Parent's Review of Hong Kong Academy in Sai Kung, 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?

Sai Kung

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

International

What grade levels are represented at this school?

Pre-K to Secondary

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

Most students are bussed in from surrounding areas. This service is provided by the school for a fee Older students living outside of Sai Kung get to school on their own Students who live near school can walk or take local transport

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

Facilities look beautiful and well designed. This is a brand new campus. Extra curricular activities are plentiful. Some are outsourced so parents will have to pay a fee. Some are conducted by staff and may not have a fee. Volleyball, Soccer, Basketball have a fee and are part of a larger league. However not all all the staff within the athletic department are experts in all the sports so some of the coaching is lacking. Also, there is a lack of mindfulness when it comes to scheduling practice so many times teams lack proper training simply because the admin does not prioritize properly. Playing sports here can be very disheartening for the students.

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?

There are no programs but there is a school counselor that holds workshops for parents and classes for students that will occasionally address various social issues.

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

There are some but you have to sign up for there internet communications network or you will be in the dark. It is very cliquey. Yes there is a PTA. Some parents are very pushy and well to do. Can be a bit snobby. I've heard of parents being able to curry favor with admin by buying tickets for expensive sporting events. I find this kind of behavior reprehensible.

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

If you are a wealthy mover and shaker than this is the place for you. You can probably bribe child's way in here as Stephen Dare is willing to take your generous gifts. This is supposedly a non profit school, but does not behave at all like one. The school aspires to be one of the best and if you believe the Head of School eloquent edu speak than good luck to you because he does not really know what is going and doesn't care as long as it doesn't come back to bite him in the arse!

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