Hong Kong International School, widely known as HKIS, is one of the most established American curriculum schools in Hong Kong. Founded in 1966 with a Lutheran heritage, it teaches a United States style programme from the early years to Grade 12 across two campuses on the south of Hong Kong Island, and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. It is widely regarded as a flagship American curriculum school in Asia.
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At a glance
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Curriculum and exam boards | American curriculum with Advanced Placement (College Board) |
| Stage range | Reception to Grade 12, roughly ages 4 to 18 |
| Founded | 1966, Lutheran heritage |
| Accreditation | Accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) |
| Fee band | Premium, among the highest in Hong Kong; debenture system applies |
| Campus area | Repulse Bay and Tai Tam, south Hong Kong Island |
Curriculum and academics
HKIS follows an American curriculum through lower primary, upper primary, middle school and high school. In the high school years students take Advanced Placement courses through the College Board and work towards a United States style diploma, supported by a college counselling programme geared to applications in the United States and worldwide.
Alongside academics the school places weight on character, service and the breadth of the student experience, reflecting its founding values. Chinese language is taught from the early years. Reported outcomes are strong, but exact results vary by cohort and should be confirmed with the school. To see how it sits among the city's American schools, start with the American schools in Hong Kong hub.
Not sure HKIS is the right American school?
Our school finder asks a few questions about your child and shortlists three Hong Kong schools, so you can sense check HKIS against the alternatives.
Hong Kong International School fees
| Stage | Annual tuition |
|---|---|
| Reception 1 to Grade 5 | HKD 231,600 |
| Grades 6 to 8 | HKD 244,500 |
| Grades 9 to 12 | HKD 272,600 |
Source: Hong Kong International School (hkis.edu.hk). Annual tuition (two semesters combined). Excludes annual capital levy, one-time entry fee and optional debentures. Fees are the most recent published figures and exclude one-off costs such as registration, deposits and capital levies. Always confirm current fees directly with the school.
Hong Kong International School sits in the premium band of the city market. Our Hong Kong international school fees guide places premium tuition broadly in the HKD 240,000 to 310,000 a year range, and HKIS day fees fall within that picture, rising by grade toward the high school.
On top of tuition, HKIS operates a debenture or capital certificate system common to premium Hong Kong schools, alongside a registration fee and a refundable deposit. Use the fees guide to model the full annual commitment before you apply, as the capital element can be substantial.
Admissions
Admission to HKIS is competitive, with the largest intake in the early grades and limited places elsewhere. The process includes assessment and a review of school records, and priority structures, including the debenture system, can affect access.
Location and who goes there
Repulse Bay and Tai Tam are coastal, low density districts on the southern side of Hong Kong Island, among the most sought after residential areas for families. The Repulse Bay campus houses the primary years and the Tai Tam campus serves middle and high school, so many HKIS families live on the south side in areas such as Repulse Bay, Stanley and Tai Tam.
The community is international with a substantial North American presence. To set HKIS beside the city's other options, start with the Hong Kong city hub and the American schools in Hong Kong hub.
Hong Kong International School reviews
We do not yet hold verified parent reviews for Hong Kong International School. GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and no school pays to be listed, so we publish a rating only once we can confirm reviews come from real families.
If your child attends or has attended HKIS, your first hand account of the teaching, the facilities and value for money would help the next family. Share it through our school reviews hub.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hong Kong International School an American school?
Yes. HKIS follows a United States style curriculum from the early years to Grade 12, awards an American high school diploma and offers Advanced Placement courses in the high school. It is accredited by WASC.
How much are Hong Kong International School fees?
HKIS sits in the premium band for Hong Kong, broadly in line with the HKD 240,000 to 310,000 range our fees guide records for premium internationals, plus a debenture or capital certificate. Confirm current rates with the school.
Where are the HKIS campuses?
HKIS has two campuses on the south of Hong Kong Island, the primary years in Repulse Bay and the middle and high school in Tai Tam.
How hard is it to get into HKIS?
Admission is competitive, particularly in the early grades, and priority structures including the debenture system can affect access. Early planning is advisable.
When do Hong Kong International School applications open?
Entry is assessed by grade and the school is selective. Contact the school early to confirm the current application window and debenture arrangements.
