Parent's Review of Hong Kong Academy in Hong Kong, Hong Kong

What is the name of your child's school? (Please report on one school per survey.)

Hong Kong Academy

In what town or city is this school located?

Hong Kong

How would you describe this school? (i.e. American, British, International, Local, etc.)

International IB

What grade levels are represented at this school?

Pre-K - grade 11 in Aug 2010

How do most children get to school everyday? (bus, train, walk, etc.)

School bus, private car or public transport

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

Facilities are limited as the school is in temporary premises. School moving to a transition premises for August 2010, but has been awarded a site in Sai Kung to build a new school. (I imagine it will be 3 years before it is ready).

However, don't be put off by what the school looks like on the outside, the classrooms are fine and there is a great atmosphere. Very small class sizes (max 18) with two teachers per room in primary, and often in middle school too. Great support programs for different learners - in fact I've never seen such a great teacher - student ratio.

A range of after school activities is offered (often with bus transport to a different location). The small size of the school means it is not an extensive list, but there are so many other options in HK for English speaking kids anyway.

What has this school done to help your child transition from the curriculum in your home country into the curriculum in your new country? Are there programs to prepare your child for repatriation?

School very supportive to my son when we arrived - especially as it was half way through the school year here (but the end of the school year at home in Australia). teachers great at communicating with parents. In fact this is almost a requirement! Parents are expected to take an interest in and and be involved in their child's school work and very regular email communication with the school is the norm. Not sure about repatriation programs as there are so many nationalities.

How would you describe the social activities available for parents through this school? Are there parent-teacher organizations?

Very active parent community. Some parent get togethers and plenty of opportunities to be involved (especially in primary school)

What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling their child in this school?

This is an IB system school. This is not a school for parents that expect their kids' heads to be stuffed full of facts that they can regurgitate in exams. The amount of homework is very moderate. The grading system is criterion based. This means you find out what your child can actually DO, not where they ranked in the class. The students seem to learn how to be independent learners and have great research and presentation skills. They learn how to learn. Most parents at the school specifically want this for their kids. It may not suit those after a more competitive, exam/mark focused education

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