Most Popular International and Private Schools in Hong Kong

The international schools in Hong Kong are rapidly expanding. According to the data from the Legislative Council in 2023, there are currently 54 international schools in Hong Kong, with approximately 40,626 students, of which about 65% are non-local students. If we include some private independent schools or private schools that offer non-local curricula, the total number of schools would be around 70. Among these choices, which international and private schools in Hong Kong are favored and become the first choice for parents? Which schools are the rising stars that deserve attention? Below is a selection of 11 popular schools with a brief description:

American Curriculum AP (Advanced Placement)

1.Hong Kong International School (HKIS)

    This school offers the American curriculum (AP) and is renowned for its outstanding academic achievements and comprehensive extracurricular activities. It enjoys a high reputation among the expatriate community in Hong Kong, and its graduates have a strong sense of loyalty to their alma mater. The school has advanced and rich facilities, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a university campus. The beautiful campus environment is evident. The annual tuition fee is approximately HKD 240,000 to 280,000.

British Curriculum IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) + A-Level (Advanced Level)

1.Harrow International School Hong Kong

   This school offers the British curriculum and is part of a prestigious British institution. Its graduates hold significant positions across various sectors. The school has a well-structured framework, allowing students to progress from kindergarten to high school seamlessly. It implements the British education system, providing comprehensive training for IGCSE and A-Level, facilitating direct entry into British universities. For parents keen on UK university admissions, this school is an excellent choice. The annual tuition fee is approximately HKD 180,000 to 230,000.

2.Kellett School

Similar to Harrow International School, Kellett School also offers the British curriculum. Established in 1976, it is one of the earlier international schools to implement the British system in Hong Kong, with English as the primary language of instruction while also emphasizing Chinese learning. Kellett School adheres to a philosophy of "whole-person education," focusing on the comprehensive development of students’ knowledge, skills, emotions, and social responsibility. The school aims to cultivate critical thinking, innovation, and problem-solving skills to adapt to the ever-changing global environment. The annual tuition fee is approximately HKD 190,000 to 250,000.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

1.Chinese International School (CIS)

CIS is often regarded as a prestigious school in Hong Kong, with many students being the offspring of notable figures in politics and business. The school offers bilingual education in Chinese and English, with high expectations for students' Chinese proficiency. The environment encourages cultural exchange and international understanding. CIS has an excellent IB diploma program, with 63% of students achieving scores above 40 in 2024. The annual tuition fee is approximately HKD 190,000 to 310,000.

2.German Swiss International School (GSIS)

Known for its academic excellence, GSIS consistently ranks among the top schools in terms of IB results, with 40% of students achieving scores above 40 in 2024. As a result, there is high demand from parents wishing to enroll their children. The school offers bilingual programs in German and Swiss curriculum, emphasizing academic achievement and language proficiency. The annual tuition fee is approximately HKD 180,000 to 240,000.

3.Singapore International School Hong Kong

The Singapore International School is favored by parents for its high-quality education system and multicultural learning environment. It adopts a bilingual teaching model, primarily using English while also emphasizing Chinese learning. Following Singapore's education system and incorporating the IB curriculum, it particularly emphasizes mathematics and science. In 2024, 54% of students achieved scores above 40. The annual tuition fee is approximately HKD 140,000 to 240,000.

4.Canadian International School (CDNIS)

CDNIS offers both Canadian and IB curricula, focusing on the overall development of students with a flexible curriculum design. Established in 1991, the school is located in the southern district of Hong Kong and offers a variety of activities while encouraging students to explore different interests. Students perform excellently in exams, with 38% achieving scores above 40 in 2024. The annual tuition fee is approximately HKD 170,000 to 230,000.

5.English Schools Foundation (ESF)

ESF is the largest international school network in Hong Kong, providing the British national curriculum and IB programs while emphasizing inquiry-based learning. It has been highly favored by expatriate professionals and their families. The school has multiple campuses and offers a variety of extracurricular activities. Students perform excellently in GCSE and A-Level exams, and in 2024, the organization produced 17 students who achieved a perfect score of 45 in the IB exams. The annual tuition fee is approximately HKD 120,000 to 170,000.

In addition to the international schools mentioned above, there are several private independent schools that are also favored by parents, each with its unique features. Below is a brief introduction, without any particular ranking.

1.The Independent Schools Foundation Academy

The Independent Schools Foundation Academy employs a bilingual teaching approach, with a higher proportion of Chinese instruction in primary school (up to 70%). As students progress to higher grades, the emphasis on English increases. This school is an excellent choice for parents who prioritize Chinese education. The school has well-equipped facilities and diverse activities and teaching modes. It offers the IB curriculum, with 35% of students achieving scores above 40 in 2024. The annual tuition fee is approximately HKD 220,000 to 280,000.

2.Victoria Shanghai Academy (VSA)

Victoria Shanghai Academy emphasizes both Mandarin and English learning through its bilingual teaching approach. The school stands out for its significant investment and focus on Chinese education among private independent schools. VSA offers the IB curriculum, and its students have shown increasingly impressive academic performance, with 44% achieving scores above 40 in 2024. The annual tuition fee is approximately HKD 150,000 to 230,000.

3.Po Leung Kuk Choi Kai Yau School

Po Leung Kuk Choi Kai Yau School is highly regarded among local parents. For local students, its teaching environment and approach are more suitable. The school implements both IGCSE and IB curricula, with 70% of students achieving A-A* in IGCSE and 58% achieving scores above 40 in the IB exams in 2024. The annual tuition fee is approximately HKD 90,000 to 130,000.

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