Questions for school visits

[AnnaMom]

We will be moving to Hongkong in April '13 and I have been in the school hunting grind since last Novemeber. My daughter has been waitlisted for Year 5 in FIS , Kellett , GSIS, QBS but sadly no assessments for her so far.

I am visiting Hongkong next week and I have fixed school visits for all these schools plus CDNIS and Harbour school. I was wondering that what should be the questions that as a parent I should be asking ... since it is the first time that I am relocating and never faced any such interview/school visit.

Any help in this regard is welcome.

 

[MommyTo3]

We will be moving to Hongkong in April '13 and I have been in the school hunting grind since last Novemeber. My daughter has been waitlisted for Year 5 in FIS , Kellett , GSIS, QBS but sadly no assessments for her so far.

I am visiting Hongkong next week and I have fixed school visits for all these schools plus CDNIS and Harbour school. I was wondering that what should be the questions that as a parent I should be asking ... since it is the first time that I am relocating and never faced any such interview/school visit.

Any help in this regard is welcome.

You mainly need to ask them what are your chances of getting in (probably expect after the summer for most schools) after Easter few people leave, it's just one or two here and there. You need to wait until after the summer for the big exodus. My kids are at QBS and over summer about 10-12 kids per year level leave, not a whole lot on 120 kids. But because most people apply at multiple schools some might be going elsewhere so lists are never 100% accurate or clear. It gets easier in the upper school years compared to the lower school years.

Also the schools you mention are all quite different in terms of curriculum so if you end up with more than 1 offer at some point (may not be at the same time), you need to ask yourself what is best for your child. I know it's hard as you want a space, but you need to be comfortable with the space too. At ESF there are a lot of kids transferring from other schools like KIS, Delia, etc. and other schools that are known to be easier to get in. Once a space comes up, the kids move straight away, so you may want to ask about financial implications (how much do you need to put down, refundable, etc.; obviously wouldn't tell them you may be planning on shifting ).

 

[penguinsix]

Your chances, what the wait list is like, and whatnot are very important questions. I would also try to get a rundown on timing--when you should expect to hear, when you should expect 'not' to hear (i.e. no chance, go somewhere else).

Also ask about long-term redevelopment plans of the school. Nearly every school, in the next 10-15 years, will have some redevelopment issues, perhaps even forcing your children to attend a different campus for a time. Worth investigating early.

 

[rani]

AnnaMom, Hope your visits go well. Keep us posted.

 

[AnnaMom]

Sending you a PM for your urgent help.