Q & A

At the moment we do not have any bilingual classes but if you are interested do let us know as we may open in the future.

Students who have enrolled in the course will be entitled to a refund less a $200 dollar processing fee. You can request cancellation in writing by emailing us at info@esfexplore.org.hk to begin the process.

No, ESF playgroups do not offer priority to ESF kindergartens. However, our curriculum and philosophy is in line with the ESF kindergartens’ curriculum. For students attending playgroup classes at Abacus, Hillside, Tsing Yi, Tung Chung, and Wu Kai Sha, they can benefit from familiarising themselves with the environment before their interview. Most of our children who do receive interviews receive a place as they are very much prepared.

When classes have commenced, students will not be eligible for refund or credit. If you have any inquiries, please email us at info@esfexplore.org.hk.

Students can apply for a credit for an extended period of sickness of a minimum of three (3) weeks supported by a doctor's note. Requests and documentation should be submitted within seven (7) days of the absence. However, we do not offer refunds. Each case of extended sickness will be considered individually.

In certain instances, classes may not proceed due to overriding circumstances, including but not limited to unsafe facilities, EDB or other announcements. This may or may not include instances when a weather signal is issued by Hong Kong Observatory (for example heavy localised rain, hazardous hot and humid weather, and similar). In all weather-related cancellations beyond our control, a cancellation announcement will be made, and no refund, credit, or make-ups will be provided.

We currently only accept credit card payments (VISA and Mastercard) on our system upon checkout.

Unfortunately, parking is not available at any of our ESF School locations. We recommend travelling by public transport to maximise your flexibility. At South Island School only, you might be able to find limited parking subject to availability.

Yes, members in the same family, you can share credits by using the same login.

Please visit our enrolment page at https://campsself.active.com/ESFEducationalServicesLTD and sign in to review your account details. After signing in with your unique UserID (email address), you will see the value of all issued and valid (unused) credit letters on the "My Profile page" by clicking the "Credit Letter" button.

Click the "Credit Letter" button on the "Checkout page" and select to apply. When the credit is applied on the website, the value of the credit will be deducted from the course fee at check out. It can be used in conjunction with other credit letters (no limit).

We will provide essential equipment for the class unless otherwise specified.

Yes. You may enroll according to the age group for our arts courses.

Yes. As long as the student fits into the age requirement, they can take our coding courses.

We recommend enrolling children at 6 months because they are starting to reach development milestones, such as sitting and crawling, and playgroups can enhance their development and stimulate their different senses.

Yes, we offer unaccompanied classes for children aged 2-3, which is the same as pre-nursery. These classes help prepare children’s independence before entering kindergarten. These are held in Wan Chai Language and Learning Centre and Tung Chung Kindergarten.

No; however, we have waitlists for popular sessions.

Yes. We design our curriculum in collaboration with the Kindergarten principals, so we very much prepare the children for ESF kindergarten. Our teachers are all native English language speakers, so the children’s English will develop well if they attend.

Yes. ESF Explore is a wholly-owned subsidiary of English Schools Foundation (ESF).

No, our level 1 classes are very much designed to meet the needs of our little ones. This helps develop their social skills and allows them to become more confident. Our class sizes are very small so the children feel safe and comfortable. All of our full-time teachers are trained in Early Childhood, so they are also there to provide you with support and answer any questions new parents have.

At the Wanchai Language & Learning Center:
Level 1: 6-12 months
Level 2: 12-18 months
Level 3: 18-2.5 years
Pre K: 2.2-3 years (unaccompanied).

At Tung Chung International Kindergarten:
Level 1: 6-12 months
Level 2: 13-24 months
Level 3: 25-36 months
Pre K: 2-3 years (usually students attend Level 2 or 3 before moving to Pre-K)

At all other locations:
Accompanied: 13-36 months

In Wan Chai enrolment is month by month. You can enrol at the beginning of the month or mid-month. You pay month by month with a one month withdrawal notice period.

In other campuses the classes run on a term-time basis.

Yes, the children learn from each other. Even though they may move into Level 2 class not quite walking yet, for children at this age everything happens very quickly. If you are concerned, you are welcome to stay in level 1 classes for a little longer until you feel your child is ready, but from experience they are ready.

No, each activity is only 15 mins so the children do not get bored. Having a 2 hour class allows the child time to fully experience each activity. It may take some children some time to feel settled and comfortable. In shorter classes we found that children were just beginning to feel settled and then it was time to go home.

One caregiver must come with the child for accompanied classes.
In Wan Chai, for your 1st class you may have 2 people, but after that only one adult is allowed, as otherwise there are too many people and the children get scared. This can be mum/dad/grandma/aunty.

Pre K classes children attend independently.

No. Students do not need to do assessment before enrollment. Normally, we will arrange level assessment it in the first lesson.

No worries. If teachers found students level is not appropriate in the enrolled class after the assessment, they will suggest parents to change to another appropriate class.

Please enroll under student's age group or grade level, and teachers will be do the assessment in the first lesson.

It depends on individual course. You may refer to our website for specific course requirements.

At ESF Explore, we understand that each individual has his/her own capability. It is therefore difficult to advise the appropriate level until your child is assessed on the first day. We would ask parents to enrol their child according to one’s age.

There are some individual sports, say Swimming, Gymnastics, Dance, etc, where the skills of an individual are more important than the age. In such case, students may get moved up or down after the assessment. Parents will be contacted should the level needs to be adjusted.

Basketball
Size 3 Basketball** (BB1)
Size 5 Basketball (BB2 and up)
ESF Tigers Uniform**

Fencing
Beginner Set (FEN1) – Purchase through the coach at least 5 working days prior to the start of the class (email: sports@esfexplore.org.hk)
Improver Set (FEN2) – Purchase through the coach at least 5 working days prior to the start of the class ((email: sports@esfexplore.org.hk)
Advanced Set (FEN3) – Purchase through the coach at least 5 working days prior to the start of the class (email: sports@esfexplore.org.hk)
ESF Sports Uniform**

Football
Size 3 Football** (U7, U9) - optional
Size 4 Football** (U11) - optional
ESF Lions Uniform**

Gymnastics
Short Sleeve Leotard** (GY1 - GY4)
Long Sleeve Leotard** (GYGDP classes)
Gymnastics Shorts** - optional

Weekend / Weekday Multi-Sports (term-time programme)
ESF Cubs Uniform**

Multi-Sports Camp (holiday programme)
Swim Cap, Goggles, Swim Costume (only for locations that offer a wet camp)

Pickleball
ESF Sports Uniform**

Swimming
Swim Cap, Goggles, Swim Costume

Tag Rugby
ESF Sports Uniform**

Tennis
Tennis Racket
ESF Sports Uniform**

* Items that can be purchased through ESF Explore (subject to availability)

As much as we wish to avoid cancelling classes, there are times when no alternative venue is available and classes will have to be suspended due to possible health and safety hazards, including but not limited to slippery surfaces, flooded areas, and thunderstorms, etc.

Our coaching team will monitor the Hong Kong Observatory weather forecast and make an announcement via SMS / email when a class needs to be suspended.

We kindly ask that you familiarise yourself with our weather policy in place. https://www.esfexplore.org.hk/policies/

Please click HERE to check the sports class locations for 2022-23

Yes, you can enroll more than 1 week and the course will not be all the same.

Yes, you are welcome to enrol in the bus service (South Island school only) when you enrol in the course. For details of the bus stops, please refer to our website. The deadline to enrol in the bus service is 10am on Friday before the camp starts.

The bus stops are fixed and the bus company cannot add a new bus stop. Please choose the nearest bus stop to your home. You are welcome to click the bus service link on the website - the photo of the bus stop is shown there.

A wet session is included daily in the summer multi sports camp at South Island School (unless otherwise specified).