Help with Kindergarten in HK/Kowloon

Hi all,

We relocated to HK last Thursday and are having a tough time trying to find a school for my daughter who should be in kindergarten this year (she is 5 years old and would be finishing pre-school in Australia at the end of October normally). We have tried a number of lower tier schools and ESF but they are all full. So far the only place that has space is in the Gold Coast. Though we had initially planned on living out there after visiting it we prefer to stay a bit closer to central (perhaps kowloon area).


Currently our preferred school is the Australian IS. However they are closed until the 14th of October so no idea if they have space. We haven’t tried any of the really expensive schools yet like British, American etc.


If worse comes to worse we will live in the Gold Coast for a year to be close to the school out there. But I found the place pretty depressing over all so would prefer something closer in. Though would prefer trying to avoid paying exorbitant prices for schooling. I wouldn’t want to pay more than the level of the Australian IS fees. Though I may have no choice.


Any help appreciated.

My daughter goes to AISHK and is in reception. I know that recently a few kids left so there might be a space. Give them a call. Even though the school is on holidays the office is still open everyday for enquiries.

Thanks. That's the first bit of good news I have heard this week.


We did ring but got an answering machine. Not sure if I could leave a message. Will try again tomorrow/Thursday.

If you cannot find a place in one of the "big school" prep programs ("reception"), you can put her in one of the Woodland pre-schools if there is space. They are good at school prep. It is not the cheapest though.


You should apply for next year's "big school" now as many application windows close in November.

I think we should be fine for year 1. We have applied for one school but we will also apply for others as well to be safe. Its kind of hard as well since the school years are different from Australia.


I'll look up the woodlands. Thanks.