A New Year Begins: Hong Kong's International Schooling System
Hong Kong is a multicultural city that attracts expatriates from all over the world. With its bustling economy and vibrant lifestyle, it has become a popular destination for families looking to give their children a global education. Hong Kong is home to several renowned international schools that offer world-class education, catering to the diverse needs of expat families. In this article, we will explore the eight best international schools in Hong Kong, their unique features, and what they offer to students.
Hong Kong International School (HKIS)
Founded in 1966, HKIS is one of the leading international schools in Hong Kong. With campuses in multiple locations, this school offers education from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. HKIS is known for its rigorous academic curriculum, exceptional faculty, advanced facilities, and a 1:1 iPad program to enhance learning. The school offers a strong focus on the arts and athletics, providing a well-rounded education to its students.
German Swiss International School (GSIS)
As the name suggests, GSIS offers a bilingual German-English program, making it an excellent choice for expat families from German-speaking countries. Founded in 1969, GSIS provides education from Kindergarten to Grade 12. The school's curriculum follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, and German is taught at both native and non-native levels. GSIS also emphasizes music, performing arts, and technology integration into its curriculum.
Singapore International School (SIS)
SIS is a popular choice among expat families as it follows the Singaporean curriculum, known for its excellence in mathematics and science education. With campuses in various parts of Hong Kong, SIS offers a holistic education from Pre-School to Grade 12. The school focuses on developing students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity skills. SIS also offers a strong co-curricular program, including sports, arts, and community service activities.
French International School (FIS)
Founded in 1963, FIS is one of the oldest international schools in Hong Kong. As the name suggests, it follows the French curriculum and offers education from Kindergarten to Grade 12. With campuses in both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, FIS provides a bilingual education in both French and English. The school emphasizes strong cultural ties and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, performing arts, and technological innovation.
Chinese International School (CIS)
CIS is a bilingual English-Chinese school that offers education from Pre-Primary to Grade 12. The school values an integrated approach to learning, blending Eastern and Western educational philosophies. CIS is known for its strong Chinese language program and its commitment to environmental sustainability. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and community service.
Australian International School (AISHK)
Founded in 1995, AISHK offers education from Prep to Year 12, following the Australian curriculum. With state-of-the-art facilities and a strong focus on academic excellence, AISHK prepares students for tertiary education in Australia or other English-speaking countries. The school offers a well-rounded educational experience with a significant emphasis on sports, performing arts, and outdoor education.
Canadian International School (CDNIS)
CDNIS follows the Canadian curriculum and offers education from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. With a focus on inquiry-based learning, CDNIS promotes creativity, critical thinking, and global citizenship. The school provides a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and community service. CDNIS is also known for its strong technology integration in classrooms.
Hong Kong Academy (HKA)
HKA is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School that offers education from Early Childhood to Grade 12. The school places a strong emphasis on personalized learning and aims to develop students' critical thinking, creativity, and social skills. HKA offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including an extensive performing arts program, athletics, and service-learning initiatives.