Chinese International School, Hong Kong
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$28K – US$44K
Curriculum: IB
Age Range: 4–18
Students: 1,600
Location: Hong Kong
Updated February 2026
In Brief
Chinese International School is Hong Kong's pioneering bilingual IB school, founded in 1983 and serving over 1,500 students from 30 nationalities on its Braemar Hill campus. As the first Hong Kong school to adopt the IB curriculum, it combines rigorous academics with authentic bilingual English-Mandarin education and strong Chinese cultural integration.
Established in 1983 as Hong Kong's first bilingual international school, CIS has maintained its position as a leader in East-West educational integration for over four decades. The school relocated to its current Braemar Hill campus in 1991, creating a modern educational environment on Hong Kong Island. With more than 1,500 students representing around 30 nationalities, CIS offers genuine bilingual education where English and Mandarin teachers share equal classroom time throughout the primary years, progressing to the full IB curriculum culminating in the Diploma Programme.
The school's commitment to Chinese cultural integration extends beyond language instruction to include experiential learning opportunities like the mandatory Year 10 residential program in Hangzhou, launched in 2013. Recent campus expansion plans include a new facility at 9 Hau Yuen Path opening in August 2028, designed to accommodate Years 2-6 students and increase overall enrollment capacity. With an impressive IB average score of 40.9 out of 45, CIS demonstrates strong academic outcomes while maintaining its bilingual mission and cultural bridge-building approach that distinguishes it from Hong Kong's other international schools.
What parents value
- –First Hong Kong school to adopt IB curriculum, pioneering bilingual education since 1983
- –Strong IB Diploma results with average score of 40.9 out of 45
- –Authentic bilingual program with equal English-Mandarin instruction time
- –Unique Year 10 Hangzhou residential program for cultural immersion
- –Modern Braemar Hill campus with 25m indoor pool, auditorium, and climbing wall
- –Diverse international community with 30+ nationalities represented
Points of consideration
- –Mandarin proficiency expectations may be challenging for non-Chinese speaking families
- –Campus expansion construction may cause temporary disruptions through 2028
- –Limited public information about current leadership team and specific fee structure
- –Single campus location on Hong Kong Island may not suit families in other districts
- –Bilingual academic demands require strong commitment from students and families
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Reception | 5 | 27,601 |
| Year 1 – Year 6 | 5 | 36,605 |
| Year 7 – Year 11 | 11 | 43,208 |
| Year 12 – Year 13 | 16 | 43,783 |
Fees converted from HKD. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | 255 |
| Assessment Fee (Reception) | 255 |
| Assessment Fee (Year 7-13) | 319 |
| Reservation Deposit | 19,158 |
Photos
Academic Results
For the Class of 2025, the average IB Diploma score was 38.95 out of 45, with a 99% pass rate and 49% of students scoring 40 points or higher. Additionally, 28% of students received an IB Bilingual Diploma, and the average subject grade was 6.15 out of 7. In 2024, the average score was 39.7 with a 98.4% pass rate and 63% scoring 40+.
Extra Curriculars
Sports offered include basketball, football, fencing, frisbee, netball, rock climbing, swimming, and volleyball. Competitive teams participate in HKPSSA, PASS, HKSSF, ISSFHK, and ACAMIS leagues. Arts and music programmes cover visual arts, private music lessons, drama, and digital design.
The Braemar Hill campus features an 11-storey academic building ("Phoenix Soaring") opened in 2017. Facilities include two multi-purpose sports centres, a fitness room, an indoor swimming pool, a sports field, science laboratories, design studios, music rooms, art studios, collaborative learning spaces, and flexible classrooms. The campus is designed around three central courtyards.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
- Registered international school with Hong Kong Education Bureau EDB
- Not publicly listed.
Accreditations
- Council of International Schools CIS, New England Association of Schools and Colleges NEASC - 10-year re-accreditation May 2021
Memberships
- Association of China and Mongolia International Schools ACAMIS, National Association of Independent Schools NAIS, East Asia Regional Council of Schools EARCOS.
Student Body
Total enrolment is 1,652 students, consisting of 673 in Primary (Reception to Year 6) and 979 in Secondary (Years 7-9 and 11-13), plus 140+ students in the Year 10 Hangzhou programme. The student body represents over 30 nationalities. The school employs 225 educational staff, resulting in a student-teacher ratio of approximately 7.3:1.
Leadership
Sean Lynch - Head of School
Sean Lynch has served as Head of School at Chinese International School in Hong Kong since August 2018.
