For parents weary of the shortcomings in mainstream education, Plearnpattana has built a close-knit community that's strong in both academics and ethics.

"It's a community that learns through a cultural process, but we keep in mind what's best for learners growing up in fast-paced Bangkok," says the school's director, Thida Pitaksinsook.

Plearnpattana is funded by dozens of like-minded parents, educators and two publishing companies known for their commitment to better education - Rukluke Family Group and Se-Ed.

The school spent two years preparing its unique curriculum, running pilot classes for 25 youngsters before officially opening in 2004 to pupils from pre-school to secondary age.

Unlike some other "alternative" schools, Plearnpattana is neither a distinctively Thai nor Buddhist institution. Rather, it keeps pupils abreast of the modern world while ensuring they maintain their Thai identity.

"We take the middle path," Thida says. "It hasn't been easy achieving our targeted standards, but I believe we're on the right track."

Located in a green zone in Thawee Watana district, Plearnpattana occupies buildings designed to blend in and make good use of the fresh air.

Its logo - a yellow Thai "9" on a red backdrop - refers to contented, progressive development along that middle path.

Thida, who has more than two decades' experience as an educator and is known to her staff as "Phi Wan", says the school is fortunate to have well-known intellectuals on its advisory panel.

Among them are Prof Kasem Watanachai, Assoc Prof Srisak Valibhodom and Mom Dusadee Baribhatr na Ayutthaya.

Once parents enrol their child, they too become part of the school community. They must play an active role in nurturing its unity, both at home and at school.

"Here we emphasise that parents should consider the other children as their own," Thida says. "This is how children learn to be givers themselves, and understand that we need to rely on each other."

It's not unusual for a grandfather who's proficient in languages to teach a class, or perhaps an enthusiastic dad who's versed in cosmology.

"Bangkok is filled with knowledgeable people," says Thida. "We believe there are lots of parents out there willing to contribute."

Some of the parents organise trips for the students, usually with "edu-entertainment" in mind. Last year they went to Surin to learn about forest conservation.

"We've even taken the students to see a dumpsite, where they got to talk to the garbage collectors," Thida says.

"The kids learn a lot from these first-hand experiences. They appreciated not only that the garbage collectors work hard, but that they're very clever about recycling, so they completely respect them."

Plearnpattana is meanwhile networking with other schools and fostering organisations across the country.

"Education," Thida says, "isn't just the responsibility of a ministry or teachers - it's everyone's duty."

She's upbeat about the changes she sees taking place gradually in Thailand, such as the private firms that are now providing daycare for employees' children, and the increase in TV and radio programmes geared to youngsters.

Like a toddler, three-year-old Plearnpattana is full of energy and keen to explore - even in an environment cluttered with obstacles.

But its young pupils are learning too, at an age, as Thida points out, that's the most crucial in determining their ability to keep learning.

With a solid grounding in their first 10 years, she says, the youngsters "will be able to be good, happy members of the larger community".

Duangporn Bodart

The Nation