Brand new a little overwhelmed

[PackerFan]

Hello,

I'm from the US and I'm trying to figure out how to move my family to HK. My wife and I are going for 1 month, and then I'll stay for a few months to get settled with a service apt etc.

Then I'll bring my daughter, she's 6 years old, Aug 2003 born.

I was thinking to let her finish the school year in the US (her grandma has offered to help her finish 1st grade in the US) (ends around June 1st).

But I don't know the start times of HK school or the international schools. I've read Sept and I've read January.

Will I be able to start her in Year 2 in Sept 2010 (equivalent of 2nd grade)? Should I be looking at international schools only? Is P2 Primary 2 the same thing has Year 2?

By December 09 do I have to have her on the waiting lists?

Sorry for all the questions I've been reading various threads and just trying to pick up as much as I can.

 

[MommyTo3]

It depends on the school system. Your child would be in Year 2 according to the UK system already. My 5 yo (born May 2004) just started Year 1 at ESF (UK-curriculum) however in the US system (which is basically HKIS for most) she would be R2. So if you're looking at UK systems, she would be in Year 3 next year. It really depends on the school, there is Canadian, German Swiss, French, many British curriculum schools, HKIS but also Japanese, Singapore, Australian. It depends on where you want to live, how far you want your daughter to commute. Most schools start September, a few exceptions (e.g. Japanese / Australian), however ESF goes by birthyear so all 2004 borns started Year 1 this year (there is no Sept / Oct cut off, though with an August birthday this wouldn't matter much), and all 2003 borns are now in Year 2. ESF goes by catchment area, so depending on where you live.

I have no experience with local schools, my children are bilingual but don't speak Mandarin / Cantonese (besides the hours they do at their international school).

HTH!

 

[Sleuth]

I don't think you have to look only at the international schools, ESF would be a good alternative, but you should stay away from the local schools. Seems even the locals try to avoid them.
Need to try to get a copy of the SCMP School's Guide for this year. Might post on geobaby and see if anyone has an e-version they can email you.
Or try this link:
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCM...aRCRD&specName=Good+Schools+Guide+(June+2009)