Hong Kong
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stamford American School Hong Kong serves ages 5–18 across two campuses in Kowloon: Ho Man Tin (main) and a West Kowloon high-school site at Imperial Cullinan. The school combines AERO/Common Core Plus standards with inquiry-driven learning and offers three graduation pathways, including the IB Diploma Programme alongside the American High School Diploma. A signature STEMinn program runs from the early years upward. Facilities include a 25-meter pool, a 10,000-sq-ft sports arena, STEMinn labs, a drama room, and visual arts and music rooms. English is the language of instruction, with daily modern language (Chinese or Spanish) and an elementary bilingual option. Students can join extensive after-school CCAs across athletics, arts, innovation/technology, and special interests. The school operates door-to-door bus services across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories.