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Wu Kai Sha International Kindergarten

Hong Kong

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees HK$117,900
Ages Not listed
Type Co-educational
Opened 2009
Bus Service No
Part of
English Schools Foundation
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), Reggio Emilia Approach
Taught languages Mandarin
Strengths Outdoor Education, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Kindergarten
Introduction

Wu Kai Sha International Kindergarten is an ESF (English School Foundation) international kindergarten in Hong Kong, offering the IB Primary Years Programme within a Reggio Emilia-inspired framework. The school teaches in English with Mandarin offered as an additional language, supporting bilingual and multilingual learners through inquiry-based play. Located at Level 1, Lake Silver Tower, 599 Sai Sha Road, Ma On Shan, N.T., Hong Kong, it supports ages 3 to 5 with a body of 336. Facilities include bright, flexible classrooms, library, and outdoor spaces for gardening, Forest School and Beach School, reflecting a learning environment designed as 'third teacher'. The programme, authorised as an IB World School since 2013, emphasizes hands-on exploration, personal development and understanding across the IB PYP. Parents participate through a robust PSA, family workshops, educational visits and volunteer opportunities, reinforcing strong home–school partnerships. The school calendar includes off-site learning and community events for a connected school.

This campus is part of English Schools Foundation

Level 1, Lake Silver Tower, 599 Sai Sha Road, Ma On Shan, N.T., Hong Kong

The Essentials

Wu Kai Sha International Kindergarten has instruction in English.

Location
ESF Wu Kai Sha International Kindergarten is located at Level 1, 599 Sai Sha Road, Ma On Shan, Sha Tin, Hong Kong. It sits in the Ma On Shan area of the New Territories along Sai Sha Road. The campus serves the Wu Kai Sha/Ma On Shan neighbourhood.

Stages
K1 (Age 3) and K2 (Age 4)

Type
International Kindergarten

Country affiliation
Hong Kong
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership
Part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF), the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong.
Fees

Annual tuition at Wu Kai Sha International Kindergarten ranges from HKD 117,900 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- Application fee for ESF kindergartens (including Wu Kai Sha) is HK$1,000 per application. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. With effect from 1 September 2026 the application fee will be revised to HK$1,500 (subject to Education Bureau approval).

Tuition fees — 2026/27 academic year (primary published level)

- Annual tuition (2026/27): HK$117,900 for ESF Wu Kai Sha International Kindergarten (English-stream kindergarten tuition for the 2026/27 academic year).
- Payment frequency: Tuition is charged over ten months of the year and collected monthly. Based on the published annual fee, the monthly instalment equals HK$11,790 (117,900 ÷ 10). This per-instalment figure is the monthly breakdown of the published annual tuition.

Tuition fees — 2025/26 (for comparison and instalment reference)

- Annual tuition (previous published level, effective 01 September 2025 where applicable): HK$111,400. Per instalment (10 instalments): HK$11,140. (Specific EDB Fees Certificate entries list HK$11,140 per instalment and an inclusive fee of HK$111,400 for the listed kindergarten courses effective 01.09.2025.)

Tuition by session / year group

- Published 2026/27 annual fee for the Wu Kai Sha kindergarten campus is stated as HK$117,900 (this figure is the school-level published tuition for the campus). For monthly billing the published annual fee is spread across ten equal monthly instalments. The kindergarten operating model includes Nursery and Kindergarten year groups with half-day/AM-PM sessioning at some campuses; the EDB fees certificate lists instalment/annual amounts for the Nursery and Lower Kindergarten sessions under the regulatory certificate.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Billing cycle: Tuition is payable monthly over ten months of the school year and is collected by direct debit (autopay) on or after the first school day of each month. Fees remain payable for any month in which the child attends at least one day.
- Advance payment to confirm place: An advance payment equivalent to one month's tuition is required to reserve a K2 place for the next academic year; for Wu Kai Sha this advance amount for 2026/27 was set at HK$11,140 and is scheduled to be debited on 3 August 2026. That advance payment is offset against September tuition; if fees are revised for the new year, any difference is payable in September. Employers who pay directly may instead submit a cheque by the specified employer deadline.
- Late or overdue payments: Overdue fee accounts may result in exclusion from school until outstanding amounts are cleared. Statements are not routinely posted because tuition is collected by direct debit, but receipts or statements can be issued on request from the billing office.

Tuition deposit, debentures and place-confirmation sums

- Tuition deposit: A non-interest-bearing tuition deposit of HK$9,000 is required to accept a ESF kindergarten place (this replaced the earlier Class B debenture model for new entrants). The deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable but will be used to offset the last month's fee on graduation or when proper withdrawal notice is served, provided all fees are paid. If a Class B debenture was already paid on enrolment, the tuition deposit is not required.
- Redeemable debentures: Class A and Class B debenture arrangements and nominal values are published for ESF kindergartens where applicable; previously issued debentures are redeemable under the stated terms. In 2026 the Class B debenture was replaced by the tuition deposit for new admissions, with specific redemption/offset rules applying.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable to Wu Kai Sha International Kindergarten (day kindergarten only).

Other costs and fees

- Application administration: the application fee (HK$1,000; changing to HK$1,500 from 1 Sep 2026) is charged per application and is non-refundable.
- Tuition deposit on acceptance: HK$9,000 (non-interest-bearing; applied to final month's fees subject to proper notice).
- Debenture/capital levies and other one-off charges: ESF publications and school communication list possible additional charges such as debenture arrangements or capital levies for other school levels; specific debenture arrangements (Class A/Class B) and any capital levies are handled under ESF policy and vary by circumstance.
- Uniform, materials and activity fees: Uniforms, learning materials, excursions, optional after-school activities and transport are typically charged separately where provided. Parents should expect additional out-of-pocket costs for uniforms and optional services; refund and cancellation terms for extracurricular programmes follow ESF Explore/activities policies (for example, short-notice cancellations may incur an administrative fee). Specific amounts for uniform, bus or activity fees are set by the school or service provider and are payable in addition to tuition.

Refund information and withdrawal terms

- Application fee: non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Tuition deposit: will be used to offset the last month's tuition when a pupil graduates or leaves after proper notice (one calendar month's withdrawal notice via the ESF App / ESF Hub is required). The tuition deposit is forfeited where short notice or no formal notice is provided.
- Debenture refunds: redeemable debentures (where previously required) are refunded according to the published debenture terms, subject to settlement of outstanding fees and correct notice of withdrawal.
- After-school/activities refunds: refunds for ESF Explore or similar programmes are subject to the provider's cancellation policy; a partial refund minus an administrative fee may apply for late cancellations as set by the activity provider.

Fee payment options

- Regular tuition payments: collected monthly by direct debit (autopay) from a designated bank account. Direct Debit Authorisation forms are used to set this up. Employers sometimes pay directly; in such cases an employer cheque may be required by the school's deadline.
- Application fee payment: online by credit card via PayPal (online application system).
- Cheques: accepted in specified circumstances (for example, employer settlement of advance fees when instructed) with stipulated submission deadlines and payee details.

Contacts for billing and payments

- ESF Billing Team email and telephone are published for fee enquiries and payment arrangements. Parents should use the ESF billing contacts for receipts, direct-debit setup or employer payment arrangements.
Academics

Wu Kai Sha International Kindergarten teaches IB (PYP), Reggio Emilia Approach.

Curriculum
IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) curriculum; IB World School since August 2013. English is the primary language of instruction, and Mandarin is taught as an additional language. Language development supports bilingual and multilingual learners. Learning through play and inquiry fosters independent learners and critical thinkers.

Higher Education Progression
Guaranteed placement at ESF Sha Tin Junior School or ESF Beacon Hill School via the associated school model.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school prioritises holistic development in line with IB principles, emphasising intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and creative growth for all learners.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
null

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school operates within the ESF network, the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong, indicating English-medium instruction across the network.

Mental Wellbeing
null

Safeguarding
null
Parent Experience

History
ESF Wu Kai Sha International Kindergarten opened in 2009 and is located at Level 1, 599 Sai Sha Road, Ma On Shan, Sha Tin, Hong Kong. The school serves children aged 3 to 5 and has 336 students. The curriculum is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme, and it has been authorised as an IB World School since August 2013. It is one of 22 ESF schools.

Community
ESF Wu Kai Sha International Kindergarten is part of the English Schools Foundation network, serving families in and around Ma On Shan. The campus includes a garden and a kitchen to support hands-on learning about nature, cooking, and healthy living. Learning is inquiry-based within the IB PYP framework, with progress shared through reports, shared learning days, parent-teacher check-ins, and digital portfolios. Families can arrange tours and visits, and school bus routes serve New Territories and Kowloon.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school has spacious and vibrant classrooms and indoor and outdoor play areas. A library sits at the front entrance with a collection of children's books and resources for regular use with teachers. Outdoor learning is a feature, with activities such as gardening, Forest School, and Beach School. The learning environment is designed to be stimulating, flexible, and responsive to the needs and interests of students. The environment is regarded as the 'third teacher' in learning.

Academic Facilities
The school follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). Assessment methods include reports and digital portfolios. The library supports reading and learning as part of the academic program. Educators are experienced in early childhood education and provide individualized care. It is an authorised IB World School.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Outdoor learning programs include gardening, Forest School, and Beach School. Educational visits and events provide off-campus learning experiences. Family Workshops are offered to deepen families' understanding of the program. The Parent Staff Association (PSA) organizes community events and resource enrichment.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
ESF Wu Kai Sha International Kindergarten follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). The curriculum emphasises playful inquiry-based learning, independent thinking, and personal development. Assessment methods include reports and digital portfolios. Students develop understanding, knowledge and skills across all areas of the curriculum.

Arts & Creative
Arts are a central part of daily learning, with music, dance, visual arts, and dramatic play supporting creativity and collaboration. The Arts are highlighted in daily life, and cooking experiences provide hands-on opportunities to explore textures, tastes, and cultures. These activities foster imagination, expression and collaborative problem-solving.

Cultural & Language
English is the language of instruction at WKSK, reflecting its English-medium international education within the ESF network. The school follows the IB PYP, which supports global perspectives and language development. The library program enhances literacy through storytelling, book clubs and interactive activities.

Social & Hobbies
Daily Life includes whole-class sessions with storytelling, music and movement, and teacher-guided small-group activities. Children choose from a range of play experiences, fostering social interaction and personal interests. Regular engagement with the Arts and cooking activities provides additional hobby-like opportunities.

Community & Service
The Parent Staff Association (PSA) organizes community events and helps with resource acquisitions, enriching the school experience for families and staff. The PSA also runs a volunteer program that enables families to actively contribute to school life. Family Workshops are offered to deepen understanding of the program and early childhood development.

Leadership & Professional
The PSA provides leadership opportunities for parents to engage in school life and support the community. Family Workshops offer professional development topics related to early childhood development. The school emphasises strong family partnerships as a core aspect of the learning community.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Outdoor Learning is a feature of WKSK, with activities such as gardening, Forest School and Beach School for immersive experiences. The daily life program highlights the Arts and cooking experiences, supporting wellbeing, creativity and healthy lifestyle habits. Regular movement, storytelling and hands-on activities contribute to physical and mental wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision
The curriculum is based on the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). English is the primary language of instruction; Mandarin is taught as an additional language with a dedicated Chinese Teaching Team; Language education extends beyond English proficiency.

Bilingual Teaching
English is the primary language of instruction. Mandarin is taught as an additional language.
Admissions

Admissions
1) Learn about admissions by attending information sessions, seminars, workshops and open days hosted throughout the year. These events let families meet staff, tour the campus and ask questions about joining ESF Wu Kai Sha International Kindergarten. Information sessions and school tours help families understand the ESF admissions pathway and what to expect when joining Wu Kai Sha. To arrange a campus visit, complete the registration form on the Visit Us page; ESF will follow up with your registration by email. 2) Central admissions process: Admissions to ESF Wu Kai Sha International Kindergarten are handled centrally through ESF, with staff from both the on-site admissions team and ESF Centre on hand to guide you through the process. 3) How to begin: Learn how to apply and access information sessions and school tours through ESF's central admissions channels. The admissions pathway includes information sessions, seminars and open days to help families understand the process. Admissions staff from Wu Kai Sha and ESF Centre guide families through the steps and answer questions.
School Events
The school has not added events
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