Harbour School - Recent Reviews?

[wasabibunny]

Something about the Harbour school really appeals to me. The only drawback is their minimal Mandarin program. I feel like it is absolutely necessary for my kids to be bilingual in this day and age. (Especially being “banana” Chinese myself -- to speak but not read or write Chinese). Any thoughts on this niche school?

 

[testuser]

Their core focus is not Mandarin. Some of the other schools tend to offer better Mandarin programs - unfortunately the ones I can think of like ISF etc are expensive AND oversubscribed.

 

[sunday212]

when i saw them they seemed to do a fair amount of mandarin classes, comparable to Canadian International. 45mins a few days a week from a young age. if you want more mandarin, then choose ISF or CIS which is hardcore. you could also supplement with additional classes. I think if you start kids young, then they will pick it up easy.

 

[phoenixashburn]

ok, I booked a school tour to this school and its not until mid jan but i drove past where it's supposed to be and i couldnt find the building. I know people said the infrastructure is not that great but i couldn't find the building? Also any thoughts on its mainstream teaching from current parents? My child isn't special needs but if I were to choose this school would the class instruction be 'slow' for her if the teachers are focussing on those with learning disabilities. It does look like a great school and i'm interested in any and all feedback. Thanks!

 

[Molie]

Harbour School is one of the better schools if you are not looking for a fully bilingual school. I am sure their popularity will increase over the coming years: their student-teacher ratio is excellent and the kids score high in academics even though there is plenty of emphasis on sports and arts as well. Well-rounded, happy kids who can think for themselves! The only downside is that they "only" have one hour of Mandarin a day. CIS and ISF however are almost impossible to get into, less than 10% of the applicants get a spot. THS is moving to another building in September if everything goes through, Southside area I believe. My daughter has an interview for reception year at CIS soon, if she does not get in I will definitely apply for THS.

 

[Molie]

ok, I booked a school tour to this school and its not until mid jan but i drove past where it's supposed to be and i couldnt find the building. I know people said the infrastructure is not that great but i couldn't find the building? Also any thoughts on its mainstream teaching from current parents? My child isn't special needs but if I were to choose this school would the class instruction be 'slow' for her if the teachers are focussing on those with learning disabilities. It does look like a great school and i'm interested in any and all feedback. Thanks!

Don't worry, class instruction won't be slow! Class size is very small so very individualised instruction. There are gifted children at the school as well and kids with other special talents. Children with dyslexia etc. receive ample individual attention. The kids with (more) serious learning disabilities go to their sister school TCI which is in the same building. Good luck!

 

[carms1]

Both my children are at THS, they love it! It is a fantastic school, catering for each child's individual needs. The school building isn't ideal but they have done the best they possibly can with limited space. As already stated earlier, the school is looking at relocating, whether it be to Stanley in September or elsewhere on the Island, they are really working on this to provide a wonderful school environment for our kids.
Good luck

 

[phoenixashburn]

Thank you so much for your replies, I feel much more reassured. We don't have an interview yet but keeping our fingers crossed.
How are the after-school activities for the kids? Do they have any popular programs?

 

[sunday212]

I've been to some of the international school open days. ISF, CIS are intensive Mandarin, Canadian do about 45mins per day and they tell me that the level of Mandarin is quite good. Harbour School told me they do 45mins a day too (4days a week), so they are not that bad,

Compared to other Int'l schools they do teach a good amount of Mandarin. ESF, which teaches Mandarin as a far-off second language, Australian just kind of brushed me off when I asked about the level of Mandarin, so I presume it's not good.

But I hear there are lot of Chinese students in ISF and CIS. Harbour has more Western students (the majority), which I also considered for my child as their peers will influence my child's cultural upbringing, so that is something to consider too.

 

[sunday212]

BTW, at Harbour, kids don't go to school on Wednesday's, so you can supplement with addditional Mandarin tutoring outside school if you want.