Why join for free?
Already have an account? Log In
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. Application submission
Parents begin by completing the Application Checklist and Application Form, which can be submitted by email, post, or in person. For older applicants, additional documents such as student or educator questionnaires may be requested. Families are encouraged to apply well in advance, as placement is dependent on space availability.
2. Interview
Once applications are received, candidates and their families are invited for a face-to-face interview with the Carmel faculty. This meeting allows the school to better understand the child and the family’s expectations, while also giving parents the opportunity to ask questions. The interview is a required part of the process before any admission decision is made.
3. Assessment (where applicable)
While formal academic testing is not listed for Early Learning Centre admissions, the wider Carmel admissions process may include assessments, such as MAP entrance exams for higher grades. For ELC students, the focus is on developmental readiness rather than academic performance. The school also applies grade-level prerequisites for progression into Elementary and High School.
4. Placement criteria
Admission is based on age cut-off dates (31 October). For example, Nursery (K1) applicants must be three years old by 31 October of the school year. When places are limited, the school prioritises applications from siblings, children of staff, and members of the Jewish community.
5. Offer and enrolment
Successful applicants receive a formal acceptance letter. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure the child’s place at the school. Families must confirm acceptance promptly, as places are limited and demand is high.
Carmel School does not operate a pool system. However, when places are limited, a priority system applies. Preference is given to siblings of current students, children of Carmel School staff, and children of employees or members of the Jewish community in Hong Kong. If no places are available, applicants may be placed on a waitlist until a space becomes available.
The school does not publicly disclose information about scholarships or financial aid.
Carmel School’s Holly Rofé Early Learning Centre is located inside the Jewish Community Centre at One Robinson Place, 70 Robinson Road in Mid-Levels, Hong Kong. It serves children from age one through Pre-K and feeds into Carmel’s IB Primary Years Programme at the nearby Elementary campus. The ELC’s programme includes Sensory Play, Creative Arts, Movement and Outdoor Exploration, with English as the language of instruction and additional language learning in Mandarin and Hebrew; French is available through the Extended Day Programme. Facilities at the ELC include an indoor heated pool, indoor and outdoor jungle gyms, an indoor multi-sport facility, climbing wall and a multiplay area. Families can use the school bus run by City School Bus Service Limited. Carmel School as a whole enrols over 350 students aged 1–18 across three campuses on Hong Kong Island.
