Help: School for 5 year old

[sophierdk99]

Hi, perhaps someone could help. We are locating to Hong kong with our 5 year old son, he currently goes to a small school in the UK and ideally I would like to keep to a small scale school. I have heard that its hard to get a school space..... any advice or thoughts would be gratefully received..............

 

[GeoDenise]

Check out our latest article on Discovery Mind Primary School which has 2 campuses - Discovery Bay and Tung Chung (opening in August 2013). They are small schools and might be a good start for you to consider.

 

[rani]

Welcome to HK! A year 1 place will be difficult to come by. I would apply ASAP. You may have a better chance at the Kindys that offer P1 classes, e.g. Woodlands, Sunshine, PIPs, etc

Do you know whereabouts you plan on living? Where will you be working? Central or elsewhere?

 

[penguinsix]

At this late stage of the game, your procedure should be "any port in a storm". If you can find ANY school place for your child, be prepared to take it. It's not a matter of you choosing a school, but the school choosing you at this very late date.

From another forum, I've heard that the following may have some openings:

- Think International School
- International Montessori School
- Sear Rogers / Funful International School

IMS was awarded a new campus and has been able to relieve quite a bit of pressure off of their wait list. But you need to be on the phone with these schools immediately to see if you can get in for the school year starting this Fall. Then you can consider a 'normal' application for a school that is more to your personal preference / location / teaching curriculum for the school year 2014-15.

You can also try a number of private kindergartens that are running 5-year-old classes (mainly late applications and wait list children waiting to get called by a school).

I would not underestimate the task ahead of you. The international school situation here is a major problem with wait lists stretching into the hundreds for some schools. If your are still negotiating your package you may want to see if you can get a debenture included by the company.

Good luck.

 

[sophierdk99]

thanks for the advice, will call the schools recommended straight away, feel very concerned. Can't really look for work until have school slot, not sure about fixing an area to live in until I know the school location ....hmmm sensing a theme. Yes, I am going to work full-time...and no, my husbands company does not have a debenture unfortunately...

 

[Portia]

Hi Sophie
If you don't mind a Christian school (but accepts students of all faiths), then you could also contact Island Christian Academy to see if there is any chance since you are coming from overseas. It is a small school with a good community feel. No debenture required!

 

[jim]

just sent you a PM

 

[Portia]

By the way, is your child going into Year 1 (born in 2008) or Year 2 (born in 2007)?

 

[Editor1]

This is from our resident school expert, Anne Murphy of ITS Educational Services Ltd:

As you’ve been already informed, finding a school place in Hong Kong for a Year 1 child is very difficult and at this stage in the game, a lot of places have already been offered and schools have long waitlists.

If you are looking for a school with small classes. I would suggest the following:
-Island Christian Academy
-Discovery Mind Primary School
- Woodlands Habourside
- Tutortime Tai Tam

The last two schools can take your child till he is 6 years old( Woodlands – English National Curriculum & Tutor Time – American Curriculum) and the first two have classes up to Year 6. I would advise contacting the schools ASAP and file an application so your child’s name is on the waitlist.

Considering International Montessori might be a big decision. The classes are bilingual (Mandarin & English) and it’s difficult to say if your child would be suitable at this age to the Montessori method. It does not suit all children and typically it begins at 3 years old .

Good luck!

 

[Rustyinhk]

Hi Sophie, We have recently relocated with a six year old and were really impressed with
Island Christian Academy. it's a fairly new school, has great facilities and teaching staff. They encourage the kids to follow Christian values (kindness, consideration etc) but do not teach religious studies. Class size is max 20. good luck with the move!