Hong Kong
Let the school know you're thinking of applying — they can share their prerequisites and help you through the process.
It's best to ask — circumstances can change at any time.
1. Prepare required documents
Parents need to gather electronic copies of items such as the child’s birth certificate, passports for the student and parents, visa/permit if applicable, school reports from the past two years (if available), and a recent passport-size photo.
2. Fill in the online application form
Submit the online application through ASHK’s portal, upload the required documents, and complete any other requested information.
3. Pay the Application Fee
A non-refundable Application Fee is required at this stage, and the receipt often must be emailed to the admissions office.
4. Attend assessment test and interview
After the application and fee are submitted, the student attends assessments. For Kindergarten, assessment includes social interaction/group play. For other grades, the MAP test (Measures of Academic Progress) is often used in English and Mathematics. An interview may also be part of the process.
5. Secure a place by paying the Capital Fee or the Debenture + initial tuition
If the student meets admissions criteria, the family secures the place by paying a non-refundable Capital Fee or choosing a debenture, as determined by the admissions policy. Some initial tuition payment is also required before the child can begin attending.
ASHK operates a rolling admissions policy, which means they accept applications throughout the year. Spaces may fill up quickly, and early application is advised. If the grade is full, the student will be placed on a waitlist.
ASHK offers three types of scholarships: Merit-based, Needs-based, and Diversity scholarships. They are open to students in elementary, middle, and high school. Merit awards recognize strong achievement in academics, arts, athletics, service, or leadership. Needs-based scholarships are designed for families who qualify for ASHK but require financial assistance, with eligibility determined through supporting financial documents. Diversity scholarships are aimed at students whose nationalities, backgrounds, or life experiences are underrepresented in the school community. Awards may cover partial or full tuition and can be granted for either one year or multiple years. Applications must include a Scholarship Application Form, academic reports from the past two years, and a reference letter from a current teacher. Shortlisted applicants are invited to an interview with the School Director before a final decision is made.
American School Hong Kong (ASHK), located in Tai Po in the New Territories, offers an American standards-based education from Kindergarten through Grade 12. The school follows US Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards, and students in Grades 11 and 12 have the option to pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. English is the language of instruction, and Chinese is taught in both Simplified and Traditional streams. ASHK emphasizes STEAM learning, with facilities that support science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. A distinctive feature of the school is its “Week Without Walls” program, which provides experiential learning opportunities beyond the classroom. The school is co-educational and non-denominational, with a strong focus on inquiry-based learning and enrichment. Families benefit from additional services such as an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program and a school bus service that connects students across Hong Kong.