Chinese International School

Posted by IbuBapek (85 days ago)

Hello, we recently moved to Hong Kong a few months ago, and we are looking at good international schools for our son.

We understand CIS is one of the best. Can anyone explain to us the application process?

I understand there is a debenture system at CIS. Can anyone explain it? Is it easy to purchase a debenture, or are they "sold out"? Does having one guarantee admission?

Also, if anyone can explain the relative merits of CIS vs. the other international schools, such as Hong Kong International School, that would be fantastic.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Tags CIS, school

Posted by IbuBapek (84 days ago)

C'mon, I'm sure someone here is sending their child to CIS. Don't hoard the info!

Thanks ;)

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by funbobby (83 days ago)

cis is an ib school - hkis teaches towards sat; cis is fully bilingual (eng/put) in the primary, shifting to more eng in the secondary - hkis is eng with language subjects; afaik, cis is not as strong in math/science, but stronger in arts/language, cis weaker in sports (these are all impressions)

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by IbuBapek (82 days ago)

I understand that HKIS secondary students have a reputation for being "sluts" and "junkies". Undeserved, I'm sure, especially to paint the entire student body, but reputations often have seeds of truth. Is this because of the more transient expat student body at HKIS versus a more established local student population at CIS? Or does CIS have a similar reputation as well?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by mommy sara (82 days ago)

These are really very different schools. It's like trying to compare apples and oranges. Why are you looking at these particular schools and not others? What are you looking for in a school? HKIS is the American school and teaches English. I haven't heard anything about the students' reputation because I've never seriously looked a that school.

CIS I have seriously considered. As said before it's bilingual. It also focuses on Chinese history and national pride. I found many of the students to be sort of snobish, they know they got into a "good" school. The students speak mostly English amonst themselves. Certainly CIS is more desirable to locals because of the language. The debentures are very hard to get and certainly do not gaurantee a place in the school. I know someone who bought one on the secondary market for $3M and they have no idea if the kid will get in.

As with most schools you submit an application, attend an interview, and hope for the best.

There are really so many options in HK that I suggest you narrow down what you're looking for and look at many other schools too.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by MC (81 days ago)

Do a search on this site. There's a ton of info. on CIS.
All very much depends on what you are think is important for your child. CIS is the only In'tl school that teaches Chinese well. So if you want better Chinese, then that's where you go.

As for debenture, if you can get in, then buy a personal debenture which is around HK$75,000, very reasonable considering what other schools cost. Great if you have a company debenture, but again, does not guarantee your admission.

(I am based in Hong Kong)