somebodyfamous
Registered User
Wow Kristaje, you've really laid out stream 1 and 2 very clearly. Will probably meet you at some point when your son has transitioned over to Elementary.
IMS or KCIS?
- Thread starter kristaje
- Start date
lailynette
New member
We'd probably will, Somebodyfamous
My kid is now in Foundation at IMS. I'm so impressed with the level of putonghua. I know someone who has twins and one went to ISF and the other twin went to IMS primary and she said that IMS Chinese is more advance, at local standard. Note that the twins previously went to St Paul's CoEd so this parent had some serious comparisons made. Plus kids at IMS are so self motivated to learn that you don't need to push them. it's just wonderful.
I am looking from help from IMS elementary parents.
My son has been in Montessori since 18 months until last fall when he changed school. At that time, I was struggling between the present school and IMS. The reason I picked the present school is:
1. I LOVE, LOVE Montessori, but my son is shy outside of home. I have heard that the teachers at IMS are not so good at bringing about social interaction. They regulate classroom rules and respect for each other are observed as in Montessori. What I am driving at is fostering friendship among kids. Since my son could work on something for 1.5 hours non-stop at his old Montessori school, I am afraid that without the proper guidance, he will withdraw more to his inner self. He is a pleasant little fella and loves a laugh. He does wish to play with others, but just doesn't know how to go about it. His old Montessori school only had 5 to 7 kids/class and most were younger than him. He learned to help and respect other kids, but he didn't make any friends as the pool of kids is so small.
2. My son prefers playing with boys and I have learned that the elementary section at IMS has a significant imbalance of boy/girl ratio - more like 1 boy:3~4 girls in a class. That would also diminish his friends pool, especially as kids get older, they tend to clump together within the same sex.
3. Montessori teachers are hard to come by, especially with elementary. I am concerned about the quality of teachers since their elementary section is expanding so quickly. There are "better" teachers in some classes than others and in Montessori, unlike traditional schooling, you are stuck with the teacher for 3 years if you don't get a good one.
Can anybody share their thoughts? I still believe Montessori is the best for my little one, only I am not sure if IMS is a good choice.
My son has been in Montessori since 18 months until last fall when he changed school. At that time, I was struggling between the present school and IMS. The reason I picked the present school is:
1. I LOVE, LOVE Montessori, but my son is shy outside of home. I have heard that the teachers at IMS are not so good at bringing about social interaction. They regulate classroom rules and respect for each other are observed as in Montessori. What I am driving at is fostering friendship among kids. Since my son could work on something for 1.5 hours non-stop at his old Montessori school, I am afraid that without the proper guidance, he will withdraw more to his inner self. He is a pleasant little fella and loves a laugh. He does wish to play with others, but just doesn't know how to go about it. His old Montessori school only had 5 to 7 kids/class and most were younger than him. He learned to help and respect other kids, but he didn't make any friends as the pool of kids is so small.
2. My son prefers playing with boys and I have learned that the elementary section at IMS has a significant imbalance of boy/girl ratio - more like 1 boy:3~4 girls in a class. That would also diminish his friends pool, especially as kids get older, they tend to clump together within the same sex.
3. Montessori teachers are hard to come by, especially with elementary. I am concerned about the quality of teachers since their elementary section is expanding so quickly. There are "better" teachers in some classes than others and in Montessori, unlike traditional schooling, you are stuck with the teacher for 3 years if you don't get a good one.
Can anybody share their thoughts? I still believe Montessori is the best for my little one, only I am not sure if IMS is a good choice.
somebodyfamous
Registered User
I'm not sure, how old your son is now?
Children start being more social from 6 onwards, boys around 7.
1) Considering that at IMS Elementary, they are often put into small groups to work on projects, I would say Montessori is ideal for 'fostering' friendships between students. There are at least 20 students in each IMS Elementary class. Will your son take the school bus? I've noticed the children chat with other kids NOT in their actual class, this is another 'social' opportunity.
2) That IS true, that there are slightly less boys, I know one friend who moved her son from IMS to ISF, for this one reason. She also told me that (at ISF) the Chinese is about the same level but the standard of English and mathematics are FAR behind what they were even learning in Casa.
3) I would discuss this with IMS, the great thing is, they listen to you and take your needs into consideration.
Nothing in life is perfect and there is no perfect circumstance.
IMS is really expensive but I believe my daughters are getting an amazing education, besides the amazing Putonghua & mathematics, they are learning self-motivation, confidence and to think for themselves.
none of the other "Montessori" schools in HK are credited by Proper Montessori Authorities (IMS has IMEF and IMC), this means IMS delivers a true Montessori education with high academic standards. IMS is the only school in Greater China to have the "IMC" accreditation.
Good luck with your difficult decision!
Children start being more social from 6 onwards, boys around 7.
1) Considering that at IMS Elementary, they are often put into small groups to work on projects, I would say Montessori is ideal for 'fostering' friendships between students. There are at least 20 students in each IMS Elementary class. Will your son take the school bus? I've noticed the children chat with other kids NOT in their actual class, this is another 'social' opportunity.
2) That IS true, that there are slightly less boys, I know one friend who moved her son from IMS to ISF, for this one reason. She also told me that (at ISF) the Chinese is about the same level but the standard of English and mathematics are FAR behind what they were even learning in Casa.
3) I would discuss this with IMS, the great thing is, they listen to you and take your needs into consideration.
Nothing in life is perfect and there is no perfect circumstance.
IMS is really expensive but I believe my daughters are getting an amazing education, besides the amazing Putonghua & mathematics, they are learning self-motivation, confidence and to think for themselves.
none of the other "Montessori" schools in HK are credited by Proper Montessori Authorities (IMS has IMEF and IMC), this means IMS delivers a true Montessori education with high academic standards. IMS is the only school in Greater China to have the "IMC" accreditation.
Good luck with your difficult decision!