Hong Kong International School
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$30K – US$33K
Curriculum: American
Age Range: 4–18
Students: 3,000
Location: Hong Kong
Updated February 2026
In Brief
Hong Kong International School is one of Hong Kong's most prestigious American curriculum schools, serving 3,000+ students from 45+ nationalities across two prime Hong Kong Island campuses. While consistently ranked among the city's top-tier institutions with excellent university placements and facilities, the school commands premium fees and operates within an elite social bubble that may not suit all families.
Founded in 1966 by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, HKIS was Hong Kong's first American-style international school and has grown into one of the city's largest and most established institutions. The school operates across two campuses - Repulse Bay for primary students and Tai Tam for secondary - with modern facilities including pools, auditoriums, and specialized learning spaces. Following an American curriculum with AP courses rather than IB, HKIS students consistently achieve strong SAT and ACT scores, leading to placements at top global universities including Ivy League institutions.
Parent and teacher discussions consistently place HKIS in Hong Kong's tier-one schools alongside Chinese International School and Canadian International School. However, the school's elite positioning means families report a wealthy, competitive environment where students often come from Hong Kong's top economic brackets. Teacher compensation is among the city's highest, though the performance-based pay system creates stress for staff. Recent legal challenges from the founding Lutheran church over governance and direction have created uncertainty, though daily operations continue normally. The school's American focus and premium positioning attract families seeking US-style education, though the social environment and costs require careful consideration.
What parents value
- –Consistently ranked among Hong Kong's top-tier international schools
- –Strong university placement record with graduates attending Ivy League and other prestigious institutions
- –Excellent SAT, ACT, and AP exam performance
- –Modern facilities across two prime Hong Kong Island locations
- –Large, diverse student body from 45+ nationalities
- –High teacher compensation and benefits package
- –Established American curriculum pathway
- –Strong alumni network and connections
- –Active extracurricular programs and summer school options
Points of consideration
- –Premium fee structure with 3 million HKD debenture for guaranteed admission
- –Elite social environment may feel exclusive or competitive
- –Performance-based teacher pay system creates workplace stress
- –Ongoing legal dispute with founding Lutheran church creates uncertainty
- –Campus locations require significant commute for many Hong Kong families
- –American curriculum focus may not suit families preferring IB pathway
- –Wealthy student demographic may not reflect broader Hong Kong society
- –Limited availability due to high demand and debenture system
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Reception 1 to Grade 2 | 5 | 29,580 |
| Grades 3 to 5 | 8 | 29,580 |
| Grades 6 to 8 | 11 | 31,228 |
| Grades 9 to 12 | 14 | 33,023 |
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 |
| Entry Fee | 1,916 |
Photos
Academic Results
As of the 2025-26 academic profile, HKIS follows an American curriculum and does not offer the IB Diploma Programme, instead providing 26 Advanced Placement (AP) courses. For the 2025 session, the AP pass rate (score of 3+) was 95%, with 79% of exams earning a 4 or 5. In 2024, the pass rate was also 95%, with 82% scoring a 4 or 5.
Extra Curriculars
HKIS offers a wide range of activities including competitive sports teams (soccer, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, rugby, swimming, tennis, badminton, volleyball), arts programs (band, choir, strings, drama, visual arts, photography), and over 30 student-led service clubs under the 'Seeds of Service' program. A notable component of the High School experience is 'Interim,' an annual 5-day off-campus experimental service and learning program HKIS Athletics, HKIS Clubs & Activities.
The school operates across two campuses. The Tai Tam Campus houses the Middle and High Schools and features the new 22,700 sqm Dragon Center for Activities & Athletics (opened Nov 2025) with an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, rock climbing walls, fitness center, and studios for dance and martial arts. The Repulse Bay Campus for Primary students includes a 'Wonder Lab' (STEM/innovation space), art studios, music rooms, and specialized Chinese classrooms HKIS Dragon Center, HKIS Campus Information.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
- Registered international school with Hong Kong Education Bureau EDB
- no EDB inspection or quality review reports published
Accreditations
- WASC fully accredited
- Not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
HKIS serves over 3,100 students from Reception 1 (age 4) to Grade 12, representing over 45 nationalities (39% US, 20% Hong Kong, 41% other). The faculty-to-student ratio is 1:11. Maximum class sizes are 16-18 for Reception 1, 18-21 for Reception 2 to Grade 2, and 21-24 for Grades 3 to 12 HKIS Academic Profile 2025-26, HKIS FAQ.
Leadership
Ron Roukema - Interim Head of School
Dr. Ron Roukema has served at Hong Kong International School since 2014 in roles including Upper Primary Principal, Provost, and Interim Head of School since 2017.
