Hi All
Firstly thanks to everyone who posts for all the helpful information I've gleaned so far from this forum. Certainly helped me to start to understand the HK international school scene.
Bit of info first moving to HK beginning of August with family including our 4 yr old son (born Dec 2008). After reading this forum as soon as transfer was confirmed began applying like crazy to schools!
ESF seems to be out of the question - as no address and no corporate surety. Arriving a few weeks before term starts I imagine it's highly unlikely we'll get a P1 spot.
FYI son only speaks English (British & Australian passports) and currently attends Montessori pre-school in Sydney.
My preference would be AISHK or IMS.
AISHK since we will probably return to Australia at some stage. AISHK looks unlikely for 2014, we're some way down the waitlist.
IMS as, not only do I believe in the Montessori method, but it would also offer some familiarity for our son in a time of change. IMS want to see him for an assessment when we visit HK end of the mth. Is this a good sign? They want him to join a classroom for an hour whilst we tour the school? Anyone else been to IMS for an assessment? any hints/tips?
In reality I don't want to prep him as it will put him on edge but any hints/tips would be great so we can try and make him as relaxed as possible beforehand.
Also applied to FIS (company have debenture) and HKA (look the school ethos/keen on new location). But also applied to Korean International, ICA & The Harbour School as back-up options after reading comments on this forum. ICA seems unlikely telling me they have a waitlist of 60. Harbour School have been very responsive but no confirmation on whether they want to assess him during our visit.
KIS want to see him for an interview whilst we're over. Anyone got any idea what this interview will entail? Any comments on the school? Can't find much on Korean International online except negative comments from 8/9 years ago.
I know we'll be in HK soon and can see/ask questions ourselves but interested to get others perspectives.
Am also looking at P3 options in case we're not successful in getting a space anywhere. Has anyone any experiences with Little Dalton? Know it's very new but hoping that might mean places? How easy will it be to get a P3 spot at the last minute?
Husband will be working in TST so depending on school (unless HKA in which case we'll go to Sai Kung) happy to look at living on Island or Kowloon. At end of the day don't want son to commute too far/be that far from school friends. So long as husbands commute isn't too far/too many changes he'll cope!
Once we've got our 4yr old sorted then I can start to think about options for our daughter who will be almost 18mths when we arrive.
Thanks in advance for your comments/advice