How long does it take for your child to travel from home to school?

mummypig

I am currently considering a school which is quite far from where we live. Given my son is only 3, I wonder if 1 hour (door to door, 1 way) travel time will be too much for him. I would appreciate some comments from parents here with similar experience. Many thanks.

jolalee

1 hour door-to-door is quite a lot. For kindergarten age it is best to keep it 1/2 hour door-to-door.

aandp

It really depends which kindergarten. If it is train through, I will take the offer even it takes 1hr traveling time.

jolalee

If it is through train, do consider moving to be closer to the school.

oooray

回覆 mummypig 的帖子

Relocation should be the best option. Alternatively, it will be fine if someone (parent will be the best, helper second) accompanies with to and back the school.
Taking one hour school bus for a 3 year old kid is not recommended.

mummypig

I am really struggling here. On one hand, its a through train school, on the other hand, its quite far. Relocation is very complicated (considering property prices, distance from grandparents etc). Our alternative is another school which requires 40min of travelling time, through train, but the secondary school  is even more remote and rather new with very limitted public information on their academic achievement / performance.

I really wonder whether the certainty from getting in a through train school should weigh more, or the well being of a child should come first. The extremely intense competition in this education system has driven many parents to the extremes (including myself). I of course want the best available option for my son, but what is 'the best'? sigh....

紅紅

原帖由 mummypig 於 14-06-05 發表
I am really struggling here. On one hand, its a through train school, on the other hand, its quite f ...

Have you got both offer?

sweetheartb

回覆 mummypig 的帖子

It takes 15 mins from home to school by schoolbus for my child (kindergarten).  I will certainly move closer if it takes more than 40 mins by driving.  Having said that, everyone's acceptability is different and I agree that the reputation of school, costs of properties and proximity to grannies should all be taken into account.

hay.hay.ma.

my case 40-45min. i drive. my kid naps during the ride. i prefer a long ride because he wouldn't nap otherwise. i won't suggest that if commuting by public transportation or school bus.

argump

My son spent 1 hr each way to a train-through school.  We've been doing that in the past  9  months and we finally had enough and move closer to school.  Now, both parents and kid are happier and yes the property price is rising hence we're just renting it.  

jolalee

Yes, if you've ever travelled with a small child for a long distance regularly, even on a weekly basis, you'd know why experts recommend kindergarten age children's commute time should be limited to 1/2 hour door-to-door each way. We are renting out our place and rent another one 10 minutes by car from the school.