Chinese International School and Hong Kong Academy are both in Hong Kong, about 14 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and Chinese International School also offers Bespoke. Published annual fees are HK$216,100 - 342,800 at Chinese International School and HK$119,000 - 273,900 at Hong Kong Academy, which puts Chinese International School roughly 42% higher. Chinese International School takes pupils from 4 to 18, and Hong Kong Academy from 3 to 18. Chinese International School is the larger school, with around 1,500 pupils to Hong Kong Academy's 550. Typical class sizes are 9 at Chinese International School and 24 at Hong Kong Academy.
Chinese International School (CIS) is located on Braemar Hill, Hong Kong Island. The area is residential and home to several other schools, offering a quieter setting compared with busier districts. The campus is about 10 minutes by bus or taxi to Causeway Bay MTR and around 20 minutes to Central.
Location
Hong Kong Academy is located in Sai Kung, New Territories, about 30–40 minutes from central Hong Kong. As the gateway to the UNESCO Global Geopark, Sai Kung is known for its family-friendly lifestyle: offering hiking, beaches and outdoor activities as well as a huge variety of cafes, restaurants and shops, with good access via major roads and school bus routes. Families living in urban areas such as Hong Kong Island or Kowloon typically use the school bus service for convenience, whilst those living locally often bike or walk to school.
Stages
Stages
The school accepts students from Reception (age 4) through Year 13 (age 18). The structure includes Primary (Years 1–6) and Secondary (Years 7–13). Year 10 students spend a mandatory year at CIS Hangzhou, a residential campus in mainland China.
Stages
HKA serves students from age 3 to 18. The school is divided into Primary (Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12) and is one of eight IB World Schools in Hong Kong that are fully authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary (PYP) Middle (MYP) and Diploma (DP) programmes. All students graduate with the HKA Diploma and Global Citizens Diploma and the school is accredited by both the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
School type
School type
CIS is a co-educational day school. Boarding is not offered in Hong Kong, but Year 10 students take part in a one-year residential programme at CIS Hangzhou.
School type
HKA is a co-educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
Over 35+ nationality
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Support includes Learning Enhancement Teachers, an English Language Support Teacher, and School Counsellors in Primary. In Secondary, Social-Emotional Counsellors and Learning Enhancement staff work with students, families, and teachers.
Additional learning support
Children who need learning support are admitted upon the same requirements as other students. The school is able to provide support services including tailored classroom strategies, small group or individual support, and collaboration with teachers and families to meet learning goals. The school can also offer English Language support for students who are new to studying in English.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school is international and does not have an affiliation with any specific country.
Country affiliation
The school is truly international with families coming from 35+ countries and graduates going on to university and careers all around the world.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school does not have a religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliations.
School day structure
School day structure
The school does not publish daily start and end times on its website.
CIS operates a “Busing for All” programme. Students in Years 3–11 are required to use the bus service, while Reception–Year 2 and Years 12–13 may opt in. This arrangement is designed to reduce congestion in the Braemar Hill area.
Bus service details
Hong Kong Academy offers a comprehensive school bus service. Buses serve many areas across Hong Kong, including Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. Each bus has a trained bus attendant to assist and supervise students during their ride with schedules designed to ensure safe and timely transport.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application Fees A non-refundable application fee of HKD 2,000 is required for all new students. In addition, an assessment fee of HKD 2,500 (Primary) or HKD 2,000 (Secondary) is charged. Upon acceptance, families must pay a reservation deposit of HKD 150,000, which includes the first year’s Annual Capital Levy. The deposit is non-refundable.
Tuition Fees (Per Year) Reception: HKD 216,100 Years 1 – 6: HKD 286,600 Years 7 – 11: HKD 338,300 Years 12 – 13: HKD 342,800
Annual Capital Levy Students who joined CIS between 2018–19 and 2024–25 pay HKD 28,000 per year. Students joining from 2025–26 pay HKD 30,200 per year.
Annual Fees (Resources, Activities, Materials) Reception – Year 2: HKD 12,230 – 12,790 Years 3 – 6: HKD 14,490 – 18,150 Years 7 – 9: HKD 25,050 – 27,940 + HKD 23,700 China Experience Programme Year 10 (Hangzhou): HKD 30,400 + HKD 198,800 Boarding Fee Year 11: HKD 10,110 (excludes Project Week, billed separately) Year 12: HKD 10,410 (excludes Project Week; includes Y12 Induction) Year 13: HKD 13,030 (includes Graduation Fee)
Billing Schedule Families may choose from: Monthly Autopay: 10 instalments (Sept–Jun), due on the 5th of each month. Termly Payment: Three instalments (Sept–Dec, Jan–Mar, Apr–Jun). Lump Sum: Full-year payment due in August.
Boarding Fees Boarding is required in Year 10 at CIS Hangzhou. The Boarding Fee is HKD 198,800 in addition to tuition and annual fees.
Additional Costs Uniforms, meals, and Year 11–12 Project Week expenses are billed separately.
Refund Policy Application, assessment, and reservation fees are non-refundable. Tuition and levies are not refundable once billed.
Payment Options Payments can be made via bank transfer or autopay through the school’s Business Office.
* First child: HKD 25,000 (one-time, non-refundable) * Each additional child: HKD 12,500
Tuition Fees (per year / semester)
* Pre-K1–2: HKD 119,000 (HKD 59,500 per semester) * K–G5: HKD 229,500 (HKD 114,750 per semester) * G6–G8: HKD 252,600 (HKD 126,300 per semester) * G9–G10: HKD 263,300 (HKD 131,650 per semester) * G11–G12: HKD 273,900 (HKD 136,950 per semester)
Additional Costs
* Tuition Deposit: HKD 30,000 (credited toward tuition, non-refundable) * Family Debenture: HKD 630,000 (resellable on departure, covers one child from Capital Levy) * Annual Capital Levy: HKD 32,000 per student (if no debenture held) * Other costs: Uniforms, school bus, meals, IB Diploma exam fees, after-school activities, and overnight trips (Grade 3–11 trips cost HKD 4,000–20,500 in 2024–25). * Learner support may incur additional fees depending on student needs
Billing Schedule and Payment Terms
* Semester 1 fees due: 15 May 2026 * Semester 2 fees due: 16 Nov 2026 * Overdue payments: 2% interest per month after 14 days; HKD 200 for dishonoured cheques. * Three months’ written notice (or three months’ tuition) required for withdrawal
Payment Options
Payment options are provided on school invoices.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
Students must wear uniform however they can choose to wear the combination of HKA school uniform items in which they feel most comfortable and ready to learn. Freecycle uniform items are available at no charge.
Food options
Food options
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Food options
The school has an in-house catering team, hkaEATS, which prepares 3 choices of hot meals on site daily as well as providing snacks and cafe-style salads and sandwiches. Students may also bring home-prepared snacks and lunch to school.
House system
House system
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House system
Students all compete against other schools as the Dragonflies, focussed on the core values of sportsmanship, teamwork and commitment. Every student is allocated to one of 4 internal houses: Panda, Dragon, Tiger and Phoenix.
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
The school operates as a non-profit international through-train institution and is governed by a Board comprised of volunteer parents and alumni.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Chinese International School offers a bilingual curriculum from Reception to Year 6, with equal instruction in English and Chinese (Mandarin). In Years 7–9, students follow the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP), which emphasizes inquiry-based learning across subject areas. Years 10–11 complete a CIS-developed curriculum, which bridges the MYP and the IB Diploma Programme and includes the residential Year 10 experience in Hangzhou. In Years 12–13, students pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP), preparing them for university admission worldwide. Chinese (Mandarin) remains a required subject throughout Secondary, taught at multiple proficiency levels to suit different student backgrounds. The curriculum is supported by co-curricular activities in the arts, sports, and service learning.
Curriculum details
Hong Kong Academy (HKA) follows the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum. Students in Primary School (Pre-K1 to Grade 5) follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), which emphasizes inquiry-based learning across core subjects. In Middle School (Grades 6–10), students study within the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), which includes eight subject groups including languages, science, mathematics, the arts, design, social studies and PE. In High School (Grades 11–12), students undertake the IB Diploma Programme (DP), an internationally recognized qualification for university entrance. The curriculum also integrates Mandarin and Spanish as additional languages, alongside English as the language of instruction. Beyond academics, the program includes service learning, performing arts, outdoor education, and sustainability initiatives as part of the school’s broader educational approach.
HKA’s counselling team leads a wellbeing programme which includes a curriculum delivered through weekly classes as well as providing individual, family and small group interventions when needed. Students are encouraged to develop self-advocacy and resilience, and all teachers are trained to address physical, social, and emotional issues. Parents are welcome to call upon counsellors for guidance and the school offers parenting workshops on a range of socio-emotional, technical and strategic topics.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
The school is able to provide learning support and English Language learning support but is not a specialist SEN institution. Additional fees may apply for learner support depending on the student’s needs.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
Hong Kong Academy provides structured support for students who are developing English proficiency through its English Language Learners (ELL) programme. The school assesses students’ skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing during admissions and, if needed, places them in the EAL programme. Specialist teachers collaborate closely with classroom teachers to offer differentiated instruction and scaffolding so that students can access the full curriculum.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
HKA supports mental wellbeing with a counselling team and wellbeing teachers who work alongside staff to provide care. The school promotes student empowerment and addresses digital wellbeing and cyber safety as part of its wellbeing programs. Training is also offered for staff and volunteers to ensure proactive approaches to student wellbeing.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
HKA’s safeguarding framework is based on UNICEF’s Convention on the Rights of the Child and CIS accreditation standards. The school maintains a comprehensive child protection policy and code of conduct, updated annually. Staff, trustees, and volunteers receive safeguarding training, and the school works with local and international organisations to maintain best practices. Students are taught peer advocacy, social skills, and digital safety as part of safeguarding education.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
The Hong Kong Academy campus is a state-of-the-art, purpose-built learning environment in Sai Kung. The two-story library provides cosy reading nooks, study spaces and online research areas. Specialist spaces include a 350-seat theatre and science labs with instructional and experimental facilities. There are dedicated spaces for counselling, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy, plus outdoor playscapes and a flexible cafeteria. A professional learning centre hosts workshops and parent education events and there is a community center located above the cafe which parents, students and staff are all welcome to use for events, exhibitions and quiet work. The campus is BEAM Plus Gold certified for sustainability and environmental performance.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
The school has an 800-seat gymnasium, indoor climbing wall, a multi-purpose outdoor sports court, an all-weather football pitch, fitness studios and a weight-training gym. Students can access nearby public tennis courts, swimming pools and a full-scale athletics stadium within a short walk of the campus and the school partners with local sailing clubs as well as horse riding, golf and tennis academies..
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
Primary and Secondary School classrooms have developmentally appropriate, distinct designs. The two-story library provides cosy reading nooks, study spaces and online research areas. Specialist spaces include science labs for instructional and experimental work, and a 350-seat theatre for performing arts. There are dedicated spaces for counselling, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy. Outdoor playscapes and a flexible cafeteria support social learning and dining.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
The schools’ co-curricular programme offers more than 100 after-school activities each semester. With options available right from Pre-K entry level co-curricular includes clubs, sports, instrumental music, STEAM and performing arts.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
Hong Kong Academy was founded in 2000 by a group of educators and parents seeking to establish an inclusive, international school in Hong Kong. Originally housed in smaller premises, the school moved to it’s award-winning sustainable campus in 2013. It operates as a non-profit organisation, overseen by a board of trustees, ensuring that all resources are reinvested into the school.
Community
Community
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Community
The HKA community includes families from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, creating an internationally diverse student body. The school hosts community events such as cultural celebrations, performances, and exhibitions, which encourage participation from both students, faculty and families. Service and sustainability projects are also key aspects of community life, with students and parents contributing to local and global initiatives.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
Hong Kong Academy has an active Parent Teacher Community Organisation (PTCO) that plays an important role in school life. The PTCO organises community-building events such as the annual Community Fair, drives volunteer and social initiatives, and helps new families integrate into the school community] and supports fundraising initiatives.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
Hong Kong Academy offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) as part of the IB continuum. The IB framework emphasizes inquiry-based learning, the learner profile, approaches to learning, and international-mindedness. All students participate in the IB programmes; many pursue the IB Diploma, and graduates earn the HKA Diploma along with the Global Citizenship Diploma (GCD) certificate. Hong Kong Academy is the global headquarters for the Global Citizen Diploma (GCD) consortium, and the GCD credential accompanies graduation.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
The Performing Arts program covers music, dance, drama and theatre technology, with facilities including a 350-seat theatre and an 80-seat studio theatre. The program is led by Hong Kong-based and international practitioners and aims to develop confidence, resilience, collaboration and self-reflection. The school has been a member of the International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA) since 2017. The music stream offers instrumental lessons, songwriting, music production, and ensembles, with performances in school and at external venues.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
Mandarin is taught from Playgroup through Grade 5 using simplified characters. In Secondary School, students can choose between Spanish and Mandarin, and in Grade 11 there is an option to study French. In Grades 11–12, students in the IB Diploma Programme can self-study native tongue languages to earn a bilingual diploma.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
Over 100 After School Activities are available each semester. Hong Kong Academy promotes building skills and pursuing passions through a wide range of activities, clubs, sports and performing arts opportunities for students of all ages.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
Acting Responsibly means students are encouraged to advocate and contribute to their communities. There are student councils in both primary and secondary school and students can apply to the student initiative fund to help them with resources for impact projects. The school's community emphasis focuses on learning, friendship and mutual respect. The PTCO and Alumni networks also support community involvement and volunteering opportunities.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
Hong Kong Academy has an educational leadership team led by the Head of School and the Primary and Secondary School Principals, supported by curriculum coordinators and specialist roles. The University and Careers dimension helps students plan post-secondary options. The campus explicitly supports Professional Learning for faculty and staff as part of campus life.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
The Dragonflies sports program supports extensive competition across local and Asia level leagues with more than 80% of secondary students representing the school in at least one competitive sports team. Students are encouraged to compete through maths, literacy competitions and arts and there are many community activities for the adult community such as pickleball, climbing, reading groups, dance groups and more.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
English is the language of instruction with Mandarin offered as a second language throughout and Spanish as an option in secondary school. The school offers an English Language Learners (EAL) program to accelerate English acquisition so students can access the curriculum; EAL uses differentiated instruction in collaboration with teachers and is informed by the WIDA framework. The student body is diverse, representing over 35 nationalities, with about 60% of students speaking two or more languages at home.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
In-class immersion is used for younger EAL students to support language acquisition within mainstream classes. EAL specialists work in collaboration with classroom teachers to differentiate instruction.
Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
Green Building Council of Hong Kong Gold BEAM status
Ritzy Hong Kong Education Awards: International School of the Year (2024-25).
Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
Council of International Schools (CIS): HKA is internationally accredited by CIS, which ensures the school meets global standards of quality in teaching, learning, and governance. Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): Full accreditation by WASC, a U.S.-based body that evaluates schools worldwide for academic quality and institutional integrity. International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum: HKA is authorised to offer the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP), which provides internationally recognised programmes across all grade levels. Global Citizen Diploma (GCD): HKA is the global host for the GCD, a requirement for graduation which recognises student achievements beyond academics in areas such as global understanding, community engagement, intercultural communication and personal development.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Determine eligibility and year level: Reception applicants must be 4 years old by 31 August of the entry year. The Reception programme is half-day, and there are 96 places available. Year placement is based on the applicant’s age and prior schooling. Families should review bilingual expectations, particularly in the Primary years.
2. Submit an online application: Parents complete the online application form and pay a non-refundable application fee of HKD 2,000. Additional documents, such as academic reports and recommendations, may be requested, especially for Secondary applicants.
3. Attend assessments or observations: Reception applicants take part in observation sessions, while Primary and Secondary applicants complete entrance assessments. An additional non-refundable assessment fee applies: HKD 2,500 for Primary and HKD 2,000 for Secondary. Secondary applicants may also be invited for interviews.
4. Notification of results: Offers for Reception are usually sent by mid-March. Secondary applicants are notified several weeks after assessments. Some applicants may be placed on a reserve list, depending on the availability of places.
5. Acceptance and enrolment: To confirm a place, families must pay a HKD 150,000 reservation deposit, which includes the Annual Capital Levy for the first year. The remaining balance is offset against tuition and annual fees. Some offers may be conditional, for example, requiring confirmation of a Hong Kong visa or right of abode.
Admissions
1. Initial Inquiry and Tour Families begin by contacting the admissions office or booking a school tour. This allows prospective parents to see the facilities, meet staff, and understand the programmes offered. Tours are encouraged before completing an application.
2. Application Submission Applications are completed online and require supporting documents such as school reports, teacher recommendations, and, where applicable, assessments. An application fee is payable at this stage to cover processing and assessment.
3. Assessment Applicants may be invited for age-appropriate assessments, shadow days, or observations, depending on grade level. English proficiency and learning needs may also be reviewed at this point, involving specialists if required.
4. Review by Admissions Committee The admissions team, together with relevant school staff, reviews the application, academic records, and assessments. Decisions are made based on the student’s ability to access the curriculum and the availability of places.
5. Offer of Place and Acceptance Successful applicants receive an official offer of admission. Families confirm by paying the required entrance fee and tuition deposit within the given timeline to secure the place.
Scholarships
Scholarships
CIS offers financial aid beginning from Year 8 onwards. This aid is available to new students who demonstrate financial need and meet eligibility requirements. The aid applies to tuition fees, and families must apply directly through the school’s admissions office for consideration. The school does not publish details of merit-based scholarships or awards beyond this financial aid provision.
Scholarships
HKA offers Merit-Based Scholarships for new students entering Grades 6–10. Awards may cover 100% of tuition and capital levy or provide set amounts of HKD 150,000, HKD 115,000, or HKD 75,000 towards tuition. Up to five platinum scholarships and a limited number of gold, silver, and bronze awards are offered each year. Applicants must show strong academic records, excellent teacher references, and outstanding ability in an area such as mathematics, STEAM, languages, coding, public speaking, humanities, sports, visual or performing arts, leadership, or community service. Scholarship awards are reviewed annually and holders are expected to remain at HKA through to Grade 12.
Waitlist
Waitlist
CIS maintains a reserve list for each year group, which functions as a pool system. The reserve list is not ranked. When a place becomes available, the school reviews candidates in the pool and selects the student who best complements the available space in that year group.
Waitlist
HKA operates a waitpool system rather than a traditional numbered waitlist. Applicants who meet admissions requirements but cannot be placed due to space limitations enter the waitpool. Placement is determined by multiple factors including grade-level availability, sibling priority, and balance within the student body, rather than date of application.
