ICS or elite local school?

[luplup]

My son is accepted by an elite local school (one of the top notch schools) and I'm struggling whether I should transfer him to that school. He is now studying in ICS and is having a very happy school life, but that local school is academically stronger and seems to provide more exposures to the kids. Which should I choose? Could you please me some advice? Thanks!

 

[yonge]

I think if he is having a happy school life, learning well independently and thriving socially where he is currently, then there's no need to risk a major disruption. Local elite schools have excellent reputations based on the results of their top students, but those who do not thrive there become discouraged and have to transfer out Class sizes can be huge, so that can be difficult to get used to. ICS offers a very nurturing environment, and while some children are very adaptable, there's still a pretty significant risk of disruption, which is a distraction, to say the least.

 

[TheQuasimother]

I would go for the elite local school if I had a chance. I know many people (I'm not a HKger) who have graduated from elite local schools who have developed into brilliant folks in their careers because such schools have also given them opportunities to shine.

Also, the lifelong connections from such schools have brought them a lot of opportunities post university.

Not an easy decision. A very personal one. Good Luck!

 

[luplup]

Yonge & TheQuasiMother, thanks for your valuable opinions.

 

[KPClaire]

Good Local Schools

Hi it's so nice to hear people talk about elite local schools

Could someone please give me a list of which schools they are? I am considering sending my daughter into the local system but am finding information on local schools hard to find googling HK schools in English just brings up lists of ESF and International schools. I am particularly interested in schools near clear water bay but would be interested in schools in all advice about any area, Kindergarten all the way up. many Thanks

 

[howardcoombs]

This is the place to start : EDB - School Information

There is no real list of "elite" schools - these schools happen to have a long history and reputation and many of them happen to be DSS schools.

 

[Roger]

Go local. HK qualifications are internationally recognised and well above US curriculum standards. The HKDSE is seen as equivalent to A'levels by UK universities. US high school graduation is not.

 

[hkpsufan]

I think you need to ask yourself 1) Is he happy where he is?? Does he get good grades there? Does the school have and provide a good environment for him?? 2) Depending on his age, but where is he looking to eventually go to university?? Locally or overseas?? As was mentioned above the HK system is best if he is planning on going to uni somewhere other then North America. Several local schools have very good reputations. Some based on academic records, others based more on the people who went there in the past. Personally if my kids were happy and doing well where they are, and there was no great reason to send them elsewhere, i would keep them where they are. Schools at this age mean little in the grand scheme of things. He will be making a whole new set of friends when he goes to uni so let him enjoy his time now with his friends.

 

[HKteacher]

ICS all the way

I teach at another school but what I know is ICS is a great school and students from there go to schools all over the world. Local schools do not provide students with a holistic approach to education or teach kids to think. I have worked in both environments and elite local schools produce students who know how to regurgitate information, they do not teach students to think or to even really learn. US curriculum is recognized worldwide and the teachers at ICS are fantastic. Honestly you would be crazy to switch your child. It would be hard for you to find a school where the teachers love their students anymore. There is a lot more to a child's development then sending them to a school with high test scores. Test scores don't tell you anything about a school, it tells you what kind of students they take in not how well they teach, anyone can teach a smart kid who could really get good scores at any school they went to. Keep you child at ICS, its the best thing you can do for him.

 

[luplup]

HKteacher, thank you very much for your advice. I've prepared a withdrawal letter to that elite school for weeks but still hesitate to send out. Reading your message giving me the confidence that my choice is right for my kid.
Thanks a lot to all of you who have given your valuable opinions in this forum. They are really useful to me

I teach at another school but what I know is ICS is a great school and students from there go to schools all over the world. Local schools do not provide students with a holistic approach to education or teach kids to think. I have worked in both environments and elite local schools produce students who know how to regurgitate information, they do not teach students to think or to even really learn. US curriculum is recognized worldwide and the teachers at ICS are fantastic. Honestly you would be crazy to switch your child. It would be hard for you to find a school where the teachers love their students anymore. There is a lot more to a child's development then sending them to a school with high test scores. Test scores don't tell you anything about a school, it tells you what kind of students they take in not how well they teach, anyone can teach a smart kid who could really get good scores at any school they went to. Keep you child at ICS, its the best thing you can do for him.