Chinese International School (CIS) Review
Overview of the School
An exceptional bilingual education that seamlessly blends the best of Eastern and Western traditions.
Founded in 1983, Chinese International School (CIS) is a leading private international school in Hong Kong offering a through-train bilingual programme from Reception (age 4) to Year 13. Located on a spacious single campus at Braemar Hill with panoramic views of Victoria Harbour, and supported by a dedicated Year 10 residential Study Centre in Hangzhou, China, CIS delivers a rigorous, intercultural education to over 1,600 students from more than 30 nationalities.
As a pioneer of bilingual education in Hong Kong, CIS provides equal immersion in English and Mandarin (Putonghua) from Reception through Primary, with a strong emphasis on Chinese language, culture, and history. In Secondary, students follow the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Years 7–9, a school-developed bridging programme in Years 10–11 (including the transformative residential year in Hangzhou), and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) in Years 12–13. The curriculum promotes inquiry, critical thinking, creativity, international-mindedness, and a deep sense of responsibility to community and the planet, guided by the school’s ethos “To Seek and To Serve”.
Academic Strengths
CIS offers a high-quality dual-language education that develops true bilingual fluency alongside outstanding academic outcomes.
In Primary, every class has English and Mandarin co-teachers with equal time devoted to both languages; in Secondary, history and other subjects are often taught bilingually. Small class sizes, differentiated instruction, Positive Education, STEAM initiatives, and connected learning support every learner.
The school consistently achieves strong IB Diploma results — with a 99% pass rate, an average score around 39 points, and nearly half the students scoring 40+ — leading to excellent university placements worldwide. This prepares confident, independent thinkers, effective communicators, and lifelong learners equipped for success in a global context.
Pastoral Care and Community Life
Pastoral care lies at the heart of CIS’s ethos, creating a nurturing, family-like environment where every child feels known, supported, and valued. The school prioritises well-being, resilience, character development, and social-emotional growth within a caring, inclusive setting that celebrates the unique East-meets-West spirit of Hong Kong. Strong parent partnerships, personalised guidance, and a commitment to community foster confidence, meaningful friendships, and a true sense of belonging.
This supportive atmosphere is especially welcoming for families seeking deep bilingual proficiency and cultural understanding, as well as those who appreciate the blend of tradition, warmth, innovation, and global outlook.
Co-Curricular Life
CIS offers a vibrant and diverse co-curricular programme. Activities include sports, performing arts, visual arts, music, drama, debate, robotics, STEAM, and extensive community service, with many running after school. Through the IB’s Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) framework and weekly service initiatives, students are encouraged to explore their passions, develop leadership skills, teamwork, and a genuine commitment to making a positive difference locally, in China, and globally. These programmes foster creativity and real-world engagement while reinforcing the school’s values of excellence, intercultural understanding, and service.
Why We Recommend CIS for Our Students
We recommend Chinese International School for families seeking a truly immersive bilingual (English-Mandarin) education in a dynamic, intercultural environment with excellent academic outcomes and strong university preparation.
It particularly suits students who thrive in a vibrant yet nurturing community that balances rigorous academics with personal growth, cultural fluency, and global awareness. Ideal for families who value deep bilingual proficiency, appreciation of Chinese culture alongside international perspectives, the unique Year 10 residential experience in Hangzhou, and an education that develops caring, responsible global citizens ready to bridge East and West, without the scale of much larger institutions.