ESF International Kindergarten - Hillside

The school is committed to helping students develop curiosity, build relationships, and find a love of learning. It operates as an inclusive community that values student agency, international-mindedness, and the IB Learner Profile. The educational approach is rooted in play-based inquiry, aiming to nurture global citizens and future leaders.

The school is an authorised IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) for children aged 3 to 6. The curriculum integrates six transdisciplinary themes and six subject areas: Language (English and Chinese), Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Personal, Social & Physical Education, and the Arts. Chinese is taught as an additional language through a co-teaching model, incorporating vocabulary related to the units of inquiry and cultural festivals.

The school prioritizes inclusion and well-being, with a dedicated Vice Principal serving as the Student Support Coordinator. The staff, including experienced Educational Assistants, work to foster a nurturing environment that celebrates the unique strengths and abilities of each child. The school maintains a strong commitment to home-school partnerships to support individual student development.

Admissions are managed centrally through the English Schools Foundation (ESF). Prospective families can contact the ESF admissions team for specific application queries or the school’s admissions team for general study enquiries. The school hosts a series of events, seminars, workshops, and open days throughout the year to provide families with opportunities to visit the campus.

The school operates during standard academic terms, with office hours from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The school year includes various events such as celebrations of learning, arts days, and seasonal festivals.

Located on Stubbs Road in Happy Valley, the campus spans 3,000 square feet across two floors. Facilities include an open-planned learning environment, a library, an outdoor playground, a garden, and a mud kitchen. These spaces are designed to support transdisciplinary learning, sensory play, and role-play activities.

The school provides a range of experiences to enrich student learning, including educational visits and in-school activities. Students participate in events such as Sports Day, Book-Inspired Dress-Up Day, and various celebrations of learning. The school also facilitates opportunities for parents to volunteer as experts, storytellers, or helpers for excursions and festivals.