need help on ESF schools...from the other side of the planet

wonderboys

I'm really impressed by the parents who are so supportive giving advice and helping each other in this forum. I hope you can give me some help here.

My family is relocating to HK in the coming summer from U.S. In considering schooling, one of my top preferences is the ESF schools. I have 2 boys who are 4 and 6 and they should be going to p1 and p3 next school year. From most comments, I learned that all ESF schools provide similar learning environment and they are ALL GOOD. This is a good thing. But when it comes to deciding which one to go for, I think I need more information. Because they are all good, I can't just lay back, flip the coin, and let nature does the job for me...(but it sounds real good). I know where to live determines which school to go. But it is not that big an issue for us. Just fine anywhere easy commute to Wanchai where my husband will be working. So schools on HK island side, kowloon, but not DB and new territories (except clear water bay), will work for us.

One factor that may determine which primary to choose is the secondary school that it "belongs" to. So you are almost choosing secondary school at the same time. Now the picture becomes foggier.

I know it's hard to say that school A is much better than schools B and C and etc. But I believe that each school has its own special "character" that makes it differ from other schools. It would be ideal if I can visit most of the schools to get a feel of them. I did that before I put my kids into the preschool here. I feel so bad that I cannot do this this time as I'm on the other side of the planet. Even though they are still young, moving to another country is still a big deal for them (haven't told them yet, but in my head i can already see the begging eyes of my older son that says NO!). Other than the formal information found on the schools' websites, all I can rely on is what parents here can share with me your knowledge, from your own experience or other sources, of any of the schools. And hopefully I can use my mommy's instinct or "creative imagination" to put pieces of information together for a better picture before making decision.

I want to know something more solid about any school (primary and secondary):
1.The property and environment (campus spacious or small comparing to each other; open space or playground; building facilities; sporting facilities; surrounding air quality etc.)

2.racial or nationality mix and how they get along (are certain schools having more indian, chinese, or "western" population etc.? Do Chinese mostly hang out with Chinese, Indian with Indian etc.? I got such an impression once I surfed somewhere on net about KGV. I might be wrong.)

3.foreseeable school redevelopment (is KJS under the project already? is Island school going to be renovated in a few years? don't you think it might be a bit disruptive to kids if they have to move to a temporary campus for school?)

4.academic reputation (probably it's less easier to comment on primary schools on this one)

5.how well do parents involve and get along

6.any other thing that you know of particularly

Sorry for the long posting. I hope that other parents would also benefit from all your responses. Thanks a million.

fitmum

Have heard Quarry Bay ESF is good.  "Real Gwai Lo, caucasian" more than locals.  Campus is spacious and quite new.

Other details you'd better open another heading to ask for QB parents to answer.

Explain to your kids HK is a very international city and lots of fun things he doesn't encounter in the States; like pandas, trams, trains...  On the other hand, throw them some familiar names like McDonald's, KFC, Burger KIng and Toy's R Us to feel close to home.  Kids can adapt to new environment very easily.  Just one thing you may worry is the bad air quality here that may irritate their respiratory system.  If u can, try not to land in July or August which is very hot and humid.

Good luck!

wonderboys

Thanks for your suggestion, fitmum. Sounds like u are familiar with the kids favorites in the States. Did u also stay in the States and move back to HK? If u don't mind, just wondering what school your kid go to? Other than ESF, I think I would also apply for HKIS, CDNIS and some more schools as well (still working on it). It's just that it needs more work in selecting one out of the ESF schools.

WYmom

Actually students of ESF schools on HK side are mostly western kids, Peak School is easier to enter.  For secondary school, Island School will be redeveloped and expanded in a few years and will be much more spacious later.

On HK side, you really have lots of choices of IS. HKIS using American system maybe more suitable for you.

[ 本文章最後由 WYmom 於 08-1-4 08:56 編輯 ]

fitmum

原文章由 wonderboys 於 08-1-4 01:43 發表
Thanks for your suggestion, fitmum. Sounds like u are familiar with the kids favorites in the States. Did u also stay in the States and move back to HK? If u don't mind, just wondering what school you ...

Yes, I lived in LA for quite a while and still have friends with kids there so I know what they like.  My boy is 7 (8 in 2 weeks) and my girl just turned 5.  They r born in HK though.  My son goes to Shatin EFS.  I'm the laid back type and don't require much from my kids.  My son enjoys his school life a lot.  I chose this type of school because of my son't personality who needs a lot of encouragement.  After all ESF charges less than the others.  FYI, my daughter will go to local primary school in Sept.

I also agree HKIS is a good choice if it's affordable to you; academically, it's a good one.  (A couple of friends told me the school is demanding and they're busy guiding the children everyday.)  Just that I thought u r only targeting for ESF as your heading points out; otherwise, go for the American system would fit u better.

wonderboys

1. Thanks for all the suggestions. Yes, HKIS is a perfect fit. This a very good school but it's also very expensive. If ESF is providing quality education, is running IB which is recognized by the US universities, and is more affordable, I think it should be a good option. With the hefty fee of HKIS (or other ISs like CDNIS), just don't know how much more than the ESF they can offer to students. Or is it better off to go to ESF so that it would be more financially flexible for the kids to engage in other interests. These are my struggles right now. Perhaps many of you have had this kind of experience before. (I'm also thinking...maybe I can add another post to ask those relocated from the States how they dealt with the curriculum issue.)     

2. If the ESF secondary schools are all alike academically, then what about their campus facilities? Probably the west island has the newest and better facilities while island is smaller or more limited since it needs renovation? BTW, do you know whether island school will just expand or it will require moving to a temporary place? How about south island? I have no idea about it.

3. If HK side generally is likely to have more vacancies, how about QBS? Is it more popular on HK side? Looks like to me its catchment area covers  places more accessible to MTR and probably more densely populated.

4. How is QBS facilities compared to other schools?

desma

I am also from the other side of the planet and will be relocationg in HK as well!

Have you ever take your kids to HK?  If not I will suggest you'd better settle there as soon as the school year ends in US.  (That's what I am going to do )  Even though I know kids can be adapted to new enviroment easily;  they still need some time to get 'blend-in'.  Luckily,  my kids had a good impression towards HK! (the went there for the summer vacation just--eat, play, sleep )  So far I am not encountering in any emotional problems.

My suggestion for you is to hand in your application forms as soon as possible even we all know you will have a higher priority in getting an offer;  seats are always limited!  As ESF can secure the 'seat' for ovverseas student under a 'special' scheme--- as long as you can provide your employer in HK and have the first term tuition fee prepaided. (please refer to their wedsite, as I might make mistake)

If you know anything new in ESF let's share in here!  I will try my best to help you even though I am not as expert in this criteria!

gab

Bradbury has 4 classes per year while Kennedy has 5.  Chinese students are a minority in the Bradbury population, at least for 07/08 Y1.
Traffic along Stubbs Rd. where Bradbury is located does not pose a serious problem to its air quality.   The school half way up in the mountain with nice breeze.  It is the general air pollution problem in HK and Guangdong province that makes air unbreathable in many parts of HK.
Kennedy School students enjoy the excellent sports facility at the HKU sports ground next to the campus and also HKU's swimming pool.

原文章由 wisekid2007 於 08-1-4 10:33 發表
You may also consider Bradbury and Kennedy Schools as both of them have 5 classes per year such that the chances of having vacancies will be greater.  Besides, both schools have a well mix of Chinese  ...

[ 本文章最後由 gab 於 08-1-5 17:08 編輯 ]

wonderboys

I called ESF and they told me that the application period is over and I better off go for the "coporate surety scheme", something like what desma said.  But it's more actually a company sponsor as the company pays for a certain amount of non-refundable fee to ESF to securing a spot IF it becomes available.  Well, don't know whether it works for us yet because my husband's job relocation benefit is not really considered exactly as those of expat type. If it doesn't work out, then we'll have to apply directly to the school. QBS told me that I have to provide them an address before they can process my application. It's tricky.

Desma, what's your experience in applying the ESF?  Did u encounter any problem? Anyone?

Think you all may want to know that I also called CDNIS and someone told me that there's no space for the coming school year yet there are already 200 applications waiting for the preparatory class. What a phenomenon!

HKIS? I found out that their class entry cutoff date is september and my younger son is born in october. He has to stay an extra year before he can go to kindergarden (or their R2). But they have long wait list too. Just heard that some holding US passports have been waiting for years and still can't get a place.

Anyway, been away from HK for too long. I have heard many things before about the chaotic educational system in HK and how difficult parents nowadays have to deal with their children's education.(sigh) But you felt that it's so distant from you. Now..I'm starting to get a taste of it.

Any advice will be appreciated.

warrrren

原文章由 wisekid2007 於 08-1-8 08:56 發表
If your return time is fixed, what you may do is to apply some less popular IS for your kid in order to secure a place as a stepping stone first and in the meantime also apply several targeted IS and wait for the chance available.

Very much agree with the above.  It is probably too late to apply to ESF, CANIS or HKIS if we are talking about 2008 Summer term.  I have heard good things about Hong Kong Academy from my expat colleagues.  You may give it a try.

desma

Pls check your PM!

wonderboys

原文章由 desma 於 08-1-8 11:35 發表
Pls check your PM!

desma, thanks, I have reply to your PM.

JennyL

wonderboys,
I have friends who have been able to get seats for their children (at different ESF schools and different year levels) after calling and meeting the principals. They do want to help the new comers as much as they can and would unofficially put them on the top of their list. But you need to bug them a little.
You might want to come back for a short stay earlier to make arrangements. Pre-arrange meetings with ESF management and with a couple of principals. At least, this was what some of my friends did.
Good luck.

wonderboys

JennyL, thanks for your advice. About what month was it when your friends called them up? Did your friends just call directly to the principals or they did need to go through the admissions staff first?

原文章由 JennyL 於 08-1-10 21:35 發表
wonderboys,
I have friends who have been able to get seats for their children (at different ESF schools and different year levels) after calling and meeting the principals. They do want to help the ne ...