montessori versus traditional prep school

[Karishma]

i have a friend who put her 3 yr old at the Woodlands in Tai Tam and she said it was HORRIBLE! the teacher clearly had no patience and many a times my friend would pop in 5-10 mins earlier than his pick up time so she cud stay outside the class and observe him and she said the teacher was rude and snappy! she even complained to the principal abt it and was shocked that the response she got to that was 'i know, we hv recd that compaint b4 and we r working on it.' she pulled her son out immidiately. cos it was clear they had no interest and just wanted to make money! she had the same issue of them owing her money after repeated reminders she called them one day and threatened to file legal action and she got her cheque in one week!!!

not sure why they have become so uninterested in the system. maybe all they r really interested is the money making aspect cos its clearly not cheap!!!!

 

[shahirakk]

schools - esf / similar

that sounds awful - I have been on hols so not had a chance to check the messages here. I have heard better things about 98 Repulse Bay so may stick with that & do the mandarin separately.Wha are others doing?

Has anyone got any ideas about schools - would like to follow british system.Which are the best esfs? I know you have to go to the one in your area but has anyone got experiences to share.

 

[shahirakk]

just thought I would do an update. Very happy with 98 Repulse Bay for the playgroup but son is now ready for stepping stones class but I have some reservations. I really want to do a morning class as this works better for my son. The nearest place is Woodlands Tai Tam. Anyone got children in the stepping stones class/ anywhere not too far away from The Repulse Bay that they are happy with. Being in playgroup is one thing but am quite anxious about leaving my 2 year old and want him to get one-on-one time with the teacher. Additionally, as he is just starting to say words I do want him to be interacting with someone whose English is clear and precise. Any ideas gratefully received.

 

[carang]

if you are having a problem getting moneys owed to you, threaten to contact the education dept. and take legal action. they could get into serious trouble for not refunding what is due to you.

 

[met_74]

woodland Tai Tam

I have very good experiences with the woodland montessori tai tam. My youngest son is in steppingstones (will be going to pre-school in Jan.) and my oldest son is in pre-school. At first they weren both going to the Sunshine House but that was a disaster. I still don't know why my son hated it so much. Maybe the fact he had homework at age 3,3 years did not help. And the fact there is more learning and less playing in that school. Anyway we were at a point that my son was crying every day, not wanting to go to school and my youngest son did not like the playgroup so I had to carry him in the school cause he refused to go in by himself. Then in the middele of the year I moved them both to Woodland Montessori Tai Tam. What a difference! They are both very happy to go to school.
The teachers are nice and the headteacher is always open for anything. For instance: they really look at the child when it is ready to go to stepping stones or pre-school. My son is almost 3 years and still he is in stepping stones because he is not ready for pre-school. Other kids are 2,5 when they start pre-school, it reallly depents on the child rather then age.

Anyway, if you have anymore questions I am happy to answer them.

 

[met_74]

Oh regarding lanquage; the steppingstones teacher was american but now there is a new teacher and she is Italian. So not native english speaking. If you want more one on one time then I suggest you do the 11-13 class since that is a small class (around 4 children). Morning class is more popular around 10 children. I started with my son in the 11 am class because of the size of the class. After a few months I transferred him to the morning class.

 

[NYCMOM]

Woodlands?

We just moved from the US where my 19-month old son was involved with lots of classes at different venues. Now in Hong Kong I understand that a formal playgroup is a good way to go to prepare them for preschool. Douglas is very social, loves to play, knows his colors, numbers, and letters, and right now really misses interacting with other kids. We move into our new apartment in Pokfulam at Bel-Air in a few weeks. I have heard good things about the Woodlands playgroups, but the best one seems to be in Repulse Bay (Tai Tam sounds good too, but a little too far). Would anyone at this time recommend the Woodlands Repulse Bay (not Montessori one) or should I try something in Pokfulam? I appreciate any advice!

 

[Bess]

you could try the Woodlands Montessori in Mid-Levels (Caine Rd), my 3yr old attends the pre-school and loves it. They have playgroup for 18mth plus.

 

[rani]

NYCMom - heard from a Belair Mom that a number of kids go to Sunshine House in Pok Fu Lam. Also worth a visit.

 

[Jordan]

Woodland Montessori in Tai Tam

I have very good experiences with the woodland montessori tai tam. My youngest son is in steppingstones (will be going to pre-school in Jan.) and my oldest son is in pre-school. At first they weren both going to the Sunshine House but that was a disaster. I still don't know why my son hated it so much. Maybe the fact he had homework at age 3,3 years did not help. And the fact there is more learning and less playing in that school. Anyway we were at a point that my son was crying every day, not wanting to go to school and my youngest son did not like the playgroup so I had to carry him in the school cause he refused to go in by himself. Then in the middele of the year I moved them both to Woodland Montessori Tai Tam. What a difference! They are both very happy to go to school.
The teachers are nice and the headteacher is always open for anything. For instance: they really look at the child when it is ready to go to stepping stones or pre-school. My son is almost 3 years and still he is in stepping stones because he is not ready for pre-school. Other kids are 2,5 when they start pre-school, it reallly depents on the child rather then age.

Anyway, if you have anymore questions I am happy to answer them.

I am thinking about moving my 3-year old from the Montessori School for Children in STanley to the Woodlands MOntessori school in Tai Tam/Redhill Plaza.
What are you thoughts on it now?
Have they changed?
It's now 2008 and I had a tour recently and the facility is new and nice, the space on rooftop is great for running around, however, I am hesitant as the reviews and rumors around town have really made the woodlands group a scare! They are also very expensive and seemed a bit money-oriented? You even have to pay for the summer when you are not here? Wow!
20 kids with 2 teachers and need to be potty-trained? My little one is about 75% there in the daytime.
The ratio seems high and the teachers seem okay, however, a bit strict and high maintenance. I can't see them soil their hands even once to change a soiled underwear (i.e.).
Do they truly get enough Mandarin to make a difference?
What about the statements on children being neglected by the teacher etc?
Thanks I appreciate your candid comments!