Best Pre-Nursery, Kindergarten And Preschools In Hong Kong

Preschools and Kindergarten In Hong Kong

Looking for a pre-nursery or kindergarten to start your little one’s preschool learning journey? From ESF to St Catherine and Victoria to Woodland Pre Schools and beyond, we’ve rounded up the best nurseries, early learning centres and international kindergartens in Hong Kong!

Pre-nurseries, kindergartens and preschools are perfect if your baby is now old enough to attend school (but not yet for primary school). In Hong Kong, a child’s unaccompanied learning journey can start with prenursery classes when they are between 2 and 3 years old, before moving on to more structured preschool classes, often referred to as K1 and K2. You can of course also start them in fun playgroups from six months and up. While not a requirement for children in Hong Kong, kindergartens are generally seen as an essential step for kids to become independent and school-ready.

Click the links below to check out some of the best international kindergartens and preschools all over Hong Kong, sorted by region. If you need a bit more guidance, scroll below to find out how to choose the best preschool for your child.

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How To Choose The Best International Kindergarten, Pre Nursery Or Preschool In Hong Kong?

Hong Kong’s international presence means that you have a large choice of schools, curriculums and languages to choose from, depending on how you want your child to grow and learn. If you want to enrol your child in a local and not-for-profit school, the Hong Kong government has the Pre-Primary Education Voucher Scheme (PEVS) in which you can apply for subsidies on your child’s school fees.

Before you narrow down your preferred preschool, consider a few points that will help you make your decision:

Is your main objective securing a spot in a primary school or introducing your child to a specific style of learning? Depending on that, you could look at standalone preschools or a through-school that goes from prenursery to higher education.
If you are looking at a through-school, is the kindergarten section located within the same premises (getting kids used to the “big school” feel) or is it at a separate location?
If it is a through-school, are you assured of a spot in the primary section after kindergarten?
Are you leaning toward a particular method of teaching, learning and/or curriculum, i.e., Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf Steiner, International Baccalaureate, EYFS, IEYC, play-based, experiential, etc?
What are the school timings and are there morning and afternoon slots? Young children often haven’t dropped their day naps yet and the timings of the school could influence your decision.
Does the school require potty training for entrance to prenursery?
Last, but not least, where is the school located and is it easy for your little one to get to?

Prenurseries, Kindergartens And Preschools With Locations Across Hong Kong

Guidepost Montessori

Guidepost Montessori is an esteemed Montessori school network with eight campuses across Hong Kong and three more set to open by mid-2024. Its carefully crafted curriculum is designed to cultivate independence, stimulate creativity and ignite a lifelong passion for learning in children. Guidepost equips students with tools to navigate life successfully, empowering each child to unlock their boundless potential and catalyse positive change. It offers exceptional educational opportunities to children and ensures that every child receives the holistic care and attention they deserve. Plus it extends its support and guidance to their families by hosting family activities that strengthen the bond between parents and their child at Guidepost Family Club.

Educational Model: Montessori
Language: English and Mandarin
Age: 6 months to 12 years

Guidepost Montessori, various locations across Hong Kong, 9126 6211, www.guidepost.hk

Woodland Pre-Schools – Now part of Guidepost schools

After years of being synonymous with preschool education in Hong Kong, Woodland is part of the Guidepost network. An award-winning Hong Kong international preschool and kindergarten group, Woodland Pre-Schools is renowned for its exceptional early years education programmes spanning from playgroup to pre-nursery and kindergarten. Your child will benefit from a tailored EYFS international curriculum that ensures the development of essential skills and knowledge across various areas of learning. Plus, it acknowledges the diverse linguistic backgrounds of children in Hong Kong and offers English, bilingual, and Mandarin classes, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Educational Model: Montessori
Language: English, Mandarin and bilingual
Age: 6 months to 6 years

Guidepost Montessori, various locations across Hong Kong, 9126 6211, www.guidepost.hk

Anfield International Kindergarten

An inclusive international kindergarten and primary school in Hong Kong, Anfield is dedicated to nurturing the hearts and minds of its students. For 25 years, the school has focused on fostering creativity and personal growth through its high-quality British-style education. This milestone represents Anfield’s dedication to providing a truly valuable learning experience, which enables its students to succeed. There’s an emphasis on holistic development here, with a supportive learning environment that will prepare your child for success.

Educational Model: EYFS and UK National Curriculum
Language: English and Chinese
Age: 18 months to 12 years

Anfield International Kindergarten, various locations across Hong Kong, 2766 3882, www.anfield.edu.hk

Yew Chung International School

Yew Chung International School (YCIS) is an emergent, play-based preschool that offers infant, toddler and kindergarten classes focused on building positive, caring, trusting relationships between teachers, children and families.

Educational Model: The Yew Chung Approach
Language: English, Cantonese and Putonghua
Age: From 6 months to 5 years old

Yew Chung International School, various locations around Hong Kong, 2338 7106, www.ycis-hk.com

Mulberry House International Kindergarten (MHKG)

Mulberry International Kindergarten aims to nurture global citizens, both culturally and linguistically. It aims to develop a love of learning through play with its child-centred approach and nursery, kindergarten and forest programmes.

Educational Model: Reggio Emilia and EYFS
Language: English and Mandarin
Age: 3 to 6 years

Mulberry House International Kindergarten (MHKG), LG/F Kindergarten, Mayfair By The Sea I, 23 Fo Chun Road, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong, 2311 9008

Mulberry House International Kindergarten (MHKG), Shops 1 & 2, G/F, Ocean Court, 3 Aberdeen Praya Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, 5598 3636, www.mulberryhousekg.com

ESF Explore

Offering Playgroup and Pre-Kindergarten programmes, the early years’ curriculum at ESF Explore will help your child develop language, emotional, social and physical skills through play and enquiry-based learning with the help of qualified and experienced teachers.

Educational Model: EYFS
Language: English
Age: 6 months to 3 years

ESF Explore, 2/F, Prime Mansion, 183-187 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong and various locations in Hong Kong, 2838 2276, 2711 1280, www.esfexplore.org.hk/playgroup

Victoria Educational Organisation

With nine campuses providing pre-nursery, nursery and kindergarten programmes, kindergarten classes here are bilingual or trilingual and have a small teacher-to-student ratio of 1:10 so you can be sure that you’re child is getting that extra care.

Educational Model: IB World Schools Primary Years Programme (PYP)
Language: Bilingual or Trilingual classes in English, Mandarin and Cantonese
Age: 1 to 6 years

Victoria Educational Organisation, various locations around Hong Kong, www.victoria.edu.hk

Cannan Kindergarten

Cannan Kindergarten & Nursery has a child-centred curriculum that is designed to attain knowledge and skills via moral, cognitive, language, physical, affective, social and aesthetic development. It has a Reading Duck program that motivates its students to borrow storybooks and instil a love for reading.

Educational Model: EDB Local
Language: English and Mandarin
Age: 2 to 6 years

Cannan Kindergarten, various locations around Hong Kong, www.cannan.edu.hk

Greenfield International Kindergarten

First founded in Ma On Shan by a group of accomplished child educators, Greenfield International Kindergarten now has seven kindergartens and pre-nurseries all around Hong Kong. Classes are conducted in English and Mandarin or English, Mandarin and Cantonese with morning, afternoon and full-day sessions.

Educational Model: EDB Local
Language: English, Mandarin and Cantonese
Age: 2 to 6 years

Greenfield International Kindergarten, various locations around Hong Kong, www.greenfield.edu.hk

Learning Habitat Kindergarten & Bilingual Nursery

Dedicated to fostering students’ all-around development, Learning Habitat Kindergarten & Bilingual Nursery has professionally trained staff that build students’ foundation for the skills they need in today’s world. Plus, it also has a bilingual immersion programme.

Educational Model: EDB Local
Language: Cantonese and English (CE) and Putonghua and English (PE) streams
Age: 3 to 6 years

Learning Habitat Kindergarten & Bilingual Nursery, various locations across Hong Kong, www.learninghabitat.org

Sun Island Kindergarten

With nine kindergartens across Hong Kong, Sun Island Kindergarten provides high-quality pre-primary education that develops students’ self-confidence and independence. It emphasizes bi-literacy and trilingual education, and students come from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Educational Model: EDB Local
Language: English, Cantonese and Putonghua
Age: 2 to 6 years

Sun Island Kindergarten, various locations across Hong Kong, www.sunisland.edu.hk

More Prenursery Classes, International Kindergartens And Preschools With Locations Across Hong Kong

St Hilary’s Kindergarten – Through-train education system from nursery and kindergarten to secondary school. www.kindergarten.sthilarys.edu.hk
Magart Education Foundation – International bilingual kindergarten and nursery. www.magartedu.com
Island Waldorf School – The first school on Hong Kong Island to offer high-quality Waldorf education to children aged 3-14 years. www.iws.edu.hk
Malvern College Preschool – Focuses on learning through play with the EYFS model and offers a unique forest-beach programme. www.malvernpreschool.hk
Parkview International Preschool (PIPS) – Fully bilingual learning environment following the IB curriculum. www.pips.edu.hk
Sunshine House International Kindergarten – Bilingual preschool classes beginning at the age of two years. www.sunshinehouse.com.hk
Les Petits Lascars – Offers preschool education in line with the French National Education system. www.hkkidsacademy.edu.hk/les-petits-lascars
Tutor Time – Full-immersion bilingual Mandarin and English preschool and kindergartens around Hong Kong. www.tutortime.com.hk

Pre-Nursery Classes, Kindergartens And Preschools On Hong Kong Island

Small World Christian Kindergarten

Small World Christian Kindergarten offers a nurturing and loving environment for children, providing them with exceptional international early childhood education. To provide each child with the best start in their educational journey, its dedicated team of experienced educators emphasises a holistic approach to education, focusing on social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Book your spot and visit the campus to discover its vibrant classrooms, outdoor gardens and playgrounds designed to stimulate young minds. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet passionate teachers and gain insight into the tailored curriculum designed to meet each child’s unique needs.

Educational Model: IEYC
Language: English with Mandarin programme
Age: 2 years 8 months to 6 years old

Small World Christian Kindergarten, 10 Borrett Road, Mid-Levels, Central, Hong Kong, 2525 0922, www.smallworld.edu.hk

Highgate House School – Preschool that emphasises caring and authentic relationships

Highgate House prioritises caring and authentic relationships between the child, teacher and parent through a curriculum that nurtures healthy all-round development. It has exceptionally spacious classrooms (spanning over 2000 square feet) that are filled with natural light and a unique garden area.

Educational Model: Steiner Waldorf
Language: English, Mandarin and bilingual
Age: From 3 months to 7 years

Highgate House, 2/F, 100 Peak Road, The Peak, Hong Kong, 2849 6336, www.highgatehouse.edu.hk

CityKids

Offering playgroups for kids as young as 10 months and preschool for kids up to 5 years of age in the heart of Central, City Kids has been providing an active learning environment community for kids and parents since 1984.

Education Model: EYFS
Language: English
Age: 10 months to 5 years

City Kids, 2/F, East Wing, 12 Borrett Road, Mid-Levels, Central, Hong Kong, 2522 4446, www.citykidshk.org

St Paul’s Church Kindergarten (SPK)

St Paul’s Church Kindergarten encourages children to learn through play, sensory stimulation and other interesting activities while teaching them to be self-motivated and committed. It’s well-equipped with facilities including classrooms, music rooms, a reading corner, indoor and outdoor playgrounds and more.

Educational Model: EDB Local
Language: Cantonese supplemented with English and Mandarin
Age: 2 to 6 years

St. Paul’s Church Kindergarten, Wu Ting Fong Hall and Social Room, St. Paul’s Church, Glenealy, Hong Kong, 2453 3766, www.central.stpaulchurchkg.edu.hk

More International Kindergartens And Preschools On Hong Kong Island

Fairchild Canadian Academy – Blends Canadian curriculum guide, Reggio Emilia method and local Hong Kong school guide with play-based learning. www.fairchild.academy
International Montessori School (IMS) – Dual-language curriculum for ages 2 to 6. www.ims.edu.hk
Mighty Oaks – Based on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, it encourages a healthy sense of self-identity through play and discovery. www.mightyoaks.edu.hk

Pre-Nursery Classes, Kindergartens And Preschools In Kowloon

HARTS Preschool

The curriculum at HARTS is specially designed to nurture children in language, literacy and the arts. The school promotes a strong reading culture through a UK-based graded reading scheme that helps children acquire reading skills.

Education Model: EDB Local and Creative Curriculum Programme (USA)
Language: Cantonese, English and Mandarin
Age: 2 to 5 years

HARTS Preschool, G/F and 1/F, High Park Grand, 68 Boundary Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2338 2878, www.hartspreschool.com

St. Catherine’s Kindergarten

One of the first kindergartens in Hong Kong to employ native English speakers to teach English, St. Catherine’s Kindergarten continues to provide a thoughtfully designed curriculum delivered by a dedicated team of native English and Chinese teachers.

Education Model: EDB Local
Language: Cantonese, English and Mandarin
Age: 2 months to 6 years

St. Catherine’s Kindergarten (Norfolk Road Campus), 4-6 Norfolk Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong

St. Catherine’s Kindergarten (Essex Crescent Campus), 1 Essex Crescent, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong www.stcatherines.edu.hk

Kentville Kindergarten

Offering K1 to K3 classes, the curriculum at Kenville Kindergarten provides students with a headstart with a solid foundation of basic knowledge, good manners, habits, skills and positive attitudes.

Education Model: EDB Local
Language: Cantonese, English and Mandarin
Age: 3 to 6 years

Kentville Kindergarten (Kent Road), 9 Kent Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, 2336 7286

Kentville Kindergarten (Dorset Crescent), 5-7 Dorset Crescent, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, 2338 6422, www.kentville.edu.hk

Sophie Kindergarten & Nursery School

Meaning ‘love of wisdom’ in Greek, Sophie Kindergarten & Nursery School encourages all its students to develop to their full potential in a stimulating learning environment and integrated trilingual education.

Education Model: EDB Local
Language: Cantonese, English and Mandarin
Age: 2 to 6 years

Sophie Kindergarten & Nursery School, Units 8-10, UG/F, The Long Beach, 8 Hoi Fan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2811 9929, www.sophiekg.edu.hk

More International Kindergartens, Pre-Nursery Classes And Preschools In Kowloon

Mills International Preschool – EYFS framework is used to emphasise creative education while learning through play. www. mills.edu.hk
Infinity Montessori Academy – Guided by American Montessori Society credentialed teachers and offers trilingual English, Cantonese and Mandarin programmes. www.infinitychildren.com

Pre-Nursery, Kindergartens And Preschools In The New Territories

Leapfrog Montessori

Following the UK Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, Leapfrog Montessori provides a full Forest School program with outdoor educational experiences. Children can experience hands-on learning and freely move through self-chosen and adult-initiated activities.

Education Model: UK EYFS, Montessori
Language: English supplemented with Mandarin
Age: 3 to 5 years

Leapfrog Montessori, 11 Pak Tam Chung Village, Sai Kung Country Park, Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong, 2791 1540, www.leapfrogkindergarten.org

Maple Bear Canadian International Kindergarten

Bringing the best of Canadian and Hong Kong bilingual education, Maple Bear offers learning through play as well as a fully immersive language programme. Other than Bear Care (playgroups) starting at 18 months, it offers kindergarten classes for children two years and up.

Education Model: Canadian and EDB Local
Language: English and Mandarin
Age: 2 to 6 years

Maple Bear Canadian International Kindergarten, Shop 7, G/F Alto Residences,
29 Tong Yin Street, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories, Hong Kong, 2813 4887, www.maplebear.hk

Nord Anglia International School (NAIS)

Nord Anglia has an Early Years Programme covering the Nursery and Reception years. It has a purpose-built campus in Sai Kung. NAIS uses a personalised play-based approach, taught by well-qualified UK-trained teachers.

Educational Model: EYFS
Language: English and Mandarin
Age: 3 to 5 years

Nord Anglia International School (NAIS), 285 Hong Kin Road, Tui Min Hoi, Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong, www.nordangliaeducation.com

Creativity Kindergarten

Creativity Kindergarten has been based in Hong Kong for over 30 years. It is a Christian-based school that follows both the EYFS and Reggio Emilia frameworks. The natural world is an important aspect of this preschool’s pedagogy.

Education Model: EYFS and Reggio Emilia
Language: English
Age: 2 to 6 years

Creativity Kindergarten, 61 Wu Uk Village, Tai Lam Chung, Tuen Mun, New Territories, Hong Kong, 2450 3363, www.ck.creative.edu.hk

More Pre-Nurseries, International Kindergartens And Preschools In The New Territories

Harrow International School – Offers early years education from K1 to Year 13. www.harrowschool.hk
Jing Jing International – With students of over 20 nationalities, it offers unique PE classes and a diverse food menu. www.jingjing.edu.hk
Sai Kung Montessori – Set in Sai Kung town, this is a Montessori for kids from 3 to 6 years old. www.saikungmontessori.com
SKIP — Sai Kung International Preschool has a small leafy campus with lots of outdoor play facilities. www.skip.edu.hk
Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong – Offers full-day primary classes and a half-day nursery programme. www.shrewsbury.edu.hk
Zebedee International – Uses inquiry-based learning structured around the EYFS. www.zebedee.edu.hk

Pre-Nursery, Kindergartens And Preschools On The Outlying Islands

Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten

At Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten, children learn by being hands-on with materials and activities with their peers. With teachers acting as guides, your child will be able to independently decide what they want to learn in a thoughtfully arranged classroom.

Education Model: Montessori
Language: English with Mandarin and Cantonese language programmes
Age: 18 months to 5 years

Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten, Units 12 and 13, G/F, Silverview Centre, 8 Ngan Kwong Wan Road, Mui Wo, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, www.littlelantaumontessori.com

Cheung Chau Sacred Heart Kindergarten

Cheung Chau Sacred Heart Kindergarten aims to cultivate children’s attitude toward independent learning and trilingual skills through nursery rhymes, songs, stories, discussions, games, dramas and reading. It offers the option of morning, afternoon or full-day classes from K1 to K3.

Education Model: EDB Local
Language: Chinese, with English and Mandarin language programmes.
Age: 3 to 6 years

Cheung Chau Sacret Heart Kindergarten, Tung Wan, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, 2981 0506, www.ccshkg.edu.hk

More Prenursery Classes, Kindergartens And Preschools On The Outlying Islands

Ecole Française Internationale de Lantau Ltd. (EFIL) – Offers programmes in French alongside English and Mandarin. www.ecole-discovery.com
Our Lady Of Lourdes Catholic Kindergarten – One of the few kindergartens located on Lamma Island, its class medium is Cantonese with English and Mandarin programmes. www.ololckg.edu.hk

Editor’s Note: The Best International Kindergartens, Pre-Nursery Classes And Preschools In Hong Kong was most recently updated in January 2024 by Najuka Redkar.

This article contains editorial selections and paid partnerships. Main image courtesy of Getty, image 1 courtesy of Getty, image 2 courtesy of Guidepost Montessori, image 3 courtesy of Woodland Pre-Schools, image 4 courtesy of Anfield International Kindergarten, image 5 courtesy of Yew Chung International School, image 6 courtesy of Mulberry House International Kindergarten, image 7 courtesy of Victoria Educational Organisation via Facebook, image 8 courtesy of Greenfield International Kindergarten via Facebook, image 9 courtesy of Getty, image 10 courtesy of Small World Christian Kindergarten, image 11 courtesy of CityKids, image 12 courtesy of Getty, image 13 courtesy of HARTS Preschool, image 14 courtesy of Kentville Kindergarten, image 15 courtesy of Getty, image 16 courtesy of Leapfrog Montessori, image 17 courtesy of Nord Anglia International School (NAIS), image 18 courtesy of Getty, image 19 courtesy of Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten, image 20 courtesy of Getty.

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