Hong Kong Academy vs Stamford American School Hong Kong - West Kowloon

	Hong Kong Academy Hong Kong	Stamford American School Hong Kong - West Kowloon Hong Kong
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year HK$119,000 - 273,900	Fees / year HK$247,300 - 264,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 14 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (DP), American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 550	Pupils 970
Typical class size	Typical class size 24	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2000	Opened 2025
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	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 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).	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 HKA is a co-educational day school.	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 Over 35+ nationality	Pupil nationality mix The school houses students of 31 different nationalities
Additional learning support	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.	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 The school is truly international with families coming from 35+ countries and graduates going on to university and careers all around the world.	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 has no religious affiliations.	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliation and is a non-denominational institution.
School day structure	School day structure * Playgroup sessions run daily 8-11am Monday through Friday * Pre-K: 8am-12:30pm Monday-Friday * Kindergarten-Grade 5: 8am-3:10pm M/T/Th/F; 8am-12:20pm Wednesday * Grade 6-12: 7:50am-3:10pm M/T/Th/F; 7:50am-12:20pm Wednesday	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 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.	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 Fees * Pre-K1–2: HKD 1,500 (non-refundable) * K–G12: HKD 3,000 (non-refundable) Entrance Fee * 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 The school operates as a non-profit international through-train institution and is governed by a Board comprised of volunteer parents and alumni.	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 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.	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 1:6	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 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.	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) 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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 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 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.	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 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..	Sports facilities There is a gymnasium with advanced equipment for students' use.
Academic facilities	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.	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 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.	Extra curricular facilities https://www.sais.edu.hk/about-us/our-campus/
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	Lifestyle & wellbeing https://www.sais.edu.hk/school-life/co-curricular-activities/
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	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.	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 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.	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 Green Building Council of Hong Kong Gold BEAM status Ritzy Hong Kong Education Awards: International School of the Year (2024-25).	Awards The school’s website does not list any institutional awards received.
Accreditations	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.	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 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.	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 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.	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 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.	Waitlist Stamford American School Hong Kong does not operate a formal waitlist or pool system.
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