International schools are designed to provide education to children from foreign backgrounds. It's important to note that each international school has its own unique educational philosophy and curriculum, which may differ significantly from the mainstream curriculum in Hong Kong, as international schools typically adopt foreign education systems. Therefore, parents should take into consideration the school's curriculum design and their child's long-term educational plans before enrolling them.
To help you save time finding the best fit for you, MoneySmart has put together a list of Hong Kong international schools. (You’re welcome!)
Table of contents: Hong Kong international school overview
- What kinds of international schools are there in Hong Kong?
- Understanding international school syllabus: IB PYP vs. IB MYP vs. IB DP
- Understanding international school syllabus: British Curriculum
- Hong Kong international school: English Schools Foundation (ESF) School
- Hong Kong international school: Hong Kong International School
- Other renowned international schools in Hong Kong overview
- Conclusion: Consider the school syllabus
- Frequently asked questions: International Schools in Hong Kong
- Related articles
What kinds of international schools are there in Hong Kong?
International schools are schools that have a good number of students from other countries and follow different educational systems compared to those in Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, there are around 60 international schools, each offering different curricula from different countries. Some international schools are connected with the English Schools Foundation (ESF), while others are independent schools operated privately.
While the tuition fees for international schools may seem high, typically ranging from one to two hundred thousand Hong Kong dollars per year, they provide students with access to a wealth of resources and highly qualified faculty members. This creates a superior learning environment that fosters academic growth and development.
Understanding international school syllabus: IB PYP vs. IB MYP vs. IB DP
At many international schools, you can find programmes offered by the International Baccalaureate Organisation. These programmes include the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). When a school has the IB designation, it means that they offer the corresponding IB curriculum.
What is the International Baccalaureate (IB)?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a widely recognised educational framework that provides a comprehensive and challenging curriculum for students aged 3 to 19. With a strong emphasis on holistic education, the IB strives to cultivate individuals who are academically capable, socially responsible, and globally aware.
Is IB accepted internationally?
Yes, IB is accepted internationally!
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a 2-year educational programme primarily designed for 16- to 19-year-olds in 140 countries across the globe. This programme offers a qualification that is widely recognised by universities worldwide, providing a pathway to higher education.
The IB programme is designed to have 3 core parts: IB PYP, IB MYP, and IB DP.
What is IB PYP?
The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is a curriculum for students aged 3-12. It focuses on inquiry-based learning and helps students build understanding. The PYP is recognised globally for its forward-thinking approach to education, which incorporates the latest research and practices to address the challenges of our evolving world.
What is IB MYP?
The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a challenging 5-year programme that encourages practical connections between studies and the real world. It can be implemented in partnerships between schools or in shorter formats.
Completing the MYP prepares students for the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or Career-related Programme (CP). The MYP curriculum framework includes 8 subject groups, providing a broad education for early adolescents. Each subject group requires at least 50 hours of teaching time per year. In the final 2 years, subject group flexibility allows students to meet local requirements and personal learning goals.
What is IB DP?
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is an absolutely fantastic programme for students aged 16 to 19. It is held in high regard by esteemed universities worldwide.
With the DP, schools can assist students in:
- acquiring a broad range of knowledge and expertise
- flourishing physically, intellectually, emotionally, and ethically
- learning at least 2 languages
- excelling in traditional academic subjects
- delving into the nature of knowledge through the programme’s unique theory of knowledge course.
Programme | Description | Age Range |
IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) | Holistic approach to learning, focusing on whole-child development. | 3-12 years old |
IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) | Fosters intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development in the middle school years. | 11-16 years old |
IB Diploma Programme (DP) | Provides a well-rounded education and deep understanding of various disciplines. | 16-19 years old |
Understanding international school syllabus: British Curriculum
The British Curriculum is an academic programme used in the United Kingdom, Canada, and other countries. It covers subjects like mathematics, the English language, history, and geography.
The Curriculum in the United Kingdom is designed to teach students a wide range of subjects. Children at the foundation stage are taught basic numeracy and literacy skills. In contrast, children at primary school levels learn mathematics, English, and various other topics, including science, the humanities, etc. The Curriculum aims for higher-order thinking skills by having multi-disciplinary projects that encourage independent learning to come of age for their (I)GCSE examinations. It requires much more complex reasoning than mere recall alone can provide; they will be ready to tackle them with confidence.
What's the difference between IB and the British Curriculum?
The IB curriculum is focused on the world and encourages thinking, creativity, and understanding of different cultures. The British Curriculum provides a wide education with a focus on important skills like reading, math, and problem-solving.
Hong Kong international school: English Schools Foundation (ESF) School
The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest provider of English-medium international education in Hong Kong. It currently operates 5 secondary schools, 9 primary schools, 5 kindergartens, 2 all-through schools, and 1 special school (Jockey Club Sarah Roe School).
Established in 1967 as a statutory body per the recommendations of the 1965 Education Policy White Paper by the Hong Kong government, ESF aims to provide "a modern, liberal education through the medium of the English language for the benefit of young people." While ESF originally catered to expatriate families, today it has approximately 13,000 students, with about 70% of the students' parents being permanent residents of Hong Kong and others coming from over 50 different countries.
ESF Primary Schools
School Name | Location | Year Established | Annual Fee | Curriculum |
20 Plunkett’s Road, The Peak, Hong Kong | 1911 | |||
19 Sha Wan Drive, Sandy Bay, Hong Kong | 1961 | |||
23 Ede Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon | 1967 | |||
Extended Corridor From 1/f of 43c Stubbs Road To 3/f of 43b Stubbs Road And 43c Stubbs | 1975 | |||
No. 6 Hau Yuen Path, Braemar Hill Road, North Point, Hong Kong | 1979 | |||
20 Perth Street, Kowloon | 1979 | |||
7 Hornsey Road, Mid-Level, Hong Kong | 1979 | |||
Portion of G/F, 1/F, & 3/F, Whole of 2/F, of the New Building at 1 Lai Wo Lane &, 3a Lai Wo | 1988 | |||
D.d. 229, Lot 235, Off Clear Water Bay Road, Sai Kung, New Territories | 1994 |
ESF Secondary Schools
School Name | Location | Year Established | Annual Fee | Curriculum |
Ho Man Tin, Tin Kwong Road | 1902 | S.1-S.2: HK$167,100; S.2-S.5: HK$145,400; S.6-S.7: HK$152,900 | ||
Mid-Levels, Borrett Road | 1967 | S.1-S.2: HK$167,100; S.2-S.5: HK$145,400; S.6-S.7: HK$152,900 | ||
Sha Tin, Fo Tan | 1982 | S.1-S.2: HK$167,100; S.2-S.5: HK$145,400; S.6-S.7: HK$152,900 | ||
Aberdeen, Nam Fung Road | 1984 | S.1-S.2: HK$167,100; S.2-S.5: HK$145,400; S.6-S.7: HK$152,900 | ||
Pok Fu Lam, York Road | 1991 | S.1-S.2: HK$167,100; S.2-S.5: HK$145,400; S.6-S.7: HK$152,900 |
Private independent schools
Apart from the 9 primary schools and 5 secondary schools listed above, ESF has recently opened 2 private independent schools offering a complete IB curriculum from primary to secondary.
School Name | Location | Year Established | Annual Fee | Curriculum |
Sha Tin, Ma On Shan Heng Ming Street | 2006 | |||
Lantau Island, Discovery Bay, Ching Hong Road | 2007 | Year1-6: HK$144,000; Year 7-11: HK$189,800; Year 12: 191,300 |
ESF Kindergartens
ESF operates 5 international kindergartens providing English education based on inquiry-based learning and play for children aged 3-5. Students attend either morning or afternoon sessions, each lasting for 3 hours.
School Name | Year Established | Morning Students | Afternoon Students | Annual Fee |
1999 | 196 | 194 | ||
2002 | 100 | 100 | ||
2009 | 174 | 175 | ||
2010 | 192 | 192 | ||
2016 | 145 | 167 |
Hong Kong international school: Hong Kong International School (HKIS)
Hong Kong International School (HKIS) is Hong Kong's top international through-school, a friendly
Hong Kong International School (HKIS) is a wonderful international through-school in Hong Kong. It is a friendly and welcoming community with over 2,800 students and 500 faculty and staff. The school is guided by Christian values and emphasizes the importance of spiritual well-being for everyone in the community.
HKIS has 2 main campuses located in Tai Tam and Repulse Bay. The school offers education across 4 different levels: lower primary, upper primary, middle school, and high school.
Other renowned international schools in Hong Kong overview
Take a look at this awesome list of top-notch schools in Hong Kong. Each school provides a unique range of grade levels and syllabuses, so make sure to check if their curriculum aligns with your little one's study plan! ?
School Name | Year Established | Campus Location | Annual Tuition (Approximately) | Grade Levels |
American International School | 1986 | Kowloon Tong Waterloo Road | HK$ $129,200 | Kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school |
American School Hong Kong | 2016 | Tai Po Ma Chung Road | HK$ $178,000 | Kindergarten, elementary, middle, high school, IB Program |
Australian International School Hong Kong | 2002 | Kowloon Tong Loh Fu Road | HK$ $157,200 | Kindergarten, elementary, middle, high school, IB Program |
Beacon Hill School | 1967 | Kowloon Tong Yee Shing Street | HK$ $126,200 | Elementary School, English Schools Foundation, IB Program |
Canadian International School of Hong Kong | 1992 | Wong Chuk Hang Nam Long Shan Road | HK$ $174,000 | Kindergarten, elementary, middle, high school, IB Program |
Carmel School | 1993 | Mid-Levels | HK$ $183,850 | Kindergarten, elementary, middle, high school, IB Program |
Chinese International School | 1984 | North Point Mount Butler Road | HK$ $258,200 | Kindergarten, elementary, middle, high school, IB Program |
Christian Alliance International School | 1992 | Lai Chi Kok King Lam Street | HK$ $106,700 | Kindergarten, elementary, middle, high school, IB Program |
Christian Alliance P.C. Lau Memorial International School | 1992 | Kowloon Fu Ning Street | HK$ $130,610 | Kindergarten, elementary school |
Concordia International School | 1991 | Kowloon Tong Yau Yat Tsuen | HK$ $129,500 | Middle school |
Discovery Bay International School | 1983 | Discovery Bay Lantau Island | HK$ $130,200 | Kindergarten, elementary, middle, high school |
Discovery Mind Primary School | 2012 | Tung Chung | HK$ $118,250 | Kindergarten, elementary school |
Discovery Montessori Academy | 2015 | Discovery Bay Lantau Island | HK$ $147,400 | Kindergarten, elementary, IB Program |
DSC International School | 1988 | Hong Kong Taikoo Shing | HK$ $144,000 | Kindergarten, elementary, middle, high school |
Excel London College | 2009 | Sha Tin Park | HK$ $60,000 | high school, British Curriculum |
French International School | 1963 | Pok Fu Lam and Jardine's Lookout | HK$ $142,813 | Kindergarten, elementary, middle, high school, IB Program |
German Swiss International School | 1969 | The Peak | HK$ $183,100 | Kindergarten, elementary, middle, high school, IB Program |
Harrow International School Hong Kong | 2012 | Tuen Mun So Kwun Wat Road | HK$ $185,680 | Kindergarten, elementary, middle, high school |
Hong Kong Academy | 2000 | Sai Kung Wui Man Road | HK$ $207,300 | Kindergarten, elementary, middle, high school, IB Program |
Hong Kong International School | 1966 | Repulse Bay Hong Kong | HK$ $211,400 | Kindergarten, elementary, middle, high school |
International Christian School | 1992 | Sha Tin Shek Mun | HK$ $135,300 | Kindergarten, elementary, middle, high school |
International College Hong Kong | 2010 | Sha Tau Kok Sheung Chung Au | HK$ $171,300 | high school, IB Program |
International College Hong Kong Hong Lok Yuen | 1984 | Tai Po Hong Lok Yuen | HK$ $135,460 | Elementary school, IB Program |
Invictus School Hong Kong | 2019 | Tseung Kwan O Tong Chun Street | HK$ $110,250 | Kindergarten, elementary, middle, high school |
Island School | 1967 | Mid-Levels Borrett Road | HK$ $167,100 | High school, English Schools Foundation, IB Program |
Japanese International School | 1998 | Tai Po Tai Po Road | HK$ $127,400 | Kindergarten, elementary, middle, high school, IB Program |
Kellett School | 1976 | Pok Fu Lam and Kowloon Bay | HK$ $180,400 | Kindergarten, elementary, middle, high school |
Kiangsu-Chekiang College, International Section | 1993 | North Point, Hong Kong Island | HK$ $120,000 | Pre-K, primary, secondary, IB |
King George V School | 1902 | Ho Man Tin, Kowloon | HK$ $167,100 | Secondary, IB |
Kingston International School | 2002 | Kowloon Tong, Kowloon | HK$ $147,000 | Primary, IB |
Korean International School | 1994 | Sai Wan Ho, Hong Kong Island | HK$ $87,150+ | Pre-K, primary, secondary |
Kowloon Junior School | 1979 | Ho Man Tin, Kowloon | HK$ $126,200 | Primary, IB |
Lantau International School | 1996 | Tung Chung, Lantau Island | HK$ $92,500 | Primary |
Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong | 1978 | Sha Tin, New Territories | HK$ $105,000 | Secondary, IB |
Malvern College Hong Kong | 2018 | Tai Po, New Territories | HK$ $182,820 | Pre-K, primary, secondary, IB |
Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong | 2014 | Lam Tin, Kowloon | HK$ $182,100 | Pre-K, primary, decondary, IB |
Norwegian International School | 1982 | Tai Po, New Territories | HK$ $120,700 | Pre-K, primary |
Peak School | 1911 | The Peak, Hong Kong Island | HK$ $126,200 | Primary, IB |
Quarry Bay School | 1979 | North Point, Hong Kong Island | HK$ $126,200 | Primary, IB |
Saint Too Sear Rogers International School | 1982 | Tsuen Wan, New Territories | HK$ $102,300 | Secondary |
Sha Tin College | 1982 | Sha Tin, New Territories | HK$ $167,100 | Secondary, IB |
Sha Tin Junior School | 1988 | Sha Tin, New Territories | HK$ $126,200 | Primary, IB |
Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong | 2018 | Tseung Kwan O, New Territories | HK$ $193,500 | Pre-K, primary |
Singapore International School (Hong Kong) | 1991 | Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong Island | HK$ $149,700 | Pre-K, primary, secondary, IB |
South Island School | 1984 | Aberdeen, Hong Kong Island | HK$ $167,100 | Secondary, IB |
Spanish School of Hong Kong | 2017 | Tai Po, New Territories | HK$ $115,000 | Primary |
Stamford American School Hong Kong | 2017 | Ho Man Tin, Kowloon | HK$ $197,800 | Pre-K, primary, secondary, IB |
The Harbour School | 2007 | Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong Island | HK$ $213,200 | Pre-K, primary, secondary |
The International Montessori School | 2003 | Stanley, Hong Kong Island | HK$ $189,500 | Pre-K, primary |
Think International School | 1968 | Kowloon Tong, Kowloon | HK$ $120,000 | Pre-K, primary, secondary, IB |
Umah International Primary School | 2002 | Yuen Long, New Territories | HK$ $5,800 | Primary |
West Island School | 1991 | Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong Island | HK$ $167,100 | Secondary, IB |
Yew Chung International School | 1985 | Kowloon Tong, Kowloon | HK$ $251,420 | Pre-K, primary, secondary, IB |
Conclusion: Consider the school syllabus
However, one last thing I want to let you know is that most international schools in Hong Kong are also open to local applications. Many parents in Hong Kong choose international schools because they believe it will help improve their children's English skills, reduce their homework load, and better prepare them for studying abroad in the future. Also, don’t forget to compare which curriculum fits your kid better.
Frequently asked questions: International Schools in Hong Kong
What are the international schools in Hong Kong?
International schools in Hong Kong are educational institutions that have a significant number of students from different countries and follow different educational systems compared to those in Hong Kong. They offer a range of curricula from various countries and provide a diverse learning environment for students.
What is the International Baccalaureate (IB) program?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an internationally recognised educational framework that offers a comprehensive and challenging curriculum for students aged 3 to 19. It aims to develop academically capable, socially responsible, and globally aware individuals through a holistic approach to education.
Are IB programs accepted internationally?
Yes, IB programs are widely accepted internationally. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), specifically designed for 16-to-19-year-olds, is recognised by universities worldwide and provides a pathway to higher education.
What are the different parts of the IB program?
The IB program consists of three core parts: the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students aged 3-12, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11-16, and the Diploma Programme (DP) for students aged 16-19. Each part focuses on different aspects of education and prepares students for higher-level studies.
What is the British Curriculum?
The British Curriculum is an academic programme used in the United Kingdom, Canada, and other countries. It covers a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, the English language, history, and geography. It emphasises important skills like reading, math, and problem-solving.
What is the difference between the IB program and the British Curriculum?
The IB program focuses on a global perspective, critical thinking, and understanding different cultures, while the British Curriculum provides a broad education with a focus on important skills like reading, math, and problem-solving.
How many parts are there in the IB program?
The IB program consists of three core parts: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP).
What is the age range for the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)?
The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is designed for students aged 3-12.
What is the age range for the IB Diploma Programme (DP)?
The Diploma Programme (DP) is designed for students aged 16-19.
How many subject groups are included in the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)?
The Middle Years Programme (MYP) includes 8 subject groups, providing a broad education for early adolescents.
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