Stamford American School Hong Kong - Ho Man Tin vs Victoria Shanghai Academy

	Stamford American School Hong Kong - Ho Man Tin Hong Kong	V Victoria Shanghai Academy Hong Kong
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year HK$217,100 - 264,000	Fees / year HK$181,200 - 255,600
Age range	Age range 5 - 18 years	Age range 5 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), American Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 970	Pupils 2,000
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 21
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2017	Opened 2004
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Stamford American School Hong Kong is situated in a central, residential area of Kowloon, with a new campus opening in West Kowloon in 2025 for upper grades. The main site is easily reached via MTR, bus, and cross-harbour routes. A door-to-door bus service connects families across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories.	Location Victoria Shanghai Academy (VSA) is located at 19 Shum Wan Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, adjacent to Aberdeen Harbour. The campus lies in the southern part of Hong Kong Island, roughly a 15‑minute walk from MTR Wong Chuk Hang Station (Exit B). Buses and minibuses stop nearby at a public transport terminus about five minutes’ walk from the school.
Stages	Stages The school is divided into Elementary (Pre-Primary–Grade 5), Middle (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12). Senior students pursue the American High School Diploma or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.	Stages The school offers curriculum from Primary (PYP) through Middle Years (MYP) to Diploma Programme (DP).
School type	School type A co-educational day school serving students aged 5–18. There are no boarding facilities.	School type VSA is a day school with no boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 28 nationalities	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school offers EAL programs, learning support, enrichment, and counseling through a dedicated Student Support team. The website does not specify specialist facilities for particular learning needs.	Additional learning support VSA states that it is “sensitive to students’ individual needs” and provides support for those with language or learning needs, physical or medical conditions, or social, emotional, and behavioural issues.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Affiliated with the United States through its American standards curriculum and accredited by WASC and CIS.	Country affiliation The school does not have any country affiliation.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation None indicated; Stamford is a secular international school.	Religious affiliation The school does not have any religious affiliation.
School day structure	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.	School day structure School hours are Monday to Friday, 8:25 am to 3:40 pm.
Bus service details	Bus service details A comprehensive bus service covers Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. Routes are door-to-door where possible and organized by an external provider in coordination with the school.	Bus service details VSA provides a school bus service.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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) Pre-Primary – Grade 2: HK$217,100 Grades 3 – 5: HK$220,500 Grades 6 – 8: HK$239,900 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$2,000,000). All debentures are subject to approval under the school’s admissions policy. Sibling Discount A 50% discount on the Capital Levy Fee (Option A or B) is granted for the third child of the same parent, while the fourth child and beyond receive a full waiver. Eligibility is based on the number of siblings currently or previously enrolled or graduated from the school. Refund Policy The Capital Levy and Tuition Fee Offset are non-refundable once paid. Tuition fees paid in advance may be partially refunded with three months’ written notice prior to withdrawal. Once a student is confirmed and admitted, deferrals to a later academic year are not permitted; families must reapply. Debenture holders receive refunds in accordance with their signed agreements. Payment Options Payments can be made via local cheque or bank transfer to Flora Education Limited, the school’s operating entity. Families may also opt for a monthly direct-debit plan. All fees are billed in Hong Kong Dollars (HK$).	Fee details Primary Years Programme (Years 1–5) The annual tuition fee for Year 1 is HK$181,200, payable in 10 installments. Middle Years Programme (Years 6–10) Year 6 tuition fee is HK$200,700, payable in 10 installments. Year 7 tuition fee is HK$203,700, payable in 10 installments. Year 8 tuition fee is HK$203,700, payable in 10 installments. Year 9 tuition fee is HK$205,400, payable in 10 installments. Year 10 tuition fee is HK$205,400, payable in 10 installments. Diploma Programme (Years 11–12) Year 11 tuition fee is HK$255,600, payable in 10 installments. Year 12 tuition fee is HK$255,600, payable in 9 installments. Other Fees Refundable Capital Levy: A one-off payment required from all parents of newly admitted students (Years 1–11), unless holding a debenture. Miscellaneous Fees: May include costs for field trips, online learning licenses, and learning materials. CAS Trips: Fees apply for compulsory local or overseas Creativity, Activity, Service trips. Technology Requirement: Students from Years 7 to 12 must purchase their own Apple MacBook through an authorised reseller or the school’s partnered vendor. Refund Policy For the Capital Levy (the one-off payment by non-debenture holders), the Capital Levy Agreement states that if a parent withdraws the student before school starts or the student does not attend, no refund of the Capital Levy will be made. Partial refunds are possible under certain conditions: after the student completes the first term, HK$30,000 of the Capital Levy is refunded; the remaining HK$30,000 is refunded either at graduation from secondary school or upon early withdrawal with at least 45 school days’ notice. Payment Method The school does not have their payment method publicly available.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements N/A	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Full school uniform is required at all times; it should be neat, clean, modest, and in good repair. Uniforms are ordered through Aston Wilson and include summer and winter sets. Students wear black shoes with the uniform, and white sneakers for PE; navy socks with the uniform and white socks for PE.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Canteen services are provided by Chartwells, offering a varied and nutritionally balanced international menu. Chartwells operates a Smart Food Program aligned with USDA Dietary Guidelines.	Food options —
House system	House system 4 Houses: Boars, Monkeys, Dolphins, Popcuppines	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is part of Cognita, a global network of schools. Governance is managed by Cognita with regional leadership; the Head of School is accountable to the Regional Chief Executive Officer.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Stamford American School Hong Kong follows an American standards-based curriculum built on the AERO and Common Core Plus frameworks. The program integrates inquiry-based learning from the early years through high school, emphasizing core subjects alongside science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation through the school’s STEMinn program. Students study Mandarin or Spanish as part of a daily modern-language program, with a bilingual English–Mandarin track available in the elementary years. In high school (Grades 9–12), students pursue the American High School Diploma and may also choose to complete the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme or selected IB courses. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for a range of international university pathways while maintaining strong academic progression across all grade levels.	Curriculum details Victoria Shanghai Academy delivers a through‑train IB curriculum offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). In primary years (Years 1–5), the curriculum is inquiry‑based around six transdisciplinary themes (e.g. Who We Are, How the World Works, etc.). Teachers design units of inquiry that cross subject boundaries, integrating literacy, mathematics, science, social studies and expressive arts. In secondary school, the MYP is organised around global contexts and concept‑based learning, with eight subject groups and “Approaches to Learning” that develop skills across disciplines. Students engage in inquiry, reflection, and connection of traditional subjects to real‑world contexts. For IB Diploma (Years 11–12), VSA students take the full IB programme recognised by universities globally. The school also emphasises bilingualism: primary is bilingual in English and Putonghua; secondary instruction is primarily English complemented by a strong Chinese programme.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio 1:14	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results Class of 2025 IB Results Average 35 92% Pass Rate Bilingual Diploma 24% Highest IB Score 44 University Offers 200+	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression IBDP Stamford High School Diploma IB Courses	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Available, please contact admissions team for further details	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar View document	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
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.	Social & emotional learning —
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.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
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.	English as an additional language —
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.	Mental wellbeing —
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 —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy View document	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school operates two campuses: Ho Man Tin at 25 Man Fuk Road, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, and West Kowloon at Imperial Cullinan, 10 Hoi Fai Road, Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon.	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The campuses feature comprehensive facilities to support studies, arts, and athletics as part of the international program.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Academic programs are built on an American standards-based curriculum using AERO and Common Core Plus frameworks, with high school preparation through IBDP options.	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Co-curricular activities and university counseling are offered as part of the student experience across campuses.	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Stamford American School Hong Kong opened in September 2017 and is part of the Cognita Schools Group, a global education organization headquartered in London. The school was established to provide an American standards-based education with international pathways for students in Hong Kong. Since opening, Stamford has expanded its facilities and introduced the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for senior students. In 2025, the school will open an additional West Kowloon campus to accommodate the growing high school division.	History —
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.	Community —
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.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school uses an American standards-based curriculum built on AERO and Common Core Plus, delivering a bilingual international program across its K–12 structure. High School students can pursue three diploma pathways: the Stamford American High School Diploma, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or an IB Courses option alongside the Stamford diploma. The US Diploma is CIS- and WASC-accredited, and IB options provide access to DP exams and IB course credits where applicable. The Class of 2025 IB cohort achieved a 100% pass rate with an average score of 35, including top scores above 40, and a portion earned the Bilingual Diploma. The West Kowloon Campus is being developed to support high school and IBDP offerings.	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The school offers an Arts program within the High School and supports arts integration through its Cornerstones program and related studio spaces on its West Kowloon Campus. Visual arts, music, drama and other creative subjects are part of the regular timetable across divisions.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Modern language study is integral, with daily Mandarin or Spanish instruction for all students (around 40 minutes per day). In elementary, there is an immersive English–Mandarin bilingual pathway, and high school language options include Mandarin and Spanish with IB course opportunities.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The school provides extensive co-curricular activities and wellbeing programs, including weekly social-emotional learning (especially in Middle School) and a broad range of after-school activities across sports, arts and clubs.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service The curriculum includes service learning and creativity, activity, and service (CAS) components, integrated with IB practices and Cornerstones projects in High School, to support holistic growth and global citizenship.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Students have opportunities for leadership through student councils and house systems in High School, with dedicated university counseling and IB coordination to guide pathway decisions.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing There is a strong emphasis on wellbeing and a balanced approach to growth, including MAP assessments to monitor progress and ensure appropriate challenge and support across grades.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school provides a seamless K–12 journey with an American standards-based curriculum that combines AERO and Common Core Plus standards with an inquiry-based approach. The High School offers the Stamford American High School Diploma, with the option to pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or select IB courses. The school also offers daily Mandarin and Spanish language instruction as part of the core curriculum, with 40 minutes per day. In high school, language study can include additional languages via self-study with faculty support.	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school offers a bilingual English/Mandarin stream in elementary (Pre-primary to Grade 5).	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Accelerated Learning Program Class provided in Stamford Elementary School	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards GBA Award - Public's Choice Award (STEAM Category) 2026	Awards —
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.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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.	Admissions 1. Online Application Submission Parents can apply through the VSA online application portal, uploading photo ID, birth certificate or passport, and previous two years’ academic reports of their children. 2. Payment of Application Fee A non‑refundable and non‑transferable application fee of HKD 2,000 is required upon submission to initiate the review process. 3. Document Verification and Review Applications with missing documents will be held pending complete submission. If documents are not submitted within one month, the application is considered withdrawn. 4. Assessment / Interview Candidates undergo assessments (e.g. for English, mathematics) and possibly interviews depending on the grade level applied for. 5. Admission Results Notification The school shares results within about one month after the assessment, or after interview. Accepted, waitlist, or declining outcomes are communicated. 6. Enrollment Procedures Once accepted, families complete enrollment formalities (sign contracts, pay fees) within the deadlines specified in the offer letter.
Scholarships	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. The External Scholarship Program welcomes talented high school students (Grade 9-11) to join the world-class IB pathway and vibrant, global community. Outstanding applicants may even be awarded a tuition scholarship of up to 75% for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).	Scholarships VSA has a scholarship programme for both internal and external students. These scholarships cover categories including academic excellence, leadership, performance, and improvement.
Waitlist	Waitlist Admissions are reviewed on a rolling basis, and places are offered according to seat availability and the date of completed application submission. Priority is given to applicants with siblings already enrolled, to families holding debentures, US citizens, and students with an enrollment record in other Cognita international schools.	Waitlist The school does not have a waitlist.
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