HK Academy School

Does anyone out there who has kids who go to HK Academy or been there for a visit? What are your views on the school and its curriculum. Thank you.

There were several comments about this school a while back. It may be worth doing a search first.


http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/forums/momsdads/threads/61825.asp

here is one thread with some comments about HKA.

My child has been very happy there and has blossomed. I love the smaller teacher/child ratio. The link HKCC gave you is a bit out of date now. The school has flourished and when we started there was no headmaster! We now have a dynamic Director who will take the school onto bigger and better things. They are currently seeking a headmaster just for the junior section. They also have now a dedicated Admissions Officer who is lovely. They may be moving in 2008 to the Southside if that is a problem for you. I found in the beginning whenever I mentioned HKA people would ask where is that? Now I find that there a lot of people that I meet wanting/shortlisting their kids to go the the school.

NLW2, I was told that the school does not sporting facilities like a swimming pool, field or even proper gymnasium so do kids get PE lesson and where are they conducted?


I've heard that it's a very loving school and would accomodate children with diverse culture and learning abilities so that's why I'm keen. I know they have open days for parents to visit but nothing beats comments from those who've been there and even those who have children there.

They do PE lessons once a week in the primary section on the large (fenced) rooftop . There is a dedicated playground and sandpit outside the preschool classrooms for them during their breaks (they finish 1/2 day).


The primary children (one year at a time) use the large rooftop playground (length and width of building) and lunch room at break times.


Since moving the middle school into the building next door they now have an auditorium but I am not sure if they are using it yet for rainy day PE lessons. They also have a number of after school sporting activities eg soccer at Happy Valley race track fields, Ice skating, Netball, Golf, Taekwando etc. They also have after school activities like Kids Chinese Dance, debating, guitar, choir, art classes and chess amongst other things.


They don't have a playing field or pool. I don't think it is a huge problem as we have a pool in our complex and do swimming lessons at other venues. I think you will find that some of the Junior International schools on the island don't have both of these facilities either (eg Kellet, Bradbury).


I also like the fact that in the preschool years there is a native speaking Mandarin co-teacher in the classrooms. In primary they have Mandarin lessons every day. Hope this helps.

Hi NLW2,


I was going to ask about HKA too and luckily ran into this thread. Thanks for all the info you've provided...very helpful!


Based on the info on the school's website, I had shortlisted the school as my top three. However, since I live in South Horizons, commuting can be a problem (don't think it's a good idea to have a 3 year old take the school bus...just me) and that's the reason I'm currently leaning more towards a school near my estate.


You mentioned that they'll be moving to southside in 2008, is it confirmed and where? It would be great if they do. Also, is the curriculum american based?


I will go to their open house session next month to get a better feel for the school, but in the meantime, it'd be nice to get more info so I can plan ahead. Thanks NLW2.

naneki,

Sorry I have been away. The building they are currently in will not be available (at this point in time) after August 2008. There are apparently a number of possible sites on the Southside that the EMB may offer them but nothing is confirmed as yet.


The curriculum they use is the IBs PYP programme. The Candian International School use the same and the ESF schools are changing to it. Have a look on their webste for further information.


I too had a problem with my child using the bus so young so waited another year before enrolling. The buses are the smaller ones and are not overcrowded. Every child has a seatbelt and there is a bus mother onboard (we have had the same one for the last 4 years!).

Hi NLW2,


May I know where the kids there go for after school ice skating? Can kids from other school join the activities as well?


Thanks.