Kingston international kindergarten and tutor time

[Kmami]

Just relocate from NYC to hk. I am considering two nursery schools for my 27 month son in Kowloon. One is Kingston and the other one is tutor time. I wish he can be in a good English speaking environment, which will be easier for him to adapt school when we return to US. I also want him to learn Mandarin. Anyone can share some insights on these two school is appreciated.

 

[matemate]

i have friends with kids at kingston and did a school visit myself once. kingston came across as high quality (kids, teachers, environment) to me though mostly local kids (i.e. school yard language cantonese, with english/mandarin in the classroom).

my friends love it

 

[howardcoombs]

You should also consider http://www.ycis-hk.com

 

[Kmami]

Matemate and Howardcoombs:
Many thanks for your inputs. Will ycis have more kids speaking English as my son does not speak much? I will be in HK next week and will check out yc. Not sure if you know anything about GSIS. Comparing Kingston vs GSIS ( both are IB authorized) , what do u think about these two schools ? Thanks again and have a nice day!

 

[Kmami]

I mean my son does not speak much Chinese, and he only speaks english

 

[howardcoombs]

At 27 months, they are not expected to speak much of anything. Many kids enter English KGs without knowing any English, equally my kids entered KG without any Chinese at all.

Have you decided which location you will be living in/near? I thought you were going to be near KowloonTong (where Kingston is) and thats why I suggested YCIS. If you are going to be on the island, YC is a bit inconvenient.

GSIS and Kingston:
- GSIS is on the peak and Kingston is in Kowloon Tong : some ppl are OK with such a commute for their kids, I personally wouldnt do it.
- GSIS is a thru train school (KG to Secondary) and it is very academic; it is not known for its Mandarin programme.
- I dont know enough about Kingston to offer a comment.

 

[HappyV]

If you are looking at IB schools, you should also check out Canadian International, Chinese International and ESF schools - all have a wide profile of students, high academic standards, and good Mandarin programs.

 

[Kmami]

Thanks all! Really appreciated it. Looks like I need to do more school visits . Any additional comments on TT?

 

[carang]

but beware: it might not come down to which school you like, but which school has space.

 

[Zergmei]

Tutortime is great! Tried many playgroups and pre nurseries. Tutortime is the best so far.

YCIS is cantonese + english for the pre-nursery (3 yr old class) so although we got accepted, we changed our minds.
Would avoid it at all costs as its more for locals who do not intend to send their kids to the other international schools.