SCHOOL NEWS – Guide To Hong Kong School News And Openings In 2024

THE FRENCH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HONG KONG: 60 Years Of Excellence In Education

Celebrating 60 years of educational excellence, The French International School of Hong Kong reflects on a remarkable journey marked by a commitment to academic achievement, cultural diversity, and global citizenship.

The school takes pride in pioneering several milestones, being the first to offer Mandarin classes in 1973 and achieving World IB School status in 1988. This significant anniversary provides an opportunity to recognize the outstanding achievements of the dedicated staff, express gratitude for unwavering parental support, and applaud the exceptional accomplishments of our students. The festivities included a series of exciting events, with the Diamond Jubilee Gala as the highlight, where 300 guests enjoyed a night of fine dining and entertainment at the Aberdeen Marina Club.

Looking forward, The French International School of Hong Kong remains steadfast in providing an exceptional educational experience, preparing students to be well-rounded individuals ready to positively impact the world. Here's to 60 years of achievements, growth, and the enduring pursuit of excellence!

The French International School of Hong Kong, +852 2892 3677, [email protected], www.fis.edu.hk

Chai Wan Campus
1 Cheung Man Road, Chai Wan, Hong Kong

Blue Pool Road Campus
165 Blue Pool Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong

Jardine’s Lookout Campus
34 Price Road, Jardine’s Lookout, Hong Kong

Tseung Kwan O Campus
28 Tong Yin Street, Tseung Kwan O, N.T.

GUIDEPOST AND WOODLAND: Three Woodland Campuses Will Be Transformed, Reopening In August As Guidepost Montessori Schools

Guidepost Montessori celebrated the integration of Woodland Pre-Schools into its network last year, marking a significant milestone for a school group with over 40 years of history in Hong Kong. This summer, the transition will culminate as three Woodland campuses undergo a transformation, reopening in August as Guidepost Montessori schools, featuring updated learning environments and exciting play spaces. The objective is to unite the largest community of like-minded families in Hong Kong, providing them with the best educational program for their children and an unparalleled service experience for parents.

As a school that has educated generations of children in the city, Woodland Pre-Schools' legacy will persist through Guidepost Montessori, offering a modern educational program designed to prepare children for contemporary challenges. With a commitment to Montessori's child-centered principles, the transition ensures the implementation of a comprehensive Montessori curriculum tailored to meet the needs of today's students.

Guidepost Montessori actively strives to deliver exceptional customer service, recognizing and honoring the trust parents place in them. The successful transition of the Woodland Pok Fu Lam and Woodland Happy Valley campuses in 2023, retaining a significant percentage of children and staff, reflects their dedication and commitment. By joining Guidepost Montessori, families not only enroll their children in a school but also become part of a broader community with numerous opportunities for family engagement and connections.

Guidepost Montessori Kennedy Town, 1-2 Floor, 554 Queen’s Road West, Sai Wan +852 3619 1136, kennedytown@guidepostmontessori.com,  www.guidepostmontessori.com

Causeway Bay Family Club: https://calendly.com/guidepost-family-club-causeway-bay/private-tour
Guidepost Montessori Chai Wan: https://calendly.com/guidepost-montessori-chai-wan/
Guidepost Montessori Clearwater Bay: https://calendly.com/guidepost-montessori-clearwater-bay/
Guidepost Montessori Discovery Bay: https://calendly.com/guidepost-montessori-discovery-bay/private-campus-tour
Guidepost Montessori Happy Valley Hawthorn Road: https://calendly.com/guidepost-montessori-happy-valley/private-tour-hawthorn-road
Guidepost Montessori Happy Valley Sing Woo Road: https://calendly.com/guidepost-montessori-happy-valley/private-tour-singwooroad
Guidepost Montessori Kennedy Town: https://calendly.com/guidepost-montessori-kennedy-town/
Guidepost Montessori Pok Fu Lam: https://calendly.com/guidepost-montessori-pok-fu-lam/
Academy of Innovation Primary School: https://calendly.com/academy-of-innovation-primary-school/

SHREWSBURY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HONG KONG: Digital Parents Workshops Series

Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong is pleased to announce its latest series of parent workshops, where parents can tap into the expertise of the school's exceptional staff team. These digital workshops will take place every Wednesday for 40 minutes at 5pm. Each session is thoughtfully designed for accessibility and will delve into five key tips on various themes. Mark your calendars for the upcoming workshops: "Five Ways to Develop Mathematical Fluency" on September 27, "Five Ways to Boost Childhood Immunity" on October 11, "Five Ways to Support Chinese Learning as a Non-Native User" on November 8, "Five Ways to Effectively Manage Challenging Behavior" on November 22, and "Five Ways to Inspire Children to Write" on December 6. These sessions promise valuable insights to enhance your child's education and well-being.

Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong, 10 Shek Kok Road, Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong, +852 2480 1500, [email protected], www.shrewsbury.edu.hk

HONG KONG ACADEMY (HKA): Reduced Fees For Pre-K Programme In Hong Kong For 2024

Hong Kong Academy (HKA) has recently revised the fees for its Pre-Kindergarten program, making it more accessible to families. The updated fee structure now includes a one-time, non-refundable application fee of HK$1500, along with annual tuition fees of HK$109,000, which are billed on a semester basis.

Applications are currently being accepted for the August 2024 intake, and there are limited spaces available for mid-year entry in the 2023/2024 academic year. HKA's Pre-Kindergarten program is specifically designed for children aged 3 to 5, offering engaging and enriching 4.5-hour daily programs. Additionally, students have the option to enroll in an after-school program for extended learning opportunities.

To ensure personalized attention and effective learning, class sizes are limited to 18 students, with two qualified teachers present throughout the day. This allows for individualized instruction tailored to each student's specific needs and learning style. HKA is committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for young learners, fostering their holistic growth and development.

Hong Kong Academy, www.hkaacademy.edu.hk

SMALL WORLD CHRISTIAN KINDERGARTEN: First Kindergarten To Join TASS Hong Kong

In February 2023, Small World had a signing ceremony with The Alliance for Sustainable Schools (TASS), officially declaring the school's commitment to continue to practice sustainable habits. Small World became one of the founding members and the first kindergarten to join TASS' network of schools! The school is committed to leading our learners to a more sustainable future and aims to develop a sense of awareness about the environment in a meaningful way for young children. As part of their international learning, they embed sustainable habits and practices in the classroom, whilst emphasizing the importance of recycling, reusing, and reducing. The International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) used at Small World has thematic units which offer many ways for the children to learn and explore the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sustainability practices in the classroom are also intentionally linked to IEYC’s personal goals such as “respect” and “international mindedness.” In addition, their campus has a beautiful outdoor garden which provides many opportunities for the children to appreciate nature through their play and learning.

Small World Christian Kindergarten, 10 Borrett Road, Mid-Levels, +852 2525 0922, admissions@smallworld.edu.hk, www.smallworld.edu.hk

KELLETT SCHOOL, THE BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HONG KONG: Open Evenings

Kellett School, the esteemed British International School in the heart of Hong Kong, is excited to invite all prospective parents to their Open Evenings! Join them at both the Kowloon Bay Campus, featuring the Prep and Senior School, as well as the Pok Fu Lam Campus, home to the Prep School. This is your opportunity to explore their welcoming campuses and engage in meaningful conversations with members of the Senior Leadership Team, who are eager to answer any questions you may have. Sign up now to secure your spot for these informative and enlightening events:

• Kowloon Bay Campus [Prep and Senior School]: 6 pm on Monday, September 18, 2023
• Pok Fu Lam Campus [Prep School]: 6 pm on Monday, September 25, 2023

Kellett School, Kowloon Bay Prep and Senior, 7 Lam Hing Street, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong, +852 3120 0700, www.kellettschool.com

Pok Fu Lam Preparatory School: 2 Wah Lok Path, Wah Fu, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong

WOODLAND PRE-SCHOOLS: Discover The Woodland Pre-Schools Journey

Calling all parents with little ones aged 6 months to 6 years! Don't miss out on the chance to join the Woodland Journey and uncover why Woodland Pre-Schools has been a beloved institution in Hong Kong for 45 years. Two special dates await you: Thursday, 14 September, and Saturday, 23 September. For more details or inquiries, feel free to contact them at +852 2526 9478 or visit their website at woodlandschools.com. Get ready for an adventure-filled day of learning and fun with your little ones!

The Woodland Montessori Pre-School (Caine Road), On Fung Building, 110-118 Caine Road, Mid Levels, Hong Kong | Woodland Sai Kung Pre-School, Shop D, G/F, Marina Cove Shopping Centre, Sai Kung, N.T., +852 2526 9478, https://woodlandschools.com

ESF: ESF Sports & Language Is Now Rebranded As ESF Explore

ESF Sports & Language is now rebranded as ESF Explore to celebrate and reflect its expanding educational offerings. The new brand positioning is “Inspire and Explore: Learn. Create. Grow.”

With a curriculum developed to nurture the whole child, ESF Explore’s wide range of classes, courses, and activities furthers this aim and caters to children from infants to teens. Their categories have expanded to include playgroups, sports, language classes, arts, drama, STEM learning, and more.

ESF Explore, 2/F The Jockey Club Sarah Roe Centre, 2A Tin Kwong Road, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2711 1280, [email protected], www.esfexplore.org.hk

ESF: ESF To Drop Zoning Requirement For School Admissions Starting August 1, 2023

Starting from August 1, 2023, the English Schools Foundation (ESF) will implement a new admissions policy that removes the geographical requirement for school applications. Previously, families could only apply to ESF schools within their allocated geographical area based on their residential address. However, the new policy allows families to apply to any of the 22 ESF schools regardless of their location in Hong Kong. This change will be applicable to applications submitted on or after August 1, and parents already in the application process will be given the opportunity to revise their school choices.  More information is here!

ESF Schools, https://www.esf.edu.hk/

HONG KONG: 23 Students Receive Perfect IB Score In 2023

This year, twenty-three students in Hong Kong achieved a perfect score in the International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, which is a decrease from the previous year's count of 93. The IB awarding body has noted that the distribution of grades has returned to pre-pandemic levels. This decline in the number of top scorers locally, by over 70%, reflects a global trend. Worldwide, only 179 candidates achieved full marks compared to 640 in the previous year. Across Hong Kong, a total of 2,275 students received their results for the IB's Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP), alongside 179,917 students worldwide.

• Eight students from the English Schools Foundation
• Three students from Diocesan Boys' School in Mong Kok
• Two students from St. Paul's Co-educational College in the Mid-Levels
• Two students from the Singapore International School
• One student from the Canadian International School
• One student from the Independent Schools Foundation Academy

IB Scores, https://www.ib-schools.com/hong-kong-league-tables

YU CHUN KEUNG MEMORIAL COLLEGE: Pioneers in Chat GBT Teaching In Hong Kong

Did you know that Yu Chun Keung Memorial College in Hong Kong was one of the pioneers in integrating AI tools like ChatGPT in their classrooms? They took a bold step by introducing AI chatbots for non-science subjects like language and history back in January 2023, shortly after the unveiling of ChatGPT by Microsoft-backed OpenAI. Principal Yeung Hok-hoi acknowledges the risks and limitations of artificial intelligence but believes that it's crucial for schools to prepare students for the future in the age of AI. By embracing these technologies, they aim to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in their future careers.

YU CHUN KEUNG MEMORIAL COLLEGE, 1 Chi Fu Close, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, [email protected], https://www.yck2.edu.hk/

STAMFORD AMERICAN SCHOOL HONG KONG: Meet the Elementary School Principal

Stamford American School Hong Kong is a K-12 IB school delivering an internationally accredited rigorous US curriculum located in the heart of Kowloon. Stamford's senior academic leadership team boasts 133 combined years of experience; incoming Elementary School Principal, Ms. Rae Lang, continues this tradition of leadership excellence. Holding 34 years of experience, beginning in her native country New Zealand and expanding to Vietnam and Hong Kong, she leads with a global mindset that understands learners of all languages and backgrounds and empowers them to achieve growth and confidence. Currently, the Director of Teaching & Learning and Designated Safeguarding Lead at Woodlands Preschools Hong Kong, Stamford, will be Ms. Lang's third Cognita school.

Come for a tour to meet Stamford's fantastic leadership team and expert faculty to learn how they nurture and inspire children to achieve their tremendous potential. Book here today!

Stamford American School Hong Kong, 25 Man Fuk Road, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2500 8688, [email protected], www.sais.hk.edu

ANJISI SCHOOL: New Kindergarten And Primary School Opening In 2023 With Local International Curriculum

Hot off the press! Anjisi School opened its doors to students in 2023 and is located in Kam Tin, Hong Kong. The immense 150,000 sq feet property includes a six-story building, performing arts hall, swimming pool, and much more.  The school offers a blend of local and international curricula and offers IB and IGCSE programs at secondary school.

Anjisi School, Fuller Gardens, N0.8 Chui Lok Street, Tai Po, Hong Kong, https://www.anchors.edu.hk/

ESF ISLAND SCHOOL: New Campus Rebuilt In Hong Kong

On January 11, 2023, ESF Island School celebrated the official opening of its transformed Borrett Road campus. The nine-year project has resulted in a remarkable 'new' campus spanning eight floors and encompassing over 24,000 square meters. With 42 modern classrooms, 13 laboratories, a four-story outdoor climbing wall, a spacious sports hall, a dedicated performance space, and an eight-lane indoor swimming pool, the campus offers state-of-the-art facilities for students to thrive. The opening ceremony was graced by The Secretary for Education Dr. Christine Choi Yuk-lin, JP, marking a significant milestone in the school's history.

ESF Island School, https://island.edu.hk/

ESF SCHOOLS: Construction Completion Of The Flagship School Structure

English Schools Foundation (ESF) celebrates the completion of the construction of the flagship school structure. They will continue to work on fitting out the building, with the project on track to be finished for the new academic year in August 2022. The new school will offer state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities!

English Schools Foundation, +852 2574 2351, [email protected], www.esf.edu.hk

DALTON SCHOOL HONG KONG: New Bilingual Primary School In West Kowloon

Hot off the press! Dalton School Hong Kong (DSHK) is a non-profit, child-centered dual-language private independent school located in the new vibrant West Kowloon Cultural District. The school is a true dual-language school (50% English / 50% Putonghua) that follows the US Common Core and Beijing Tsinghua University Primary School standards. The primary school is approximately 75,000 square feet, with another 20,000 square feet used for the kindergarten and preschool.

The school campus offers a range of facilities to cater to various needs and interests. These include an indoor and covered play area, providing a safe and enjoyable space for students to engage in recreational activities. A multi-purpose sports/concert hall is available for sports activities as well as hosting concerts and events. The campus also features a library and learning space, equipped with resources to support students' academic endeavors. A Chinese literacy center is dedicated to enhancing language skills in Chinese. Additionally, there are dedicated rooms for drama, dance, art, and orchestra, allowing students to explore and develop their creative talents. Science, home economics, maker space, and robotics rooms provide specialized spaces for hands-on learning and experimentation. Lastly, a professional development center is available for teachers to engage in continuous learning and professional growth.

Admissions are now open to students from reception to middle schoolers and Dalton's High School (Grades 9-12) will commence in 2025. Click here for application information, including SEN inquiries.

Dalton School Hong Kong, G/F, Imperial Cullinan, 10 Hoi Fai Road, Kowloon, +852 3612 4660, [email protected] , www.dshk.edu.hk

ISSIA HK: Student-Led Platform To Discuss Social Issues

To find out more about this great initiative, visit issiahk.org or Instagram @issia.hk.