Montessori School of Hong Kong vs. Highgate House School
- 04-04-2007, 06:30 AM #9Registered User
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Montessori Schools - confusion
There seems to be some confusion on Montessori Schools
1. The International Montessori School / IMS
They are quite pricey, but you get what you pay for: all their teachers are Montessori trained, low student-teacher ratio (just go and visit their classes), large classrooms, most complete equipment and library, complete full-time teaching by one English and one Mandarin teacher. The founders are very committed, and they have a primary program, so good for `through train`. Also, they have great placement record for Primary International schools and ESF. This is the Rolls-Royce of schools if you want Montessori and can afford it.
2. Woodlands
This is also good Montessori program, and most likely closer to home, so more convenient and cheaper than IMS. But it is more of a chain of schools / business, so smaller classrooms, not full-time bi-lingual. Many of my friends have done playgroup at Woodlands, then transfer to IMS at age 3/4. This seems like good solution.
3. Montessori School of Hong Kong (Caine Road)
This is not even real Montessori School: they didn`t have Montessori trained teacher when I visited, and the premises are very poorly equipped compared to IMS and Woodlands.
I`m saving to attend Rolls Royce.
- 06-13-2007, 10:32 AM #10Registered User
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- 06-15-2007, 11:44 AM #11Registered User
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I visited Montessori School of Hong Kong, because their website said that they offered bilingual classes, even a creche (under 2). It was terrible trying to contact them, we had to leave a message and then wait for our message to be returned. Then the staff member insisted that we must bring our daughter for the initial visit (so she could be 'assessed') when we just wanted to visit to see if there was enough to warrant applying and going through the interview process.
Anyway, we brought our daughter, filled out all the required paperwork, and went to visit the school. On the day we visited, there were two separate classes and it seemed that there were two or three teachers per class (perhaps 3 for the younger class, and 2 for the slightly older kids). I don't remember clearly anymore (this was earlier this year) as I have tried to block it from memory.
What struck me most was the furniture was being held together (decorated?) with tape! Not just some of the furniture, but practically everything--the chairs, shelves, tables, and even the tape was falling off. The Montessori materials were in terrible condition, some of them missing knobs, essentially rendering them useless. The woman who led the tour told me she didn't think anything was wrong with this, when I asked her how the children were expected to pick up the flat geometric shapes when the knobs had fallen off. Her reply was that they manage. She was rather defensive when I asked her to show me.
What they actually offered was completely different from what was advertised. No creche, for example. The children seemed to wander about the room pulling toys (not work) off the shelves randomly. It was a dirty, dark, horrible place. They claimed to be affiliated with AMS (I think) but when I checked the AMS website for affiliated schools in Hong Kong, they were not listed.
I think the teachers tried hard, but it did not seem as though they had Montessori training, and they seemed sad, not enthusiastic. I wonder why anyone would teach there, let alone send their children. The fees are comparable to Woodlands, from what I remember.
Absolutely stay away.
- 07-06-2007, 02:36 PM #12Registered User
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Does anyone has any experience/comments on Montessori School for Children in Stanley? It is a very small Montessori school located in Tai Tam Village in Stanley (behind St.Rose church). Someone told me it is a very good Montessori School.
Would love to hear some advice from you
- 08-17-2007, 11:19 AM #13Registered User
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AMI trained teachers at Schools
One of the articles mentioned (in this forum) a newer school where the teacher was AMI trained? I think that is not the case. Ask to see the original diploma with the signature for that person. I believe her training was not AMI but TMI or St. Nicholaus in this person's case. There are many training courses in London and America and Ireland... only a few training centres are Association Montessori Internationale.
- 08-17-2007, 11:22 AM #14Registered User
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Hong Kong Schools are not AMI schools
AMI-USA does not recognize schools outside of North America... it is too expensive for them to do it. Ask the AMI type school in Hong Kong to bring in AMI trainer to discuss Montessori Education to the parents and offer workshops to the teachers and staff... that is what they do.:Butbut
- 09-05-2007, 12:15 AM #15Registered User
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Montessori School of Hong Kong is VERY SHADY
Hello. I felt that I must write to warn all parents about this school too! What Lovingmom has said is all absolutely true!! My child was there for years, we paid the deposit, and I too had chased the school for the refund of the capital levy once my child left. During the time my child was attending, the teacher turnover was outrageous! A new English teacher every 3-4 months. Like others have said, the teachers are dedicated but once they realize the lack of transparency and criminal activity that the school engages in, most leave immediately. Many parents still have not received their refunds. The enrollment is dwindling and I presume the school will shut down any day now. Please warn all your friends, family, co-workers about this school. I wouldn't want to hear of more people being cheated out of their hard earned money.
- 09-07-2007, 09:33 PM #16Registered User
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I am concerned
Hi AMI,
Which school are you referring to?? I am really concerned if you are talking about the one my l.o. is going right now. Because we don't like it much after the first week of school. Would you please further explain?? or pm me. I became so desperate and concerned about my l.o.
Thank you very much.
Chillyrose
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