From Shanghai to the virtual classroom: Jake’s story

However, when the time came to choose a primary school, the family faced a challenge. They were looking for a high-quality English-language education that was both accessible and affordable — something that was difficult to find locally. That’s when they discovered King’s InterHigh.

Why online schooling?

With a global lifestyle, flexibility was crucial in the family’s decision. David explains, “Most international schools in our area are either very expensive or hard to access and often don’t provide the level of instruction we were hoping for, especially for native English speakers. Online schooling offered a more flexible and cost-effective alternative.”

Jake’s mother took the lead in researching online schooling options. “Jake’s mother chose King’s InterHigh as it met the key criteria we were looking for: a structured British curriculum, reasonable cost, and high-quality English-language instruction. It felt like a strong fit for our educational goals and situation.”

A smooth transition to online learning

The transition to online learning was seamless for Jake, who quickly adapted to the new format. The live, interactive lessons, combined with strong teacher support, made a real difference in his engagement. “Jake really enjoys being able to express his thoughts and ideas in class, and he especially appreciates the positive feedback he receives from his teachers. That encouragement has really helped build his confidence.”

David noted the supportive structure at King’s InterHigh, which helped Jake feel at ease with his education, even with the family’s nomadic lifestyle.

The benefits of studying the British curriculum online

Living in Shanghai, but constantly on the move, Jake’s family realised the true value of studying the British curriculum with King’s InterHigh. “The biggest benefits for us have been access to high-quality English education and affordability. It allows Jake to continue with a recognised and structured curriculum from anywhere,” says David.

Moving to a Southeast Asia time zone

Jake’s family is focused on ensuring that his education continues smoothly despite their constantly changing location. With Key Stage 2 now available in the Southeast Asia time zone, David decided to make the move to this time zone as Jake transitions into Year 4. “I’m looking forward to the new Asia time zone class options next year, which I think will improve Jake’s learning experience even more.”

Advice to other Southeast Asia-based families

For David, online learning has proven to be a flexible and effective alternative to traditional schooling. He describes it as “similar to homeschooling, but with the structure and support of professional teachers.”

While the learning is guided by experts, parental involvement remains key—especially for younger children. “It’s definitely not a ‘hands-off’ experience,” David says. “Parents need to be present to help children stay focused and make sure nothing is missed.”

He also highlights the importance of creating a strong home learning environment. A good tech setup, he explains, makes all the difference. “Dual monitors, external speakers (so you can also hear), a microphone, and a quiet space can really improve the experience. If using a tablet, a keyboard and mouse are essential.”

But beyond logistics, David believes that building a support network is what truly shapes a successful online experience. “Online learning is absolutely viable,” he shares, “but success really comes from creating a sense of community with teachers, parents, and students all working together.”

For families across the Southeast Asia region, that sense of connection—paired with high-quality teaching—can offer a perfect educational solution.