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G7–10 students working on a woodworking project in the “Make Anything” Flex.
Primary students practicing rhythm patterns with sticks in the music room.
Kindergarten students selecting books during a reading workshop session.
Grade 2 student showing painted ice cream stick art in visual arts class.
Students competing in a girls’ basketball game in the school gymnasium.
Hong Kong Academy — international school in Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Hong Kong Academy logo

Hong Kong Academy

Hong Kong

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What makes this school unique

Student Identity as Global Citizens: Build curious, motivated, mindful learners via "Portrait of a Graduate."

Community Culture of Belonging: Fostering IDEA, inclusive spaces, and shared values while supporting multilingualism.

Sustainability: Ensure long-term growth by embedding innovation and talent retention into the school's identity and DNA.

The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees HK$119,000 - 273,900
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 550
Type Co-educational
Opened 2000
Bus Service Yes
Availability Are there places?
principal
Kasson Bratton
School Principal
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages English, Mandarin, Spanish, French
Typical class size 24
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Kindergarten, Preschool, High School
Introduction

Hong Kong Academy (HKA), founded in 2000, is an independent, non-profit IB World School in Sai Kung, Hong Kong, offering the International Baccalaureate Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes for students aged 3–18. The campus provides modern learning spaces alongside outdoor areas that make use of the school’s unique setting in the New Territories. English is the language of instruction, with Mandarin and Spanish offered as additional languages. HKA is known for its strong performing arts program, with drama, music, and visual arts woven into the curriculum and supported by well-equipped performance venues. The school also places a strong emphasis on outdoor education, using its natural surroundings for experiential learning. Service and sustainability are integral to student life, reflected in student-led projects and community initiatives. Sports teams are known as the Dragonflies with student-athletes competing in Hong Kong and Asia-wide leagues. With a low student-to-teacher ratio and a close-knit, co-educational community, HKA provides an internationally recognized education grounded in engagement and real-world connections .

hkacademy.edu.hk Contact by phone

33 Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR

The Essentials

Hong Kong Academy has 550 pupils, typical class sizes of 24, instruction in English.

Location
Hong Kong Academy is located in Sai Kung, New Territories, about 30–40 minutes from central Hong Kong. As the gateway to the UNESCO Global Geopark, Sai Kung is known for its family-friendly lifestyle: offering hiking, beaches and outdoor activities as well as a huge variety of cafes, restaurants and shops, with good access via major roads and school bus routes. Families living in urban areas such as Hong Kong Island or Kowloon typically use the school bus service for convenience, whilst those living locally often bike or walk to school.

Stages
HKA serves students from age 3 to 18. The school is divided into Primary (Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12) and is one of eight IB World Schools in Hong Kong that are fully authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary (PYP) Middle (MYP) and Diploma (DP) programmes. All students graduate with the HKA Diploma and Global Citizens Diploma and the school is accredited by both the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Type
HKA is a co-educational day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Over 35+ nationality

Additional learning support
Children who need learning support are admitted upon the same requirements as other students. The school is able to provide support services including tailored classroom strategies, small group or individual support, and collaboration with teachers and families to meet learning goals. The school can also offer English Language support for students who are new to studying in English.

Country affiliation
The school is truly international with families coming from 35+ countries and graduates going on to university and careers all around the world.

Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliations.

School day structure
Playgroup sessions run daily 8-11am Monday through Friday
Pre-K: 8am-12:30pm Monday-Friday
Kindergarten-Grade 5: 8am-3:10pm M/T/Th/F; 8am-12:20pm Wednesday
Grade 6-12: 7:50am-3:10pm M/T/Th/F; 7:50am-12:20pm Wednesday

Bus service
Hong Kong Academy offers a comprehensive school bus service. Buses serve many areas across Hong Kong, including Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. Each bus has a trained bus attendant to assist and supervise students during their ride with schedules designed to ensure safe and timely transport.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Students must wear uniform however they can choose to wear the combination of HKA school uniform items in which they feel most comfortable and ready to learn. Freecycle uniform items are available at no charge.

Food Options
The school has an in-house catering team, hkaEATS, which prepares 3 choices of hot meals on site daily as well as providing snacks and cafe-style salads and sandwiches. Students may also bring home-prepared snacks and lunch to school.

House System
Students all compete against other schools as the Dragonflies, focussed on the core values of sportsmanship, teamwork and commitment. Every student is allocated to one of 4 internal houses: Panda, Dragon, Tiger and Phoenix.

Governance and Ownership
The school operates as a non-profit international through-train institution and is governed by a Board comprised of volunteer parents and alumni.
Gallery
HKA Principal, Ms. Virginia Hunt, Shares her Thoughts on Value Uniqueness of Every Child (credit HKA Youtube)
Fees

Annual tuition at Hong Kong Academy ranges from HKD 119,000 to HKD 273,900 for 2026/27.

Application Fees

Pre-K1–2: HKD 1,500 (non-refundable)
K–G12: HKD 3,000 (non-refundable)

Entrance Fee

First child: HKD 25,000 (one-time, non-refundable)
Each additional child: HKD 12,500

Tuition Fees (per year / semester)

Pre-K1–2: HKD 119,000 (HKD 59,500 per semester)
K–G5: HKD 229,500 (HKD 114,750 per semester)
G6–G8: HKD 252,600 (HKD 126,300 per semester)
G9–G10: HKD 263,300 (HKD 131,650 per semester)
G11–G12: HKD 273,900 (HKD 136,950 per semester)

Additional Costs

Tuition Deposit: HKD 30,000 (credited toward tuition, non-refundable)
Family Debenture: HKD 630,000 (resellable on departure, covers one child from Capital Levy)
Annual Capital Levy: HKD 32,000 per student (if no debenture held)
Other costs: Uniforms, school bus, meals, IB Diploma exam fees, after-school activities, and overnight trips (Grade 3–11 trips cost HKD 4,000–20,500 in 2024–25).
Learner support may incur additional fees depending on student needs

Billing Schedule and Payment Terms

Semester 1 fees due: 15 May 2026
Semester 2 fees due: 16 Nov 2026
Overdue payments: 2% interest per month after 14 days; HKD 200 for dishonoured cheques.
Three months’ written notice (or three months’ tuition) required for withdrawal

Payment Options

Payment options are provided on school invoices.
Academics

Hong Kong Academy teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Hong Kong Academy (HKA) follows the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum. Students in Primary School (Pre-K1 to Grade 5) follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), which emphasizes inquiry-based learning across core subjects. In Middle School (Grades 6–10), students study within the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), which includes eight subject groups including languages, science, mathematics, the arts, design, social studies and PE. In High School (Grades 11–12), students undertake the IB Diploma Programme (DP), an internationally recognized qualification for university entrance. The curriculum also integrates Mandarin and Spanish as additional languages, alongside English as the language of instruction. Beyond academics, the program includes service learning, performing arts, outdoor education, and sustainability initiatives as part of the school’s broader educational approach.

Student Teacher Ratio
1:6

Academic calendar
Prominent Alumni
Notable graduates from this school
Suhail Bindra
Suhail Bindra
Having studied at HKA for 12 years Suhail graduated in 2013 with the perfect IB Diploma score of 45 points. He obtained his LL.B. and PCLL from HKU as an HKSAR Government Scholar where he was awarded more than HK$400,000 in merit scholarships. He also holds a Master of Public and International Law from the Melbourne Law School with First Class Honours. Now a barrister at Prince’s Chambers, he has previously worked at Equal Justice Hong Kong, Vidler & Co. Solicitors, The Oaktree Foundation Australia, Justice Centre Hong Kong, Common Purpose UK. He also co-founded The Eureka Consulting Group Limited, a not-for-profit consulting social enterprise. In addition to his work as a Tutor at the HKU Business School, Suhail runs legal education courses for ethnically diverse school children with EmpowerU and is a Hong Kong Academy board member.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
HKA’s counselling team leads a wellbeing programme which includes a curriculum delivered through weekly classes as well as providing individual, family and small group interventions when needed. Students are encouraged to develop self-advocacy and resilience, and all teachers are trained to address physical, social, and emotional issues. Parents are welcome to call upon counsellors for guidance and the school offers parenting workshops on a range of socio-emotional, technical and strategic topics.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school is able to provide learning support and English Language learning support but is not a specialist SEN institution. Additional fees may apply for learner support depending on the student’s needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Hong Kong Academy provides structured support for students who are developing English proficiency through its English Language Learners (ELL) programme. The school assesses students’ skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing during admissions and, if needed, places them in the EAL programme. Specialist teachers collaborate closely with classroom teachers to offer differentiated instruction and scaffolding so that students can access the full curriculum.

Mental Wellbeing
HKA supports mental wellbeing with a counselling team and wellbeing teachers who work alongside staff to provide care. The school promotes student empowerment and addresses digital wellbeing and cyber safety as part of its wellbeing programs. Training is also offered for staff and volunteers to ensure proactive approaches to student wellbeing.

Safeguarding
HKA’s safeguarding framework is based on UNICEF’s Convention on the Rights of the Child and CIS accreditation standards. The school maintains a comprehensive child protection policy and code of conduct, updated annually. Staff, trustees, and volunteers receive safeguarding training, and the school works with local and international organisations to maintain best practices. Students are taught peer advocacy, social skills, and digital safety as part of safeguarding education.
Parent Experience

History
Hong Kong Academy was founded in 2000 by a group of educators and parents seeking to establish an inclusive, international school in Hong Kong. Originally housed in smaller premises, the school moved to it’s award-winning sustainable campus in 2013. It operates as a non-profit organisation, overseen by a board of trustees, ensuring that all resources are reinvested into the school.

Community
The HKA community includes families from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, creating an internationally diverse student body. The school hosts community events such as cultural celebrations, performances, and exhibitions, which encourage participation from both students, faculty and families. Service and sustainability projects are also key aspects of community life, with students and parents contributing to local and global initiatives.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Hong Kong Academy has an active Parent Teacher Community Organisation (PTCO) that plays an important role in school life. The PTCO organises community-building events such as the annual Community Fair, drives volunteer and social initiatives, and helps new families integrate into the school community] and supports fundraising initiatives.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Hong Kong Academy campus is a state-of-the-art, purpose-built learning environment in Sai Kung. The two-story library provides cosy reading nooks, study spaces and online research areas. Specialist spaces include a 350-seat theatre and science labs with instructional and experimental facilities. There are dedicated spaces for counselling, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy, plus outdoor playscapes and a flexible cafeteria. A professional learning centre hosts workshops and parent education events and there is a community center located above the cafe which parents, students and staff are all welcome to use for events, exhibitions and quiet work. The campus is BEAM Plus Gold certified for sustainability and environmental performance.

Sports Facilities
The school has an 800-seat gymnasium, indoor climbing wall, a multi-purpose outdoor sports court, an all-weather football pitch, fitness studios and a weight-training gym. Students can access nearby public tennis courts, swimming pools and a full-scale athletics stadium within a short walk of the campus and the school partners with local sailing clubs as well as horse riding, golf and tennis academies..

Academic Facilities
Primary and Secondary School classrooms have developmentally appropriate, distinct designs. The two-story library provides cosy reading nooks, study spaces and online research areas. Specialist spaces include science labs for instructional and experimental work, and a 350-seat theatre for performing arts. There are dedicated spaces for counselling, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy. Outdoor playscapes and a flexible cafeteria support social learning and dining.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The schools’ co-curricular programme offers more than 100 after-school activities each semester. With options available right from Pre-K entry level co-curricular includes clubs, sports, instrumental music, STEAM and performing arts.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Hong Kong Academy offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) as part of the IB continuum. The IB framework emphasizes inquiry-based learning, the learner profile, approaches to learning, and international-mindedness. All students participate in the IB programmes; many pursue the IB Diploma, and graduates earn the HKA Diploma along with the Global Citizenship Diploma (GCD) certificate. Hong Kong Academy is the global headquarters for the Global Citizen Diploma (GCD) consortium, and the GCD credential accompanies graduation.

Arts & Creative
The Performing Arts program covers music, dance, drama and theatre technology, with facilities including a 350-seat theatre and an 80-seat studio theatre. The program is led by Hong Kong-based and international practitioners and aims to develop confidence, resilience, collaboration and self-reflection. The school has been a member of the International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA) since 2017. The music stream offers instrumental lessons, songwriting, music production, and ensembles, with performances in school and at external venues.

Cultural & Language
Mandarin is taught from Playgroup through Grade 5 using simplified characters. In Secondary School, students can choose between Spanish and Mandarin, and in Grade 11 there is an option to study French. In Grades 11–12, students in the IB Diploma Programme can self-study native tongue languages to earn a bilingual diploma.

Social & Hobbies
Over 100 After School Activities are available each semester. Hong Kong Academy promotes building skills and pursuing passions through a wide range of activities, clubs, sports and performing arts opportunities for students of all ages.

Community & Service
Acting Responsibly means students are encouraged to advocate and contribute to their communities. There are student councils in both primary and secondary school and students can apply to the student initiative fund to help them with resources for impact projects. The school's community emphasis focuses on learning, friendship and mutual respect. The PTCO and Alumni networks also support community involvement and volunteering opportunities.

Leadership & Professional
Hong Kong Academy has an educational leadership team led by the Head of School and the Primary and Secondary School Principals, supported by curriculum coordinators and specialist roles. The University and Careers dimension helps students plan post-secondary options. The campus explicitly supports Professional Learning for faculty and staff as part of campus life.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Dragonflies sports program supports extensive competition across local and Asia level leagues with more than 80% of secondary students representing the school in at least one competitive sports team. Students are encouraged to compete through maths, literacy competitions and arts and there are many community activities for the adult community such as pickleball, climbing, reading groups, dance groups and more.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction with Mandarin offered as a second language throughout and Spanish as an option in secondary school. The school offers an English Language Learners (EAL) program to accelerate English acquisition so students can access the curriculum; EAL uses differentiated instruction in collaboration with teachers and is informed by the WIDA framework. The student body is diverse, representing over 35 nationalities, with about 60% of students speaking two or more languages at home.

Immersion Programs
In-class immersion is used for younger EAL students to support language acquisition within mainstream classes. EAL specialists work in collaboration with classroom teachers to differentiate instruction.
Reputation

Awards
  • Green Building Council of Hong Kong Gold BEAM status
  • Ritzy Hong Kong Education Awards: International School of the Year (2024-25).

Accreditations
Council of International Schools (CIS): HKA is internationally accredited by CIS, which ensures the school meets global standards of quality in teaching, learning, and governance.
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): Full accreditation by WASC, a U.S.-based body that evaluates schools worldwide for academic quality and institutional integrity.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum: HKA is authorised to offer the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP), which provides internationally recognised programmes across all grade levels.
Global Citizen Diploma (GCD): HKA is the global host for the GCD, a requirement for graduation which recognises student achievements beyond academics in areas such as global understanding, community engagement, intercultural communication and personal development.
Admissions

Admissions
doris recommends that you start by speaking to admissions. This connects you directly to the school's admissions team who can respond with answers, more information, and next steps.

1. Initial Inquiry and Tour
Families begin by contacting the admissions office or booking a school tour. This allows prospective parents to see the facilities, meet staff, and understand the programmes offered. Tours are encouraged before completing an application.

2. Application Submission
Applications are completed online and require supporting documents such as school reports, teacher recommendations, and, where applicable, assessments. An application fee is payable at this stage to cover processing and assessment.

3. Assessment
Applicants may be invited for age-appropriate assessments, shadow days, or observations, depending on grade level. English proficiency and learning needs may also be reviewed at this point, involving specialists if required.

4. Review by Admissions Committee
The admissions team, together with relevant school staff, reviews the application, academic records, and assessments. Decisions are made based on the student’s ability to access the curriculum and the availability of places.

5. Offer of Place and Acceptance
Successful applicants receive an official offer of admission. Families confirm by paying the required entrance fee and tuition deposit within the given timeline to secure the place.

Scholarships
HKA offers Merit-Based Scholarships for new students entering Grades 6–10. Awards may cover 100% of tuition and capital levy or provide set amounts of HKD 150,000, HKD 115,000, or HKD 75,000 towards tuition. Up to five platinum scholarships and a limited number of gold, silver, and bronze awards are offered each year. Applicants must show strong academic records, excellent teacher references, and outstanding ability in an area such as mathematics, STEAM, languages, coding, public speaking, humanities, sports, visual or performing arts, leadership, or community service. Scholarship awards are reviewed annually and holders are expected to remain at HKA through to Grade 12.

Waitlist
HKA operates a waitpool system rather than a traditional numbered waitlist. Applicants who meet admissions requirements but cannot be placed due to space limitations enter the waitpool. Placement is determined by multiple factors including grade-level availability, sibling priority, and balance within the student body, rather than date of application.
School Events

Upcoming Events

Online Meeting with HKA
Online Meeting with HKA
Join Hong Kong Academy for an Admissions Information Evening to learn how the school's academic path...
Thursday, 3 September 2026 at 10:45 GMT+8 Hong Kong Academy, 33 Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR
Schedule a tour at HKA
Schedule a tour at HKA
Join Hong Kong Academy for an Admissions Information Evening to learn how the school's academic path...
Tuesday, 15 September 2026 at 08:15 GMT+8 Hong Kong Academy, 33 Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR

Past Events

Online Information Session for Prospective Families
Online Information Session for Prospective Families
Join Hong Kong Academy's Online Information Session to learn about the Pre-K through Grade 12 progra...
Tuesday, 28 July 2026 at 19:00 GMT+8 Online
Online Information Session – 2026-08-04
Online Information Session – 2026-08-04
Join HKA's online information session for prospective families to learn about the Pre-K through Grad...
Tuesday, 4 August 2026 at 19:00 GMT+8 Online
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