For families embarking on international relocations, ensuring a seamless education transition for their children is crucial. The challenge amplifies when shifting to a city as diverse and dynamic as Hong Kong. A report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has found that students in international schools often benefit from diverse environments, enhancing their problem-solving skills and cultural awareness. This makes the choice of the right international school even more critical. What to keep in mind about searching for a school overseas Curriculum Offered: Understand if the school provides a globally recognized curriculum or one that aligns with your home country. Accreditation: Ensure the school is accredited by reputable global educational bodies. Language of Instruction: Depending on your child's proficiency, the primary language used in the school can be a determining factor. Facilities & Extracurriculars: Schools with a range of facilities can offer a holistic education, allowing for development outside the classroom. Class Sizes & Teacher-to-Student Ratio: Smaller classes often mean more individualized attention. Our top five international schools in Hong Kong 1. Hong Kong International School (HKIS) Established in 1966, HKIS serves over 2,800 students from Reception 1 (pre-kindergarten) to Grade 12. The school follows an American-style curriculum and aims to instill in its students a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, global understanding, and spiritual well-being. HKIS offers a wide array of extracurricular activities and sports to foster the all-around development of its students. 2. German Swiss International School (GSIS) GSIS is a prestigious bilingual school that offers two parallel streams: the German Stream leading to the German International Abitur, and the English International Stream leading to the IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. Catering to over 1,300 students from kindergarten through to secondary school, GSIS is renowned for its rigorous academic standards and a holistic learning environment that prepares students for global citizenship. 3. French International School (FIS) FIS is a diverse community, educating over 2,700 students from over 40 different nationalities. The school offers two curricula: the French stream prepares students for the French National Education diploma, and the International stream culminates in the IB Diploma. In addition to its strong academic focus, FIS is known for its emphasis on art, sports, and the development of life-long learning skills. 4. Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS) CDNIS is a non-profit school serving over 1,800 students from Reception to Grade 12. It offers a unique blend of the Ontario (Canada) curriculum and the IB program. CDNIS prides itself on its innovation in education, including a strong emphasis on digital literacy, and provides a range of facilities to foster creativity, wellness, and environmental stewardship. 5. English Schools Foundation (ESF) ESF is the largest provider of English-medium international education in Hong Kong, with 22 schools across the city serving over 17,500 students. The Foundation’s philosophy is to enable every student to discover and develop their talents, to pursue their passions and to reach their potential in a community that seeks excellence in all that it does. Students follow the English National Curriculum in their early years, moving to the IB program in the senior years. While these are just five of the many high-quality international schools in Hong Kong, they are representative of the breadth and depth of educational offerings available in this vibrant, cosmopolitan city. However, finding the right school for your child depends on many factors beyond academic excellence, including the curricula offered, the school's philosophy, cultural diversity, and your child's individual needs and interests. With its comprehensive school search service, we are well-equipped to help families find the most suitable school environment for their children during their transition overseas. Start planning your children's school move Want to learn more about finding schools for your children? Get in touch with one of our experts or see our dedicated, in-house school search services page for more information.