Hi we are moving to Hong Kong at the beginning of August. I've only just secured my job and so am leaving it very late to look for a Kindergarten place for our daughter. Does anyone have any experience of sending their child to a local Chinese kindergarten, as in a non international one? She is mixed race and understands Cantonese but does not speak it. She is 3 years old and we will be moving to ShaTin area. Will it be difficult to get her into a local Kindergarten at this late stage? What's the education system like? Thank you
Local Chinese Kindergarten
- Thread starter Kezzyp
- Start date
Hi Kezzyp,
My daughter is attending local Kindergarten since she was 2 years old.
No one speaks Cantonese at home but she's picking up quite well. She received Outstanding Performance Award last year & will graduate really soon. Another surprising thing is she's been appointed to become Master of Ceremony in the school graduation event. All scripts are in Chinese.
Based on my experience, it really depends on the school & class teacher.
She's the only student coming from non-Chinese speaking family background so they don't treat her differently.
The class teacher is always open to my questions (even the silliest one) & really supportive.
Getting into a school at this time may be tough, but I believe there are still some opportunities.
My daughter is going to whole day school btw. I think most parents will send out their kids to half-day school because those schools are more "popular". Each school has their own strengths & you should ask around to find out.
Feel free to PM if you want to know more details.
Good luck!
My daughter is attending local Kindergarten since she was 2 years old.
No one speaks Cantonese at home but she's picking up quite well. She received Outstanding Performance Award last year & will graduate really soon. Another surprising thing is she's been appointed to become Master of Ceremony in the school graduation event. All scripts are in Chinese.
Based on my experience, it really depends on the school & class teacher.
She's the only student coming from non-Chinese speaking family background so they don't treat her differently.
The class teacher is always open to my questions (even the silliest one) & really supportive.
Getting into a school at this time may be tough, but I believe there are still some opportunities.
My daughter is going to whole day school btw. I think most parents will send out their kids to half-day school because those schools are more "popular". Each school has their own strengths & you should ask around to find out.
Feel free to PM if you want to know more details.
Good luck!
hi Deasy_h,
I am a recent mum, looking ahead to kindergarten (AY 2019
and assume I will probably have to wait list my daughter well in advance).
I am having trouble figuring out what costs I may have . I have seen references to free kindergarten scheme then others related to means testing.
Is it the case that expats on work visa qualify for free kindergarten in a local (Cantonese) kindergarten?
We are not Cantonese speakers but don't have a problem with our child becoming fluent in Cantonese, or being in the local school system. Your experience with your child is very reassuring to see.
I would appreciate your answer and also your opinion on full day vs half day for an almost 3 yr old.
Thanks.
I am a recent mum, looking ahead to kindergarten (AY 2019
and assume I will probably have to wait list my daughter well in advance). I am having trouble figuring out what costs I may have . I have seen references to free kindergarten scheme then others related to means testing.
Is it the case that expats on work visa qualify for free kindergarten in a local (Cantonese) kindergarten?
We are not Cantonese speakers but don't have a problem with our child becoming fluent in Cantonese, or being in the local school system. Your experience with your child is very reassuring to see.
I would appreciate your answer and also your opinion on full day vs half day for an almost 3 yr old.
Thanks.
rani
Administrator
Expats can apply for the Gov't kindergarten voucher scheme.
Here are the list of schools that accept the voucher.
Pre-primary Education Voucher Scheme
Here are the list of schools that accept the voucher.
Pre-primary Education Voucher Scheme