 8 were junior high school. The last four were considered high school. One could argue that junior high and high school are both essentially “high school”.
Hi Bob,
Congratulations on your high schoolers. It’s a milestone for you and for them. My education in the Philippines lasted only until the 4th grade so I can’t really say whether two years less (if I’d stayed) would have been beneficial or not. All I know is that I loved having classmates of different nationalities here in the US.
Hi Bob
It has been a lot of years since I have had kids in school. I remember helping my kids with home work. My now 35 year old would bring in his math, and I would just scratch my head when he was a senior. But on to Phil’s education. I just last week worked about an hour with my 6 year old to be with her valedictory speech. I have to tell you I am not sure I could memorize. Josey asked me to help because she said Allen would not study. Wow mind you, in English, and all they talk is bisya at home, she memorized it. And said it perfect at graduation last Friday. I do not know if education is as good as public schools there but I am so impressed. I still have to learn another language. And oh wow I sold my house yesterday so in about 4 months we will almost be neighbors.
Hi Bob, congratulations to Aaron and Jean. I’m taking notes on all this as KayceeAnn will be going to school in the Philippines. We’re looking into different schools now.
My concern is that 12 years old may be too young to learn algebra as it is too abstract for this age level. Our top students here take Honors Algebra in grade 8 at 14 yrs old. Many students don’t take it till gr 9, though. This puts them on a track to then take Geometry gr9, Algebra II gr 10, AlgebraIII/Trig or Pre calculus gr 11 and then AP Calculus or Statistics gr 12. What’s the progression of math classes there?
Jaycee and I are thinking it would be better to live near Davao, like on Samal, than in Digos because we want the kids to go to an American school. Or at least go to a school that has 12 years of education. I’m worried about them getting into a university that has science and engineering and the school requiring more years. But I could home school them for an additional year or two. This is confusing and difficult.
Hi Bob…
How are you and your family? Well im single mom with 4 kids and so pity i feel the way we have here about school. Our income not enough for 4 kids 2 in high school and 2 in elementary level.my oldest daugther suffer much.. how we survive this life we have… shes 4th year this comming enrolement,, and the woldly economy crisis now more hard. she walk only to go school for 2 kilometers and as a mother im so pity.. but she more want to finish to go college. Hope and im looking someone to help us even for there school only…shes welling to finish her school… …
Thank you and have good day..
Hi I am Jazmine
great article! While reading it I really want to continue my education here rather than abroad I mean what’s the difference if you were really well educated… right? It reminds of how my life would actually be if I started studying there. I just can’t imagine it and leave special people here like my friends whose always been by my side.. you know? I need you advice… well to start…
… i am turning third year high school here in the Philippines and well i like it here… i have friends and i like to study here but my dad ( a current OFW in Houston, Texas)wants all of us to continue our study there i mean for me, to continue high school there. All of them agreed to the decision especially my mom. Well I don’t really blame my dad because he just feels so alone by himself but what is the point of studying there when i am going home to finish college here? i am only two more years away until graduation. I wonder if I study there will my year level change? I mean if I am 3rd year HS here what would I be there? Will I repeat just because US is not satisfied in Philippine education? It’s just so hard when I come to like it here and learn more about Philippine customs, lessons and such… then suddenly they will transfer me like that… I will learn new lessons they teach and I don’t even know more of their customs how should I socialize? Most of all my friends who truly care about me I can’t just leave them and I do really like Filipino company rather than an American company. I don’t want to go there but I have no choice. Is it reasonable to fight for what I want or just go? I already made plans in going to college here. My best friend and I thought that it would be best to go to a review center in preparation for college and have an entrance exam to all schools like UST and such other schools:)) but how am i suppose to do that if I am left behind when I arrive here I min there are 12 years of education there as primary school right? and I don’t suppose they won’t let me repeat. I wish you could say advices and I would also try to figure it out for my happiness and a good decision for my future. thank you!
Hi chasdv – Yes, the RP government talks about a lot of things… it won’t happen though. The people would be in a fury about it if they extended school by 2 additional years.
Hi Tom – Nice to hear from you. I never heard of it happening in the Philippines where students were tested and separated into vocational and professional. It’s pretty open – if you can afford a certain type of education, you can do it.
Hi Neal – My son who wanted to go to Philippine Science High School was not my oldest, but my second oldest, Aaron. Unfortunately, he was unable to go to Psci because of citizenship issues.
Hi roy – We also have a 17 year old son, so these two will be our second and third teenagers in the house!
Yes, American students want the best grades, but I kind of thought Filipinos do too, no?
Hi Jim – You know… it’s been a long time since I was in school, and after reading your comment I began to have doubts about what I wrote about primary education! I was wrong…. primary education in the States is through grade 8 (elementary school). Secondary school is high school, grades 9 through 12. Tertiary education is University/College.
Hi Tommy – Congrats to your graduator too! I’ll pass on your congrats to Aaron and Jean.
Hi Bob! Filipinos are not really grade obsessed the way american kids. Grading system here is largely numerical. Americans would go “I need to get an “A”. Filipinos largely would go for passing rate ( I hope fellow Filipinos would not scold me ‘speak for yourself’!) which means out of 50 points, he’d be happy to get half from it. In most US classes, passing is 35 up.
I noticed too Bob that the clichés I see in american movies about kids being embarrassed to be seen by their friends if their parents kiss them or something. I noticed my nephews here do that. In the Phil, we don’t have that pressure. At least, I didn’t notice that from me or my friends.
I’ve seen that to when i was there ROY ..
Hi roy – That is quite interesting. My kids strive hard for high grades, maybe it is because they know I expect it from them.
I have most certainly seen how kids here are OK if you kiss them and such, compared to in the USA. I like it the way it is here.
Hi tonka – Yikes! I lawyer and a model! That’s gonna be double trouble for men!
Hi John – For me, I think the kids here graduate too young. We are all entitled to our own opinions, though.
Hi Phil – It’s a good thing, don’t you think? I know that I do.
Hi John Miele – My understanding is that they would be treated just as a high school grad would in the States, just take the SAT and go on from there.
Hi Vicki – Thank you.
Hi Phil – thanks!
Thanks Bob… Was thinking about my son (Though it’s still a long way off!)
Hi John – It never hurts to plan ahead!
you got that right mindanao bob lots and lots of $$$$$$$$$$$ dont know how but there is a way maybe just one i hope ( lawyer )
Hi tonka – don’t worry, the money part will work itself out!
Hi brian – grate dat yu got a gud edukasion!
Ha ha… yes, the violence, drugs and just overall good behavior are a huge advantage here!
Hi Tom – Within a month after moving to the Philippines my kids were speaking Bisaya! Except my one month old, of course! Yes, kids can pick up the language almost instantly!
Hi Bob NY – How right you are when you mention cost of college. There is simply no comparison!
Hi macky – Hmm… are you certain about the Manila schools? Is it possible that it has changed since you were in school? I have plenty of friends in Manila, and they say it is the same as Davao. Perhaps it varies from school to school?
Anyway, yeah, I just think that 15 or 16 is too young to make lifetime decisions. However, I will say that few Americans end up working in the same field that they study in either. I majored in economics when I was in college, and look at me… basically a bum!
Hi Danny – Of course, all of us who are “fluent” in any language are still learning new vocabulary all the time. If we didn’t we’d be in trouble, because languages change and grow all the time. Don’t think that it’s tough for Chesca that she has to learn new languages at age 7 – at that age, learning languages is a snap!
Hi Hudson – To be honest, I am not certain how that would be handled. My guess is that she might be able to take some kind of placement test to see what knowledge she has, and where that would place her in the Philippine education system. But, I am not certain.
congrates your kids will do just great in high school they look smart
Hi tonka – Thanks!
Hi Bob, and Bob of NY – For sure there is no comparison in the cost of college edumakayshun
Right now I’m in my senior year of high school here in Las Vegas (9 more weeks to go!) and my friends are all going crazy applying for scholarships. Some need $50,000+ a year for just some Univ. of Cali. Schools, I don’t even want to know how much my friend going to MIT needs! I really am thankful I am going back to the Philippines for college. The cost of the entirety of the 5 years of the Electrical Engineering course in Silliman University in Dumaguete, Neg. Or. will probably be around $7,000-$8,000. Also thankful because the whole bureaucratic college process in the Phils. is much simpler…just take the entrance exam, turn in your grades, and if you pass the bar, you’re in!
I am kind of mad though since my vacation this year is basically gone (US, school year ends in June….RP school year starts in June), but at least I’ll be back home: back to a much simpler and more laid back life. And I am also mad because my cousins who will be starting at Silliman this June are two years younger than I am
but I’ll probably get over it…I know more than they do 
Hi Jong – Congrats on your coming graduation and on your move back to the Philippines! Good luck to you!
Thank you thank you! I can’t wait, so close and yet so far! I’m homesick, hehehe, I’m probably one of the only few Filipinos who got to the U.S. and wants to go back…. that’s why I read, and comment, and wander about in this blog (since you’re probably wondering what an 18-year-old is doing here), your guys’ articles reminds me a lot of life back in the Phils…it kind cures the homesickness a bit
Hi Jong – We don’t have an age requirement – you are most welcome here!
Hi alan – I have to agree with all of your points. I think that trade schools here would be very advantageous.
I am not sure if you are aware, although I’ve written about it a number of times on this site and others, but my oldest son is Mentally Retarded, so I understand your feelings with your autistic son. Our son has also been through home schooling here for many years, and it was the best option for him. There are not many services available for kids with special needs here. However, there is so much available to them in terms of loving family (extended family) as compared to the USA.
Oh yes I know, hehe, I’m just saying my demographic is probably not common ’round these parts…
Congrats to your two kids by the way (I always get off track when commenting
). I’m sure they’ll enjoy their high school years as I am enjoying mine, if not more so, since they probably won’t have to work as much. From what I’ve noticed, from my cousins in the RP and my cousins here in the US + myself, high school kids there get much less work. The average workload there is probably around 5-10 math problems a day, a couple science/social studies questions, and a few English sentences to write. Here, it’s around 25-50 math problems, varying amounts of science/soc.stud. work, probably a novel to read + answers to some chapter questions, an essay on something, and a power point presentation, which reminds me, I have some work to do! I am not sure if more or less work is necessarily good or bad, but I sure envy my cousins in the RP…
Hi Jong – Funny thing is that I bet your cousins here in the Philippines also envy you for being in the States! The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence!
Hudson:
(Sorry to threadjack, Bob, but I thought of this when I read Hudson’s question)
The US Embassy lists schools under the “American” system.
http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwha011.html
Perhaps contact them and ask them directly for the best answer to your question.
Hi John – No problem, I’m always happy to get varied opinions and more answers to help people. Thanks for pitching in!
Hi Ann – I hope you’ve been doing well, haven’t heard from you in a while now!
Thanks for your kind wishes for the kids!
Hi Bob & Macky,
Yes there are schools in Manila w/c have or had grade 7. When I was in gradeschool, St. Theresa’s Manila had grade 7. Then it closed–the campus closed. Sta Isabel has grade 7. Letran..San Beda.. Some private schools have or had grade 7. I’m not sure though it’s still in practiced.
But most pinoys go to college when they are 17. Too young to be making decisions what you wnat to do for the rest of your life.
hi bob & roy -
yep, i’m pretty sure roy’s right. that there is still a grade 7 in select schools. i never really learned the ratio between grade 6 & 7 in the country though.
i majored in …well, too many to say. i’m one of those kids that started college too young. let’s just say it was a “decade of excellence”
so can i be an honorary bum too?
one thing that would help would be some sort of philippine version of the student loan. it would help a few kids mature a lot quickly when they know they have a stake in getting their tuition paid. raul roco once campaigned for president with that in mind & i was hoping that a system would be in place by now (rp economics considered of course). people grow up a lot quicker with bills in mind
Hi Bob,
I was sick for couple days. been busy from moving to our new house, unpacking our shipment and cleaning… whewww… I’m glad it’s almost over. say hello to Feyma for me, I left a message on her friendster acct. Thanx Bob.
Hi roy – Thanks for offering that clarification, I appreciate it.
Hi Ann – Sorry that you were sick, but congrats on the new house! With the economy the way it is now, I bet you got a great deal on the place!
Hi macky – Is there such a thing as an “honorary bum”? I mean, I don’t know how honorable us bums are, after all!
Yes, I remember when Roco ran for President on a very pro-education platform. A good friend was a strong Roco supporter.
Hi LJ – Thanks for your continued reading of the site, and I am quite happy that you decided to chime in today! I hope that all of your future plans go smoothly!
I don’t consider your questions to be really off-topic. Don’t worry about that.
My three boys, Chris, Aaron and Jared are all American Citizens, and will soon be dual citizens as well of the Philippines. Jean, my daughter is not a US Citizen, because she is really my niece, but has lived with us for 6 years now, and is in all ways our daughter except on paper. So, she is a Philippine citizen.
The Philippines is not a place where, for most people, getting a job is the best way to earn a living. Perhaps my kids will get jobs, perhaps they will want to get into some kind of business. I am the type that won’t really push them to do one thing or another, I want them to decide what they will do with their life. For that matter, it is up to them where the choose to live too once they are adults. If they need help in accomplishing what they choose, and if I am able to offer that help, I would gladly do so for them. But, the choice is really theirs.
Hi Bilal – Yes, in the US you are no longer a minor at age 18. I don’t know what the law is in the Philippines regarding the age at which you are no longer a minor. You can vote at 18, but you can drink and smoke and such at pretty much any age, as far as I know. I do not believe that the law is the same here in regards to he age of majority.
You sure have it right about jobs, my friend! You need a college degree to pump gas or flip burgers here!
Bob
I think its pretty much up to the Kid not the school that will determine how much they get out of school.
We have some pretty successful friends here in RI that came from the RP Public school system, most of them did some kind of RP College to be on a level playing field as the U.S. education field. Lucky enough for you the RP College is alot cheaper than the U.S.
My only Son is graduating from the University of Rhode Island in May with a degree in Biology, I just made my last Tuition payment total paid 4 years appx 55 Thousand Dollars. I hope your bill comes in less than that. “Save them centavos”
Hi Neal – Wow, 55 Grand! Of course, some schools now days charge that much per year, though! I think it will be a little cheaper here in the Philippines!
Thanks, Pete!
Hi james – somehow that doesn’t surprise me!
Hi Bob,
I think one of the main things missing from the P.I. education is time in school, that is, the 2 years of Jr. High School that P.I. students don’t have. This is one disadvantage that may follow them if they emigrate to a new country. My wife’s niece emigrated to Canada last year and both her and her husband are professionals. The niece has her Master’s degree in Computer Engineering and was the dean at her school after graduating. She had her education evaluated in Canada and because of those 2 missing years, her degrees weren’t accepted. My wife here in the States only has an A.A. degree but was informed by the local Junior College that her education had to be evaluated before she could take courses and the 2 years of missing education time was a detriment. But students who graduate from the American accredited schools like Ateneo, U.P., etc… may not have these problems.
Hi cris – I don’t think that they have NCEE anymore, but am not 100% certain. I heard about it, though, because Feyma had mentioned that to me.
Hi brspiritus – Yeah, you should be proud of accomplishing your education at such a young age. I understand your feelings about your brother-in-law.
Hi David – Thanks for explaining that school system where you live. I never heard of that kind of setup before.
Hi Phil – It shocks me that the 2 years makes any difference at all when we are talking about somebody with a Masters degree.
Hi Joanne – The US certainly is a great melting pot, and I think that carries many advantages.
Hi Andy – Wow, congratulations on selling your house – in these tough economic times that is a major feat!
I certainly know what a feat to sell was. and did not have to haggle. Paid my price but I do have to carry paper. but half down is enough to get me there. Still less than half what I could have sold 3 year ago. But I owned so is cash to me. He is betting things will get better in a few years and I am getting to live my dream. so both happy. Next year I will be able to work with Allen in person. How cool is that. hehe
Hi Kevin – I am not really certain about which math classes happen when. It’s something I’ll look into, though.
Hi Kevin – There is only one school that I am aware of in Davao that follows US standards, and it is very expensive. The school is Faith Academy, not far from my house. Last time I checked, it is $12,000 per year for non-missionary students. Yes, that’s dollars, not pesos.
Oh yes, I remember you telling me that, but I wasn’t sure if it was Faith or not. We’re coming to Davao to live. Maybe rent a year or two while we build on Samal. By the time my daughter is in high school, would it be too far to go from Ateneo to Samal?
Hi Kevin – Probably the trip from Ateneo to Limao would take 45 minutes or so. A lot depends on how long you have to wait for the boat, though. For us, we decided that we would not live in Limao until the kids finish school, too much hassle! But, it could be done, though.
Hi ann – good luck to you.
Hi Jazmine – Thanks for stopping by and for leaving your comment. I can understand your desire to stay in the Philippines. But, things like friends come and go, you should not base your future on your friends of today. As a young person, I would advise you to follow the advice of your father. If you feel strongly that you can be better educated (or as well educated) in the Philippines, come up with a list of reasons, and speak with your father. Present your side of the case, and maybe he will change his mind. But, remember that your father is wiser than you are, simply due to his years and experience, neither of which you possess.
Moving abroad, learning new customs and different ways is in itself an educational experience, in addition to schooling. In fact, I would say that the cultural experience is more valuable than the education in school will offer you.
Good luck to you, I hope that everything works out for the best.
Hey Bob what are these “track backs” .??? ..Inquiring minds want to know …PHIL
Hi Phil – A track back is what happens when somebody links to a story on a blog. So, if somebody were to write a story about something related to my site, they would link, and then a “trackback” would show up here on my site.