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Expat Exchange - Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Hong Kong 2024
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Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Hong Kong

By Betsy Burlingame

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: If you're moving to Hong Kong with kids, choosing a school if often your first decisions and impacts where you'll live. Here are some popular bilingual and international schools in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant expat community and a plethora of international and bilingual schools catering to diverse educational needs. With a high concentration of expatriate families, the city boasts a wide range of educational institutions offering various curricula, including the International Baccalaureate (IB), British, American, and other national systems. Among the most popular are the Hong Kong International School (HKIS) and the Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS), both known for their rigorous academics and comprehensive extracurricular programs.

Hong Kong International School (HKIS)

Grades: Reception 1 through Grade 12
Location(s): Tai Tam and Repulse Bay
Website: www.hkis.edu.hk

Hong Kong International School is a leading American-style education institution that offers a challenging curriculum from early childhood to pre-university levels. The school emphasizes holistic education, with state-of-the-art facilities, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a commitment to service learning. HKIS is known for its strong sense of community and its dedication to fostering global citizenship among its students.

Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS)

Grades: Pre Reception through Grade 12
Location(s): Aberdeen
Website: www.cdnis.edu.hk

CDNIS is a private, independent school that offers both the IB Diploma Programme and the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. With a focus on creating a balanced educational environment, CDNIS provides a wide array of academic, arts, and athletic programs. The school's modern campus features excellent facilities, including a performing arts theatre, a double gymnasium, and a rooftop garden.

German Swiss International School (GSIS)

Grades: Kindergarten through Secondary School
Location(s): The Peak and Pok Fu Lam
Website: www.gsis.edu.hk

GSIS offers a bilingual education in German and English, following both the German curriculum and the IB curriculum. It is known for its rigorous academic standards and a strong language program. The school's facilities include a library, science laboratories, and dedicated art and music rooms, providing a well-rounded education for its international student body.

French International School (FIS)

Grades: Kindergarten through Year 13
Location(s): Tseung Kwan O and Jardine's Lookout
Website: www.fis.edu.hk

FIS offers a bilingual French-English program and follows the French national curriculum, leading to the French Baccalaureate or the International Baccalaureate. The school is known for its multicultural environment, strong emphasis on languages, and a broad range of extracurricular activities. Its state-of-the-art campus in Tseung Kwan O features a swimming pool, sports fields, and a theatre.

English Schools Foundation (ESF)

Grades: Kindergarten through Year 13
Location(s): Multiple locations across Hong Kong
Website: www.esf.edu.hk

The English Schools Foundation is the largest provider of English-medium international education in Hong Kong, with 22 schools across the territory. ESF schools offer the IB curriculum and are known for their high academic standards, diverse student body, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. ESF schools are equipped with excellent facilities to support students' learning and development.

Stamford American School Hong Kong

Grades: Pre-Primary through High School
Location(s): Ho Man Tin
Website: www.sais.edu.hk

Stamford American School provides an inquiry-based learning approach with a standards-based curriculum. The school offers the IB Diploma Programme and American Education Reaches Out (AERO) standards, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education. Facilities include innovation labs, a swimming pool, and a sports field, fostering a dynamic learning environment.

Yew Chung International School (YCIS)

Grades: Early Childhood Education through Year 13
Location(s): Kowloon Tong and Tseung Kwan O
Website: www.ycis-hk.com

YCIS offers a unique bilingual curriculum in English and Chinese, preparing students for the IB Diploma as well as the IGCSE examinations. The school is renowned for its multicultural ethos, strong pastoral care, and a wide array of extracurricular activities. YCIS's facilities include music and art rooms, science labs, and sports courts, supporting a holistic educational experience.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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