Parkview Or The Peak For Kids

[thushw]

we are due to relocate in a month or so and have a choice between an apartment in Parkview or The Peak. we have two sons (aged 3 and a half and 5).

Which area would you choose in terms of 'accessibility', convenient transport, schools.
Do the Woodlandschools montessori's operate under the strict AMI method.
Would juggling between Bradbury Junior School and Woodlands Montessori in Rupulse Bay for the two boys seem ludicrous (for me the housewife) in terms of managing their individual school and after school activities?

[rani]

Hi,

Have a read through this thread on Parkview.

http://www.geoexpat.com/forum/thread6758.html

The Peak is a nice place to live too, but it is a commute to Repulse Bay everyday. Do you plan on driving your little guy or putting him on the bus?

Personally I think Parkview would be the better location.

Rani

[hottie]

I have only been to Parkview once and the Peak twice but I vote for Parkview too. It is not my cup of tea, but I remember thinking if I had very young children it would be great. There is a little like a university campus. It has a good supermarket with heaps of Western choices, nice pool and sports facilities and soft play area. Lots of western families and also a Preschool with good reputation that you may consider for Master 3. Also the sports centre has heaps of activities including kids ones offered. You may never have to leave.

Re commuting to school - my 2 were going to different schools too and it was a nightmare getting them both there on time to start with. Then, after they were used to their schools I booked them on the school bus. It comes right to my door, has a driver and 2 Bus Mothers who look after the kids on board. At school, the bus is met by more helpers who escort them to their classrooms. My kids love it. It is not cheap though. $2500 each per 10 week term. I rarely see their teachers or friends which is a downside to it. When I was picking them up I rarely saw another mother either. Kids either get the bus or the maid picks them up. Lots of kids activities are also at school. Have a look at http://www.edservices.org.hk/sports/ for Bradbury schedule.
The buses tend to do a few runs after school according to activity schedules.


Getting anywhere from Peak or Parkview is not easy in HK terms which means you can not walk out of your house and straight on to the MTR or have a bus stop with buses going everywhere every 2 minutes. I live in a place my HK friends say is inconvenient too but manage just fine. They tend to pop out for short trips to the markets/baker/exercise classes and go home in between. I schedule everythig together and do 1 big trip eg exercise class, post office, lunch and then market. Doesn't my life sound dull ha ha!

we are due to relocate in a month or so and have a choice between an apartment in Parkview or The Peak. we have two sons (aged 3 and a half and 5).

Which area would you choose in terms of 'accessibility', convenient transport, schools.
Do the Woodlandschools montessori's operate under the strict AMI method.
Would juggling between Bradbury Junior School and Woodlands Montessori in Rupulse Bay for the two boys seem ludicrous (for me the housewife) in terms of managing their individual school and after school activities?

[thushw]

Thanks

I intend putting them on the school bus, we will not be having a car.
My preference also leans more towards Parkview, although this is only pure gut at this point!

Generally, other than the school bus service, does commuting from Parkview cause any issues; is there easy access to public transport.

thanks

[thushw]

So I take it that Parkview is within the zoning limit for Bradbury? I am concerned as there is no specific mention of Parkview in the ESF zone for Bradbury.

[hottie]

Can't help but try this site:

http://www.citybus.com.hk/eng/RouSer...earch_main.asp

Just rang ESF for you and they said Parkview is in Quarry Bay school catchment area and to ring the school directly to see if they have vacancies.

http://www.esf.edu.hk/contact.html

Thanks

I intend putting them on the school bus, we will not be having a car.
My preference also leans more towards Parkview, although this is only pure gut at this point!

Generally, other than the school bus service, does commuting from Parkview cause any issues; is there easy access to public transport.

thanks

[thushw]

Now that I have decided it's Parkview for me, would someone please advise me which is easier - travelling to No.3 Redhill Road or No. 109Repulse Bay Road.
These are the addresses of two montessoris of woodland school, and I am trying to decide which would be better to apply to.

Thanks!

[rani]

109 Repulse Bay Rd is closer to Parkview. The Tai Tam school is another 15 mins away.