中产养娃「销金窟」，又涨价了

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising costs of international schools in China and the implications for middle-class families, highlighting a growing disillusionment with the perceived value of such education as salaries for returnees do not match expectations [3][5][27]. Group 1: Rising Costs of International Schools - International schools in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai are experiencing significant tuition hikes, with some schools increasing fees by as much as 35% [7][9]. - For instance, the tuition for the Dewei British International School in Shanghai has reached approximately RMB 399,750, while the total annual expenses for students at Beijing's Dingshi School can exceed RMB 430,000 [7][9]. - Additional costs such as meal fees, transportation, and extracurricular activities further inflate the financial burden on families, with some schools charging up to RMB 23,000 annually for transportation alone [11][12]. Group 2: Educational Value and Market Dynamics - The justification for tuition increases often revolves around maintaining "better teaching quality," with schools offering a range of advanced subjects and extracurricular activities [17][19]. - Despite the high costs, there is a growing perception that the quality of education may not justify the expenses, as some parents report that the educational outcomes do not meet their expectations [30][34]. - The international school model, which gained popularity post-2001, is now facing challenges as the value of foreign degrees diminishes and the market becomes saturated with graduates [28][30]. Group 3: Impact on Middle-Class Families - The rising costs and perceived diminishing returns on investment in international education are leading many middle-class families to reconsider their educational choices, with some opting for domestic schooling or seeking more affordable international options [36][39]. - The trend indicates a bifurcation in educational paths, where families either revert to mainstream domestic education or invest heavily in prestigious foreign institutions [36][39]. - The financial strain of international schooling is prompting a more cautious approach to education spending among middle-class families, reflecting broader economic pressures [39].