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One of the first things you need to think about when moving to HK with children is where they’ll go to school. While it depends on their age, expat children are often faced with challenges like a different level of education or learning culture. Our friends at
Pacific Prime Hong Kong are here to help you navigate the education system in Hong Kong and choose the right school for your child.
Know what you’re looking for
The school that’s best for your child depends on the kind of expat you are, where you’re from, and your child’s age and interests - to name a few. Some considerations to keep in mind when searching for the right fit include:
● Will you be living in Hong Kong long-term? If not, it’s advisable to choose a school that best suits your goals.
● How old is your child? Older children will need a school that’s compatible with their prior education.
● What are their interests? Some schools may be more suitable if your child enjoys extracurricular activities or certain subjects.
● Do you want your child to learn your language in school? With many schools teaching primarily in Chinese or English, other languages will narrow down your options.
Become familiar with the Hong Kong education system
Perhaps the biggest decision you’ll have to make is the educational system you’ll choose for your child. Fortunately, the standard of education in the SAR is typically high. The education system consists of three types: public, private, and international - all of which are registered with the Education Bureau.
If you’re looking for free education in Hong Kong, then you can send your child to a public school in Hong Kong. These schools follow the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE), which is internationally recognized and allows for further education in HK and overseas. Along with Chinese being the main language of instruction, public schools in HK are known for being high-pressure environments with little creative learning.
On the other hand, private schools in Hong Kong set their own curriculum - allowing them to offer bilingual education and more. While they tend to be more affordable than international schools, places for expat children are limited by law. So if your child doesn’t have an HKID, then they may have to go to an international school instead.
International schools in Hong Kong offer a culturally diverse environment and a global approach to education. The downside is that they can be very costly and aren’t much help with integrating your kids into local culture. Be sure to consider the following when shopping around:
● Curriculum
● Language of instruction
● Year of establishment
● School reviews
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to contact the admissions department. A school tour and trial commute could be a good idea before finalizing your decision.