Choosing the right international school in Hong Kong

Thank you to Specialist Education Advisory (SEA) team for this article.

Choosing the right private or international school in Hong Kong can be a daunting process for many parents. The questions we often receive are:

• What should I do to begin the application process to an international school?

• How do I know when to apply?

• I want my child to learn Chinese – what options are available to me?

• How do I know what year level my son or daughter is in?

• Is there anyone who can provide advice and guidance?

Well, thankfully professionals at SEA are here to guide us through the process, and help ease your anxiety as a parent. What should parents do first?

SEA advocates that families who are considering moving to Hong Kong should identify the school they would like to enrol their child before the move. For those who are already in Hong Kong, parents should look at applying to international schools at least 2 years in advance particularly for the more popular and highly sought after schools, such as German Swiss International School (GSIS) or Kellett School.

What do I do if I want my child to study Mandarin at an international school?

If you are looking for your child to learn Chinese (Mandarin), do consider that earlier in your child’s school life. It is much easier (and kinder on the child) to switch from a bilingual or local Cantonese-medium school to an international school when they are younger. This gives your child time to adjust to the new curriculum and teaching methodology. However, transitioning from bilingual or local Cantonese-medium schools is most common at the end of Primary 5 so children start afresh in secondary school in Year 7.

Are there other things a parent should note?

Yes! There are 80 international schools in Hong Kong, which means there is a range of curriculum, pedagogy and extra curricular activities for parents to consider in their selection process. As schools offer curriculum specific pathways, knowing where you would like your child to further their education is also something to consider. The types of curriculum available in international schools based in Hong Kong are: US Advanced Placement (AP), Australian New South Wales High School Certificate (HSC), Canadian Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), the United Kingdom A-Levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB).

So I've selected a school, what do I do now?

Do book a school tour, visit the school and experience the grounds. Also, ask the staff questions on the day of the visit. Finally, it is a good idea to speak to existing parents before ultimately making a decision.

Choosing a private or international school at primary or secondary level can be overwhelming. Consider what you are looking for in a school, as well as curriculum, track record, facilities, school fees and medium of instruction. The key is looking for a school that is right for your child.

If you are looking for education advice, contact Specialist Education Advisory (SEA) team at info@specialistedu.com.hk or 9174 7418.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of Cascade Train Teach Learn.