American School Hong Kong vs Christian Alliance International School

	American School Hong Kong Hong Kong	C Christian Alliance International School Hong Kong
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year HK$164,800 - 234,500	Fees / year HK$136,300 - 228,300
Age range	Age range 5 - 18 years	Age range 5 - 17 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), American Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), Canadian Curriculum, Christian Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 1,700
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2016	Opened 1992
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location American School Hong Kong (ASHK) is situated in Tai Po in the New Territories. The school is in a quieter, residential area surrounded by green spaces and set apart from the city’s central business districts. It is accessible via road links and public transport, including bus routes and the MTR East Rail Line to Tai Po Market.	Location Christian Alliance International School (CAIS) is situated in Butterfly Valley, Lai Chi Kok on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong. The campus is accessible via major public transport links, including nearby MTR stations and bus routes. The surrounding area is urban and well connected, with facilities that serve the local community.
Stages	Stages ASHK provides education from Kindergarten (Reception) through Grade 12. The structure covers Elementary (KG–Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12), with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme offered in Grades 11 and 12.	Stages The school runs as a through-train programme from Preparatory (Kindergarten) through Grade 12. This structure includes Primary (Prep–G6) and Secondary (G7–G12), with students in Grades 11–12 able to pursue the Alberta Diploma, Advanced Placement (AP), or the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP).
School type	School type The school is co-educational, admitting both boys and girls. ASHK does not offer boarding facilities, and students attend on a day-school basis.	School type CAIS is a co-educational international day school with an enrollment of over 1,700 students. It does not provide boarding facilities, with all students commuting daily.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support ASHK provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for students who need help with English proficiency. The school also supports students with mild educational needs. The Learning Support team employs various strategies to address students’ needs, including push-in and pull-out instructional support.	Additional learning support The school provides support for students with mild to moderate learning needs through its Student Support Services team. Provision includes learning support teachers and assistants who collaborate with classroom staff and families to help students access the curriculum. CAIS is not a specialist SEN school.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation ASHK is affiliated with the United States through its American curriculum and standards.	Country affiliation CAIS is accredited by Alberta Education, Canada, to deliver the Alberta curriculum, and also offers AP and IBDP pathways.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation ASHK has no religious affiliation and operates as a non-denominational school.	Religious affiliation The school is a Christian institution, founded by the Kowloon Tong Church of the Chinese Christian and Missionary Alliance (KTAC).
School day structure	School day structure The school day typically runs from the morning, 7:45 am through mid-afternoon, 2:35 pm. There is also an option to join the after-school program, ECA, which runs from 2:45 - 3:45 pm.	School day structure School days begin at 7:55 am (Primary) and 8:05 am (Secondary). Regular dismissal is mid-afternoon, with Monday featuring an earlier finish (Primary at 2:05 pm, Secondary at 2:35 pm). Published bell schedules also note dedicated chapel/assembly sessions and advisory times.
Bus service details	Bus service details ASHK offers a school bus service for an additional fee. Routes cover various areas across Hong Kong, allowing students from multiple districts to access the campus. The service is optional, and costs depend on the route taken.	Bus service details The school operates a bus service, referenced in its bell schedules and dismissal notices. Buses depart after school dismissal, including an earlier departure on Mondays. While full provider details are not published, the service is part of daily logistics and coordinated with start and end times for Primary and Secondary.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application Fees A non-refundable Application Fee of HK$900 is required for all new applicants. A Capital Fee of HK$45,000 is payable per student upon enrollment. Tuition Fees (Per Year) Reception / Kindergarten: HK$164,800 Grades 1–4: HK$189,600 Grades 5–6: HK$201,500 Grades 7–8: HK$211,300 Grades 9–10: HK$223,200 Grades 11–12 (IB Diploma Programme): HK$234,500 Additional Fees Uniforms, lunches, and external examination fees are charged separately. Optional extracurricular activities and some after-school programs carry additional costs. Transportation Fees School bus service is available for an additional charge. Costs depend on the route and distance, and are billed annually. Sibling Discount A 5% tuition discount applies to the second child, and 10% for the third child and beyond. Refund Policy The Re-enrollment Deposit is credited toward the following year’s tuition if the student continues. No refunds are offered for the Application Fee or Capital Fee. Payment Options Payments can be made via bank transfer or through the school’s designated finance office.	Fee details Application Fees A one-time application fee is required for all new students. The fee is HKD 1,500 for Preparatory–Grade 3 and HKD 1,800 for Grades 4–12. This is non-refundable and must be paid by cheque at the time of application. Tuition Fees (Per Year) Fees are billed in 10 monthly installments across the academic year. The annual tuition fees for 2025–26 are as follows: Preparatory: HKD 136,300 Grade 1–3: HKD 151,800 Grade 4: HKD 159,600 Grade 5: HKD 171,200 Grade 6: HKD 183,000 Grade 7–9: HKD 197,800 Grade 10–12 (Alberta/AP): HKD 216,300 Grade 11–12 (IB Diploma Programme): HKD 228,300 Capital Contributions Families must select one of the following options: Individual Capital Note (ICN): HKD 560,000 (first child), reduced amounts for additional siblings. Refundable or transferable with administrative fees. Annual Capital Levy (ACL): HKD 30,000 per year, non-refundable. This applies if the student is not covered by an ICN or Corporate Capital Note (CCN). Corporate Capital Note (CCN): An option for companies to secure places for nominated students. Sibling Discount Second child: 10% Third child: 15% Fourth child and beyond: 20% Additional Fees A reservation fee equal to one month’s tuition is payable upon acceptance and credited toward the first installment. Administrative fees apply for reissued invoices or mailed documents. Other costs such as uniforms, extracurricular activities, and learning materials are billed separately. Refund Policy Tuition is non-refundable for any month in which a student attends, even partially. The Annual Capital Levy is also non-refundable. ICN refunds are subject to school policies and administration fees. Payment Options Payments are accepted by cheque or bank transfer. Cash is not accepted.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements There are no boarding facilities at ASHK.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniform is required for all students and promotes pride and belonging; the administration reserves the right to determine if clothing conveys a message contrary to the policy. On PE days, students wear the PE uniform for the entire day. Uniforms can be purchased from Aston Wilson in Lai Chi Kok, and Dress Down Day occurs on the last Friday of most months with a $20 donation to a charity.	Uniform requirement The school requires full school uniform on campus and at CAIS-sponsored activities. Uniforms are designed and distributed by Uniform Station Limited, with online ordering available and in-person purchasing options. Students maintain modest and neat appearances, and all uniform items should be clearly labelled.
Food options	Food options Food service is provided by Chartwells, with monthly lunch orders available. Chartwells ensures meals and snacks are safe, nutritious, and fresh. Snacks are encouraged and a Tuck Shop is available to students in Grade 3 and above.	Food options Hot lunch services are provided by Sodexo, offering nutritionally balanced meals. Meals can be pre-ordered online for Grades 7–12 through the Sodexo meal enrollment program.
House system	House system The House system unites students from KG to Grade 12, parents, and staff in four Houses to foster school-wide spirit and belonging. Our Four Houses are Antelopes, Sharks, Hawks, and Kangaroos.	House system The school has a four-house system: Alyward, Simpson, Taylor and Yu. House activities include dodgeball, intramural sports, trivia nights and drama competitions to foster cross-grade connections and house-based competition.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is a non-profit international school owned and operated by Esol Education, which has over 45 years of experience in international education. Esol Education runs a network of 10 international schools educating more than 10,000 pupils.	Governance and ownership CAIS is a non-profit international school wholly owned by Kowloon Tong Church of the Chinese Christian and Missionary Alliance (KTAC).
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details American School Hong Kong (ASHK) follows a U.S. standards-based curriculum from Kindergarten through Grade 10, aligned with the U.S. Common Core State Standards for English and Mathematics and the Next Generation Science Standards for Science, and the American Education Reaches Out (AERO) for Social Studies. In Grades 11 and 12, students may pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP), offering an internationally recognized qualification for university admission. Chinese language is taught from Kindergarten, with both Simplified and Traditional Chinese pathways available. The school also integrates STEAM learning across all levels, emphasizing connections between Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.	Curriculum details Christian Alliance International School follows the Alberta (Canada) curriculum from Preparatory through Grade 12, which provides the framework for core subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, alongside specialist subjects such as Visual Arts, Music, Physical Education, and Design Technology. In the upper grades, students can pursue Advanced Placement (AP) courses and examinations in selected subjects, allowing them to gain additional university recognition. For Grades 11–12, CAIS also offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) as an alternative pathway, with subjects across all six IB groups, including English A, Chinese A, Economics, Sciences, Mathematics, and Visual Arts. Chinese language learning is part of the curriculum from Preparatory onwards, with pathways into AP Chinese and IBDP Chinese in the senior years. The main language of instruction is English, with Chinese, French, and Spanish taught as additional world languages.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio With an average student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1, ASHK ensures attentive and personalized learning. It should be noted that this ratio can vary by school division, as lower grades often maintain slightly smaller groups to nurture foundational skills, while higher grades may operate at the larger end of the scale to support more independent learning.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results The ASHK Class of 2025 has delivered outstanding IB Diploma results, significantly outperforming global benchmarks. With a perfect 100% pass rate and an average score of 34.3 points—more than four points above the world average—the cohort demonstrated strong academic mastery, with 62% of all subject grades being a 6 or 7.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates of the ASHK Class of 2025 have secured an impressive and diverse range of university placements worldwide. The class garnered over 60 acceptances across four continents, with a significant 42% of offers being unconditional and 10% including scholarships. Students were admitted to top-ranked institutions such as University College London and the University of Edinburgh in the UK; the University of Toronto and University of British Columbia in Canada; the University of California, San Diego and Pennsylvania State University in the United States; the University of Sydney and University of Melbourne in Australia; and leading local universities including the University of Hong Kong, Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented At the American School Hong Kong, we are committed to a holistic approach to education. This includes recognizing and supporting the unique profile of gifted and talented students, who require tailored pathways to thrive. We believe in accurately assessing each child’s needs—academically, socially, and emotionally—in order to provide the specific supports, guidance, and enriched learning experiences necessary to challenge and nurture their exceptional abilities, ensuring they are fully engaged and empowered in their educational journey.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar View document	Academic calendar View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning ASHK promotes student wellbeing through its Personal & Social Development (PSD) program. The school emphasizes growth across social, emotional, physical, creative, and intellectual domains. Students participate in community-based projects from an early age to foster responsibility and empathy. Extracurricular activities also encourage the development of leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.	Social & emotional learning CAIS integrates social and emotional development through its Pastoral and Advisory Care Team (PACT) programme in the secondary school. The published bell schedules show dedicated Community Time for primary students and Advisory Time for secondary students, which provide opportunities for relationship-building and personal development. Regular Chapel and Assembly sessions also contribute to students’ spiritual and emotional growth. Student Services include counselling support, though detailed SEL initiatives beyond these structures are not published.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) ASHK is an inclusive school that supports students with mild learning needs. All applicants complete diagnostic testing during admissions to identify individual requirements. A dedicated Learning Support team collaborates with homeroom and specialist teachers to create personalized support plans. Provision includes both push-in classroom support and pull-out sessions for targeted instruction. The school is not a specialist SEN institution but provides structured support to help students access the full curriculum.	Special educational needs (SEN) CAIS provides support for students with mild to moderate learning needs. Services are delivered by Learning Support teachers and assistants, who collaborate with classroom staff and families to help students participate in mainstream classes and access the Alberta curriculum. The school is clear that it is not a specialist SEN institution and does not publish provision for severe or complex needs.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language ASHK runs a dedicated EAL program for non-native English speakers. The program helps students build English proficiency while continuing in the mainstream curriculum. Support is provided by trained teachers and is adapted to each student’s proficiency level.	English as an additional language CAIS has a structured English Language Learners (ELL) programme. The school publishes an ELL Policy outlining how students are assessed, supported, and monitored, with the goal of enabling them to succeed in the mainstream Alberta and IB programmes. Support is tailored to student needs, and placement decisions are reviewed periodically to ensure progress.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing ASHK addresses mental wellbeing through its Personal & Social Development framework, which includes attention to the emotional needs of students. The Parent Handbook states that the school works to meet the social and emotional needs of each student. In addition, ASHK has participated in initiatives raising awareness of youth mental health. However, the website does not publish a detailed standalone mental health policy.	Mental wellbeing CAIS Student Services include counselling for emotional and mental wellbeing, with support available to students who need guidance. The school also notes that referrals may be made to external professionals if required. Published information highlights the availability of pastoral structures and counselling but does not specify additional programmes or initiatives related to mental health.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding ASHK highlights child protection as one of its core values. References appear in the “Why ASHK” page and the Parent Handbook, indicating the school’s commitment to safeguarding and student welfare. However, a detailed safeguarding or child protection policy document is not publicly available on the website. Parents are advised to request full policy details directly from the school.	Safeguarding The Student Services page at CAIS references child protection and safeguarding as part of its remit. While the website confirms that safeguarding policies are in place, detailed procedures and protocols are not published openly.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school is a through-train international campus in Tai Po, Hong Kong, serving Kindergarten through Grade 12 with a comprehensive American-oriented program. The campus is located at 6 Ma Chung Road, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong.	Facilities overview The CAIS campus is a single, purpose-built learning community located in Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, West Kowloon. It comprises an Amenities Building, an Academic Building, an Aquatic Centre, and other specialized spaces, all connected to a central library and multiple learning areas. The Academic Building opened in 2017 and includes 70 classrooms, five science laboratories, two gymnasiums, a 200-seat lecture hall and a central whole-school library. The campus features a roof-top, FIFA-standard 7-a-side soccer pitch, a 611-seat Alliance Hall for performing arts, a ground-floor multi-purpose space, and a cafe-style courtyard. The Aquatic Centre houses a 25-meter, eight-lane pool with year-round water and air temperature control. The campus is located at 33 King Lam Street, Lai Chi Kok, and is about a five-minute walk from Lai Chi Kok MTR.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The school offers a range of athletics and after-school activities as part of its school life, including teams and clubs accessible through the after-school program.	Sports facilities A roof-top 7-a-side soccer pitch meets FIFA standards and uses artificial turf for outdoor play. The on-site gymnasiums include a basketball court and a rock-climbing area with an auto-belay system, with the fourth floor housing high-performance facilities for basketball coaching, judo, ballet and related activities. Alliance Hall is a purpose-built 611-seat venue with strong acoustics for performing arts such as orchestra, dance and choral work. A ground-floor multi-purpose space and other flexible learning areas support sports, movement, and informal gatherings across the campus.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities ASHK delivers a rigorous American curriculum with STEAM integration and an IB Diploma Programme at the high school level; it is fully accredited and operates under the Esol Education network.	Academic facilities The Academic Building provides 70 classrooms, five science laboratories, two gymnasiums, a 200-seat lecture hall and a central library, along with nine multi-purpose areas and a fitness center. The building was opened in 2017 as part of CAIS's campus development. The campus sits at 33 King Lam Street, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong, and is within a short walk of Lai Chi Kok MTR and local amenities.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities ASHK provides a broad set of extracurricular options through its After-School Program, including sports, robotics, arts, leadership, and clubs. It also runs a STEAM-focused curriculum and offers various field trips and cultural experiences.	Extra curricular facilities World Languages are taught in English followed by Chinese, French and Spanish. The Chinese Studies program includes activities such as Parent-Child Story Competition, Chinese Reading Month, Book Battle, Mid-Autumn Festival Lantern Riddles, Chinese Calligraphy Competition, Drama Performance, Chinese Fun Fair, Chinese Speech Festival and Chinese Debate Competition. Chinese Studies can prepare students for AP Chinese Language and Culture, Alberta Diploma requirements, and IB Group 2 options. French and Spanish are offered at beginner, intermediate and IB Ab Initio levels in secondary, with an aligned progression across grades 7–12. The World Languages program details a sequence from Preparatory Chinese Studies through Grade 12, including elective and IB pathways. Alliance Hall and the Music Floor support performing arts, with dedicated spaces for music and dance across the campus.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History ASHK was founded in 2016 by Esol Education, drawing on over 45 years of experience in operating international K-12 schools. The school’s founding principles included offering an American curriculum taught by international educators, and emphasizing moral, social, and physical development alongside intellectual growth. ASHK celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2025.	History Christian Alliance International School (CAIS) was founded in 1992 by the Kowloon Tong Church of the Chinese Christian and Missionary Alliance (KTAC). It has grown steadily since its establishment, originally operating from earlier sites before moving to its purpose-built campus at Butterfly Valley, Lai Chi Kok. The new campus officially opened in August 2017, providing expanded facilities for academics, sports, and the arts. The school continues to operate as a non-profit institution under the ownership of KTAC.
Community	Community ASHK’s community includes students, parents, teachers, and staff from many different nationalities, reflecting a culturally diverse environment. The school holds cultural events such as Chinese New Year celebrations featuring lion dances, art exhibitions, and student performances. Community-based projects are also part of student life via the Personal & Social Development program, helping students build responsibility, leadership skills, and concern for others.	Community CAIS fosters community through events such as Parent Forums, Parent-Teacher Conferences, and cultural activities that bring together families, staff, and students. The school also convenes a School Council that includes parents, teachers, students, and community representatives. Student-led initiatives, including leadership roles through the Student Representative Council (SRC) and participation in service programmes, further strengthen the sense of shared community.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The American School Parents’ Association (ASPA) connects all ASHK parents and works to strengthen the school community. ASPA coordinates and supports various school social activities throughout the year, including parent volunteer programs and school-wide events. It also facilitates communication between parents, teachers, administration, and the Board of Governors. Additionally, ASPA manages the raising and distributing of funds to enhance school programs and promote the well-being of students and families.	Parent teacher association CAIS refers to its parent engagement structures through formal Parent Forums and a School Council rather than a traditional PTA. Parent Forums include presentations, school updates, and opportunities for families to meet leadership teams. The School Council serves as an advisory body, with parent representatives contributing to discussions on school development and policies. Parents are also involved in networking opportunities and community events, including academic information sessions and university and careers evenings. Through these channels, families maintain an active role in shaping and supporting the life of the school.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school teaches a curriculum based on the US Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). It prepares students for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Grades 11-12. The school is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA) and is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer the Diploma Programme. STEAM is an integrated approach that combines science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics to guide inquiry and critical thinking.	Academic & intellectual The school is a through‑train international school in Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong, serving students aged 5 to 18 in preparatory, lower primary, upper primary and secondary sections.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Music at ASHK empowers students to unlock their creative potential through musical experiences and emphasizes inclusive community and exposure to diverse traditions. The program supports ensembles and on‑stage performances, including choirs and bands, and engages students in theatre, dance, and other arts activities. Fine and performing arts are available across the school with opportunities to join after‑school ensembles and perform on stage. Students travel to music events and festivals, broadening collaborative experience with other young musicians.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The Chinese Program offers four streams CAL, CHL, CSL, and CFL to meet language development needs across grade levels. The program uses a holistic approach with emphasis on language ability and includes field trips and cultural exchanges. Extracurriculars include Chinese dance, Chinese music, WuShu, and a Speech Team. Field trips support Chinese units and cultural exchange opportunities are provided, including camps and cultural programs.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The After-School Program offers a wide range of activities beyond the classroom, including student council, robotics, cross country, cooking, woodwind master class, pottery, football, and basketball. Leadership and clubs provide opportunities for students to develop and refine leadership and organizational skills with student‑run executive teams. Fine and performing arts offer ensembles and stage performances such as choirs, bands, and theatre productions. Athletics provide sport participation across seasons and schools.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service Service activities aim to develop responsible global citizens and align with the IB Diploma Programme requirements. Students contribute through direct school roles such as tutor, usher, digital ambassador, score‑keeper, and buddy for new students, and some volunteer with hospitals, homes for the aged, or Habitat for Humanity projects. The ASHK community celebrates diversity through cultural celebrations and community events. Week Without Walls experiences reinforce learning through service, community engagement, and cultural immersion.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership and clubs provide students with executive roles to develop leadership, organizational, and communication skills. Students learn to set goals, adapt to change, and work effectively in teams within clubs and organizations. Week Without Walls includes leadership and teamwork as part of its experiential learning and connects to IB CAS requirements through creativity, activity, and service. The program supports student initiative and professional growth through real‑world experiences.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Athletics program uses the SHAPE America curriculum and runs four seasons with competitive leagues and a hall of fame recognizing athletic achievement. Physical education and after‑school ECAs promote fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship across elementary and secondary levels. Week Without Walls emphasizes resilience, independence, and service through outdoor and cultural experiences. The school participates in regional leagues such as ISSFHK and ACAMIS and offers a range of sports including soccer, basketball, cross country, and more.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English-language instruction is supported by three EAL programs: Mainstream EAL Program, Foundational English Program (FEP) for Grades 2-5, and Bridging Program (BP) for Grades 6-9, providing immersive English language support and access to the full curriculum. The Mandarin program is taught through a multi-stream Mandarin language program with Simplified characters in CFL and CSL and Traditional characters in CAL and CHL; there are five lessons per week, and streams are assigned based on language assessments. The language programs align with ACTFL, YCT, and HSK standards, with field trips and cultural activities accompanying language study.	Language provision The medium of instruction is English, and CAIS offers Chinese, French and Spanish as world languages. Chinese Studies is mandatory for Preparatory to Grade 6; Grades 7-9 may continue Chinese Studies or study French or Spanish. In Grades 10-12, Chinese Studies, French and Spanish are electives with pathways to the Alberta Diploma or the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Traditional script is taught in native/near-native classes, while Simplified script is used in non-native classes.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching English serves as the main medium of instruction across subjects, and Chinese is provided as an additional language program.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Mainstream EAL provides an immersive English-language environment. Mandarin language program offers multi-stream Mandarin instruction.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards Greater Bay Area School Awards: K-12 Arts Award 2026, which reflects a strong K-12 music curriculum. Now TV Happy Academy 2025: “Most Loved International School” is a recognition from the broader community, celebrating the school's positive impact, reputation, and the strong connection it has fostered with families and students. Ohpama Parent Awards 2024: “Most Loved International School,” recognizing parent satisfaction and community perception. Champimom Hong Kong Parents’ Choice Awards 2024: Best International Primary School and Best International All-Through School, reflecting choices by parents in Hong Kong. Sunday Kiss Parents’ Favorite Brand Award 2024: Parents’ Favorite International School with Diversified Teaching, highlighting international schools with varied teaching styles. And more	Awards The school’s website does not list any institutional awards received.
Accreditations	Accreditations Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): A U.S.-based body that evaluates schools on organization, curriculum, teaching, and student achievement. Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA): A U.S. accreditation agency that ensures quality standards in American-style international schools. International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO): Permits ASHK to offer the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11–12.	Accreditations Alberta Education (Canada): CAIS is accredited by Alberta Education to deliver the Alberta curriculum and award the Alberta High School Diploma. This means the school is regularly inspected and meets Alberta’s standards for teaching, learning, and assessment. International Baccalaureate (IB) World School: CAIS is authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11–12. This indicates that the school follows IB standards and can prepare students for the internationally recognized IB Diploma.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Prepare required documents Parents need to gather electronic copies of items such as the child’s birth certificate, passports for the student and parents, visa/permit if applicable, school reports from the past two years (if available), and a recent passport-size photo. 2. Fill in the online application form Submit the online application through ASHK’s portal, upload the required documents, and complete any other requested information. 3. Pay the Application Fee A non-refundable Application Fee is required at this stage, and the receipt often must be emailed to the admissions office. 4. Attend assessment test and interview After the application and fee are submitted, the student attends assessments. For Kindergarten, assessment includes social interaction/group play. For other grades, the MAP test (Measures of Academic Progress) is often used in English and Mathematics. An interview may also be part of the process. 5. Secure a place by paying the Capital Fee or the Debenture + initial tuition If the student meets admissions criteria, the family secures the place by paying a non-refundable Capital Fee or choosing a debenture, as determined by the admissions policy. Some initial tuition payment is also required before the child can begin attending.	Admissions 1. Application Submission Families begin by completing the online application form and mailing the printed form, required supporting documents, and the application fee cheque to the Admissions Office. The fee is HKD 1,500 for Preparatory–Grade 3 and HKD 1,800 for Grades 4–12, and it is non-refundable. Cash is not accepted, and all cheques must be payable to the school. 2. Assessment and Interview Applicants are invited for an admissions assessment if a place is available. The assessment length varies by grade level: about 1 hour for Preparatory–Grade 3, 2.5 hours for Grades 4–6, and 3 hours for Grades 7–12. Parents may also be interviewed, and additional documents, such as a Student Reference Form, are required for secondary applicants. 3. Admissions Decision Families are informed of the result within 30 days of the assessment. If a place is available and the student meets requirements, an offer of admission is extended. If not, but the student is eligible, they may be placed in the Wait Pool. 4. Enrollment Confirmation A student’s place is confirmed once the family pays the required Individual Capital Note (ICN or Annual Capital Levy (ACL by the deadline. A reservation fee equal to one month’s tuition is also due and will be credited against the first tuition installment.
Scholarships	Scholarships ASHK offers three types of scholarships: Merit-based, Needs-based, and Diversity scholarships. They are open to students in elementary, middle, and high school. Merit awards recognize strong achievement in academics, arts, athletics, service, or leadership. Needs-based scholarships are designed for families who qualify for ASHK but require financial assistance, with eligibility determined through supporting financial documents. Diversity scholarships are aimed at students whose nationalities, backgrounds, or life experiences are underrepresented in the school community. Awards may cover partial or full tuition and can be granted for either one year or multiple years. Applications must include a Scholarship Application Form, academic reports from the past two years, and a reference letter from a current teacher. Shortlisted applicants are invited to an interview with the School Director before a final decision is made.	Scholarships CAIS offers scholarships specifically for students enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). These scholarships ensure that all IBDP students pay the same tuition as Alberta curriculum students, rather than the higher IBDP fee. This effectively reduces the cost of the IB pathway and makes it financially aligned with the school’s other senior programmes.
Waitlist	Waitlist ASHK operates a rolling admissions policy, which means they accept applications throughout the year. Spaces may fill up quickly, and early application is advised. If the grade is full, the student will be placed on a waitlist.	Waitlist CAIS operates a Wait Pool system. Qualified applicants who have passed assessments but for whom no immediate space is available are placed into the Wait Pool. This placement is valid for one academic year, and families are contacted if a suitable place becomes available. Students in the Wait Pool are not guaranteed admission, but being placed there indicates they are eligible should space open.
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