99% Chocholate

[Labarum]

My 18 year old daughter has just returned from the States on a school trip - she brought me back some German Chocolate - Lindt 99% - I can't eat that, but I can melt it into cream and butter to make a nice fudge!

But my daughter seems to have had a wonderful time State side - getting a very particular view of the USA!

Her English Boarding School (lots of British Armed Service Children Board for continuity) is this one

http://felsted.org/

They took a school play to be performed in three American Boarding Schools

http://www.taftschool.org/home.htm

http://www.sps.edu/

http://www.middlesex.edu/

Now we call them "Public Schools" and you call them "Private Schools"

They are called "Public", because many of them are the ancient schools of England that were open to the public - the Aristocracy did not send their children to school, but educated them at home with a Governess and Tutors!

The prefered description, however is "Independent School" - Independent of state control and finance.

Well, anyway, I look forward to hearing my daughter's story - and eating the chocholate.

[MotherOfGizmo]

Re: 99% Chocholate

Lindt is a very yummy Swiss chocolate!

Yes, we call those schools private boarding schools, only the rich kids go there. The general population goes to public school which is paid for by our taxes.

[Heidi3]

Re: 99% Chocholate

I thank goodness for public schools

[Labarum]

Re: 99% Chocholate

Many British Armed Service children would be severely disadvantaged without the access to independent boarding schools afforded by the Armed Forces Boarding School Allowance. British Service folk may move anywhere at any time. In the US Forces (I believe) moves happen in the summmer and you have a much more controlled curriculum progressing grade by grade, year by year. British Service kids need the security and continuity of staying at the same school for each stage of education. (Primary, Seconday, 6th Form (exam years)) The allowance does not cover the costs, but it makes it possible.

It does make me wonder what some parents are earning when they can pay (out of taxed income) for three or even four children at in excess of £20K per year. As a relatively senior government employee, I'm not in that bracket.

I did notice that the fees in the US schools I referenced are about the same as equivalent UK schools - given the higher salaries or your "middle class" and the generally lower cost of living the US schools are more affordable.

But when one of my daughters friends arrives at school, and is collected by helicopter . . .

I think I''l just have some more chocolate - 70%, I can afford that.