Need some help picking an international school in Hong Kong for your child? We have gathered the details about some of the best Hong Kong international schools to make your decision a little bit easier.
One of the many great things about Hong Kong is that it is home to people from all around the globe. This rich diversity creates a demand for a variety of international schools to meet the needs of the various expats who want to raise their families here. If you’re new to Hong Kong or have a child entering school for the first time, this robust selection of international schools can feel overwhelming.
When considering what type of school you want your child to go to, it’s important to look at what you deem important, such as what curriculum you value and what language streams you want your child to learn in. In weighing up these options, Sassy Mama has gathered a list of some of the best international schools in Hong Kong with all the necessary details you’ll need to make the best choice for your child and family.
Read More: Expat Moving Guide — How To Pick The Right School For Your Kids In Hong Kong
YMCA Christian Academy
YMCA Christian Academy (YCA) is a community-minded school, rooted in Christian values located in the heart of Hong Kong island on Bridges Street in Sheung Wan. It offers the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) which focuses on future-ready, authentic learning across all subjects. This allows children to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding whilst following their own interests and becoming independent, creative thinkers who ultimately become young people of integrity, that are equipped with skills to flourish in a rapidly changing world.
Applications are now open for the 2023-24 school year across all grades. Join the upcoming Open Days and sign your kids up for an on-campus workshop so you can all get a feel for what school life is like at YCA!
Grade: Year 1 to Year 6
Curriculum: IPC
Campuses: Sheung Wan
Language Stream: English with Chinese as an additional language
YMCA Christian Academy, 70 Bridges Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2537 2552, [email protected], www.yca.edu.hk
Hong Kong Academy
Hong Kong Academy is a non-profit, international through-train school offering a joyful and rigorous education for children aged 3 to 18 years. One of the only eight fully authorised three-programme IB World Schools in Hong Kong and the only one offering the Global Citizen Diploma (GCD) programme, HKA helps its students hone the competencies, knowledge and skills they need to be prepared today and for the future. You can find out more about Hong Kong Academy by clicking here to book a personalised tour or a virtual consultation with the admissions team. The school also offers one free Playgroup trial session for 2 to 3-year-olds and their caregivers. Led by an English language teacher and supported by HKA’s specialist teachers, the playgroup classroom opens out directly onto its phenomenal outdoor playscapes and organic gardens. Book your spot now!
Grade: Playgroup to Grade 12
Curriculum: IBDP, PYP, MYP, Inquiry-Based Learning. All HKA students graduate with HKA Diploma and Global Citizen Diploma Certificates.
Campuses: Sai Kung
Language Stream: English, Mandarin, Spanish, French
Hong Kong Academy, 33 Wai Man Road Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong, 2655 1111, [email protected], www.hkacademy.edu.hk
Christian Alliance International School
Christian Alliance International School is a non-profit international school that offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme as well as the Alberta Curriculum and Advanced Placement courses for students of all backgrounds aged 5 to 17 years. There’s a rich diversity of students representing more than 25 countries and cultures. There are scholarships available for new students entering grades 7 to 11 for the duration of their education (with supporting documents and recommendation letters required).
Ages, Grades: Ages 5 to 17 years, Preparatory to Grade 12
Curriculum: Alberta (Canada), IBDP, AP
Campus: Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon
Language streams: English, Chinese
Christian Alliance International School, 33 King Lam Street, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3699 3862, 3699 3863, 3699 3865, [email protected], www.caisbv.edu.hk
Read More: Schools Guide — Christian Alliance International School
ICHK Hong Lok Yuen
Located close to nature in Tai Po, ICHK HLY is an international kindergarten and primary school offering the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Its happy school community of 400 students is small enough to allow every family to foster a sense of belonging that helps students flourish academically, socially, emotionally and physically. The campus makes the most of its countryside location to offer forest school experiences outdoors, while the classrooms are bright and modern to encourage a love of learning.
Ages, Grades: Ages 2.8 to 11 years, Nursery to Year 6
Curriculum: IB Primary Years Programme
Campus: Tai Po, New Territories
Language streams: English supplemented with daily Mandarin classes (using traditional characters)
ICHK Hong Lok Yuen, 3 Twentieth Street, Hong Lok Yuen, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong, 3955 3000, [email protected], www.ichkhly.edu.hk
Read More: Extracurricular Activities — After-School Classes For Kids In Hong Kong
Yew Cheung International School (YCIS)
Yew Chung International School (YCIS) has been a pioneer in providing quality bilingual education to Hong Kong learners for over 90 years. With an emphasis on both Eastern and Western cultures, YCIS offers comprehensive education programmes from early childhood up through primary and secondary, culminating in internationally recognized qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). With campuses around China and the United States, YCIS prepares its students to become competitive and global-minded individuals.
Ages, Grades: From 6 months to 18 years old
Curriculum: IB, IGCSE
Campuses: Kowloon Tong, Tsueng Kwan O
Language Streams: English and Chinese
Yew Cheung International School (YCIS), 3 To Fuk Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2338 7106, [email protected], www.ycis-hk.com
German Swiss International School (GSIS)
German Swiss International School (GSIS) is a leading bilingual institution in Hong Kong where students can choose between two globally recognized diplomas — The German International Abitur (DIA) and the IGCSE and IB program. Open to all nationalities where there’s no German language pre-requisite in certain age groups, students of the German International Stream (GIS) learn to become bilingual and bicultural, developing into socially and globally conscious citizens. Those who wish to continue their academic career at a university in Germany receive an education resident visa and tuition is offered gratuitously by the German government.
Ages, Grades: Ages 3 to 18 years, kindergarten to secondary
Curriculum: German International Abitur (DIA) Diploma and IGCSE/International Baccalaureate (IB)
Campuses: The Peak (main campus upper primary to secondary), Pok Fu Lam (kindergarten and lower primary)
Language streams: German and English
For applicants to the German International Stream (GIS), use code SASSYMAMA to receive a private tour.
German Swiss International School (Kindergarten and Lower Primary), 162 Pok Fu Lam Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.
German Swiss International School (Upper Primary and Secondary), 11 Guildford Road, The Peak, Hong Kong, 2180 0511, Facebook: German Swiss International School, Instagram:@gsishk, www.gsis.edu.hk.
Australian International School Hong Kong (AISHK)
Located in Kowloon Tong, AISHK is an all-through school that offers the Australian curriculum with IB diploma options as an alternative. AISHK boasts a variety of sporting and non-sporting activities as well as a gorgeous rooftop aquatic centre.
Ages, Grades: Ages 4 to 18 years, kindergarten to secondary
Curriculum: New South Wales High School Curriculum/ IB Diploma
Campus: Kowloon Tong
Language streams: English. Mandarin classes are compulsory for Reception to Year 6. French elective classes are also available.
Australian International School, 3A Norfolk Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2304 6078, [email protected], www.aishk.edu.hk
American International School (AIS)
AIS originated in 1986 as a means of helping students prepare for universities in the US. This through-school offers the American curriculum and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Ages, Grades: Ages 3 to 18 years, early childhood 1 to high school
Curriculum: American curriculum/ American High School Diploma
Campus: Kowloon Tong
Language streams: English. Mandarin classes are compulsory from early childhood 1 to grade 8. French and Spanish elective classes are also offered.
American International School, 125 Waterloo Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2336 3812, [email protected], www.ais.edu.hk
Read More: British Education In Hong Kong — Kindergarten To Secondary Schools
American School Hong Kong (ASHK)
ASHK is run by ESOL, the world’s largest operator of international American schools. It is fully accredited by both the Middle States Association (MSA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) for grades KG to 10. ASHK also offers IB diploma options for grade 11 and 12 students.
Ages, Grades: Ages 5 to 18 years, kindergarten to grade 12.
Curriculum: American curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ IB Diploma
Campus: Tai Po
Language streams: English. Mandarin programme for all grades.
American School Hong Kong, 6 Ma Chung Road, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong, 3919 4100, [email protected], www.ashk.edu.hk
Canadian International School (CDNIS)
CDNIS is a diverse school with students of over 40 nationalities. It offers the IB curriculum as well as credits towards an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) which begins in Grade 9. CDNIS is certified by both the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Ages, Grades: Ages 4 to 18 years, early years 1 to high school
Curriculum: PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma/ Ontario HSD
Campus): Aberdeen
Language streams: English, Mandarin, and French.
Canadian International School, 36 Nam Long Shan Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, 2525 7088, [email protected], www.cdnis.edu.hk
Read More: International Baccalaureate — IB Curriculum And Schools In Hong Kong
Chinese International School (CIS)
One of the most reputed international schools in Hong Kong, CIS is known for its bilingual English-Mandarin programme. It has around 1,500 students from over 30 different nationalities. CIS also offers unique sporting options for its students.
Ages, Grades: Ages 4 to 18 years, early years to secondary
Curriculum: Adapted curriculum/ MYP/ IB Diploma
Campus: Braemar Hill
Language streams: English and Mandarin
Chinese International School, 1 Hau Yuen Path, Braemar Hill, Hong Kong, 2512 5988, [email protected], www.cis.edu.hk
Discovery Bay International School
Discovery Bay International is an accredited school by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Discovery Bay is a high-achieving school with a British curriculum and quality sporting facilities.
Ages, Grades: Ages 3 to 18 years, early years to secondary
Curriculum: Adapted English National Curriculum/ IGCSE/ A-Levels
Campus: Discovery Bay
Language streams: English. Mandarin classes with French and Spanish elective classes.
Discovery Bay International School, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, 2987 7331, [email protected], www.dbis.edu.hk
Read More: Your Guide To Preschools, Nurseries And Kindergartens In Hong Kong
English Schools Foundation (ESF)
ESF is an international school organisation that has 22 different school locations in Hong Kong. There are around 18,000 students between these schools with over 75 different nationalities. ESF schools offer location-based catchment area allocations for students.
Ages, Grades: Ages 3 to 18 years, early years to secondary.
Curriculum: PYP/ IB MYP or IGCSE/ IB Diploma or Applied Learning Pathway
Campuses: 22 locations across Hong Kong
Language streams: English with bilingual options in Mandarin.
English Schools Foundation, various locations across Hong Kong, 2574 2351, [email protected], www.esf.edu.hk
French International School (FIS)
FIS is an ideal choice for families who want French education or French exposure with international accreditation. Two streams are offered – the French stream with French instruction and accreditation or the International stream with English instruction (and mandatory French classes).
Ages, Grades: Ages 3 to 18 years, early years to secondary.
Curriculum: French curriculum/ English National Curriculum/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma/ OIB
Campuses: Jardine’s Lookout, Blue Pool Road, Chai Wan, Tseung Kwun O
Language streams: English and French
French International School, various locations across Hong Kong, 2892 3677, [email protected], www.fis.edu.hk
Read More: Hong Kong School Open Days — Open Houses, School Visits And Personal Tours
German Swiss International School (GSIS)
German Swiss International School (GSIS) was created for German-speaking families who were looking for a bilingual experience for their children. Families can choose between the German International Abitur (DIAP) or the English IGCSEs. GSIS boasts a student body of 1,300 students from more than 30 different nationalities.
Ages, Grades: Ages 5 to 18 years, early years to secondary
Curriculum: German curriculum/ International Abitur/ IGCSE / A-Levels
Campuses: The Peak (main campus upper primary to secondary), Pok Fu Lam (kindergarten and lower primary)
Language streams: English, German, Mandarin
German Swiss International School, 11 Guildford Road, The Peak, Hong Kong, 2849 6216
German Swiss International School, 162 Pok Fu Lam Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, 2849 6217, www.gsis.edu.hk
Read More: How To Raise Multicultural Kids In Hong Kong
Harrow International School Hong Kong
Established in 2012, Harrow is an all-through school that offers the British curriculum. It is the only British school in Hong Kong to offer boarding for Year 6 and up. As one of the few international schools in the New Territories, it’s a highly desirable school for both expats and locals in the area.
Ages, Grades: Ages 2 to 18 years, early years to year 12
Curriculum: National Curriculum for England/ GCSE/ A Level
Campus: Tuen Mun
Language streams: English
Harrow International School Hong Kong, 38 Tsing Ying Road, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, 2824 9099, [email protected], www.harrowschool.hk
Read More: Boarding Schools — Top Asian, US And UK Boarding Schools
Hong Kong Academy (HKA)
Hong Kong Academy has a modern, eco-friendly and award-winning campus in Sai Kung. It offers all three stages of the IB curriculum and houses a small diverse student body of around 660 students.
Ages, Grades: Ages 3 to 18 years, early years to secondary
Curriculum: PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma
Campus: Sai Kung
Language streams: English with Mandarin classes
Hong Kong Academy, 33 Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, Hong Kong, 2655 1111, [email protected], www.hkacademy.edu.hk
Hong Kong International School (HKIS)
An American all-through school, HKIS was founded in 1966 by the Lutheran church. HKIS is one of Hong Kong’s largest international schools with the majority of its graduates going on to American universities.
Ages, Grades: Ages 4 to 18 years, reception to grade 12
Curriculum: American Curriculum
Campus: Tai Tam, Repulse Bay
Language streams: English and Mandarin
Hong Kong International School (Tai Tam Campus), 1 Red Hill Road, Tai Tam, Hong Kong, 3149 7000
Hong Kong International School (Repulse Bay Campus), 23 South Bay Close, Hong Kong, 2812 5000, [email protected], www.hkis.edu.hk
International Montessori School (IMS)
IMS has four locations in Hong Kong and specialises in teaching the Montessori method in both English and Putonghua. In total, its schools are fully accredited by the International Montessori Council.
Ages, Grades: Ages 2 to12 years, foundations to upper primary
Curriculum: Montessori
Campuses: Mid-Levels, South Horizons, Stanley, and Aldrich Bay
Language streams: English and Mandarin
The International Montessori School, various locations across Hong Kong, 2566 7196, [email protected], www.ims.edu.hk
Invictus School
Invictus’ kindergarten and primary campus in Tseung Kwun O is a bilingual school that offers the IEYC and IPC curriculum. Its secondary campus in Chai Wan offers the English curriculum with Cambridge Lower Secondary, IGCSE, A-Levels.
Ages, Grades: Ages 3 to 18 years, kindergarten to secondary
Curriculum: IEYC/ IPC/ Cambridge Lower Secondary/ IGCSE / A-Levels
Campuses: Tseung Kwun O (kindergarten and primary), Chai Wan (secondary)
Language streams: English and Mandarin
Invictus School (Tseung Kwun O), G27 Monterey Place, 23 Tong Chun Street, Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong, 3643 1868, www.invictus.edu.hk/tko
Invictus School (Chai Wan), 188 Tai Tam Road, Chai Wan, Hong Kong, 6483 3506, www.invictus.edu.hk/chaiwan
Japanese International School (JIS)
Relatively small compared to other international schools, JIS has around 170 students. It started in 1997 and has been an accredited PYP/IB school since 2007.
Ages, Grades: Ages 3 to 12 years, early years to primary
Curriculum: PYP/ IB
Campus: Tai Po
Language streams: English with Mandarin and Japanese language classes.
Japanese International School, 4663 Tai Po Road ,Tai Po Kau, Tai Po, Hong Kong, 2834 3531, [email protected], www.es.jis.edu.hk
Kellett School
Kellett is a British school that was established in 1976 by a group of parents and is still parent-governed to this day. Kellett has two campus locations in Hong Kong.
Ages, Grades: Ages 4 to 18 years, reception to year 12
Curriculum: National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ A-Levels
Campuses: Pok Fu Lam (Preparatory), Kowloon Bay (Preparatory and Senior)
Language streams: English with Mandarin classes and French and Spanish elective classes
Kellett School (Pok Fu Lam), 2 Wah Lok Path, Wah Fu, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
Kellett School (Kowloon Bay), 7 Lam Hing Street, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong, 3120 0700, www.kellettschool.com
Malvern College
Malvern College Hong Kong is the prep to sixth form campus that follows the IB curriculum, while the two preschools use the English curriculum and also offer a unique Forest-Beach School programme.
Ages, Grades: 2 to 17 years, early years to upper sixth form
Curriculum: EYFS/ IB PYP/ IB MYP/ IB Diploma
Campuses: Pak Shek Kok (prep to the sixth form), Island West & Coronation Street (Pre-schools)
Language streams: English with Mandarin classes
Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong, various locations across Hong Kong, [email protected], www.malvernpreschool.hk
Malvern College Hong Kong, 3 Fo Chun Road, Pak Shek Kok, New Territories, Hong Kong, 3763 0111, [email protected], www.malverncollege.org.hk
Read More: The Best Forest Schools In Hong Kong
Nord Anglia International School (NAIS) Hong Kong
NAIS has three campuses across Hong Kong. It is an all-through school that follows the frameworks of the English curriculum, IGCSE and the IBDP.
Ages, Grades: Ages 2 to 18 years, nursery to year 13
Curriculum: EYFS/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma
Campuses: Lam Tin (primary), Kwun Tong (secondary) and Sai Kung (pre-schools)
Language streams: English with Mandarin classes and Spanish electives
Nord Anglia International School, various locations across Hong Kong, 3958 1428, www.nordangliaeducation.com
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Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong
Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong offers the English National curriculum at its purpose-built Tseung Kwun O campus. This specialist primary school has around 1,000 students of more than 32 different nationalities.
Ages, Grades: Ages 3 to 11 years, early years to primary
Curriculum: English National Curriculum
Campus: Tseung Kwun O
Language streams: English with Mandarin classes
Shrewsbury International School, 10 Shek Kok Road, Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong, 2480 1500, [email protected], www.shrewsbury.edu.hk
Singapore International School (SIS)
SIS has two campus locations and a student body of around 1,300 students, many of whom are either from Hong Kong or Singapore. SIS has a high academic reputation with consistently high IB scores.
Ages, Grades: Ages 4 to 18 years, preparatory to secondary
Curriculum: Adapted/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma
Campuses: Aberdeen (Prep and Primary), Wong Chuk Hang (Secondary)
Language streams: English with Mandarin programmes
Singapore International School (Aberdeen), 23 Nam Long Shan Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, 2872 0266, [email protected]
Singapore International School (Wong Chuk Hang), 2 Police School Road, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong, 2919 6966, [email protected], www.singapore.edu.hk
Read More: The Sassy Mama Guide To Montessori Schools In Hong Kong
Stamford American International School (SAIS)
Stamford American International School (SAIS) is part of the Cognita family of international schools and is a Council of International Schools-certified school that offers the American or IB curriculum.
Ages, Grades: Ages 5 to 18 years, pre-primary to grade 12
Curriculum: American standards-based curriculum /IB Diploma
Campus: Kowloon
Language streams: English with Mandarin and/or Spanish classes.
Stamford American School, 25 Man Fuk Road, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2500 8688, [email protected], www.sais.edu.hk
The Harbour School (THS)
The Harbour School (THS) is an American school with two campuses, one for elementary and the other for middle to high school. Honours work and Advanced placement classes are available at the high school level as well as options for concurrent courses at Syracuse University.
Ages, Grades: Ages 6 to 18 years, grade 1 to grade 12.
Curriculum: American
Campuses: Garden Campus (secondary) and Grove Campus (primary) – both in Ap Lei Chau
Language streams: English
The Harbour School (Garden Campus), 138 Lee Chi Road, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong, 3708 9060
The Harbour School (Grove Campus), 332 Ap Lei Chau Bridge Road, Ap Lei Chau, 3905 0180, [email protected], www.ths.edu.hk
Victoria Shanghai School (VSA)
A long-standing international school that opened in 1965, VSA is accredited by both the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). VSA uses the IB programme and has a mainly local student body. VSA has a high academic standing with IB scores consistently over the global average.
Ages, Grades: Ages 5 to 18 years, year 1 to year 12
Curriculum: PYP/ MYP/ IB Diploma
Campuses: Aberdeen
Language streams: English and Mandarin for primary, English for Secondary (with Mandarin classes)
Victoria Shanghai School, 19 Shum Wan Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, 3402 1000, www.vsa.edu.hk
Read More: Bilingual Schools In Hong Kong — Preschool To Higher Education
Wycombe Abbey School
Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong opened in 2019 as an international expansion of the well-known UK boarding school. Look here for more details on this reputed international school.
Ages, Grades: Ages 5 to 13 years, year 1 to year 8
Curriculum: Adapted National Curriculum for England/ Chinese
Campus: Aberdeen
Language streams: English and Mandarin
Wycombe Abbey School, 17 Tin Wan Street, Tin Wan, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, 2129 7100, Facebook: WycombeAbbeySchoolHongKong, [email protected], www.was.edu.hk
Yew Chung International School (YCIS)
YCIS is a bilingual all-through school that uses the IB curriculum. With all three of its campuses located in Kowloon Tong, it is a school that blends the values of both western and eastern practices and cultures. YCIS has an extensive Chinese programme with international opportunities for students.
Ages, Grades: Ages 2 to 18 years, early years to secondary
Curriculum: Adapted bilingual curriculum/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma
Campuses: Three locations in Kowloon Tong
Language streams: English and Mandarin
Yew Chung International School, various locations in Hong Kong, 2338 7106, www.ycis-hk.com
Special Needs Schools In Hong Kong
If your young learner has special needs, you may want to look for international schools that are inclusive or have special needs support and instruction.
- Aoi Pui School — www.apschool.edu.hk
- Hong Kong International Learning Academy (HKILA) — www.studyhkila.edu.hk
- Jockey Club Sarah Roe School — www.jcsrs.edu.hk
- The International Christian School — www.ics.edu.hk
Read More: Special Educational Needs — Finding Schools And Resources In Hong Kong
More International Schools In Hong Kong
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- Anfield School — www.anfield.com.hk
- Carmel School Hong Kong — www.carmel.edu.hk
- Discovery Montessori Schools — www.montessori-ami.edu.hk
- DSC International School (Delia School of Canada) — www.dsc.edu.hk
- Guidepost Montessori — www.guidepost.hk
- Island Children’s Montessori School and Kindergarten — www.icms.edu.hk
- International College Hong Kong — www.ichk.edu.hk
- International Montessori School — www.ims.edu.hk
- ISF — www.isf.edu.hk
- Island Christian Academy — www.islandca.edu.hk
- Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong — www.lpcuwc.edu.hk
- Kingston International School — www.kingston.edu.hk
- Korean International School — www.kis.edu.hk
- Oxbridge British School — www.oxbridgeschool.hk
Read More: The Ultimate List Of Things To Do In Hong Kong With Kids
Editor’s Note: The Best International Schools In Hong Kong was most recently updated by Sassy Mama in January 2023.