Preschools

We are moving to HK in August and I am looking for a kindergarten for my 3.5year old. I would be very grateful for any help, suggestions from this board.


Some background:

1. we will be living on southbay road, ideally I don't want to spend an hour driving every day.

2. I do not need her to go everyday (yet!) and actually would prefer the option of less days but slightly longer hours so I can get some stuff done in the meantime!

3. play based system is prefereable. English language.

4. Woodlands Repulse Bay you all say...however it is very expensive. I already have 2 children at school and their fees take up a substantial part of our salary.

5. Smaller is better (Sunshine house too big)

6. Some less expensive options I have come across are Starters, and HKPPA but the locationa are not so good for us.

7. Does Southside Kindergarten still exist - I have not been able to find any information on it.

8. Victoria or Highgate?


Thank you very much for your help. I know that these questions keep coming up but at this time of year I am sure there are lots of us around heading to HK who would appreciate some up to date opinions.

Southside Kindergarten does exist and is in the repulse bay hotel complex. From experience it is a great kindergarten, however it is not one of the cheaper ones - you will be looking at HK$5,500 per month from 9am - 12.30 pm and you will need to pay the full amount even if your child attends only three days. They are much more flexible in the afternoons and if you only wish you child to go for three afternoon then that is all you pay for. Highgate House charge around the same amount as Southside, although I am not sure that there is a Highgate House Southside, I thought it was only on the Peak so you may want to check that. In regards to Victoria, this is a chinese kindergarten, so if you wish your child to pick up Cantonese then I would recommend it, however it is not a play based system, should your child attend Victoria they will be given homework on a regular basis and have end of term exams! as far as I know Victoria is based in North Point and at the Belchers on the Pokfulam Road. A word of advise, most of the English Kindergartens have a waitlist, I know Southside does so you may want to place your child on the waitlist to ensure a place on your arrival. Hope this helps and good luck.

Thank you cathyjane, that is a great starting point. I definitely do not want homework or exams at this stage. I think you are right re Highgate House, it has moved to the Peak. And I suspected that the waitlists would be big as they are here too... thank goodness for the internet, how did people relocate without it.


Does anyone have any feedback on HKPPA or Starters - especially if you live Southside - is it worth the trek?

Sandpiper, in reply to your questions regarding Starters and HKPPA - I suggest you take a look at both of them - Starters used to have a very good reputation some years ago as they used to have an English Principle, however I understand that the local owner has now taken the job over herself. HKPPA seems to be very popular, however it is an old property with old facilities, both are very affordable however, unfortunately it is a case of "get what you pay for" so strongly suggest you check them out personally before making your decision. I understand that Small World Christian Kindergarten is a lovely school and one of the less expensive ones, sorry I am unsure of it's location. They do have a website, if you can not find it let me know and I will try to find the address for you. Good luck finding some where.

Hi Sandpiper,


You might want to check out small world christian kindergarten. Its fee is very reasonable ($3900/month) and the school is fabulous.