German Swiss International School - Peak Campus vs Stamford American School Hong Kong - West Kowloon

	G German Swiss International School - Peak Campus Hong Kong	Stamford American School Hong Kong - West Kowloon Hong Kong
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year HK$197,000 - 256,700	Fees / year HK$247,300 - 264,000
Age range	Age range 5 - 18 years	Age range 14 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), German Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,250	Pupils 970
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, German	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1969	Opened 2025
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location GSIS’s Peak Campus is located at 11 Guildford Road, The Peak, on Hong Kong Island. It is in a residential, hillside area with access by bus or taxi, and is close to popular attractions like the Peak Tram and Peak Galleria. The campus enjoys relatively tranquil surroundings above the city core.	Location The campus is located along the Hoi Fai Road Promenade in the Tai Kok Tsui/Olympic area of West Kowloon. It is a harbourfront site positioned within the commercial podium of the Imperial Cullinan residential estate, approximately a 10-minute walk from the Olympic MTR station.
Stages	Stages GSIS is an all-through school offering education from Kindergarten through Secondary (ages ~3 to 18). It is organized into early years, primary, and secondary levels across two streams (German and English).	Stages This campus serves students in the high school division, covering Grade 9 through Grade 12. The structure is designed to transition students from middle school into university preparation.
School type	School type The school is co-educational.	School type The school is a co-educational day school. It does not offer boarding facilities for any year groups.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix The school houses students of 31 different nationalities
Additional learning support	Additional learning support GSIS provides holistic support, including social-emotional counselling, learning enhancement teachers, and interventions to assist students with learning or adjustment needs.	Additional learning support The school provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) and learning support to assist students with different requirements. The "Stamford Cornerstones" program in Grades 9 and 10 also focuses on developing specific interdisciplinary skills to support individual progress.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation GSIS has affiliation with Germany / German Schools Abroad — it is part of a network of over 135 German Schools Abroad, and one of its two streams (the German International Stream) leads to the German International Abitur (DIA).	Country affiliation The school follows American standards and provides the American High School Diploma. It is also an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school does not have a religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliation and is a non-denominational institution.
School day structure	School day structure GSIS’s typical school hours are 7:40 am to 3:20 pm, Monday to Friday with breaks in-between.	School day structure Classes run Monday–Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. with breaks for recess and lunch. The academic year is divided into two semesters.
Bus service details	Bus service details GSIS uses external bus companies (not in-house) to provide bus service for students. The school works with providers to maintain standards.	Bus service details A school bus service is available for students to facilitate travel to the West Kowloon campus. The routes are designed to serve various residential neighborhoods across Hong Kong.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Assessment Fee A non-refundable HKD 4,300 per student applies for both Kindergarten and Primary/Secondary applications. Applications are processed within one to two business days, after which students are placed on the waiting list and scheduled for assessment as needed. Registration Fee Upon acceptance, families pay a one-time registration fee of HKD 2,350 for Kindergarten or HKD 3,700 for Primary and Secondary students. Tuition Fees (2024–2025) Tuition is billed in two instalments per year: * Kindergarten (KG1–KG2): HKD 118,200 (first instalment) + HKD 78,800 (second instalment) = HKD 197,000 per year * Primary (Years 1–6): HKD 122,220 + HKD 81,480 = HKD 203,700 per year * Lower Secondary (Years 7–11): HKD 145,680 + HKD 97,120 = HKD 242,800 per year * Upper Secondary (Years 12–13): HKD 154,020 + HKD 102,680 = HKD 256,700 per year Billing Schedule and Payment Terms Invoices are issued twice annually and must be settled before the start of each term. Payments are accepted in Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) via bank transfer or cheque; credit-card payments are not accepted. Boarding Fees GSIS is a day school only; no boarding fees apply. Other Costs Additional costs may include uniforms, school bus fees, extracurricular activities, and optional trips. Refund Policy Tuition fees are non-refundable once a term has begun. Withdrawals before the term starts require written notice. Payment Options Fees must be paid directly to the school’s designated bank account in Hong Kong Dollars.	Fee details Application Fees The application and assessment fees are currently waived for all new applicants. Upon acceptance, each student must subscribe to one of two Capital Levy Options, unless covered by a debenture. Option A requires a one-time, non-refundable payment of HK$150,000, valid for the duration of the student’s enrolment. Option B requires a non-refundable annual payment of HK$30,000, along with a Tuition Fee Offset of HK$30,000, which is deducted from the final semester’s tuition before the student leaves the school. Tuition Fees (Per Year) Grades 9 – 10: HK$247,300 Grades 11 – 12: HK$264,000 Fees are billed by semester as follows: Semester 1: May Semester 2: October Families may also select a 10-month direct-debit plan covering all enrolled children. All tuition fees are expressed in Hong Kong Dollars (HK$) and include textbooks and workbooks. Tuition fees are non-refundable, non-transferable, and not prorated. Additional Fees The following are not included in tuition and are billed separately: field studies and excursions; transportation and school meals; external exams and courses such as IBDP, ACT, SAT, AP, or Virtual High School; and the replacement of lost or damaged devices, textbooks, and library books. Additional EAL and learning-support services may incur extra charges, assessed on an individual basis. Debenture Options Families or corporate employers may purchase a Debenture, granting priority in admissions and exemption from the Capital Levy. The Individual Debenture costs HK$500,000, is valid for eight consecutive academic years, and is refundable on a sliding scale. Corporate Debentures are offered at three tiers: Platinum (HK$5,000,000), Standard Plus (HK$3,000,000), and Standard (HK$2,000,000). All debentures are subject to approval under the school’s admissions policy. Sibling Discount A 50% discount on the Capital Levy Fee (Option A or B) is granted for the third child of the same parent, while the fourth child and beyond receive a full waiver. Eligibility is based on the number of siblings currently or previously enrolled or graduated from the school. Refund Policy The Capital Levy and Tuition Fee Offset are non-refundable once paid. Tuition fees paid in advance may be partially refunded with three months’ written notice prior to withdrawal. Once a student is confirmed and admitted, deferrals to a later academic year are not permitted; families must reapply. Debenture holders receive refunds in accordance with their signed agreements. Payment Options Payments can be made via local cheque or bank transfer to Flora Education Limited, the school’s operating entity. Families may also opt for a monthly direct-debit plan. All fees are billed in Hong Kong Dollars (HK$).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The school does not provide any boarding arrangement, nor any residential hostel facilities.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement The school requires students to wear full school uniform, daily or PE, at all times. The uniform also comes with a set of accessories, including cap, jacket, swimsuit, windbreaker etc. For footwear, students are required to wear black shoes with their school uniform and white sneakers (trainers) with their PE uniforms. Students are also required to wear navy blue socks with their school uniform and white socks with their PE uniforms.
Food options	Food options —	Food options The school canteens in both campuses provide nutritious, well-balanced diets for students, which align with the USDA Dietary Guidelines and the Stamford Food Philosophy of “Healthy Food, Healthy Kids and a Healthy Planet”.
House system	House system —	House system The school assigns students under a 4-house system, Porcupines, Dolphins, Monkeys and Boars, all named after Hong Kong local animals, to encourage them to engage with their peers and the community.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership Stamford American School Hong Kong is part of Cognita, a global community of more than 100 schools. The school team work closely with Cognita to provide the best curriculum and safeguarding for the students.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The English International Stream (EIS) at German Swiss International School follows a British-based curriculum leading to IGCSE and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme qualifications. In Primary School (Years 1–6), students follow a broad academic programme aligned with the UK National Curriculum, with a strong focus on literacy, numeracy, science, and languages. In Lower Secondary (Years 7–9), students continue with core and specialist subjects, preparing for the IGCSE courses taken in Years 10–11, examined mainly under Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel boards. In Upper Secondary (Years 12–13), students undertake the IB Diploma Programme, an internationally recognised qualification for university entry worldwide. Across all stages, the curriculum includes German and Mandarin language study and a range of co-curricular opportunities in arts, STEM, and service.	Curriculum details The West Kowloon Campus offers three graduation pathways for students in Grades 9 through 12, all of which lead to an American High School Diploma. In Grades 11 and 12, students may choose to pursue the full International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) or individual IB courses. The curriculum covers core subjects including English, science, humanities, mathematics, and physical education, with world language choices in Mandarin or Spanish. For students in Grades 9 and 10, the STEMinn program integrates science and technology while the Stamford Cornerstones program focuses on interdisciplinary skills like personal finance and digital literacy. The Global Mentor Program connects students with industry professionals, and Grade 12 students participate in a graduation internship to gain practical experience. Students also engage in visual and performing arts using specialized facilities for drama, music, and art projects.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio 1:8
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results In 2026, the school's IB students achieved an average score of 34.09 points, with one student reaching 45 points and two students 43 points.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Our Class of 2026 received over 300 university offers across 5 destinations, an average of 8 offers per student, and has been offered USD 14 million in scholarships. Of these offers, 48% came from top-50 QS-ranked universities, and 71% from top-100 QS-ranked universities.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented Please contact our admissions team for further details.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar View document	Academic calendar View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning Stamford American School Hong Kong incorporates social and emotional learning into classroom practice and pastoral care across all grade levels. The school’s published materials describe SEL as part of its focus on student wellbeing, supported through mindfulness, resilience, focus, and self-regulation activities. In the elementary years, SEL lessons and class discussions are integrated into daily routines, helping students build interpersonal and emotional awareness skills. Trained counselors and classroom teachers support this work, and the school promotes a “culture of care” to ensure students feel safe and supported.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) The school provides learning support for students who may need additional help to access the curriculum, but it is not a specialist SEN institution. Support is coordinated by the student support team, which includes teachers, counselors, and learning specialists. Interventions and accommodations are individualized following assessments and teacher recommendations. Additional learning support fees may apply, assessed on a case-by-case basis.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language Stamford offers structured English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for students whose first language is not English. This includes push-in and pull-out models, small group sessions, and individualized instruction through the Accelerated Language Program (ALP). Placement and duration of support depend on student need, determined through assessment. EAL services are designed to help students develop the academic and social English skills required for full participation in mainstream classes.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing The school supports mental well-being through its counseling services, health and PE programs, and SEL framework. Counselors are available to students for individual guidance and support, and well-being content such as mindfulness and focus strategies is embedded across the curriculum. The school emphasizes student safety and emotional balance as part of its everyday practice. Dedicated health professionals, including school nurses, provide medical and well-being assistance during the school day.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding Stamford American School Hong Kong maintains clear safeguarding and child protection practices as part of its “Student Well-being and Safety” policy. The school operates under Cognita’s global safeguarding framework, which includes oversight of child protection, health, and safety procedures. Staff are trained in safeguarding responsibilities, and students are encouraged to raise concerns with counselors or designated well-being staff. The school publicly highlights its commitment to maintaining a safe environment and fostering respectful relationships among all members of its community.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy View document
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview The campus, located in West Kowloon, is for high-school students. This campus has its design inspired by universities, mainly highlighting open spaces and flexible rooming.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities There is a gymnasium with advanced equipment for students' use.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities For academic facilities, the campus' library holds a meticulously selected collection of up-to-date books, with a hope to encourage reading and bringing up literacy through daily practices.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities https://www.sais.edu.hk/about-us/our-campus/
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History Stamford American School Hong Kong is part of the global Cognita school network, a community of over 100 schools across 16 countries. While the school has provided education in the city for several years, the West Kowloon Campus officially opened on October 13, 2025, as the school's second site. This harborfront facility was established to serve as a dedicated pre-university environment specifically for students in Grades 9 through 12. The introduction of this campus represents the latest development in the school’s history, moving high school operations to a space designed to mirror the interactive atmosphere of a university. The school is governed by Cognita Holdings Ltd., which provides operational oversight and group-wide policies through a regional management structure.
Community	Community —	Community The school community includes families from diverse national and cultural backgrounds who participate actively in school life. Regular events such as cultural celebrations, seasonal festivals, and student showcases bring families and staff together throughout the year. The school also hosts wellbeing weeks, service initiatives, and parent workshops to strengthen connections between home and school.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association Stamford’s Parent School Association (PSA) serves as the main body connecting parents and the school. The PSA welcomes new families, organizes community events, and supports fundraising activities for student and school projects. It helps coordinate cultural celebrations and family-oriented gatherings such as international days, parent coffee mornings, and charity events. The PSA also collaborates with school leadership to provide parent feedback and encourage participation in school initiatives. Through these activities, the PSA helps maintain open communication and an inclusive community spirit within the school.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual The school provides a wide range of academic and intellectual co-curricular activities, including Model United Nation (MUN), Chinese Reading Boot Camp, Chess Club etc.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative The school provides many Arts-related co-curricular activities, ranging from embroidery, drawing and painting, drama production, costume design, script work to string ensemble.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language All students participate in the Outdoor Education/Cultural Trip Program. This program provides holistic, field-based learning in an effort to develop leaders who are ecologically literate, compassionate and engaged global citizens.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Most co-curricular activities provided in the school are team-based, and students can learn and have fun with their peers.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Through daily lessons, the school encourages students to learn about global issues and initiate relevant community-based campaigns on their own, so that they are taught to genuinely and spontaneously care about our society.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Students in the school can be part of the student council. Being a member of the student council, students are responsible for organizing events, coordinating with the school and helping their peers engage in the school community in a more wholesome way.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing https://www.sais.edu.hk/school-life/co-curricular-activities/
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision The main medium of instruction is English in most subjects and classes.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching NA
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs The school offers Chinese and Spanish as an integral part of our daily core curriculum from age five until graduation as part of our international curriculum. Students receive 40 minutes of daily instruction, tailored to their age and proficiency, to help them achieve their goals. For additional recognition, they can also receive a bilingual IB diploma.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards The school’s website does not list any institutional awards received.
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations Council of International Schools (CIS): An international accreditation body that evaluates schools against global standards in education quality, leadership, and governance. Stamford achieved full CIS accreditation in 2021, confirming its commitment to continuous improvement and international best practice. Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): A U.S.-based accrediting organization that ensures schools maintain recognized standards for teaching, learning, and institutional performance. WASC accreditation confirms that Stamford provides high-quality education consistent with American and international benchmarks. International Baccalaureate (IB) World School: Authorization from the International Baccalaureate Organization enables Stamford to offer the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11–12. This certification recognizes the school’s ability to deliver a globally recognized, inquiry-based academic program. SAT Test Center: Approval by the College Board as an official SAT testing site allows Stamford students to sit for PSAT and SAT examinations on campus, promoting accessibility and informed academic guidance. Cognita Schools Group: Membership in the Cognita global network provides governance, safeguarding oversight, and shared quality standards across schools worldwide. Cognita ensures consistent policies in student welfare, health and safety, and educational quality.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Initial inquiry / Pre-Application Prospective families complete an online Pre-Application form (via GSIS’s Admissions portal) which grants access to the admissions pack and enables scheduling of a campus tour or visit. 2. Submission of Full Application / Waitlist Placement Once the application is complete (personal, academic, and residency documentation), GSIS sends an acknowledgement email and places the applicant on a waitlist (or shortlist) for their year group. 3. Entrance Assessment / Interview For many year levels (especially in the English International Stream), applicants are invited to an assessment (English, Mathematics, verbal comprehension etc.) and sometimes an interview, depending on year group. 4. Offer of Place and Debenture / Capital Levy If a place is available and the student passes assessment, GSIS issues an offer letter. The family must decide on and pay debenture (refundable or non-refundable) or capital levy (where applicable) by a deadline. 5. Enrollment and Orientation After acceptance and payment, parents complete enrollment formalities. Students may attend orientation, meet teachers, receive timetables, and integrate into their cohort before classes begin.	Admissions 1. Enquiry and School Tour Families begin the process by submitting an online enquiry form or booking a school tour through the Stamford website. The admissions team provides details about available grade levels, curriculum pathways, and space availability. Campus visits are encouraged so families can understand the learning environment and school expectations before applying. 2. Application Submission Applications are completed online through the school’s admissions portal. Required documents include recent school reports, a copy of the student’s passport or Hong Kong ID, and any relevant specialist reports. Application and assessment fees are currently waived. 3. Assessment and Review All applicants are assessed to ensure that the school can meet their learning needs. Assessments may include academic review, language proficiency testing, or interviews, depending on grade level. For older students (Grade 6 and above), additional written tasks or questionnaires may be required. 4. Admission Offer and Capital Levy Selection Successful applicants receive an offer letter via email. To confirm enrollment, families must select and pay for one of the two Capital Levy Options — Option A or Option B. Payment of this fee secures the student’s place at the school. 5. Enrollment and Orientation Once payment and acceptance forms are received, the admissions team issues a formal confirmation of enrollment. Families receive joining instructions, uniform details, and access to the school’s parent platform. Orientation sessions are organized before the start of each semester to help new students and parents transition smoothly into school life.
Scholarships	Scholarships GSIS does not publicly offer traditional, broad-based scholarships (such as merit scholarships) on its website. However, the school does have a financial aid / fee reduction program, considered on a case-by-case basis, thereby reducing school fees for certain students whose families demonstrate need.	Scholarships The school offers a range of scholarships for students entering or continuing in high school. Scholarships are awarded based on demonstrated excellence in academics, STEM, performing or visual arts, or athletics. A limited number of Entrance Scholarships are available to new students enrolling for the first time at Stamford. All new applicants are automatically considered for these scholarships during the admissions review; no separate application is required. Recipients are notified at the time of offer, and awards are applied as tuition fee reductions for the school year.
Waitlist	Waitlist GSIS operates a waitlist (or shortlist) system rather than immediate acceptance. After a full application is submitted, the applicant is placed on a waitlist in the appropriate year group. When a vacancy arises, GSIS contacts the next student on the waitlist to check continued interest, and may arrange a new assessment or interview before confirming the place.	Waitlist Stamford American School Hong Kong does not operate a formal waitlist or pool system.
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