Hi, we are moving to HK by end of November and need to get my 2.5 daugher and 4.5 son into pre-school. Having contacted several Woodland schools, some have been very quick to respond, helpful etc as have Tutor Time and Sunshine and I need to get them registered/deposited quickly from this end so its sorted when we arrive, however its a bit weird not having actually visited any of the schools. I realise once we get there we can visit and change after a period, but just wandered if anyone has first hand knowledge/recommendations for any of them? We will be living in Repulse area or closer in toward Aberdeen where we will be working, (me part time). Also, have been offered places in one of the Woodland Montessori schools, any thoughts on Montessori? I have never really had a preference in it and my two have been in a 'normal' KG since 6 months and we have all been very happy with it. Couple offering in Tai Tam/Redhill area, any thoughts? I can see them all on online maps/images etc, so difficult making a decision without any knowledge. Thanks for any advice.
Pre- schools Woodland/Tutor Time/Sunshine
- Thread starter agpanda
- Start date
rani
Administrator
Woodlands Aberdeen and Tutor Time are both good schools. However, I would base my decision on where you live so you can reduce commute times. Also if you plan on applying for Primary 1 place for your 4.5 yr, the deadline for ESF central applications will be this September. You will need a local residential address confirmed before then.
Aberdeen to Tai Tam / Redhill is about 20-30 mins away.
Would suggest Harbourside if you are gonna be living in Aberdeen / Ap Lei Chau area.
If you're going to live in Stanley, look at Tutor Time, Sunshine House or Woodlands in Redhill, Tai Tam. Personally, I am not a fan of that Woodlands Montessori.
If you live in Repulse Bay, you can look at South Side Kindergarden and the 2 Woodlands (my friend wasn't utterly impressed with the one in the Repulse Bay).
If you're looking at Ap Lei Chau / Aberdeen, you can look at Woodlands Harbourside.
And then there is Pokfulam with Woodlands and Sunshine House as well.
If your child was born in 2007 he should start ESF this year already (so depending whether he's just 4 or way into 4). If he's 2008 born, you have to apply this September, but you would need a residential address (as you apply per catchment area). Otherwise, in case of 2007-born you contact the school in your area and put him on the waiting list ASAP and still it will be very hard to get a place before the end of this school year. Any international school in this age group will be quite hard, so start applying soon and see if there are any (corporate) debentures you can use.
We live in Tai Tam, my oldest went to Sunshine House for one year (been very happy, good, proper preparation for ESF Primary), then on to ESF. My others went to St Teresa in Stanely but I wouldn't recommend it anymore, unfortunately. Too many changes, too many uncertainties. It's a shame and worth looking at but do ask lots of questions because it's all very vague at the moment. Personally I wouldn't, not anymore.
If you plan to live in Repulse Bay (or closer towards Aberdeen, meaning Shouson Hill / Deep Water Bay), I wouldn't look at Tai Tam and Stanley. My personal choice in Repulse Bay would be Southside from what I am hearing around me.
Hello MommyTo2: What is going on at St. Teresa, and what you have heard about Southside? (We are moving to Hong Kong, and our consultant is steering us toward the former, and away from the latter.)
St Therese KGT
Hi MommyTo3, I'm planning to send my boy to St. Therese this year. Would like to hear what are the risk factors/experience you mentioned about the school. Thanks a lot.
Hi MommyTo3, I'm planning to send my boy to St. Therese this year. Would like to hear what are the risk factors/experience you mentioned about the school. Thanks a lot.