you mean by "we would need to fork out literally the same out being paid by my husbands employers..."

Do you mean to say that the allowance covers only half the fees and you'll pay the remaining 50% out of pocket?
If so, as osamabawab has already pointed out, you are better off than most of us who are paying the full fees out of their OWN pockets (for ACS and likes).And if someone has more than 1 kid, it only gets worse. I have colleagues at work with 2+ kids in ASD and they are paying ridiculous amounts towards fees.
While a high fee itself doesnt mean a better education,parents rightfully want and should send their kids to the best possible place one can afford..but I digress ;-) !

Secondly,what do you mean when you say "...This as opposed to a dark dingy classroom with no color and teachers with only 2 years experience in whole school... "

As opposed to what ? Are you alluding to ACS and their facilities/classrooms ?

Not sure about the higher grades but I have a son who started Pre-K last week and so far its been a positive experience. The folks in Early Education are making a very concerted effort to communicate with parents and keep us appraised of the all the developments happening at the school.Considering they are very new with a lot going on vis-a-vis new staff,policies,the facility still been built out etc - as working parents,we are happy with the frequency and content of their communication.Oh and the PRe-K classrooms (at least)are all very spacious,brightly colored,clean with a lot of natural light etc etc

Their fees are on more or less on par with the other more established schools such as ASD,DC or DESS.Given the waiting lists for the aforementioned schools , ACS is only going to get more popular (and hopefully better) with parents.

Hope this helps.