Hong Kong International School (HKIS) is a private, coeducational, college preparatory school for students from reception one (pre-K) to grade 12. Since 1966, HKIS has provided an American-style education grounded in the Christian faith. The school encourages student achievement in an inspiring environment, and its programs reflect the multicultural and international character of the student body. HKIS offers an inclusive learning environment for over 2,900 students of 42 nationalities and diverse religious backgrounds. The school year is comprised of two semesters, extending approximately from mid-August to mid-June.
Organization: HKIS was founded in a partnership between the American business community, the Hong Kong government, and the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (USA). HKIS has four divisions across two campuses located on the south side of Hong Kong Island: Lower Primary (pre-K to grade 2), Upper Primary (grades 3-5), Middle School (grades 6-8) and High School (grades 9-12). The teacher to student ratio is 1:10. HKIS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is a member of the East Asia Regional Conference of Overseas Schools (EARCOS). It is registered with the Education Bureau of the Hong Kong government and licensed as a pre-primary through secondary school.
Curriculum: The HKIS curriculum emphasizes compassion and community service across all grades. HKIS courses challenge and inspire students to be lifelong learners and global citizens. Dedicated to offering the best in academic and co-curricular excellence while supporting the socio-emotional needs of the students, to ensure a solid foundation for university education and a well-rounded life. Nearly 100% of a typical class pursues tertiary study, with over 80% of them at colleges and universities in the United States. Mandarin Chinese is a required course in reception 1 (Pre-K) to grade 5, and one of three languages students can pursue in grades 6-12. HKIS has an established music curriculum that includes strings, choir, and band programs. HKIS offers a visual arts, design, and technology program in the high school, which includes computer programming, digital game design, fashion design, graphic design, photography, robotics, and theater stagecraft. A total of 29 Advanced Placement subjects are available to high school students. HKIS offers a multitude of co-curricular activities, dozens of clubs, and has a competitive athletics program with teams competing in local and international conferences. HKIS is very proud of its strong athletics program and believes that participation can be integral to a student’s total education experience helping them achieve a healthy and balanced life. Middle and high school offer a competitive extracurricular sports program that features sports during the fall, winter, and spring sports seasons. Student athletes will learn, practice, and compete under our qualified coaches, and also will be presented with the opportunity to travel abroad to participate in tournaments hosted by other international school.
Faculty: In the 2022-2023 school year, HKIS has 521 total staff including 259 teachers, 144 of whom are U.S. citizens, 28 host-country nationals, and 91 third-country nationals. In the 2021-2022 school year, there are 257 full-time faculty and 5 part-time faculty members. 73% hold a master’s or higher degree.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year, enrollment is 2,917 (PK-grade 12). Of this total, 1,217 are U.S. citizens, 511 are host-country citizens, and 1,189 are third-country nationals.
Facilities: The school’s facilities include a robotics lab and innovative design spaces, classrooms fully equipped with modern digital learning technology, updated science labs, purpose-built music and art studios, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, swimming pools, tennis courts, and a track and sports field. HKIS is very proud of its strong athletics program and believes that participation can be integral to a student’s total education experience helping them achieve a healthy and balanced life. Middle and High School offer a competitive extra-curricular sports program that features sports during the fall, winter, and spring sports seasons. Student athletes will learn, practice, and compete under our qualified coaches, and also will be presented with the opportunity to travel abroad to participate in tournaments hosted by other international schools.
Finances: About 85% of the school’s academic operations income derives from tuition and fees. Annual tuition rates (including required payment of annual capital levy) are as follows: R1-grade 5: $29,250; grades 6-8: $30,020; grades 9-11: $33,155; grade 12: $33,285. The school also charges an application fee and a one-time entry fee. (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars.)
Special Needs: Download the Special Needs Profile (2023 Special Needs- China, Hong Kong) for this school to learn more about their capability to support students with exceptionalities.
This Fact Sheet is intended to provide general information. Prospective users of the schools may wish to inquire further of A/OPR/OS or contact the school directly for more specific and up-to-the-minute information. Information and statistics are current as of November 2022 and are provided by the school.