As an expatriate parent how do you choose the right international school for your child? Below is a set of criteria that help you shortlist qualified schools before going into details. Remember, the right educational approach and learning environment will have a profound impact on your offspring.

Child's characteristics and learning needs. First things first you need to think about whether the school facilitates an environment that supports your child to develop strength of his or her own. It could be talent in the domains of fine arts, music, sports, science, literature, or any field - you name it.

The wider the scope of subjects taught and activities organised, the higher the chance your child will thrive better with his/her genius. Especially when your child is still young and adaptable.

Curriculum. British or American. You may need to think about whether putting an American child in a British school, for instance, will have a long-term detrimental effect on his/her prospects when it comes to university placement back in the US.

Ethos and culture. Good companions always have positive influence on your child. Bad ones never. It's worth 30 minutes to watch the children interacting in the playground and between lessons. Watch the way they talk and walk. If you see happy and confident children who interact well, this could be a good school.

Apart from this, in a multicultural learning environment it is a good chance for your child to learn how to communicate with and respect classmates of other nationalities with much diversified cultures.

Vision and mission. It may look overly ambitious, but a school's vision and mission statements usually summarise what sort of philosophy steers its educational approach. Below are two vision statements extracted from the websites of two popular schools. Do they give you any clue?

"... provides a set of aims, objectives and value statements that underpin all of our school's related learning processes, operations and interactions. We provide open and warm environment and develop effective learning opportunities with and for each student while celebrating their respective successes on their learning journeys."

"... the child is affected by our international school culture that is created by the teaching and learning environment, the administration, and the curriculum that links to character formation of the child... We strive to unit the best elements of Eastern and Western traditions and practices, the growth of the individual and the inquiring mind... a sense of personal responsibility and social welfare... international curriculum is designed to developmentally appropriate for each age level, rooted in bilingual education in multicultural environments...holistic approach to education..."

Teaching staff. High teacher turnover may not be a good sign. A sense of belonging is the ground of devotedness. A forward-looking school always provides on-the-job training and continuous education opportunity for its teaching staff. It often helps retain the best.

Parents' participation. Level of parents' involvement varies from school to school. But in general the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) acts as the key communication platform between parents and school. Most schools strongly welcome volunteer parents - if you are willing to commit yourself.

Class interaction. Experienced, professional teachers always stimulate students' critical thinking by encouraging them to ask questions and learn from mistakes. From time to time every student is also challenged to reach his or her full potential and beyond. If you have the chance you can and should speak to teachers and other parents to have your own assessment. Expat websites usually run forums for parents to chat about schooling issues in Hong Kong. Explore and do your research there.

Teacher-student ratio. Class size always matters, and smaller class means better interaction. 1:15 or less is a very ideal ratio and 1:20 is still fine.

Environment and facilities. Whether or not the school has the right facilities to support your child through the entire study?
- Well equipped lab for future scientists
- Latest computers and software and technical support for the whiz kids
- Sports hall, swimming pool and athletics tracks for your athletic child
- Library collection

Fees and charges. After all, everything mentioned above comes at a cost. In addition to tuition fees also check out other charges for school bus, camping, field trips, ECAs and so on.

Additional services. Such as on-site nurse, librarian, secretary or additional supporting staff/services for children with physical disabilities or learning difficulties.