Comparing 4 schools side by side in USD.
The Central Campus is based at Universal Trade Centre, 17–19 Caine Road, Central, Hong Kong. It is near several bus stops in the Central district and is accessible from Central MTR Station (Exit D2). On-site hourly car parking is also available.
The campus provides programmes starting from around 6 months of age up to 12 years in its Playgroup and Academy structure. The broader group offers Playgroup, Pre-Nursery and Kindergarten (ages 6 months to 6 years), and the Central enrichment services extend into primary-age foundations.
This is a day-school and playgroup environment with no boarding facilities. The programmes accept children of all genders (boys and girls) and the campus operates as co-educational.
The school’s leadership team includes staff qualified with a certificate for managing and understanding dyslexia, as well as a cognitive behavioural therapist qualification, indicating awareness and capacity to support children’s varied learning and emotional needs. However, a detailed publicly available specialist SEN policy has not been published.
The school is based in Hong Kong and implements a curriculum underpinned by the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, but it is not formally affiliated to a separate national system beyond this.
There is no stated affiliation to any specific religion. The school emphasises cultural values such as love, kindness, respect, harmony, trust and wisdom, but does not identify with a religious denomination.
Exact start and end times are not published publicly. The campus offers half‐day, extended day and full-day programme options depending on age-group and stream. Lunch and snacks are required for children staying beyond the standard day.
Yes, a school bus service is offered—a notice states “Yes – please get in touch for more details.” While specific routes for the Central Campus are not fully published, the broader group’s bus services cover areas such as Mid-Levels, Pok Fu Lam, Baguio Villa, Bel Air, Sham Wan, South Horizon and Aberdeen City Centre, depending on demand and availability.
The school is part of Mulberry House Education Group.
Mulberry House International Kindergarten follows a dual-language English–Mandarin curriculum underpinned by the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Learning is organised through inquiry-based projects that integrate communication, early literacy, numeracy, physical development, creative expression, and social–emotional skills. Teachers design play-rich experiences using music, movement, stories, sensory play, and hands-on exploration to support children’s development from infancy through early childhood. Kindergarten programmes (Pre-Nursery and K levels) follow structured EYFS learning goals while maintaining a bilingual, co-taught classroom environment. At the Central Campus, the curriculum extends into a Mandarin Immersion model and includes enrichment in Language Arts, S.T.E.A.M., arts, and sports for children up to age 12. These programmes build on the early-years foundation while strengthening Mandarin fluency, communication, and age-appropriate academic readiness.
Mulberry House highlights six core values—love, kindness, respect, harmony, trust, and wisdom—which guide daily interactions across its campuses. Teachers support children’s emotional and social development through play-based learning environments that encourage cooperation, communication, and confidence-building. For younger children entering Pre-Nursery, the school uses a gradual transition process over two to three weeks, allowing children to explore the learning spaces with parents before settling independently. This process helps teachers observe how each child adjusts emotionally and socially. Families are also invited to participate in classroom visits, workshops, and activities, which strengthens communication between the school and home. Beyond these published practices, the school does not provide additional SEL-specific programmes.
The school does not publish a dedicated SEN policy or outline the specific types of needs it can accommodate. One staff member at the Central Campus holds a Level 3 certificate in managing and understanding dyslexia and a CACHE-certified cognitive behavioural therapist qualification, indicating individual expertise in supporting children with diverse learning and emotional needs. However, the school does not describe any formal SEN provision, specialised staff teams, therapeutic services, or adjusted curriculum pathways. There is no indication that the school is a specialist SEN institution. Therefore, the most accurate statement is that the school does not publicly disclose detailed information regarding its SEN provision.
Mulberry House operates a bilingual English–Mandarin environment and welcomes children of all nationalities. Language development is integrated into the general classroom programme through co-teaching by native English and Mandarin educators. However, the school does not describe a separate EAL department, targeted pull-out lessons, or specialised EAL staff. There are no published references to placement assessments or support structures specifically for learners new to English. Therefore, the school does not publicly disclose information regarding EAL-specific support.
The school focuses on creating a nurturing, play-rich environment that supports children’s emotional security. The published transition process for Pre-Nursery helps children adjust gradually with parental involvement, reducing anxiety during the first weeks. Teachers encourage exploration, communication, and self-expression through music, storytelling, sensory play, and movement activities. Parents are invited to participate in workshops, seminars, and classroom activities, which promote consistent support for children’s wellbeing across home and school. Beyond these elements, the school does not detail dedicated mental-health programmes, counsellors, or wellbeing-specific staff.
Mulberry House does not publish a stand-alone safeguarding or child-protection policy on its website. As a registered kindergarten in Hong Kong, the school operates under the territory’s Education Bureau licensing requirements, but these regulatory standards are not detailed on the school’s own pages. There is no public information about designated safeguarding officers, reporting procedures, or staff training related to child protection. Therefore, the school does not publicly disclose detailed safeguarding policies or structures.
1. Initial enquiry and school tour
Parents are encouraged to begin the process by arranging a Private School Tour or attending an Information Session for Prospective Parents. These sessions introduce the school’s bilingual programmes, learning approach, and campus environment. Bookings are made through the online form or by contacting the admissions team. Families can ask questions about language streams, class arrangements, and daily routines during these visits.
2. Prepare and submit the application
Parents complete the application form and submit required documents, including two passport-sized photos, the child’s birth certificate or passport with a valid visa, and copies of the parents’ identification documents. An Application Fee of HKD 40 is paid at the time of submission. Applications may be submitted online or delivered directly to the campus, after which the school sends a confirmation email within approximately seven working days.
3. Assessment and parent–child visit
Shortlisted families are invited for an assessment session, which may take place in a small-group or 1-to-1 play setting. Parents accompany their child during this visit, and teachers observe the child’s interaction, comfort and developmental readiness. The school notes that it welcomes families of all nationalities and that priority may be given to foreign passport holders. Parents also attend an admissions meeting to discuss alignment between family values and the school’s educational approach.
4. Placement decision
Following the assessment, the admissions team reviews the child’s profile and the availability of places in the relevant age group. Successful families receive a placement offer via email, including information about the child’s class, teachers and start date. If a class is full, the child may be offered a place on the waiting list. The decision is based on the child’s assessment and the school’s capacity in each age group.
5. Acceptance and registration
Families who choose to accept an offer confirm the place by paying the Registration Fee of HKD 970, which is non-refundable. This payment secures the child’s enrolment for the upcoming academic year. After confirming, families receive guidance on uniforms, class arrangements and start-of-year transition schedules. This step completes the admissions process.
The Mulberry House International Kindergarten website does not mention any scholarships, financial aid schemes, or bursaries.
Mulberry House International Kindergarten uses a standard waitlist system. If the relevant class or programme is full at the time of application, the child is placed on the waiting list after completing the assessment process. The website does not provide further details about waitlist priority, duration, or movement.
Mulberry House International Kindergarten’s Southside Campus is located at Ocean Court on Aberdeen Praya Road in the Southern District of Hong Kong Island. The campus sits beside the harbour in a quieter residential area of Aberdeen. It is accessible by multiple bus routes, with the nearest stop at Ocean Court. The surrounding area includes residential complexes and family-oriented neighbourhoods within a short travel distance to Central and Pok Fu Lam.
The school provides early childhood education for children aged 6 months to 6 years. Programmes span Under 3s (including playgroup and toddler classes), Pre-Nursery, Nursery (K1) and Kindergarten (K2 and K3). These levels cover infant/toddler care, early years, preschool and kindergarten.
Mulberry House International Kindergarten is a day school offering co-educational early childhood programmes. It does not offer boarding. Children may attend half-day or extended-day programmes depending on year level.
The school does not publish information regarding additional learning support or Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision. No details are provided about specialist staff, SEN policies or tailored support.
The school is an international kindergarten in Hong Kong and is not affiliated with any specific country. Its curriculum is guided by the UK Early Years Foundation Stage.
The school has no stated religious affiliation.
Mulberry House offers Half-Day and Extended-Day programmes for children in Under 3s, Pre-Nursery, Nursery and Kindergarten. Meals are not included, and children attending extended-day classes bring packed lunch and snacks. Exact start and end times are not publicly stated.
A school bus service is available for Southside families. Routes are planned to cover areas including Mid-levels, Pok Fu Lam, Baguio Villa, Bel Air, Larvotto, Sham Wan, South Horizons and Aberdeen City Centre, subject to demand. Parents can request detailed route information directly from the school.
Mulberry House International Kindergarten’s curriculum is guided by the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and delivered through a bilingual model offering dual-language, pure English or pure Mandarin streams. Learning is play-based and inquiry-led, with coverage of communication and language, early literacy and numeracy, physical development, and social–emotional growth. Under 3s, Pre-Nursery, Nursery (K1) and Kindergarten (K2–K3) follow the same EYFS framework, adapted to each age group through activities such as stories, sensory play, early mathematics, hands-on exploration and project-based themes. Chinese Culture and Values, Nature & Food Education and Forest School experiences are integrated across the programme as part of regular learning. The school also offers enrichment through its ECA Programme, which includes Language Arts in English and Mandarin, S.T.E.A.M., creative arts, musical theatre and sports.
The school highlights six core values—Love, Kindness, Respect, Harmony, Trust and Wisdom—which guide interaction and behaviour across the campus. It presents these values as part of children’s daily experiences, shaping how they work with teachers and peers. The Forest School programme provides regular outdoor exploration that encourages responsibility, confidence and cooperation. Parent partnership is described as an important element of school life, with weekly feedback and termly reports that help families support their children’s development. The school does not publish details of a structured SEL curriculum, specialist SEL staff or formal SEL initiatives.
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN).
Mulberry House offers bilingual and single-language programmes in English and Mandarin, but does not describe any separate EAL support services. The website does not mention designated EAL teachers, targeted language acquisition programmes, or additional support for children new to English. Therefore, the school does not publicly disclose information regarding EAL provision.
The school incorporates nature-based learning, including Forest School and Nature & Food Education, which are described as supporting children’s confidence, curiosity and sense of responsibility. Parent engagement is emphasised through seminars and one-to-one consultations, which may indirectly support children’s wellbeing. However, the school does not publish information about counsellors, mental-health staff, or dedicated wellbeing programmes. The website does not detail formal structures for monitoring or supporting students’ mental well-being.
The school does not publicly disclose safeguarding or child protection policies. There is no mention of designated safeguarding staff, procedures for reporting concerns or formal safeguarding training. The only policy linked on the website relates to privacy and data protection rather than child safety.
1. Initial enquiry and school tour
Parents are encouraged to begin the process by arranging a Private School Tour or attending an Information Session for Prospective Parents. These sessions introduce the school’s bilingual programmes, learning approach, and campus environment. Bookings are made through the online form or by contacting the admissions team. Families can ask questions about language streams, class arrangements, and daily routines during these visits.
2. Prepare and submit the application
Parents complete the application form and submit required documents, including two passport-sized photos, the child’s birth certificate or passport with a valid visa, and copies of the parents’ identification documents. An Application Fee of HKD 40 is paid at the time of submission. Applications may be submitted online or delivered directly to the campus, after which the school sends a confirmation email within approximately seven working days.
3. Assessment and parent–child visit
Shortlisted families are invited for an assessment session, which may take place in a small-group or 1-to-1 play setting. Parents accompany their child during this visit, and teachers observe the child’s interaction, comfort and developmental readiness. The school notes that it welcomes families of all nationalities and that priority may be given to foreign passport holders. Parents also attend an admissions meeting to discuss alignment between family values and the school’s educational approach.
4. Placement decision
Following the assessment, the admissions team reviews the child’s profile and the availability of places in the relevant age group. Successful families receive a placement offer via email, including information about the child’s class, teachers and start date. If a class is full, the child may be offered a place on the waiting list. The decision is based on the child’s assessment and the school’s capacity in each age group.
5. Acceptance and registration
Families who choose to accept an offer confirm the place by paying the Registration Fee of HKD 970, which is non-refundable. This payment secures the child’s enrolment for the upcoming academic year. After confirming, families receive guidance on uniforms, class arrangements and start-of-year transition schedules. This step completes the admissions process.
The Mulberry House International Kindergarten website does not mention any scholarships, financial aid schemes, or bursaries.
Mulberry House International Kindergarten uses a standard waitlist system. If the relevant class or programme is full at the time of application, the child is placed on the waiting list after completing the assessment process. The website does not provide further details about waitlist priority, duration, or movement.
Mulberry House International Kindergarten – Tai Po Campus is located at LG, Mayfair By The Sea I, 23 Fo Chun Road, Tai Po. It sits in the Pak Shek Kok waterfront neighbourhood between Hong Kong Science Park and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The area is mainly residential with access to nearby bus and minibus routes, including stops at Providence Bay and Mayfair By The Sea. Families can reach the campus easily from Fo Tan, Sha Tin, Tai Wai and Ma On Shan.
The school offers early childhood programmes for children aged 6 months to 6 years. It is organised into Infants & Toddlers, Pre-Nursery (PN) and Kindergarten (K1–K3). Infants and toddlers attend accompanied classes, while Pre-Nursery and Kindergarten students attend unaccompanied programmes.
Mulberry House International Kindergarten is a private, secular, co-educational day school. It offers half-day and extended-day programmes with optional enrichment activities. The school does not provide boarding.
The school does not publish a dedicated SEN policy or list specific learning support services. Some staff members hold training and qualifications related to supporting behavioural and learning needs, but there is no formal SEN department or publicly described provision.
The school follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework but does not state a formal affiliation with any particular country.
The school has no religious affiliation. Its values reflect a secular bilingual education approach.
The school offers AM, PM, and Extended Day programmes, though exact start and end times are not published online. Extended Day students bring their own lunch and snacks, as meals are not provided. No detailed daily schedule is publicly available.
The Tai Po campus provides school bus service depending on family demand. Service areas include Fo Tan, Ma On Shan, Fanling, Tai Po, Sha Tin and Tai Wai. Routes are finalised according to need and availability each year. Parents are invited to contact the school for details of specific routes and arrangements.
Mulberry House International Kindergarten is part of Mulberry House Education Group and is governed by the group's leadership team across its Taipo, Southside and Central campuses.
Mulberry House International Kindergarten follows an inquiry-based curriculum guided by the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. The programme covers the EYFS prime areas—Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development, and Communication and Language—and the specific areas of English and Chinese Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, and Expressive Arts and Design. Children learn through play-based, hands-on experiences supported by bilingual English–Mandarin instruction, with families able to choose dual-language, pure English, or pure Mandarin streams. English literacy is taught through the Letters and Sounds framework and “Get Reading Right”, while Mandarin literacy follows the Greenfield Chinese curriculum. The curriculum also incorporates outdoor learning, including a Forest School component at the Tai Po campus, and offers optional enrichment activities such as Language Arts, S.T.E.A.M., Performing Arts, and sports.
Mulberry House integrates Social and Emotional Learning through the EYFS Personal, Social and Emotional Development area, which emphasises building relationships, self-awareness, and managing feelings. The school also highlights six core values—Love, Kindness, Respect, Harmony, Trust and Wisdom—which guide classroom interactions and community expectations. The learning environment is designed following the Reggio Emilia concept of the environment as the “third teacher”, using natural materials and calm spaces to support independence and cooperation. The Tai Po campus includes daily outdoor play and a Forest School programme, both of which encourage confidence and resilience. The school also offers transition sessions at the start of the year, allowing parents and children to gradually adjust to new routines. No additional SEL-specific programmes or specialist SEL staff are publicly described.
The school does not publish a formal SEN policy or specify the types of Special Educational Needs it can support. Some Tai Po staff members list relevant training, such as the Head of School’s qualifications in youth counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, and a Level 3 certificate in managing and understanding dyslexia, but these are presented as individual credentials rather than a structured SEN provision. There is no reference to individual education plans, specialist therapists, or tailored SEN programmes. The school does not describe itself as a specialist SEN institution. Based on publicly available information, the school does not publicly disclose how it supports SEN students beyond general classroom practice.
Mulberry House operates as a bilingual immersion kindergarten offering dual-language, pure English, and pure Mandarin streams. Classroom teaching includes a strong emphasis on communication, English literacy (Letters and Sounds, Get Reading Right), and Mandarin literacy (Greenfield Chinese curriculum). However, the school does not describe any dedicated EAL programme, specialist EAL staff, or targeted support for children who are new to the English language. There is no mention of pull-out support or differentiated EAL pathways. The school does not publicly disclose information regarding EAL-specific provision.
The kindergarten website does not provide a formal mental wellbeing policy or list dedicated mental health services. Some staff at the Tai Po campus list training relevant to emotional support, including qualifications in youth counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, and the Thrive Approach, which may inform their practice. Elements of mental well-being are embedded indirectly through the EYFS framework and the school’s emphasis on outdoor learning and calm, nature-based classroom environments. Transition arrangements, where children and parents gradually adapt to the start of school, also support emotional adjustment. Beyond these general practices, the school does not publicly disclose additional mental health programmes or specialist services.
The Mulberry House International Kindergarten website does not publish a safeguarding or child protection policy. It does not identify a designated safeguarding lead or outline staff training in safeguarding. The site also does not describe reporting procedures, supervision policies, or links with external agencies. General information focuses on curriculum, admissions, and campus environment rather than statutory safeguarding frameworks. The school does not publicly disclose information regarding safeguarding procedures.
1. Initial enquiry and school tour
Parents are encouraged to begin the process by arranging a Private School Tour or attending an Information Session for Prospective Parents. These sessions introduce the school’s bilingual programmes, learning approach, and campus environment. Bookings are made through the online form or by contacting the admissions team. Families can ask questions about language streams, class arrangements, and daily routines during these visits.
2. Prepare and submit the application
Parents complete the application form and submit required documents, including two passport-sized photos, the child’s birth certificate or passport with a valid visa, and copies of the parents’ identification documents. An Application Fee of HKD 40 is paid at the time of submission. Applications may be submitted online or delivered directly to the campus, after which the school sends a confirmation email within approximately seven working days.
3. Assessment and parent–child visit
Shortlisted families are invited for an assessment session, which may take place in a small-group or 1-to-1 play setting. Parents accompany their child during this visit, and teachers observe the child’s interaction, comfort and developmental readiness. The school notes that it welcomes families of all nationalities and that priority may be given to foreign passport holders. Parents also attend an admissions meeting to discuss alignment between family values and the school’s educational approach.
4. Placement decision
Following the assessment, the admissions team reviews the child’s profile and the availability of places in the relevant age group. Successful families receive a placement offer via email, including information about the child’s class, teachers and start date. If a class is full, the child may be offered a place on the waiting list. The decision is based on the child’s assessment and the school’s capacity in each age group.
5. Acceptance and registration
Families who choose to accept an offer confirm the place by paying the Registration Fee of HKD 970, which is non-refundable. This payment secures the child’s enrolment for the upcoming academic year. After confirming, families receive guidance on uniforms, class arrangements and start-of-year transition schedules. This step completes the admissions process.
The Mulberry House International Kindergarten website does not mention any scholarships, financial aid schemes, or bursaries.
Mulberry House International Kindergarten uses a standard waitlist system. If the relevant class or programme is full at the time of application, the child is placed on the waiting list after completing the assessment process. The website does not provide further details about waitlist priority, duration, or movement.
The Repulse Bay Campus is located at 23 South Bay Close, Repulse Bay, on the south side of Hong Kong Island. The area is residential and close to the beach, with bus and car access linking it to Central and other districts.
This campus houses Lower Primary (Reception 1–Grade 2) and Upper Primary (Grades 3–5).
HKIS is a co-educational, nonprofit day school. It does not provide boarding.
The school employs learning specialists across divisions to support students with mild to moderate needs, but it is not a specialist SEN institution.
HKIS provides an American-style education, aligned with U.S. standards.
The school is grounded in the Christian faith through its founding with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, while respecting other faith traditions.
Reception 1 & 2 (Lower Primary): 8 a.m. - 1:50 p.m.
Grades 1 & 2 (Lower Primary): 8 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.
Grades 3-5 (Upper Primary): 7:55 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.
After-school activities are available, and late buses are provided. Lunch and recess are included during the day.
HKIS offers a bus service through Kwoon Chung Motors, with routes covering Hong Kong Island. This includes drop-off and pick-up options for students at both Repulse Bay and Tai Tam campuses.
Uniforms are required for Lower Primary and Upper Primary. Uniforms can be purchased at the Dragon Shop. Lower Primary uniforms include red or white polo shirts with the HKIS emblem and navy shorts or skirts, with additional options for outerwear in navy or red. Shoes must be closed-toe; socks should be red, white, or navy; hats are optional; dresses are not permitted. The Upper Primary uniform palette follows navy blue, red, and white; a uniform guide is available. The Dragon Shop is located at HKIS High School, 1 Red Hill Road, Level 2, with hours Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and contact dragonshop@hkis.edu.hk.
Repulse Bay Campus offers a cafeteria and two main options for food: students may bring lunch or order pre-purchased meals from Sodexo. In Lower Primary, lunch is eaten in the campus cafeteria, and meals can be ordered from Sodexo; in Upper Primary, lunch is taken in the 4th-floor dining hall, with the option to bring lunch or order from Sodexo. Sodexo lunch orders are managed via the Sodexo Lunch App.
The Middle School program uses a House system where each student belongs to a House and a Pastoral Care Group (PCG) to foster community and school spirit.
HKIS is governed by a volunteer Board of Managers with ultimate responsibility to fulfill the school's mission. The Board is self-perpetuating and comprises 12 members, including the Head of School. An Operating Agreement with the Lutheran Church––Missouri Synod stipulates that a majority of the Board are members of the Church of All Nations. The Board focuses on selecting and supporting the Head of School, developing institutional policies, and ensuring financial stewardship.
At Repulse Bay, the curriculum begins with a play- and inquiry-based approach in Lower Primary (Reception 1–2), before transitioning into a standards-based American framework for Grades 1–5. In Upper Primary (Grades 3–5), students study core subjects—English, mathematics, science, social studies, and Chinese—as well as specialist courses like art, music, design, and physical education in dedicated “passion spaces” (e.g. Kid Kitchen, Media Lab, Farm). Experiential learning (e.g. camp programs) is built into the Upper Primary curriculum to foster character and community. Assessment, reporting, and instruction are structured around student understanding, goal clarity, and personal growth.
In Lower Primary, students have weekly SEL lessons led by counselors, covering topics such as emotional regulation, problem-solving, growth mindset, and safe/unsafe touch. In Upper Primary, SEL expands to themes like self-talk, resilience, stress management, and conflict resolution. Counselors also run small group sessions and work with parents on transition and wellbeing issues.
HKIS employs learning specialists across the divisions, including in the primary years, to provide classroom-based support. Provision includes in-class accommodations and small-group interventions, but HKIS is not a specialist SEN institution. The school does not publish specific categories of needs supported.
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding EAL at the Repulse Bay campus.
Counselors in both Lower and Upper Primary provide individual and group counseling. They support students with adjustment, friendship, and family transitions, and also deliver parent education programs. Counseling offices are located on campus, and students can be referred by teachers, parents, or themselves.
Counselors teach age-appropriate child protection content (such as safe/unsafe touch and refusal skills) within the SEL curriculum. HKIS confirms that it is governed by a volunteer Board of Managers and maintains policies for safe learning environments, but it does not publish detailed safeguarding procedures.
1. Pre-Registration
Prospective parents begin by filling out the pre-registration form on the HKIS portal. This step creates an account that allows families to manage their application and upload documents.
2. Application Submission
Once registered, families complete the online application forms. This includes entering student details, educational background, and paying the required application fee.
3. Supporting Documents & Pre-Entry Testing
Families submit supporting documents such as school reports, teacher recommendations, and identification records. Students may also be scheduled for pre-entry testing or assessments, depending on grade level.
4. Admissions Decision
After review, families are notified of the admissions decision. Successful applicants are offered places, and families confirm enrollment by paying the acceptance fee and capital levy.
HKIS offers the Black Kite Scholarship, a merit-based award recognizing students who demonstrate strong academic ability, leadership, and personal qualities. The scholarship covers tuition costs and is open to new applicants meeting the eligibility requirements. Selection is competitive, and recipients are expected to contribute positively to the school community.
HKIS operates a wait pool rather than a numbered waitlist. Applicants who meet admissions criteria but cannot be offered a place immediately are placed in a pool for their grade. When spaces open, the admissions office reviews all students in the pool holistically, considering a range of factors rather than admitting based strictly on application date.