Choosing the Perfect School Starts with a Conversation

The task of finding the perfect school for your child in Hong Kong’s complicated and competitive education landscape can feel daunting. At Top Schools, with years of experience of guiding families through this journey, we’ve learned that the relationships you build with schools are the cornerstone of making the right choice. These connections and touchpoints including phone calls, in-person and virtual tours and exhibitions don’t just ease the decision-making process; they are essential and can make or break the decision. As parents, you’re navigating one of the most important decisions you'll make for your children's future and these interactions build trust and empower you to select the best fit.

The Power of A Phone Call

Your journey often begins with a phone call, a simple yet pivotal step. This initial contact sets the tone. It’s your first chance to gauge a school’s warmth and efficiency. Does the admissions officer answer promptly? Are they patient with your questions about curriculum or extracurriculars? At Top Schools, we encourage you to prepare a list: ask about class sizes , language support for EAL learners but only ask for information not freely available on the website. A friendly, informative response can alleviate early worries, building a foundation of trust. This isn’t just a transaction; it’s the start of a partnership that helps you feel confident moving forward.

In-Person Tours: Your Window into School Life

Nothing beats an in-person tour for truly understanding a school, whether a group tour or private. Tours, often arranged via that initial call, let you see classrooms in action, meet teachers, and assess facilities -does the library inspire learning? Is the playground safe and engaging? We firmly believe these visits are essential, not optional. They move you beyond glossy brochures and slick website to real insights. As you walk the corridors, observe how staff interact with students - do they exude warmth and care? Check the student-teacher ratio and the balance between genders and ask about pastoral support, especially if your child needs extra help. Bring a notebook: jot down the head’s vision, note diversity in the student body and clarify anything you need to. These details shape your understanding of fit, ensuring the school aligns with your family’s values.

Beyond Tours: A Network of Touchpoints

Relationships deepen through more than tours. Open days and exhibitions/festivals such as the International Schools Festivals in September every year, offer a broader view of school culture, allowing you to mingle with heads, admissions staff and other experts. Panel discussions on topics such as bilingual education or university pathways provide deeper insights, while meet-and-greets with teachers can reveal their approachability.

Online webinars, increasingly popular in recent years, and active social media presence keep you connected. At Top Schools, we suggest attending at least two events per school to compare impressions. If, unfortunately, one of them doesn't meet expectations, you'll have a comparison. Each touchpoint builds familiarity, helping you assess if the school’s ethos matches your expectations, from academic rigour to community spirit.

Aiding Your Decision-Making Process

These experiences are more than logistics; they’re your toolkit for decision-making. Phone calls establish initial trust, tours provide concrete evidence and additional touchpoints reveal the school’s soul and help you cut through marketing hype. 

Making the Most of Your Journey

To maximise these opportunities, plan ahead. Book tours during less busy periods (e.g., June) to get personal attention. Ask about trial days if available - some schools offer these. Seeing your child in class can be revelatory. And don’t hesitate to revisit a shortlist of schools. These steps aren’t just helpful; they’re vital for understanding the importance of a school-parent bond.

At Top Schools, we’re here to guide you, ensuring you leverage every interaction to find the right fit.