Advice needed on several relocation issues for large family.

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Suzanne

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Joined: May 05, 2005
Posts: 2

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Posted: May 05, 2005 - 02:45 AM
Post subject: Advice needed on several relocation issues for large family.

My husband has been asked to consider a relocation to Shanghai from the US and although I have been all over the internet looking for information on housing etc. I have questions that remain unanswered. I am hoping that someone will be able to give me some insight...

1. I have 4 very active children. Aside from the school day, what sports and other recreational opportunities are available? For example, my 10 year old boy plays lots of tennis, swims yearround on a team and plays baseball and basketball during the season. Will we be able to find opportunities to continue these sports in Shanghai? Is there such a thing as Little League in Shanghai? I've heard it exsists elsewhere in Asia.

2. We are a relgious (Catholic) family. Given the status of the Catholic Church in China, what are the opportunities for mass attendence? Also my 7 year old will receive his 1st Communion next year. Are there preparation classes there similar to CCD classes in the US?

3. My two boys currently in school are in "gifted" programs here. Can anyone with experience in this area give me any advice on schools?

Thank you. I am looking forward to reading any advice you may have.

tnmom

PopStar

Joined: Mar 04, 2004
Posts: 1082
Location: No longer in Shanghai
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Posted: May 05, 2005 - 07:21 AM

For tennis and swimming the best place is the Shanghai Raquet Club, though the American School is building a swimming pool that is supposed to be ready by fall. Currently I believe their swimming is at the SRC. In addition Active Kidz (http://www.activekidz.org) offers swimming, baseball, basketball, soccer, etc. There is a similar organization in Pudong called High 5 (www.high5china.com). In Middle School most of the area international schools offer sports programs where they compete against other schools. In High School it varies from school to school - for example the American school is in a league with 5 other schools in Beijing, Seoul, Osaka, Manilla and Kobe.
English language Catholic mass is offered at St. Peters: Saturday 5pm, Sunday 10:30am, 12:30pm. I have several friends who's kids made their first communion here, so I know there are classes for that, but no regular CCD.
My experience with the American School is that most of the kids are gifted (I understand that "gifted" is different than just smart). Mine were not in the gifted program in the US but were honor roll students and are doing well here too but having to work much harder in middle and high school. My oldest says it's like going to a school full of valedictorians. There isn't a special gifted program. The problem you will have is that the school is full with a waiting list as are many of the schools in Shanghai. I suggest having your company's relocation people call around to find out where there are openings in your children's grades. Then you can see if these specific schools fit your requirements.

basketscef

Newbie

Joined: Jan 24, 2005
Posts: 5
Location: Illinois for now....
Status: Offline

Posted: May 06, 2005 - 12:57 AM

Hello - I had some of your same questions. We are moving in August with a very active son, daughter and husband. I would suggest you look at the Concorida school and surrounding areas to live in. There is a catholic church (St. Peters) not to far from the school and the area is very friendly for expat families. As a teacher of honors math students, I was impressed with both SAS and Concorida - during the short visit that I was there. Please feel free to PM me if you have other questions.....