School in HK

Hi, wonder if anyone can help me.. we are American, and will be moving to HK in 2010.. we have a 14 year old son, and want to know what options we have as far as schools are concerned. Of course we would consider International Schools, although very expensive, but are there any other options? For example are there any public schools where classes are in English ? Really grateful for some help and advice.. from anyone who has gone through this... I guess I want to know what International schools cost, and what other options there are... We do not work for a Multi-National... we are self employed, so money is an issue (!) Thanks for any help...

The closest thing to a "public" school (in the American sense, not the British sense) with tuition in English is English Schools Foundation. You're still talking 60k+ yearly tuition.


There are several other English speaking schools. Tuition is typically 60k/year and up depending on the school. Plus you must pay a debenture (a sort of bond) of 50-200k on admission. HKIS, the American school, is one of the most pricey. If memory serves tuition is 120k or so yearly. However you don't have to send your son to an American school specifically.


Google the following to start with and read up. Contact them for info. All are good schools, just with different approaches/curricula.

- HK International School. American.

- English Schools Foundation. Runs several British schools including Bradbury School, South Island School and Peak School.

- Kellett School. British.

- German Swiss International School. British curriculum if memory serves.

- French International School - International Section. British curriculum.

- Canadian International School. Canadian.

- Hong Kong Academy.

- International Montessori School.

- Australian International School. Australian.

- Carmel School. Jewish school, and admits Jews only.


DO apply IMMEDIATELY to your 3-4 top picks. By immediately I mean now. Don't wait until you arrive. The waiting lists tend to be long. The non-refundable portion of the application fee is normally under HK$ 1000 and it is well worth it.

At 14 years old, your son will be in a secondary school (high school). ESF secondary is $89,000/ year. All the others (ie international schools) are over $110,00 plus many require debentures and capital levies. Most of the schools post fees on their websites.


There are a few 100% government sponsored English medium schools (ie free or very low fees). Though in English, the educational style is quite local; could be a very big adjustment from a USA high school. If you search on this site for "Local English Medium Schools" or similar, you should find some of the choices.

As Americans, you are unfortunately heavily disadvantaged tax wise. The US global taxation policy means you have to pay US income tax (minus the local tax you pay) wherever you are in the world. Other expats who are paid locally are also taxed locally, which in HK means an effective rate of 10-15% for most. Compare that to the 40+% the higher US tax brackets pay and you can see the problem.


"Though in English, the educational style is quite local; could be a very big adjustment from a USA high school."


Indeed. One need only read some of Cara's excellent posts on the subject (she is a teacher). There is heavy reliance on rote learning for example and if you haven't been drilled in the "method" since early days it is very hard work to adapt.

I just went through this last year. My kid went to international primary school for six years, but the increase in tuition to 90k for secondary right when the economy tanked, got me to look for options. There are not many great government sponsored schools and most of the independent local schools are faith sponsored. Take a look at the Creative Secondary School. So far it is the only gov't sponsored school that is IB certified for the MYP. English is medium of instruction in all classes except mandarin. My girl speaks virtually no Chinese, having gone to ESF, but turns out plenty of the CSS kids speak English. It's not free, but at $49k per year, it is substantially less than other options. But if your boy is into sports it's pretty much limited to soccer, basketball, and track.