Too late? please help!

[elly44751]

Hi,
First I must apologize as I think the post may be quite long. To try to cut the story shorter, I have a little girl borned in Aug 2008, now K2 in Learning Habitat Lohas Park (Tseung Kwan O)
We stay in Tseung Kwan O area, my original plan was to study in Singapore International School for P1 ( We are Singaporean, speaks English First Language, my girl is very fluent in both English and Cantonese ) but as the location is really far, in Arbedeen, there are 2nd thoughts as the commute will take more than 1 hour each trip, which seems too tiring for a 4 yr old on a daily basis.

Thus I am now quite desperate for any good schools near TKO area? I don't prefer any public schools. Primary medium of teaching should be in English, some Mandarin or Chinese intergration will be good as well. Emphasis on overall learning, not just homework please. (However her language capability is quite good at 4 and she's able to read simple words).
I was thinking schools with ECA on music, dance, drama or art, cooking as these seems to be area of interest for my girl. And emphasis on participation/ project/ public speaking rather than rote learning is prefer. Thus "good" schools traditionally known may not be actually good if you know what I mean. Really need some help/ experience from parents!
Have thought of Clearwater Bay but it seems impossible as we are late and from the Forum seems they have a very long waiting list. I have spent past few days going through various forums, am getting more confused and desperate....any suggestion, comments, advice most welcome!!
Many thanks in advance.

 

[Editor1]

A reply from Anne Murphy, Education Consultant at ITS

Below is a list of options that may be suitable. You will need to visit the schools yourself to understand more about the ethos of each school - and to decide if any (or all) are a good match for your child. As you already know yourself, you might have more of a chance of winning the lottery than being offered a space at Clearwater Bay ESF School. Although, HK Academy is inundated with applications due to the opening of their new campus in Sai Kung; I suggest to still apply.....your application will be valid for 2-years. Spaces do become available in various grades on and off.

I do know that American Int’l School (AIS) in Kowloon Tong are offering assessments in March so it might be worth visiting the school soon. A lot of local HK children attend this school so Cantonese and English is used widely in the playground. I’m always impressed with the passion of the teachers when I visit the school – but there is a lot to be said about the facilities.

Another school, you might like to consider is Think International School (IB Curriculum) – this school has improved leaps and bounds over the past few years. You can download the application on-line and they usually get in touch anywhere between 3 and 4 weeks about an interview/assessment.

Also, book a visit to the Korean International School. I’ve heard good and bad reports (but isn’t that with every school). When I visit the thing I do notice is that children are happy and teachers are very friendly. Their English program used to be quite poor but they have made very good progress over the last couple of years. They would be about equal to Delia School of Canada right now. Most students that attend are Korean so it doesn't have quite a diverse student body.

Lastly, Tutor Time in Kowloon Tong - Dorset Crescent offer classes for children up to 6 years old, so if you are still unable to secure a spot somewhere for September 2013 entry; this would be a good interim solution. Tutor Time offers an American-based curriculum with a strong focus on Mandarin.