Advice needed: Any chance of getting my son in a 'American School' for next year?

[yankee-kiwi]

My husband has just been offered a job that would move us from US to Hong Kong in 2013. We have one 17 year old who will be a senior/12th grader next year. We are still in the negotiating stage so have not taken the offer yet mainly because of the schooling situation. While our son's secondary schooling would be paid for by his company, they do not have a debenture anywhere.

The fact that it will be his last year of school, seems to mean that the only appropriate place for him would be an 'American' school, because most IB programs start a year earlier. (Chinese International School, for example, would only accept students in to year 13, which is equivalent to grade 12 in US, if they are already enrolled in an IB school, which my son is not.)

From the research I've done so far I am very discouraged. Even if we apply now, it seems the chances of us getting him into HKIS or even AIS are slim. Of course, we have to give his company an answer within the month, but we wouldn't know if he could get in to a secondary school until April at the earliest. It looks like we may have to pass up this great opportunity for my husband.

Any advice or words of encouragement?

Carrie

 

[rani]

I wouldn't give up just yet. Senior places are easier to come by. Would definitely apply to HKIS and the American International school. Maybe also speak to the admissions at Canadian International school. It's an IB school but graduates also receive the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

Ontario Secondary School Diploma

I wonder if he can enrol in this and not IB.

 

[howardcoombs]

Even if we apply now, it seems the chances of us getting him into HKIS or even AIS are slim.

Why would you say that? Have you spoken to the 2 schools?

For most schools, upper years classes are very much less busy and most schools would welcome your 17yo. Call them, the answer may surprise you.

 

[yankee-kiwi]

I wouldn't give up just yet. Senior places are easier to come by. Would definitely apply to HKIS and the American International school. Maybe also speak to the admissions at Canadian International school. It's an IB school but graduates also receive the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

Ontario Secondary School Diploma

I wonder if he can enrol in this and not IB.

Thanks ESFMum! I'll contact them about this possibility. It couldn't hurt to try!

 

[yankee-kiwi]

Why would you say that? Have you spoken to the 2 schools?

For most schools, upper years classes are very much less busy and most schools would welcome your 17yo. Call them, the answer may surprise you.

We've spoken to HKIS and while they tried to sound positive, they did say there was a waiting list and it would depend on how many openings they had next year in 12th grade, which they won't know until spring.

Also spoke to American IS, and they confused us a bit...said our son was 'too old' even though he is currently in the grade he is supposed to be in. Will email to clarify.

According to Chinese IS website, they do not admit students into year 13 (US grade 12) unless they are already enrolled in an IB program.

Don't get me wrong...we don't insist on it being an 'American School' but since he only has one year left of school, it seems to be the only option unless I am missing something.

We'll keep calling around though...Thanks for your advice!

 

[howardcoombs]

If you havent yet, try Kellett also.

Its a very popular British school and they have a major issue with exodus in upper years. Many of their students end up leaving and going to boarding schools in the UK which leaves them with many openings in the high grades.

 

[rani]

If you havent yet, try Kellett also.

Its a very popular British school and they have a major issue with exodus in upper years. Many of their students end up leaving and going to boarding schools in the UK which leaves them with many openings in the high grades.

Won't he need to sit his A-levels at the end of the year? Won't it be the same as IB?

 

[penguinsix]

Won't he need to sit his A-levels at the end of the year? Won't it be the same as IB?

There are no A-Levels in the US system. You get a high school diploma which is required, basically, for his entrance to a US university. There are some schools in the US offering IB programs, and others offer 'Advanced Placement' courses which generate university credit hours, but for most kids it's just a 'diploma'.

The answer I'm going to suggest is probably not the one you want to hear, but in dealing with a number of expats with children this age from various countries around the world, this solution is one that is frequently suggested:

Leave him behind.

Not on his own of course, but with a family friend or relative. Let them finish off their final year of high school with their classmates and friends. Graduate with his class and, more importantly, be on the university track with his classmates, applying for schools and whatnot. Ripping him out at this point, while a great 'experience' for him, is also quite disruptive in what is their 'final year' at school before he and his friends disperse around the country.

Now this might not be an option, or he might not have any interest, but frequently when dealing with expat kids near their final days of school this is a suggestion that is followed by many.

You might also want to look into the residency requirements for public universities in the US (if that is an option). Would a relocation at this stage push you into the "out of state" or "foreign student" tuition class for his school, thereby doubling the cost?

 

[rani]

Penguin,

My reply was in regard to Howard's suggestion to Kellett. He will need to sit his A-level exams.

 

[penguinsix]

Penguin,

My reply was in regard to Howard's suggestion to Kellett. He will need to sit his A-level exams.

Thought that might be the case but wasn't sure. Thanks for the update.