Parent's Review of YK Pao in Shanghai
What is the name of your child's school? (Please report on one school per survey.)
YK Pao
In what town or city is this school located?
Shanghai
How would you describe this school? (i.e. American, British, International, Local, etc.)
Bilingual with local / international curriculum
What grade levels are represented at this school?
Primary / elementary
How do most children get to school everyday? (bus, train, walk, etc.)
School bus, walk, car
How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?
A good range of after school activities for the age ranges enrolled are offered.
What has this school done to help your child transition from the curriculum in your home country into the curriculum in your new country? Are there programs to prepare your child for repatriation?
This is a bilingual school with the Chinese curriculum as a base and lots of Chinese children enrolled. Chinese and English are taught in equal measure. Children entering the school year 1 or first grade will be immersed in Chinese languange and go through a steep learning curve if they are not used to Chinese. This is great if it is what you want for your child but it should not be confused with an international school which tend to be much lighter on Chinese language.
How would you describe the social activities available for parents through this school? Are there parent-teacher organizations?
Every class has a representative on the Friends of YK Pao group. Children's parties, parents events, fund raising events etc. It is as active as the parent wants to make it. My daughters class has even organised camping and sailing trips and talent shows for the children.
What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling their child in this school?
Go and see it to feel the difference with other bilingual schools. This is a caring community, it is not a machine that stamps children into the same shape and size. Teachers show genuine care and attention to individual children, most of the foreign teachers have been in China for some time and are committed. Children develop genuine respect for their teachers. Consider the Chinese element of the curriculum carefully if neither of the parents speak Chinese or just consider it a great opportunity to learn more Chinese yourself!
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Comments about this Report
guestThe school has grown very fast so teacher quality is much more varied. This year our younger child had great teachers while our older child had terrible teachers. Because it has local kids, the Chinese is the most advanced of international schools, but the flip side is the English is pretty poor - combined with the fact that the English faculty is not the best and many of the Chinese teachers are quite young in terms of experience.
SeokyeelauMy friend sent her daughter to YK Pao School from Malaysia, Year 7. Prior joining the school, she attended the Summer Camp to get a feel about the school and boost Chinese. You may also consider this option.
