Hong Kong Academy Primary

I am relocating to Hong Kong with my family. I have done my rounds looking at practically every primary international schools in HongKong. I am quite amazed on the variety of 'quality' in these schools. From poor to very good, I must say.


I am really interested in ESF schools. I visited a few EFS schools and am quite impressed with the facilities, the curriculum and to see how happy the students are. Unfortunately the school have long waiting list already.


As a fall back plan I am looking at HK Academy. At a glance the school activities looks OK. Accreditation by IBO and WASC, it must be pretty good.


But the physical appearance of the building bothers me a bit. The inside is old, but tidy. The outside is very unappealing. It makes me wonder.


Have anyone here have kids at HK Academy or know of someone that is in the academy? Would love to hear anybody's point of view on this school.


Thanks.

PYP is actually the Primary Years Programme (International Baccaulaureate)

This is reassuring. Thanks Avid Reader and CF on your feedback.


I think the idea of asking telephone numbers of parents is a good idea. Thanks.

Do read previous threads posted here on this school. I would also be aware that this is a Primary School only. Although there is a shortage of Primary School places this shortage is minor compared to High Schools. Understand that they are looking to find a site to build a High School which will mean that funding for this will come out of existing parents pockets for which an additonal debenture is already being asked for. If you are in HK for the long term I would advise finding a school that has a High School such as HKIS or at least has a High School feeder such as ESF. If you are here for the short term it will be less of a concern.

Diamond123


HKA is a wonderful school and my children have blossomed there. The building is rough but the classrooms are very bright and child friendly. Can't praise it highly enough.


Hettijames - HKA is starting the High School as of the next school year. The middle school has been operational for two years. There is no "additional debenture" for the High School your information is incorrect- it is not a debenture school.

I have a few friends who have children there who are currently very unhappy about being asked for an additional HK$20,000 - which came out of the blue.

Hong Kong Academy is a fantastic school, but the only downside is that it's small and isn't yet able to compete with the facilities of the larger schools like the Canadian School. However, they are working on accumulating funds so as to be able to have a permanent site which offers great facilities. The children do get bussed to a pool for swimming and there's a great gym, but the site is rented and they want a permanent site.

The Transition Fund was a one-time fee which was collected. The money was put aside so that the school can build a permanent site. Hong Kong Academy is expanding one grade per year until we have a complete through school up to 12th grade. I think, 15 sites are currently looking for new sites, so the competition is outrageous for land and most schools are too small unless they are renovated. Did you choose a school? How's it going? You can't go wrong with the international schools in HK, although I definitely feel the children at HKA are in the best possible school situation! It's got the smallest class sizes because in primary school, there are 18 children to one teacher and assistant. In middle school there are 18 children to one teacher. The connnection between the teachers and children is unbeatable! If you value a small school with a community feel over a larger school with more facilities, HKA is for you. New moms are welcomed with welcome coffees and lunches and the new children feel like celebrities as the other children have been in their shoes and welcome them openly. There is a great deal of emphasis on accepting others, contributing to charity, going out of your way to be kind, etc. I used to go to a religious school and wanted that for my kids. I didn't find the right one for us, but HKA embraces children of all beliefs and celebrates them! It's an absolutely great place for the kids.