Moving to HK, 6 year old with mild special needs (R2), plus 4 yr old (R1)

[newjerseyfamily]

We are moving to HK but don't expect to arrive until August 2008 and would like to get our 4 year old daughter and 6 year old son into school. Our son is currently in a mainstream kindergarten (equivalent of R1) class in the US and has mild ADHD, so needs some support in the classroom in the way of an instructional aide to help him stay focused.

We need help navigating the process of getting both kids into the same school, and for Sept. 2008. We are not going to be super picky with the school as long as its English speaking and can offer the supports that my son needs. Also, we need the cutoff to be Oct. 1 or later, as my daughter will be 5 on Sept. 21 and we don't want her to wait another year for R1.

We have not selected housing, and are also flexible - our primary concern is getting them into school and then we'll live somewhere convenient.

Are we too late for the 2008 process? Does anyone have experience with kids that did not get into school and what do you do?

Thanks!

 

[rani]

Welcome NJFamily!

If you're employer is willing to help, I would recommend applying for the ESF corporate scheme. The cut off for ESF schools is Dec 31st and your 4 year old won't have to repeat.

More info on ESF and the scheme here

http://www.esf.edu.hk/index.aspx?nodeID=1039&langno=1

I do know of another American mom, one of her kids got accepted, and the other was waitlisted for the same school. She only had to wait for 2-3 weeks and a place become available. In the meantime she homeschooled her daughter. The school gave her all the materials so she wouldn't fall behind.

 

[newjerseyfamily]

Thanks. We'll look into the corporate scheme. But not sure if it covers my son who requires some special education. Because he will be in a mainstream program, I believe we need to apply directly to one of the ESF schools (as opposed to centrally). Do you have any recommendation as to which schools might be better for mainstream kids who need some extra assistance?

Thanks,
Michelle

 

[loupou]

I think ESF will suit your needs. They work hard to mainstream kids who may just need a bit of extra help. Here is information on Special Needs provision at ESF schools:
http://www.esf.edu.hk/index.aspx?nodeID=941&langNo=1

I think the Norwegian International School might also be a possibility. It's a small school and very friendly and open. Here is information about "learning support" there.

http://www.nis.edu.hk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=37&Itemid=83

 

[sap]

Hi,

Looking for some guidance from HK members!

We are also moving to HK from India with our 4 year old kid. I am looking to admit him to Primary 1 in English medium school.

Does anyone have a child in Woodland School? How is it?

I understand that they can reserve a seat for him, but then we may have to confirm soon. So if I pay the fee, I loose out on ESF. We would prefer ESF School, but the seats are already full. Even if we go in for Corporate Surety, the interviews would be held only in August 08.

Can anybody also guide me on the interviews...

Our child has English as his second language. While he is able to understand simple english, he cannot speak fluently in English (Hindi being his mother tounge).

Thanks,
Warm Regards