hk island vs sai kung??

[matrix1]

Hi,
I and my wife own a flat in Tin Hau, we are due to have a baby later this yr, we have lived on HK island for 5 yrs.

We are thinking of moving to the NT's eg sai kung, but im wondering if its such a good move for the purposes of schools, kindergardens etc. Im talking about english speaking schools.
But I think the quality of air an life is better in NT's. But maybe more good schools on HK island???

Anyone else faced this dilemma? what age is best for kids to be in NT's vs HK island? 1- 4 yrs? 5-10 yrs??

Are the schools in the NT''s any good, or do the expats send their kids to schools in kowloon tong, or what?

sorry, Im clueless..... ;(

[carang]

do you think that our kids go without a good education simply because we choose to live in sai kung?

there are two ESF schools: Clearwater Bay & Renaissance College

there are other, public schools that use EMI such as Good Hope (girls' school) in Clearwater Bay.

for pre-school: woodlands, SKIP, Abacus, New Song
not to mention the local kindies such as LOK YUK that are great! especially with the added advantage of your child learning to speak cantonese...there are lots of expat kids in this school! (in my son's class of 24 kids, 5 are white, 4 or 5 are mixed, some are filipino and the rest are chinese)

there is a public pool, a library, many playgrounds, lots of restaurants, good public transport (although no mtr), beaches, and SPACE!

personally, in my 15 years in hk i've lived almost everywhere (i lost count after 18 moves!) and you could not pay me enough money to live on the north side of HK island.... but that's me...

what is suitable for you and your family may be completely different... different strokes for different folks.

[matrix1]

thanks carang

[mummy -sai kung]

I moved to SK a couple of years ago, having lived all over HK, and wish I'd moved here before, it is fabulous the community is great. At the moment my kids go to a fabulous playgroup and kindergarten in Sai Kung country park, just inside the gate, with the most brilliant playground for a small school, unique in HK, well equipped with slides and sand pit. They run morning and afternoon sessions.
Contact: Leapfrog - part of the HKPlaygroups and Preschools association at [email protected].

[carang]

oh, i knew i was forgetting one! thanks!
leapfrog... that one is even right down the road from me...duh!

[loupou]

Sai Kung resident for many years. It's getting more crowded, but is still a terrific place to live.

If your kids go to CWBS, then they will go to secondary at KGV.

Some people who live in Sai Kung closer to Ma On Shan might also fall into the Shatin College cachement.

I've also lived in Tai Wai (between Kowloon Tong and Shatin on East Rail). It can be very convenient and nice - cheaper than Sai Kung too - but less of the Western-style amenities and smaller Western community if that is what you seek.

Clear Water Bay made it into the NYT Real Estate section recently
A Village Getaway From Busy Hong Kong - NYTimes.com