Last year, The Standard reported that international schools were losing up to 50 students each as expatriate families left Hong Kong because of the financial downturn. But if you think that this means an end to the long waiting lists, you're sorely mistaken.Basic fees at international schools range from US$775 to US$2,000 (HK$6,045 to HK$15,600) per month but, despite the recession, there are still parents clamoring to get their kids in.
Anne Murphy, director of corporate training for tuition and school placement agency International Tuition Services, said she has seen no letup in the number of applicants trying for a place in the city's expensive schools. "Many expat parents have waited out the financial tsunami," she noted. "And there are also plenty of local parents wanting to get their children into international schools."
ITS surveyed popular schools in March and found that the applications for this year's intake rose 30 percent for the Canadian International School; 15 percent for the German Swiss School and 10 percent for the English School Foundation. One of the longest waiting lists was at the Discovery Bay International School, which saw a 13 percent increase in applications for nursery to Primary Four since last year.
The only decrease was at the Hong Kong International School - where it was down to 835 from 850 last year.
With so much competition, it is no wonder that parents of two-year-olds are already researching primary schools. And it's also no wonder that parents coming in fresh into the school system find the task of picking the right institution for their kids somewhat daunting.
To help them, ITS published The Unique Hong Kong Schools Guide (HK$120) early last month. Written by Murphy, teachers and school placement consultants, the 70-page bilingual guide contains short articles on relevant subjects, such as an overview on local school life, and a listing of all the international schools in Hong Kong.
In a nod to the financial climate of the times, there is also an article breaking down the costs of sending a child to an international school compared to a local one.
"There are so many schools and so many changes happening in the education system in Hong Kong that parents need help shifting through their choices," said Murphy. "The guide gives them extensive coverage - for example, it covers not just the fees but also whether that includes items like uniforms, class trips and art materials."
As it is comprehensive and simply written, it makes a great starting point for parents trying to understand the system.
One quibble I have, though, is that its A4 size makes it feel too unwieldy to serve as a guidebook. Plus, the lack of distinction between advertisements and actual articles makes it difficult to flip quickly through the pages to find exactly what you need.
