Exploring the Pros and Cons of Enrolling Children in Newly Established International or Private Schools

A new international or private school typically refers to a newly established or newly opened international or private school. Its advantages and disadvantages depend on various factors, including teaching quality, curriculum, campus facilities, school culture, and more. When exploring the pros and cons of enrolling children in newly established international or private schools, here are some factors to consider:

As a Transition School

If parents wish to enroll their children in some of Hong Kong's renowned international schools but their English proficiency does not meet the admission standards, they can consider newly opened or less popular international/private schools as transition schools. This allows children to build a solid foundation in English first. After a few years of transition at the school and improvement in English proficiency, parents can then apply to popular international schools for enrollment.

Educational Methods, Curriculum Design, and Academic Data

New international/private schools often experiment with innovative educational methods and technologies, which may spark students' interest in learning and enhance their academic performance. Some new schools may also offer more flexible curriculum settings to meet the learning needs and interests of different students. This personalized education can help students better develop their potential.

However, on the other hand, as a new school, the school culture, reputation, and recognition of educational quality may not have been fully established, which may require time to stabilize and develop. In particular, parents of secondary school students must be aware that newly opened schools may not provide data on academic plans, the destinations and opportunities for graduates, etc. Therefore, parents need to consider how this instability may impact their children's adaptation to the school environment, as it may hinder parents from assessing the school's teaching standards and academic criteria.

Campus Location and Facilities

Due to a lack of available school buildings, newly opened international or private schools in Hong Kong are often located in remote areas or in shopping malls/commercial buildings in urban areas. Therefore, parents must first visit the school and understand its campus area, facilities, and resources, especially for schools located in malls or commercial centers, where parents may need to consider whether such schools can provide enough activity space for students.

Student Source and Student-Teacher Ratio

Newly established international schools may not initially attract top students, as these students often choose schools with established reputations. Therefore, during the years your child attends the school, the overall quality of classmates may not reach the highest level, although it is not low. This is crucial because a child's learning environment significantly influences their growth. They are easily influenced by the surrounding environment, which needs to be seriously considered and understood.

Additionally, the student-teacher ratio is also an important factor to consider. Newly opened schools usually have fewer students compared to many famous international schools. This favorable student-teacher ratio helps ensure that each student receives adequate attention and guidance, thereby better developing their potential. Therefore, when choosing a school, consider whether the student-teacher ratio can ensure that students receive sufficient personalized care and educational support.

Management and Qualification Stability

When selecting a new international/private school, parents need to carefully consider the school's management and stability, as well as its qualifications and financial status. International or private schools often require significant financial investment with a longer return period, and the current enrollment market faces severe challenges, affecting operational risks significantly and the stability of the management team, directly impacting the school's operations and teaching negatively. Additionally, the qualifications and experience of the management team and faculty, as well as the school's registration and accreditation status, directly affect whether the school meets international school standards, ensuring a stable learning environment. Parents need to be adequately prepared and supported to address potential challenges, as international and private schools operate on a self-financing basis.

Newly opened international or private schools are not to be ruled out. Parents can consider putting some newly opened and decent international or private schools on their backup list, but they may face issues inside. Therefore, when considering new international/private schools, parents must first understand clearly, ideally visit the school, communicate with the school, students, and parents to further understand the school's educational philosophy, teaching methods, as well as the satisfaction levels of students and parents. This will help make a more comprehensive and accurate decision to ensure the best school choice for your child.