Weekend schools in the dfw area (Plano: price, places, Indians)

[biafra4life]

I was chatting with a friend when she mentioned that she sent her son to a "weekend school" in Plano called Hua Hsing. She said that it helped her 8 year old son greatly with his math skills. I have a 9 year old daughter whom I'm considering enrolling in one of these as well. Does anyone have any experience with this school or others like it? Pros? Cons? Alternatives?

Thanks.

[Big G]

I have some neighbors who have been pleased with Ed Gurukul. It is run by Indians, but it's not an "Indian" school, at least in the manner of most of the Chinese schools around Plano.

I'd be interested to see if Hua Hsing would even return your call. There was one instance (admittedly, several years ago) where a couple I know (white dad, Chinese mom) had to call 3 or 4 different schools to get ONE to return their inquiries, due to the Anglo last name. Feel free to extrapolate what the experience of enrolling a black kid would be. Maybe there are some welcoming ones out there, but, IMO, they seem to be largely "by Chinese, for Chinese".

[biafra4life]

Originally Posted by Big G

I have some neighbors who have been pleased with Ed Gurukul. It is run by Indians, but it's not an "Indian" school, at least in the manner of most of the Chinese schools around Plano.

I'd be interested to see if Hua Hsing would even return your call. There was one instance (admittedly, several years ago) where a couple I know (white dad, Chinese mom) had to call 3 or 4 different schools to get ONE to return their inquiries, due to the Anglo last name. Feel free to extrapolate what the experience of enrolling a black kid would be. Maybe there are some welcoming ones out there, but, IMO, they seem to be largely "by Chinese, for Chinese".

Hmmm, thanks Big G...interesting information. On their website they claim that they are open to all races, but as we all know, saying and doing are two different things. I will look in to Ed Gurukul. Do you think these weekend schools are worth it though? Certainly on price they seem very reasonable, but as far as the effect on academic performance? My big reason for looking into this is because I do not have the time to committ to going over my kid's school work every day, as well as giving her extra work to do to keep her above average. I was told these schools help in that regard. Thoughts?

[Big G]

Originally Posted by biafra4life

Hmmm, thanks Big G...interesting information. On their website they claim that they are open to all races, but as we all know, saying and doing are two different things. I will look in to Ed Gurukul. Do you think these weekend schools are worth it though? Certainly on price they seem very reasonable, but as far as the effect on academic performance? My big reason for looking into this is because I do not have the time to committ to going over my kid's school work every day, as well as giving her extra work to do to keep her above average. I was told these schools help in that regard. Thoughts?

Those are sorta two different objectives. Places like Ed Gurukul and the Chinese schools are focused on above-level math instruction, and aren't going to get into assigned school work much, if at all. If you're looking for on-level instruction, places like Mathnasium would be the way to go.