KCS or IMS kindy for non-mandarin speaking 3 yr old

I'm starting to consider various kindy for my 21 mth and after reading previous threads here, I am even more confused. My son is currently in a montessori preschool which he enjoys very much. My wish to move him in a yr's time is only because I want to increase his Mandarin exposure; hence looking at KCS and IMS but have some questions :-


KCS - I understand the main teaching language is Mandarin. Is it difficult for a non-mandarin speaking 3 yr old to cope at the beginning (language at home is eng)? What language do the kids speak amongst themselves? Will he be missing out on social aspects if he's unable to communicate fully?


Also, is their teaching style more traditional/local that it may be confusing for him coming from montessori?


IMS - how much of the teaching is done in Mandarin & how is it actually "taught"? Or is it just the case that there are 2 teachers, 1 eng speaking & 1 mandarin speaking within the classroom?


I've spoken to both schools but unfortunately KCS doesn't offer any school tours until interview time, so I thought I try to get the latest from parents with kids there. Really appreciate your time in replying, thank you so much!

I can't believe no one has anything to say on this.... ? Hello, anybody before I get moved to page 2?

Very different schools. KCS is very local and rigid style. IMS is open and definitely a polar opposite.


If you are looking for a strong Mandarin programme for a 3 year old, you could also consider Canadian Int'l School and ISF. Both programmes stream into the primary schools where the Mandarin continues. Chinese International doesn't start until 4 years.


Victoria-Shanghai is also gaining in popularity with English-Mandarin programmes from age 2.5 years, and continuing through primary. Singapore International is one more option, but it may only start from 4 (?).


If you really want all Mandarin, then KCS is a good choice but many find it too old-fashioned. IMS Mandarin outcome is not as strong as the other schools mentioned above.

Kingston Intl Kindergarten also has a fully bilingual Eng/Mand program, with the lowest teacher/student ratio of Intl schools, and preps for KIS which is PYP (the first in HK) and soon the IB secondary school (in the planning stages)

Thank you both for the additional info. Research shall go on, never thought I'd be one of those parents looking for school way in advance, but it's quite a lot to digest out there!

i hear you, our girl is 9 mths, already booked into preschool for 2010!