How good is ESF?

[lily12211]

We've just recently started thinking about schools for our son (he's 2yr 10 mos and currently attends Discovery Montessori School). We're mainly concerned about where he's going to go for primary, and want to get him into a good school early so there's no difficulty of no spots later on (esp. for the international schools). We're seriously considering ESF (and he's been invited for a play visit to the Kindy in Tsing Yi), but we're not sure how good are ESF schools in general, compared to the international schools (HKIS, CIS, etc.). I've heard some great things, but also some just so-so things. Any current ESF parents out there with any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Also, I think we're Cat 1 - we're American with no Cantonese background whatsoever (and they called me to set up the play visit 1 day after I sent in my application last week). But if we send our son to ESF Kindy for the entire 2 years, would we even have a really good chance of getting into an ESF primary later on? I know there's no guarantee, but is there a great chance?

Thanks for any replies =)

 

[happyflipper]

Being in ESF Kindy for the 1st year (ie K1) gives your son a priority for interviews at ESF Primary schools and their Independents Schools ( ie Discovery College at Disco Bay and Renaissance College at Ma On Shan) . So if you are serious about ESF schools, do try and get a place at the ESF Kindy. The priority helps with getting the interview and if your son has good English skills and pass the interview it is almost certain that he will get an offer the ESF schools.
You can also apply for international schools and check them out to see which suits your education plans for your son - some have huge waiting list (like CDNIS but great facilities) and some are difficult to get in (like Chinese Int'l Sch). Fees differential are also large so you may want to take this into consideration when choosing ESF vs international schools.

 

[MommyTo3]

I would go with ESF Kindy and you can look at your options later once again. If you don't go to ESF Kindy, the chances of getting into ESF Primary will decrease significantly. Not worth the risk if you're not sure yet. We're very happy with ESF, it's no frills, down to earth, good quality education. It's not perfect, but it's still very good (Hong Kong does offer very good quality education compared to the rest of the world). For us, it was also a budget issue, we pay out of pocket and paying 2 or 3 times as much doesn't guarantee anything for our children. I went to a public school in Europe (like most people) for free and turned out what I was meant to be, know what I mean? I hear equally positive and negative things about HKIS (especially Lower Primary not being very academic, too playful, free, etc.). I wouldn't send my children to a school with major debentures and super high fees, just because that's not the environment I want for them (even though schools like CIS are very very good) considering they may have to go back into a public system with 30 children in a class. Most importantly, it depends on your child. Where does your child fit, what works best for your child. Again, go for it now and look into all options within the next year or so, and then decide.

 

[rani]

Unfortunately each ESF school is run independently and some are better than others. I would suggest to speak to as many parents as possible to determine which is the best fit for your child.

Agree with Mommyto3 and continue with ESF Kindy so you have options later.

 

[somebodyfamous]

I have heard that ESF classes are pretty big, over 30 children in one class, with 1 teacher and 1 teaching assistant. I agree with previous poster, some ESF schools are better than others, however you are assigned as per your 'catchment' area.

 

[babystuff]

I have heard that ESF classes are pretty big, over 30 children in one class, with 1 teacher and 1 teaching assistant. I agree with previous poster, some ESF schools are better than others, however you are assigned as per your 'catchment' area.

True! So many families move to get in the right catchment area.

 

[lily12211]

True! So many families move to get in the right catchment area.

What esf schools are better?