Hong Kong International School

A leading, private all-through American school

Since its opening in 1966, Hong Kong International School (HKIS) has been widely regarded as one of the best private schools in the city. As a leading co-educational college preparatory school for students from Reception One (pre-kindergarten) to Grade 12, it is an Americanstyle educational institution that is grounded in the Christian faith. It’s also a fully accredited school by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

With the aim of imparting values that focus on collaboration, resilience and creativity, HKIS operates from the belief that diversity enriches and strengthens communities. It’s a school that, for decades, has taught its students that “society progresses when individuals strive for excellence and seek challenges.”

Providing a warm and inclusive environment for students, the school has over 2,800 students of 40 nationalities and diverse religious backgrounds, celebrating what makes the tapestry of this school

incredibly unique.

With two beautiful campuses in the south side of Hong Kong, one in Tai Tam and one in Repulse Bay, HKIS is divided into four grade groups: Pre-kindergarten to grade 2, upper primary (grades 3-5), middle school (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12).

We sat down with one of the school’s newest additions to its faculty, Mr. Kevin Chang, who is the new director of Chinese Studies and World Languages. He will oversee a team of over 30 Chinese, French and Spanish teachers across the school’s entire World Language program.

“A few years ago, I visited HKIS as part of an expert team to review HKIS’s language programme. I was really impressed by the growth mindset of the school: The language program was very good, and yet the school still tries to improve on areas where they’re already doing well,” says Chang. “As I spent more time at the school, I saw HKIS was not only strong academically, but put a large focus on the ‘softer’ skills, like collaboration and creativity.”

Another aspect of HKIS’s philosophy that is heavily emphasised to both its staff and students, is that “learning thrives in the presence of shared high expectations and mutually respectful relationships.”

According to Chang, who is still settling into the school,

this could not be more true. “HKIS takes great care in getting new teachers settled and oriented. Teachers have a direct impact on student learning and HKIS is clearly making sure that teachers are prepared for their job and taken care of.” In his new role, he wants to see more integration of Chinese culture across the school. “We want to increase collaboration between Chinese Studies teachers and other teachers so we can deepen the learning in our Chinese Studies program.”

With state-of-the-art educational facilities, everimproving curricula and steadfast morals that serve as the foundation for the school, it came as no surprise when HKIS took home the Hong Kong Education Award for ‘Best Student-Centred School’ this year. sg

Hong Kong International School

hkis.edu.hk admissions@hkis.edu.hk