Kindergarten applications

Hi Rocky,


my son is turning two in a few days. We did his kindergarten apps and interviews just 2 weeks ago. It is crazy here, 1 year ahead for apps, and the child is not even 2 years old, and he had to answer a whole bunch of questions, do puzzles, and sit quietly.... quite formal. (I applied to local kindergartens) International school's interviews are less "rigid" I guess.


Answers to your questions:


1) Yes, you can wait until he is nearly 4 to start K1. Many of my friends do it. I am still thinking about doing that, but I applied this year so I have a choice.

In fact, when we were at the interviews, the teachers and principal also said to me, "wouldn't you consider waiting for one more year? "


2) No it's not too late to be accepted in ESF...... I have students who entered into ESF schools in the middle of the year, they applied when they moved back from Canada, and was put on a waiting list, and then called them when a family moved back to US. However, some ESF schools are more popular than others. You would have to contact the administration about your options, and what you need to do.


3) Of course, he would have school to go to !!! Many schools accept students in mid year, and some international schools are doing interviews just upcoming Jan and Feb. do some research, and you will find them.


Don't worry, your son can wait until next Sept to apply so long as you don't mind waiting for another year, and him being the "eldest" bunch in his class. While my son would be probably the youngest in his class always.... a disadvantage actually......


Meanwhile, we are still at Anfield International ..... and they have all sorts of programmes that would suit your son's needs....same goes to Tutor Time.... Yew Chung... etc.


Good luck. Hope this helps you.

Hi,


I know the feeling Rocky as we also appeared to have missed the boat.....I feel most incompetant!


I couldn't quite believe we had to apply one year in advance but I think some places are still accepting applications - I certainly hope so as I am still looking right now. But in terms of "decent" places my thoughts is that the Kindergarten stage is from 3 -5 and shouldn't be too stressful in terms of finding a good place. I would think the most important aspect is good quality care and thoughtful structured play. I am more willing to spend money on ESF primary schools or other really good options when they start their "formal" school career. But I have no idea on whether you need to put your childs name down at birth to get into any of those at age 5.


In terms of later starts for primary - that is a decision to be made later isn't it so it doesn't depend on what kindergarten schooling they have had? Or does it?


There are pros and cons of being the youngest or the oldest and it depends on the Childs personality and social skills I guess. For us the problem is finding good kindergartens in our area as there is less choice than on the island side I think.