Saint Too Bloom Academy vs The Harbour School - The Garden Campus
Saint Too Bloom Academy and The Harbour School - The Garden Campus are both in Hong Kong, about 10 km apart. Both schools offer American programmes, and Saint Too Bloom Academy also offers Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are close, at HK$202,620 - 210,760 for Saint Too Bloom Academy and HK$194,800 - 249,500 for The Harbour School - The Garden Campus. Saint Too Bloom Academy takes pupils from 11 to 18, and The Harbour School - The Garden Campus from 5 to 18. The Harbour School - The Garden Campus is the larger school, with around 435 pupils to Saint Too Bloom Academy's 160. Typical class sizes are 18 at Saint Too Bloom Academy and 8 at The Harbour School - The Garden Campus.
American Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Curriculum
American Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
160
Pupils
435
Typical class size
Typical class size
18
Typical class size
8
Instruction language
Instruction language
English, Mandarin
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2024
Opened
2007
Bus service
Bus service
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Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Saint Too Bloom Academy is located at 15 Tong Yam Street in the Tai Hang Tung area of Sham Shui Po, Kowloon. This places the campus in a central urban district of Hong Kong, surrounded by established residential neighborhoods. The location is accessible by city transport links from various parts of the territory.
Location
The Garden Campus of The Harbour School is situated on the southern side of Hong Kong Island in the Ap Lei Chau area. It is connected to Central and other districts by the Aberdeen Tunnel and is well-served by public transport options, including MTR and buses. The campus is positioned close to the harbourfront, in a mixed residential and commercial neighbourhood.
Stages
Stages
The school provides secondary education spanning Grades 7 through 12. Students progress through Key Stage 3 in Grades 7 and 8, move on to the IGCSE program in Grades 9 and 10, and complete their studies with either A-Levels or a US High School Diploma pathway in Grades 11 and 12.
Stages
THS offers education from Junior Grade 1 through Grade 12, split between two campuses: The Grove (Primary & Middle School) and The Garden (High School). The Garden Campus serves Grades 9 to 12, focusing on upper secondary education and pre-university preparation.
School type
School type
Saint Too Bloom Academy is a co-educational day school. It operates strictly as a day campus and does not offer boarding facilities.
School type
The Harbour School is a co-educational international day school. It does not offer boarding. Classes are mixed-gender, and the school serves local and expatriate families.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school provides targeted Special Educational Needs (SEN) support, accommodating learning differences such as dyslexia by adapting teaching methods and materials. A dedicated Student Support Coordinator also oversees ESL and Intensive Language Programs to help students build the English proficiency required to engage with the curriculum.
Additional learning support
THS provides Learning Support and Learning Extension programs for students requiring extra help or enrichment. High School students have access to a full-time social-emotional counsellor, and those with additional needs may receive one-to-one assistance through partner organization The Children’s Institute of Hong Kong.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school does not hold a formal affiliation with a specific country, but it does offer internationally recognized educational pathways originating from the UK and the United States.
Country affiliation
The Harbour School follows a curriculum influenced by the American educational framework, referencing Common Core, NGSS, and NCSS standards. It does not operate under any specific national government system.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school incorporates Christian values into its community.
Religious affiliation
The school is non-religious and does not have any stated religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
The school does not currently publish the specific start and end times or a detailed daily schedule for breaks and lunch.
School day structure
The school does not publicly disclose daily start and end times on its website.
Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
THS operates a school bus service managed by the Jolly Bus Company, which also partners with the school’s sustainability initiative to use biodiesel. The fees policy notes that students must commute via the school bus or public transport rather than private cars.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application Fees
Application fee details are not published on the current tuition page.
Tuition Fees by Year Group
Tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are structured around 11 equal monthly installments:
Grade 7 and Grade 8: HKD 18,420 per installment (HKD 202,620 annually).
Grade 9: HKD 19,160 per installment (HKD 210,760 annually).
Billing Schedule and Payment Terms
Tuition is payable in 11 equal installments across the school year. The school offers a financial assistance program for eligible students, which is independently assessed based on financial need, the number of household dependents, and academic performance.
Boarding Fees
Boarding fees are not applicable, as Saint Too Bloom Academy is a day school.
Other Costs
Costs associated with the school uniform and bus services are shared directly with families upon enrollment.
Refund Information
Standard refund policies are not specified. However, students receiving financial aid are expected to remain at the school until Grade 12 graduation. If a student leaves prior to graduation (excluding cases of family relocation from Hong Kong), the family may be required to repay the awarded scholarship fees.
Fee Payment Options
Specific accepted payment methods, such as credit card or bank transfer, are not detailed on the tuition page.
Fee details
Application Fees A non-refundable application fee of HKD 2,500 is required for all new applicants. Upon acceptance, families must pay a one-time Entry Fee of HKD 16,000 for the first child, and HKD 6,000 for each additional child. These fees are due within seven days of receiving an offer.
Tuition is billed annually and payable before the start of each academic year, typically by 1 July. Late payments incur a HKD 500 fee per month after 30 days.
Capital and Admissions Rights Families must purchase one of the following to secure placement: Family Admissions Right: HKD 450,000 (depreciating value) Corporate Admissions Right: HKD 8,000,000 Green Admissions Right: HKD 2,800,000 Alternatively, families may pay a non-refundable Annual Capital Levy of HKD 33,000 per student.
Additional Fees Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Fee: HKD 500 per year Yearbook (optional): HKD 500 per year Uniforms: Purchased from the school’s designated supplier Technology: Apple laptop required from Grade 3 upwards Trips and Camps: Approximately HKD 3,000–22,000 depending on grade level Late Payment: HKD 500 per month after 30 days
Refund Policy Application and entry fees are non-refundable. Admissions rights (debentures) depreciate annually and may be redeemed according to the school’s published schedule, subject to fund availability.
Payment Options Tuition and associated fees can be paid via bank transfer or approved financial portal (Zoho Books). Payments must be completed prior to the school year to maintain enrollment.
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
Uniforms are required for all students. Uniforms cost HK$500 and are purchased via the Uniform Order system.
Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
The Harbour School Foundation Limited is the sponsoring body and parent company of The Harbour School group.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Saint Too Bloom Academy offers a secondary curriculum structured around the UK educational framework, progressing from Key Stage 3 through to A Levels. In Grades 7 and 8, students complete the Key Stage 3 program, which covers core foundational subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, and Mandarin Chinese. For Grades 9 and 10, the school provides the Cambridge IGCSE qualification, focusing heavily on the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) core alongside electives such as Computer Science and Art and Design. In Grades 11 and 12, students specialize by taking three to four subjects in the A Level program to prepare for university admissions. During these final years, students can also complete the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) to develop independent research and project management skills. The school has also outlined future plans to introduce the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) to expand its bilingual academic pathways.
Curriculum details
The Harbour School follows a curriculum influenced by the American educational framework, integrating standards such as Common Core (Literacy and Mathematics), NGSS (Science), and NCSS (Social Studies). At the Primary and Middle School levels, students engage in inquiry-based, interdisciplinary learning with an emphasis on literacy, numeracy, science, and social studies. The High School (Grades 9–12), located at the Garden Campus, offers a credit-based system that allows students to design individual learning pathways under the “Mapping Your Program” model, preparing them for university admission in multiple countries. High School students also participate in Global Classrooms—credit-bearing travel and research experiences—and internships aligned with personal interests. Languages taught across the school include French, Mandarin Chinese, and English as an Additional Language (EAL).
The Harbour School embeds social and emotional development within its academic and pastoral programs. The High School (Garden Campus) has a full-time social-emotional counsellor who supports students through one-on-one guidance and group sessions. The school also runs wellbeing initiatives and publishes resources on empathy, communication, and resilience within its THS blog and student life pages. Primary sections include lessons and assemblies that emphasize cooperation and respect. The website references wellbeing themes such as anti-bullying, positive relationships, and student voice in learning.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
THS provides Learning Support and Learning Extension services for students who need additional academic or developmental assistance. The High School may recommend one-to-one learning support through its partner organization, The Children’s Institute of Hong Kong (TCI), for students requiring individualized intervention. Learning support includes differentiated instruction, progress tracking, and collaboration between teachers and support staff. The school does not classify itself as a specialist SEN institution and does not specify the exact categories of SEN it supports.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
The Harbour School provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for students who are developing English proficiency. The EAL program forms part of the school’s language offerings, alongside French and Mandarin. EAL support is designed to help students improve literacy and communication skills needed for mainstream classes. The website does not list the specific EAL programs, staffing structure, or intensity of provision.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
The High School employs a social-emotional counsellor who provides direct mental well-being support for students. The school publishes wellbeing resources and reflections on topics such as stress management, belonging, and positive social relationships through its online blog. Community activities, student-led projects, and inclusive classroom culture are encouraged to foster emotional balance. The school does not publicly disclose information about external partnerships for mental health or formal well-being programs beyond these descriptions.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding and child protection responsibilities at The Harbour School are overseen by the Board of Directors, identified as the final authority for addressing professional misconduct and protection issues. The school’s governance information highlights clear reporting responsibilities and administrative oversight in these matters. However, the website does not provide a public child protection or safeguarding policy document or list designated safeguarding leads by name.
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 Garden Campus, completed in 2015, is the first Ap Lei Chau campus. It is a modern learning space designed for the needs of the high school population. It reinforces a focus on project-based, independent, and interdisciplinary learning. Students use modular spaces, breakout rooms, and modern digital learning tools to take charge of their educational path. The High School uses an academic advisory model to provide students with guidance while developing independence and collaborative learning skills.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic support is delivered through an advisory model that guides students while developing independence and collaboration. The campus emphasizes project-based, independent, and interdisciplinary learning, supported by modular spaces, breakout rooms, and digital learning tools.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
—
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Saint Too Bloom Academy was established by Founder and Principal Renée Boey, who previously launched the Baker and Bloom education center and the Bloom KKCA Academy primary school. The secondary school was developed in partnership with the Saint Too organization, with Yvette Ho serving as Co-Founder and Executive Director. It was created to provide a bilingual, innovation-focused educational pathway for secondary students in Hong Kong. The school officially expanded its operations to the dedicated Tong Yam Street campus in the fall of 2024.
History
The Harbour School (THS) was founded in 2007 by Dr. Jadis Blurton, a developmental psychologist, to provide a personalized and inclusive learning environment for children in Hong Kong. The school began with a small enrolment and expanded rapidly, gaining WASC accreditation in 2013. In 2015, the Hong Kong government awarded THS the Ap Lei Chau site for its Grove Campus and later completed the Garden Campus, which now houses the High School. THS operates as an independent, non-profit international school governed by a board of directors and a leadership team.
Community
Community
The school community integrates academic development with social-emotional wellbeing through a structured advisory program. Daily campfires and whole-school assemblies, including Christian fellowship activities, are held to build character and mutual respect among students and staff. Cultural and wellness events feature morning Tai Chi sessions in the Wellbeing Grove, meditation workshops, and outdoor initiatives in the Forest School. Students also engage with the broader community through local field trips, service projects, and entrepreneurship initiatives powered by the CoCoon Foundation.
Community
THS maintains an active and diverse community of students, parents, and staff who participate in regular school-wide events and service initiatives. The school hosts community celebrations, student showcases, sustainability campaigns, and cultural days that connect families across both campuses. Through its Sustainability and Impact Program (SISP) and Black Dolphin Sports, the school promotes collaboration, social responsibility, and environmental awareness. Community updates, articles, and student stories are regularly shared on the school’s “In the News” and “Thought Leadership” pages.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The official Saint Too Bloom Academy website does not currently outline a formal Parent Teacher Association (PTA) or specific parent-led committees. Instead, the school emphasizes direct engagement with families through regular communication and community events. Parents are invited to attend monthly talks and informational sessions to learn about the school's academic approach and project networks.
Parent teacher association
The THS Parent Teacher Association (PTA Ltd) represents parents and staff from all campuses and works closely with the school leadership team. It helps organize social and cultural events, fundraisers, and volunteer opportunities that strengthen the school community. The PTA contributes to annual activities such as school fairs, cultural celebrations, and charity drives that support local causes and student-led initiatives. Membership is automatic for all parents, and an annual PTA fee of HKD 500 supports community events and resources. The PTA also provides a structured forum for parent feedback and collaboration on school-wide programs.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
The Garden Campus serves the high school population and emphasizes project-based, independent, and interdisciplinary learning. The High School uses an academic advisory model to guide students while developing independence and collaborative learning skills. Classrooms are modular spaces with breakout rooms and digital learning tools to support student-directed learning. The goal is to prepare students for tertiary education and for a meaningful place in society through empathy, civic engagement, problem solving, and self-management.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
The High School aims to foster empathy and civic engagement as part of its educational approach.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
The High School develops independence and collaborative learning skills through its advisory model.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
French is offered as a language course in High School. The Primary School literacy program uses standards aligned to the Common Core for Literacy. English as an Additional Language (EAL) provides targeted language support.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
—
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
Despite our small size, Bloom Academy has accumulated many public competition on STEAM, Humanities and teaching awards.
Awards
2025: Two awards at the UNSDG Achievement Awards Hong Kong 2025 – the *Individual SDG Award (Goal 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth)* awarded to Dr Jadis Blurton and the *SDG Leaders Award* awarded to Rafi Cristobal.
2024: Grand Award plus multiple “Excellence in Economic/Social/Environmental Sustainability Initiative” Awards at the Hong Kong Sustainability Awards 2024.
2024: Outstanding Enterprise – SDG Enterprise Award by Junior Chamber International (Hong Kong), recognising THS for sustainability-education collaboration.
2024: For the 2023 cycle of the Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence (HKAEE) - THS earned a Silver Award, two Outstanding Awards for Best Green Education Initiative, and an Individual Green Achiever Award (for Rafi Cristobal.
2022: Won the “Best in Teaching and Learning” award at the International School Awards 2022 (by ISC Research).
Accreditations
Accreditations
IPC, Cognia, Cambridge
Accreditations
Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): a U.S. regional accreditation agency signalling that THS meets standards for school-quality and continuous improvement.
Member of the East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS): a regional network of international schools in East Asia.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Attend an info session: Prospective families should begin by registering for an informational session. This provides an opportunity to learn about the school's structure and operations. Parents can also meet the Director of Admissions to ask specific questions.
2. Submit an application: Families must complete the online application form. Parents should prepare and attach supporting documents, which include the child's photo, their latest school report, and any supplemental information such as teacher recommendations or student awards.
3. Meet the team: Once the application is submitted, the school will arrange a personal meeting with the Principal and Director of Admissions. This allows the school to understand the family better and discuss how they can support the child's educational needs and interests.
4. Attend an Assessment Day: The school will schedule a specific day for the student and parents to visit the campus. During this time, the student will complete an admissions assessment.
5. Hear from Admissions: After the academic team reviews the assessment results, the Director of Admissions will contact the family with a decision. If a place is offered, parents will have up to two weeks to notify the school of their final matriculation decision.
Admissions
1. Book a school visit or virtual consultation. Families are encouraged to contact the admissions office to schedule a campus tour or online meeting. This allows parents and students to learn more about the curriculum, facilities, and community culture at The Harbour School before applying.
2. Submit the application form and supporting documents. Parents complete the official online application form available on the school’s website. Required documents include copies of the student’s passport and visa (if applicable), recent school reports, a passport-sized photo, and teacher recommendations. Applicants in higher grades may also be asked to provide samples of academic work, reading lists, or specialist assessments.
3. Schedule an assessment and trial day. The admissions team will invite the student to attend a trial day at the relevant campus. Applicants complete the MAP screening in reading, language, and mathematics, which helps determine placement and learning needs. The trial day also provides an opportunity for teachers to observe class participation and social engagement.
4. Receive an offer and confirm enrolment. Once the application and assessment are reviewed, successful candidates receive a formal offer letter. Parents have seven days to confirm acceptance by signing the enrolment documents and paying the Entry Fee and required Admissions Right or Capital Levy to secure the place.
5. Complete registration and prepare for school start. After confirmation, the school provides details on fee payments, technology requirements, and uniform purchases. Families also receive orientation information and logistical guidance, such as bus service registration, before the start of the term.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Academic Art Music Sport
Scholarships
THS offers need-based financial assistance to families who qualify. More than HKD 4 million in aid is distributed each year to support access for students who demonstrate financial need. Families must apply annually and provide supporting financial documentation for review. The school does not list any merit-based or academic scholarship programs on its website.
Waitlist
Waitlist
We currently have limited rolling entry in each grade
Waitlist
The Harbour School operates a waiting pool rather than a first-come, first-served waitlist. When a grade level or specialist service is at capacity, qualified applicants are placed in the pool. Offers from the pool are based on factors such as sibling priority, gender balance, nationality, and learning support requirements, rather than the date of application. Families may choose to defer for a year or reapply in the next admissions cycle.