Which kindergarten has better chance of getting into ISF?

[jormankiu]

I've been very impressed with ISF's curricumuluma and philiosophy and would hope to send my son to ISF when he reaches his age. Now that he's about 18 months old, I'm choosing among a few pre-schools/nursery. The ones I have in mind are Kingston, Tutortime, IMS and Casa dei Bambini.

All of these schools offers English/Mandarin curriculum, the latter two are Montessori schools. My son never sits still and loves to explore around. He enjoys meeting people and going to playgroups. But he's not exactly a quick learner due to his premature birth background, so anything too intensive will be too much for him.

What will be your views on Kingston, Tutortime, IMS and Casa dei Bambini as a transitional school for ISF? Anyone knows which kindergartens does the current ISF students come from?

 

[longfung]

hi there,
my son is no win foundation class. We were at Rightmind Kindergarten at southern Horizon. His classmates came from all over. Apart from those that you mentioned, there are kids from Ling Nan, quite a number from Victoria, Ling Liang Church at Causeway Bay. I think is doesn't matter which kinder you attend, you can choose either mandarin or english for the assessment. The key afctor is the kids performance's at assessment that counts for all. but having a mandarin background does help to get on with the syllabus.
Also , when choosing the kinder. travelling distance is a key factor (this is my own experience)
Hope the above helps.
Regards

 

[nvmom]

ISF prefers children who have mandarin background. Their chinese curriculum is quite intense.

We considered it but given our background there is no way we can support the chinese at home so we gave up.

 

[longfung]

hi nvmom,
May I asked if you are a non mandarin speaker ? we do have a lot of parents (both local and expatriates) who don't speak mandarin. We have tutorial and the teachers are very accommodating in this aspect for the 6 months.
How ar eis your little one? is always good to have the mandarin background which helps to pick up the curriculum. there are lot of preschool that offered good courses on mandarin. i had learned from my little ones through this as well
thx

 

[julianapeng]

My son is 2 years and 2 month old. We joined Tutor Time Central playgroup when he was 1 year old and couldn't be happier with it. The mandarin teachers are good and half of the class is taught in mandarin. I think both IMS and CASA have a mandarin teacher in the classroom but the language used in class is English. It's up to the child to either seek help from the English-speaking teacher or mandarin speaking teacher. So far as I know, children who go to ISF come from different backgrounds and pre schools, not necessarily the ones you mentioned. I visited Kingston once, I think mandarin is taught in class.

 

[granola]

I am a private tutor. Most of my students are from ISF. Some have been with me since kindergarten before they were accepted to ISF. The most important thing is to train the kids basic addition and subtraction, Mandarin and English conversation. It is best if they know some Chinese Classical Poetry.

 

[WinnieM]

Hi Granola

You mind sending me your contact details? I am finding a Mandarin tutor for a son. Thanks!

 

[baby09]

my child is attending ims and we are looking for a private tutor. we are also being interviewed for isf primary leve,. can u pls send me your contact thanks.