5 and 6 year olds - need to enroll

Hello, I am brand new to this forum. I am in a position where my current employer is looking for me to move from Atlanta, GA (USA) to Hong Kong in the next few months.

I have a soon to be 5 year old and a 6 year old that I will need to enroll in school (Kindergarten and 1st year, I think). From everything I have read so far, the schools (English speaking based) require you to live within their Catchment area, so until I get there I won't be able to or know what area I will be looking.

My question is with the waiting lists, should I assume that my kids won't be going to school in the 2011-2012 school year (unless we get really lucky)?


I have a bunch more questions, so if anyone would like to "adopt" me that has recently moved to Hong Kong with Children, a one on one conversation may be a lot easier. :)


Thank you

XIMoto

The 'catchment area' scheme is only applicable for ESF schools. Other International schools do not have such schemes and you can choose them based on how you like them and if there is space. Places for schools can be tight and there are often waitlists at the more 'popular' schools. (unless the company has a debenture? But I am guessing not, or this would not be a concern for you) Native English speakers will be given priority on a waitlist at many schools. There are some international schools where you could/would be offered a place immediately.

I think once you know where you intend to work and live then you may be able to narrow down your choices a little and then you can get a better idea of likelihood of positions for your kids. It really is best to visit the schools before you make a choice, as only you will know if it is the right place for your child/ren.

Good luck!

For the ESF, a child born in 2006 would be entering year 1 this coming August- you are definitely too late. I hear there are 140 students on the waiting list at one school!

I don't think they're even taking applications - I suspect it may be difficult for your older child too, but they'd be higher up the waiting list. Don't know about the other International Schools- HK Academy often has space. If you have more questions, fire away, because that's what this space is for & you'll soon find out that no one has the perfect answer & we have a wide range of opinions here!

woodland should always have spots.

Thank you for the responses. My biggest issue is my company is still figuring out the relo package and I am concerned that my wife will end up having to home school both kids until we can get them settled/accepted. Is there an educational "fall-back" or public school option, or will language be an issue?

Another issue I am realizing is that I will need to base my residence on what school we can get the kids into, so just one more issue that I am having a hard time with until I get there.


Thanks

For a list of all schools check out:

www.edb.gov.hk

and www.chsc.hk

both are websites of the Education Bureau which lists all schools in each district. At least you will know what schools there are, location and many other details which will help. It covers both local and international schools. There are many local schools which are very good (and teach in english) so don't think that you need to only look at International Schools.


A lot of school do provide bus services to school (as young as 2 year olds - they have a bus nanny to supervise and ensure their safety) so you can choose a residence elsewhere unless of course you want to go to an ESF school which is location based.


It is very confusing and time consuming even when you live here. Good luck

First you need to ask your company whether they have any debentures and if so for which schools.


For a lot of schools, without debentures, you'll be late, and quite low on the waiting list. You could apply for the ESF Corporate Surety Scheme (check on their website), and they may be able to offer you a place at some point in June / July but you would have to indicate where you think you end up living.


There are other international schools which are less popular you could find a place at:

- Delia School of Canada

- American International School

- Hong Lok Yen International School

- Norwegian International School

- Korean International School

- Japanese International School

- Harbour School


Most of these schools are in the NT (except for Delia in Taikoo, but I think they have another location and Harbour School in Kennedy town) and AIS (in Kowloon).


Most other schools, like FIS, CDNIS, HKIS, GSIS, HKA, CIS, SingIS would be a lot harder at this point, as interviews have already taken place for some. Same for ESF.


2005 born children are currently in Y1, 2006 born children will enter Y1 in August. There are plenty of preschools that offer P1 classes for children that should be Y1 but don't have spots.


I am not very familiar with local English schools but others may be able to help.


Also education cost for international schools will range from $63000 for ESF all the way up to about $150-175000 for some of the more expensive schools like HKIS and CIS. You need to budget for that when you negotiate your deal.


Hope that helps.

2005 born children are currently in Y1, 2006 born children will enter Y1 in August. There are plenty of preschools that offer P1 classes for children that should be Y1 but don't have spots.


Sorry, this applies to ESF only. They go by birth year.