Mission and Character of HKIS

Early in Hong Kong’s growth as a world business center, a group of Christian businessmen set their sights on building a school that would educate the whole child: mind, body and spirit. In 1966, supported by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, their dream was realized and Hong Kong International School was founded.

As an international, coeducational day school organized in four divisions (R1-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12), the school serves those in Hong Kong who desire an American college preparatory education in a Christian context. The operations and financial accountability of HKIS are the ongoing responsibility of the Board of Managers of the HKIS Association Limited. The Board is self-perpetuating and appoints Board members to two-year terms, subject to the approval of the Hong Kong Education Department.

HKIS is a member of the East Asia Regional Council of Schools and is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The High School faculty has over 80 certified professionals, 72% of whom hold advanced degrees. There is a ratio of 10 students to each full-time faculty member.

The student body is drawn from families in the business, diplomatic, missionary and professional communities. Our students are culturally diverse, achievement-oriented and highly motivated. More than a quarter of our graduating class has attended HKIS since kindergarten.

With all instruction in English, the school normally admits, on a priority basis, students from American schools around the world. It considers other applicants on the basis of previous academic performance and competence in English.

HKIS is grounded in the Christian faith, while respecting the spiritual lives of all of its community. HKIS expresses its Christian commitment formally through such activities as religious instruction and monthly Community Gatherings at the high school. Our goal is for students to understand and respect Christianity and other faiths. We are committed to be a community that values generosity, goodwill and discipline. Ours is a “community of character” in which all participants are encouraged to respect and value others. Our commitment is to honor all religions and to encourage a respectful dialogue about the significance of faith in our individual searches for meaning and well being.

Hong Kong International School is committed to the liberal arts as the best preparation for life and service in our rapidly changing world. Our efforts focus on the whole person, with emphasis on academic excellence, character development and service to others. HKIS seeks to offer a challenging educational experience in which each student can develop his or her intellect, imagination, independence and responsibility in a setting that emphasizes the importance of spiritual and faith development. At HKIS we believe that education includes both the “honing of the intellect” and the “preparation of the heart and will” for love and service to others.

MISSION Dedicating our minds to inquiry, our hearts to compassion, and our lives to service and global understanding

An American-style education grounded in the Christian faith, and respecting the spiritual lives of all

VISION HKIS will be a leading place of learning that inspires a socially engaged community of collaborative, creative, and resilient learners dedicated to realizing their full potential.

Student Learning Results

Academic Excellence Students will achieve their intellectual potential by striving for and attaining the highest standards of academic excellence.

Spirituality Students will understand and respect Christianity and other faiths and will identify and develop their own spiritual identity.

Character Development and Values Students will demonstrate respectful and caring attitudes at school and in the community, as well as the courage to stand up for what is right.

Self-Motivated Learning Students willingly apply a variety of learning and motivation strategies throughout their learning process.

Contributing to Society Students will develop the skills they need to form genuine relationships in our diverse society and to make contributions to our community.

Chinese Culture Students will gain an understanding of China and an appreciation of the Chinese culture.