Hong Kong International School

The school's mission focuses on dedicating minds to inquiry, hearts to compassion, and lives to service and global understanding. Its educational philosophy is built on personalized learning, student agency, and collaboration within a supportive environment. HKIS utilizes the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework to structure its written curriculum, aiming to help students acquire knowledge, make meaning of big ideas, and transfer their learning to authentic situations.

HKIS provides a standards-based, American-style curriculum divided into Lower Primary (Reception 1 to Grade 2), Upper Primary (Grades 3 to 5), Middle School (Grades 6 to 8), and High School (Grades 9 to 12). The academic offering includes Chinese Studies, spiritual development, and a Dual Language Immersion Program in English and Mandarin starting in Reception 1. Students in Grades 6 through 12 are required to participate in the Bring Your Own MacBook (BYOM) program, utilizing Apple laptops for their daily coursework.

HKIS students regularly achieve high honors in academic competitions, such as the WordMasters Challenge, and represent Hong Kong on national junior teams in sports like baseball and artistic swimming. The school prepares students for life beyond graduation, with a focus on developing compassionate global citizens who can transfer their learning to authentic, real-world situations.

Student wellbeing is supported by a team of 18 counselors who assist students across all divisions. The school emphasizes a safe and supportive environment where learning is personalized to meet individual student needs.

Admissions applications must be submitted by October 1 for primary-aged students and November 1 for secondary-aged students. For the 2026-27 academic year, tuition fees range from HK$115,800 per semester for Reception 1 through Grade 5, up to HK$136,300 per semester for Grades 9 through 12. Additional mandatory costs include an annual capital levy of HK$24,500 and a one-time entry fee of HK$15,000 for new students. Optional family and corporate debentures are also available, ranging from HK$3 million to HK$5 million, which place qualified applicants at the top of the wait pool.

The academic calendar is split into two terms, with Semester 1 running from mid-August to mid-December, and Semester 2 running from early January to mid-June. The school hosts various community and educational events throughout the year, such as the annual PFO World's Fair, the GIFTS Conference, and professional learning events like the HKIS World Languages Conference and the Early Childhood Conference.

The school operates across two main locations on Hong Kong Island: the Repulse Bay campus houses the Lower and Upper Primary schools, while the Tai Tam campus accommodates the Middle School, High School, and Main Office. Facilities include the newly opened Dragon Center for Activities & Athletics (DCAA), which serves as a hub for sports, training, and community gatherings. The campuses also feature specialized spaces for science, technology, and performing arts.

HKIS offers a robust co-curricular program that includes over 30 student service clubs, performing arts groups like the High School Symphonic Band, and competitive athletics. Students participate in local and international sports events, such as the HKSSF leagues and APAC tournaments, with achievements in soccer, sailing, and swimming. Additionally, students engage in experiential learning programs, including the MS PEAK program for Middle School and the HS Interim program for High School.