Hong Kong International School (HKIS) Review
Overview of the School
An inspiring American style education grounded in inquiry, compassion, and service all underpinned by the Christian faith.
Founded in 1966, Hong Kong International School (HKIS) is a leading private, co-educational school on the south side of Hong Kong Island, for students from Reception 1 (age 4, pre-K) to Grade 12. It operates across two well equipped campuses: the Repulse Bay Campus for Lower Primary (R1–Grade 2) and Upper Primary (Grades 3–5), and the Tai Tam Campus for Middle School (Grades 6–8) and High School (Grades 9–12).
HKIS delivers a rigorous American style, standards based curriculum using the Understanding by Design framework, enriched with Advanced Placement (AP) courses in High School and a strong programme of Chinese studies. The school serves over 3,000 students from 48 nationalities in a warm, inclusive, and vibrant community. HKIS emphasises academic excellence, character development, spirituality, and global understanding, nurturing compassionate, collaborative, and resilient learners under its mission of “Dedicating our minds to inquiry, our hearts to compassion, and our lives to service and global understanding.”
Academic Strengths
HKIS provides an English medium, American curriculum adapted for its international context, promoting inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, creativity, and personalised growth.
Play-based and Reggio Emilia inspired early years develop to a broad, balanced programme in Primary and Middle School. Students then progress to a challenging college preparatory High School pathway featuring over 25 Advanced Placement courses. Small class sizes, differentiated teaching, dedicated literacy and numeracy support, and a focus on real world application and student agency support a wide range of learning styles and needs.
HKIS achieves outstanding academic outcomes and excellent university placements worldwide, with nearly 100% of graduates pursuing tertiary study and approximately 80% attending top colleges and universities in the US (with strong placements in the UK, Canada, Hong Kong, and beyond). The school aims to prepare independent thinkers, confident communicators, and lifelong learners equipped for success.
Pastoral Care and Community Life
Pastoral care lies at the heart of HKIS’s ethos, creating a nurturing, family like environment where every child feels known, supported, and valued. The school prioritises well being, character development, and social-emotional growth within a caring, inclusive setting rooted in Christian values of compassion, respect, and service while fully respecting the spiritual lives of all students.
Dedicated Pastoral Care/Homeroom groups, a team of counsellors, personalised guidance, and strong parent partnerships foster confidence, meaningful friendships, and a sense of belonging. This supportive atmosphere is especially welcoming for American and English speaking families seeking a values driven education, as well as international and local families who appreciate the blend of academic rigour, warmth and inclusivity.
Co-Curricular Life
HKIS offers a diverse co-curricular programme. Activities include sports, performing arts, visual arts, music, drama, STEM, leadership programmes, and over 100 clubs with 30+ service organisations, many running after school. Through extensive service learning, house events, charity work, and community initiatives, students are encouraged to develop leadership skills, teamwork, and a genuine commitment to making a positive difference locally and globally.
Why We Recommend HKIS for Our Students
We recommend Hong Kong International School for families seeking a high quality, American style education in a supportive, inclusive international environment with excellent academic outcomes and strong university preparation.
It particularly suits motivated students who will flourish in a close knit community that balances rigorous academics with personal development and global awareness. Ideal for American and English speaking families in Hong Kong (or those connected to US-style education), as well as international families who value personalised pastoral care, a faith grounded yet respectful ethos, outstanding AP pathways, and an education that develops compassionate, resilient young people ready for success worldwide.