Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the financial struggles of middle-class families in China, particularly focusing on the rising costs of international schools and the shift in educational choices as families reassess the return on investment in their children's education [3][6][22]. Group 1: Financial Struggles of Middle-Class Families - Many middle-class families are opting out of private or international schools, reflecting a broader financial crisis as they prioritize essential expenses over educational luxuries [5][12]. - The closure of several private and international schools, such as Shenzhen's Houde Academy and Beijing's Nord Anglia, highlights the trend of families discontinuing payments for expensive education [5][6]. - The rising tuition fees of international schools, with some increasing by over 25% annually, significantly outpace the income growth of middle-class families [7][8]. Group 2: Cost of International Education - The average annual tuition for schools like Beijing Dingshi exceeds 300,000 yuan, and when including additional costs such as boarding and meals, total expenses can surpass 400,000 yuan per year [9][11]. - Beyond tuition, families face numerous hidden costs, including uniforms and extracurricular activities, which can add substantial financial burdens [11][12]. - The perception of international schools as a pathway to elite education is challenged by the reality of high costs and uncertain returns on investment [12][22]. Group 3: Educational Choices and Parental Anxiety - Parents are increasingly aware that the financial commitment to international schools does not guarantee a successful educational outcome, leading to a reconsideration of their choices [12][21]. - The article outlines two main educational paths for middle-class families: sending children abroad to international schools or choosing domestic internationalized schools, both of which come with their own sets of challenges and anxieties [14][15]. - The competitive nature of international education has transformed it into a family-wide endeavor, where the pressure to succeed extends beyond the child to the entire household [26]. Group 4: Changing Perceptions of Overseas Education - The value of overseas degrees is diminishing in the job market, leading families to question the worth of investing heavily in international education [28]. - The article suggests that many middle-class families are beginning to seek more practical and affordable educational options that align better with their financial realities [28].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the financial struggles of middle-class families in China, particularly regarding the rising costs of international schools and the shift in educational priorities as families reassess the value of such investments [5][10][27]. Group 1: Financial Struggles of Middle-Class Families - Many middle-class families are abandoning the pursuit of "educational freedom" for their children due to financial constraints [5][10]. - The closure of private and international schools, such as Shenzhen's Houde Academy and Beijing's Nord Anglia, reflects a broader trend of families cutting back on educational expenses [8][10]. - The rising tuition fees of international schools, with some increasing by over 25% annually, significantly outpace income growth for these families [14][15]. Group 2: Costs of International Education - For instance, the average annual tuition at Beijing's Dingshi School exceeds 300,000 yuan, and when including boarding and other expenses, the total can surpass 400,000 yuan per year [16][17]. - Additional costs, such as uniforms and extracurricular activities, further strain family budgets, making international education a significant financial burden [23][27]. - The perception of international schools as a pathway to elite education is challenged by the reality of high costs and uncertain returns on investment [27][54]. Group 3: Changing Educational Choices - Some families are opting for international schools abroad, particularly in countries like Thailand and Malaysia, where tuition is lower, but this often leads to new anxieties about educational quality [29][31]. - The quality of domestic international schools varies widely, with many lacking qualified teachers, leading to concerns about the effectiveness of the education provided [33][39]. - The intense competition and high expectations associated with international schools can lead to stress for both students and families, prompting some to return to public education systems [39][49]. Group 4: Reevaluation of Educational Investments - As the value of overseas degrees diminishes in the job market, families are reconsidering the worth of investing heavily in international education [51][54]. - The article suggests that instead of pursuing uncertain educational paths, families should seek educational options that align better with their financial realities and values [56][57]. - The phenomenon of "middle-class families returning to poverty" highlights a shift towards more pragmatic approaches to education, focusing on what is truly beneficial for children's futures [58].