Help!! Kindergarten!

alannaj

alannaj

Registered User
I am sure this is a topic that is talked to death in many different forums (have just posted this exact topic on the other site as well!). I have read a few threads and followed up on some leads. I really want to ask this question though as I am getting a huge headache about the whole thing! I have a son who has just turned three. We arrived in HK about 2 months ago with no idea about the schooling system, so hence no pre-applications for schools. I have been avoiding the whole thing as it is stressing me out, but sadly the 'head-in-the-sand' approach has not led to answers (no surprises). Have decided it is time for action.

We are living in Tsim Sha Tsui, so are looking for something Kowloon and possibly Central area. I also have a 1 year old daughter so ease of access is important! My son is extremely shy, and I am concerned that if he attends a school with a very low attendance by westerners that he will be even less likely to talk/interact in the class. He has very, very white blond hair and has a taken a dislike to the attention this gets him as a westerner here! I want to avoid having him stand-out at school as well if possible. Poor kid - but he has a good heart and I want to find him a school that will nurture his active, spirited side and love of rhythm and music.

Any suggestions on schools in the Kowloon/Central area with a reasonable number of western kids and affordable fees! I am about to place his name on the list for YMCA kindergarten as it is close to us and I think okay?! Have also looked at Woodlands Montessori, which seems good but starts at 8.30 so hard to get there in time from TST with a 1 year old in tow.

Would desperately LOVE some advice so I can stop worrying needlessly. Usually nothing bothers me, but this has my head in a spin.

Thanks
Alanna :)
 
Woodland Montessori Pre-School at Caine Road is good. You can try the afternoon class if time is a concern. My sons attend the morning classes and there are quite a few westerners there. It's fairly multi-racial and the teachers are great. You may ask if your son can attend 3 days instead of 5 days.
 
Muffkitt,

I am interested to let my girl to study in Woodland Mid-Level, if study in Woodland's pre-school, is that high rate to get in ESF primary? And how many kids per class?
 
Karenchan
A lot of woodland kids get into ESF primary, but if you are so keen, you could try ESF kindy. Althought there are not garantee, but the chance is very good.
 
hi joliana,

my daughter is trying 2 this sept and never of heard of PIPS till now and it looks great. do you know what are the chances of getting into local stream, nursery class at PIPS in sept?
 
karenchan,

It's hard to say because ESF schools have some criterias where they give priority - you can check it out on their website. But based on the statistics that were shown to me by Woodland, in 2006 and 2007, there was a high number of students who went to ESF for K1 and Grade 1 (not sure if this is the right term) from Woodland Mid-levels. The others mainly go to international schools. My child was offered a spot in ESF for K1 in 2006 but as he was so happy at Woodland, we decided to let him stay there.

My child is lucky because he is in one of the smallest class in the whole school (for now anyway). It has 13 children with 2 qualified teachers, and a helper sometimes. Otherwise a class can have as many as 20 children. Hope this helps.
 
I applied the Sept playground just about 2 weeks ago. They said it should be ok. However, I am not sure about the others. As far as I know they accepts application anytime and will conduct interview during summer holiday.
 
PIPS Kowloon Review

I have 2 kids at PIPS Kowloon and they have been there since Sept and both absolutely love it, which for me is the most important thing.

I find the teachers approachable, passionate about what they do, nurturing and very encouraging. My kids have learnt an amazing amount and they have done because they have been encouraged to.

Yes, they're the 'mothers' that like to stand around and make gossip about the school but i believe that if a child enjoys the school and you see the other kids leaving school all happy and can't wait to go back, that's what schools about.

Although PIPS Kowloon is new, it's sister school in Tai Tam has been around for 20 years so it has a great reputation.

You will find in HK that a lot of parents believe that their child MUST go to a school in Kowloon Tong because that means their child will get automatic opening to Kowloon Tong Primary School, not so. Go with a kindergarten your child is happy in, you feel comfortable with the atmoshpere, like the teachers and your child will gain the knowledge, personality and confidence that any school in HK will be looking for.

And remember, chopping and changing school for your child is not the answer, keep them in one school from PN-K2 or K3 and they'll love it.

Good luck!
 
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