"Hong Kong International School (HKIS) is one of Hong Kong's most established and respected international educational institutions, offering a comprehensive program that spans from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12."
With a mission rooted in developing the whole child — academically, personally, and ethically — the school is guided by Christian values while welcoming students from all backgrounds and beliefs. This combination of strong moral grounding and genuine inclusivity has long defined the school's culture and made it a trusted choice for families relocating to Hong Kong from around the world. HKIS was founded in 1966 under the sponsorship of the American Lutheran Church, making it one of the longest-standing international schools in the city. Over the decades it has grown into a fully accredited institution offering an internationally recognized curriculum designed to prepare students for university admission and lifelong success. The school follows an American-style academic framework enriched with international perspectives, and its graduates consistently gain acceptance to leading universities across the United States, the United Kingdom, and beyond. The curriculum is designed to challenge students at every level while supporting their individual growth, with programs that span the arts, sciences, humanities, athletics, and community service. The language of instruction at HKIS is English, and the school places a strong emphasis on Chinese language learning, reflecting the unique cultural and geographic context of Hong Kong. Students are encouraged to develop meaningful proficiency in Mandarin or Cantonese as part of their broader education, a feature that resonates strongly with both expat families who want their children to engage authentically with the local culture and with families of Chinese heritage seeking an English-medium environment. HKIS operates across two campuses in Hong Kong, both situated on Hong Kong Island. The Lower Primary School is located in Repulse Bay, a scenic residential area on the southern side of the island, while the Upper Primary, Middle, and High School divisions are based in Tai Tam, a quieter, greener enclave that offers a more campus-like setting than much of urban Hong Kong. The Tai Tam campus in particular provides students with generous outdoor and recreational space — a notable distinction in a city where land is at a premium. The student body at HKIS is genuinely international, drawing children from dozens of nationalities, though the school has historically served a significant population of American and other English-speaking expatriate families. This diversity creates a vibrant, globally minded community where students routinely engage with peers from very different cultural backgrounds, an experience that itself becomes part of the education. For relocating families, HKIS offers a familiar yet enriching environment — rigorous academics, strong pastoral care, a values-driven community, and a physical setting that provides a welcome sense of space within one of the world's most dynamic cities. Its decades-long track record and deep roots in Hong Kong's international community make it one of the most compelling school choices the city has to offer.