American International School vs Christian Alliance International School
American International School and Christian Alliance International School are both in Hong Kong, about 4 km apart. Both schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) programmes. American International School also offers American, and Christian Alliance International School also offers IB, Canadian and Christian. Published annual fees are HK$97,000 - 180,400 at American International School and HK$136,300 - 228,300 at Christian Alliance International School, which puts Christian Alliance International School roughly 31% higher. American International School takes pupils from 3 to 18, and Christian Alliance International School from 5 to 17. Christian Alliance International School is the larger school, with around 1,700 pupils to American International School 's 930.
IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), Canadian Curriculum, Christian Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
930
Pupils
1,700
Typical class size
Typical class size
15
Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1986
Opened
1992
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
AIS is at 125 Waterloo Road, Kowloon Tong, a short walk from Kowloon Tong MTR (Kwun Tong & East Rail lines) and served by multiple KMB bus routes and green minibuses. The site lists step-by-step public transport directions and notes on drop-off/pick-up.
Location
Christian Alliance International School (CAIS) is situated in Butterfly Valley, Lai Chi Kok on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong. The campus is accessible via major public transport links, including nearby MTR stations and bus routes. The surrounding area is urban and well connected, with facilities that serve the local community.
Stages
Stages
AIS is a single-campus “through-train” school with four divisions: Early Childhood 1–Grade 1 Junior, Elementary (Grades 1–4), Middle School (Grades 5–8), and High School (Grades 9–12).
Stages
The school runs as a through-train programme from Preparatory (Kindergarten) through Grade 12. This structure includes Primary (Prep–G6) and Secondary (G7–G12), with students in Grades 11–12 able to pursue the Alberta Diploma, Advanced Placement (AP), or the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP).
School type
School type
AIS operates as a day school.
School type
CAIS is a co-educational international day school with an enrollment of over 1,700 students. It does not provide boarding facilities, with all students commuting daily.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
AIS states it does not have support programs for English as a Second Language or for students with special learning needs; applicants are expected to learn in a regular English academic environment. Student wellbeing is supported by a counseling team in Elementary, Middle, and High School.
Additional learning support
The school provides support for students with mild to moderate learning needs through its Student Support Services team. Provision includes learning support teachers and assistants who collaborate with classroom staff and families to help students access the curriculum. CAIS is not a specialist SEN school.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any country.
Country affiliation
CAIS is accredited by Alberta Education, Canada, to deliver the Alberta curriculum, and also offers AP and IBDP pathways.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliations.
Religious affiliation
The school is a Christian institution, founded by the Kowloon Tong Church of the Chinese Christian and Missionary Alliance (KTAC).
School day structure
School day structure
Published hours: Elementary 8:00–15:30, Middle 8:00–15:30, High 8:00–15:40. Early Childhood 1 offers AM (8:00–12:00), PM (12:30–15:30) or full-day (8:00–15:30); Grade 1 Junior runs 8:00–15:00. Students may be dropped off from 7:30.
School day structure
School days begin at 7:55 am (Primary) and 8:05 am (Secondary). Regular dismissal is mid-afternoon, with Monday featuring an earlier finish (Primary at 2:05 pm, Secondary at 2:35 pm). Published bell schedules also note dedicated chapel/assembly sessions and advisory times.
Bus service details
Bus service details
AIS uses California Coach Limited (the school’s long-standing independent provider) with routes across Kowloon, the New Territories, and Hong Kong Island. Families book online via the school’s link; contact and coverage details are provided on the FAQ page, which also lists private options for areas not served.
Bus service details
The school operates a bus service, referenced in its bell schedules and dismissal notices. Buses depart after school dismissal, including an earlier departure on Mondays. While full provider details are not published, the service is part of daily logistics and coordinated with start and end times for Primary and Secondary.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application fee
* HKD 1,500 (non-refundable, non-transferable).
Tuition (proposed 2025–2026)
* Early Childhood (half day): Per year HKD 97,000; Per installment (x4) HKD 24,250. * Early Childhood (whole day) – Grade 1 Junior: Per year HKD 146,800; Per installment HKD 36,700. * Grade 1 – Grade 4: Per year HKD 152,800; Per installment HKD 38,200. * Grade 5 – Grade 8: Per year HKD 164,400; Per installment HKD 41,100. * Grade 9 – Grade 12: Per year HKD 180,400; Per installment HKD 45,100.
Billing schedule & payment terms
* Annual fee due 1 Aug, or four installments due 1 Aug, 1 Nov, 1 Feb, 1 May. Fees are in HKD and subject to EDB approval. * Payments accepted by e-payment or telegraphic transfer (HSBC); include bank/wire charges, and email proof of payment with student details. * Parents (not employers) are liable for fees; late/returned payments may incur bank or school administration charges. If a place is accepted and the child does not attend, the fee deposit is forfeited.
Capital levy
* First child HKD 12,000; second child HKD 8,000; each additional child HKD 6,000. Payable in full; not refundable.
Other costs
* Uniforms, usage fees, activity fees, OELP trip fees, and field trips (amounts vary by grade) are required before registration is complete.
Refunds
* Partial tuition refund only with at least three months’ written notice; otherwise the shortfall is payable. * Waitlist: deposit credited to first tuition; refundable only if no opening arises within three months.
Fee details
Application Fees A one-time application fee is required for all new students. The fee is HKD 1,500 for Preparatory–Grade 3 and HKD 1,800 for Grades 4–12. This is non-refundable and must be paid by cheque at the time of application.
Tuition Fees (Per Year) Fees are billed in 10 monthly installments across the academic year. The annual tuition fees for 2025–26 are as follows:
Capital Contributions Families must select one of the following options:
Individual Capital Note (ICN): HKD 560,000 (first child), reduced amounts for additional siblings. Refundable or transferable with administrative fees. Annual Capital Levy (ACL): HKD 30,000 per year, non-refundable. This applies if the student is not covered by an ICN or Corporate Capital Note (CCN). Corporate Capital Note (CCN): An option for companies to secure places for nominated students.
Sibling Discount
Second child: 10% Third child: 15% Fourth child and beyond: 20%
Additional Fees A reservation fee equal to one month’s tuition is payable upon acceptance and credited toward the first installment. Administrative fees apply for reissued invoices or mailed documents. Other costs such as uniforms, extracurricular activities, and learning materials are billed separately.
Refund Policy Tuition is non-refundable for any month in which a student attends, even partially. The Annual Capital Levy is also non-refundable. ICN refunds are subject to school policies and administration fees.
Payment Options Payments are accepted by cheque or bank transfer. Cash is not accepted.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
AIS uses a two-season uniform system: summer (August–November) and winter (December–March). The summer uniform consists of a white AIS shirt and navy bottoms with white socks and black shoes; the winter uniform includes a blazer, navy sweater or vest, white shirt, navy bottoms, and black shoes, with Grade 12 seniors wearing a Senior Tie.
Uniform requirement
The school requires full school uniform on campus and at CAIS-sponsored activities. Uniforms are designed and distributed by Uniform Station Limited, with online ordering available and in-person purchasing options. Students maintain modest and neat appearances, and all uniform items should be clearly labelled.
Food options
Food options
On-campus catering is provided by Café Concepts from 8:00am to 1:30pm on school days, offering hot meals, sandwiches, soups, noodles, salads, baked potatoes, pizzas and snacks. Lunch is purchased with credit stored on student ID cards and all canteen transactions are cashless; there is an optional monthly lunch plan for Grade 1–4. Students may bring their own lunch; microwaves are available in the canteen, and EC2 and Grade 1 Junior students eat in classrooms.
Food options
Hot lunch services are provided by Sodexo, offering nutritionally balanced meals. Meals can be pre-ordered online for Grades 7–12 through the Sodexo meal enrollment program.
House system
House system
AIS has three Houses: Phoenix, Tiger, and Dragon. Students are assigned to a house on joining and compete in house activities and events.
House system
The school has a four-house system: Alyward, Simpson, Taylor and Yu. House activities include dodgeball, intramural sports, trivia nights and drama competitions to foster cross-grade connections and house-based competition.
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is governed and financed independently. It is registered by the Hong Kong Education Bureau and fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Governance and ownership
CAIS is a non-profit international school wholly owned by Kowloon Tong Church of the Chinese Christian and Missionary Alliance (KTAC).
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
AIS follows a U.S. standards-based program from Early Childhood to Grade 12; in Early Childhood the play-based curriculum is delivered primarily in English with specialist lessons in Mandarin, music, art and PE, alongside the Second Step social-emotional program.
In Elementary (Grades 1–4), core subjects are English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies, with specialist classes in PE, music, Mandarin and art.
Mandarin is compulsory from Early Childhood through Grade 8.
Middle School (Grades 5–8) uses American-based standards and offers core classes in Humanities (ELA/Social Studies), Math, Science, Mandarin and PE/Health, plus Visual Arts, Music, Performance, and Engineering & Design; learning features project-based units, an Intensives Project Period, and a required Outdoor Education & Leadership “adventure week.”
High School (Grades 9–12) is credit-based (24–28 credits) across English, math, science, humanities/social studies, world languages, PE/health, visual & performing arts, and computer science & technology, with electives; a minimum of five Grade 12 or AP course credits is required for the diploma.
High School offers a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and requires community service (10/10/20/20 hours from Grades 9–12); OELP includes a week-long “Service in Action” trip for every high school student.
Curriculum details
Christian Alliance International School follows the Alberta (Canada) curriculum from Preparatory through Grade 12, which provides the framework for core subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, alongside specialist subjects such as Visual Arts, Music, Physical Education, and Design Technology. In the upper grades, students can pursue Advanced Placement (AP) courses and examinations in selected subjects, allowing them to gain additional university recognition. For Grades 11–12, CAIS also offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) as an alternative pathway, with subjects across all six IB groups, including English A, Chinese A, Economics, Sciences, Mathematics, and Visual Arts. Chinese language learning is part of the curriculum from Preparatory onwards, with pathways into AP Chinese and IBDP Chinese in the senior years. The main language of instruction is English, with Chinese, French, and Spanish taught as additional world languages.
AIS runs a schoolwide Guidance Curriculum based on the International School Counseling Model (ISCM), covering academic, personal, global, and university/career domains.
In Elementary, SEL is delivered through the Second Step program in Early Childhood–Grade 4 under the leadership of the Elementary School Counselor.
Middle School delivers daily advisory lessons (35 minutes) coordinated by the Middle School Counselor, with transition and planning activities in Grade 8.
In High School, SEL and guidance are embedded in advisory, with family webinars offered monthly to support parents. AIS publicly names division counselors as part of its wellbeing support. The school has also hosted wellbeing initiatives such as therapy-dog (Professor Paws) visits.
Social & emotional learning
CAIS integrates social and emotional development through its Pastoral and Advisory Care Team (PACT) programme in the secondary school. The published bell schedules show dedicated Community Time for primary students and Advisory Time for secondary students, which provide opportunities for relationship-building and personal development. Regular Chapel and Assembly sessions also contribute to students’ spiritual and emotional growth. Student Services include counselling support, though detailed SEL initiatives beyond these structures are not published.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
AIS states that it does not have support programs for students with special learning needs; applicants must be able to learn in a regular English academic environment. During admissions, students may be declined when AIS “lacks a program to meet their individual needs,” indicating it is not a specialist SEN institution.
Special educational needs (SEN)
CAIS provides support for students with mild to moderate learning needs. Services are delivered by Learning Support teachers and assistants, who collaborate with classroom staff and families to help students participate in mainstream classes and access the Alberta curriculum. The school is clear that it is not a specialist SEN institution and does not publish provision for severe or complex needs.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
AIS states that it does not have support programs for English as a Second Language (EAL). The language of instruction is English, and students are expected to be proficient users of English appropriate to their grade level.
English as an additional language
CAIS has a structured English Language Learners (ELL) programme. The school publishes an ELL Policy outlining how students are assessed, supported, and monitored, with the goal of enabling them to succeed in the mainstream Alberta and IB programmes. Support is tailored to student needs, and placement decisions are reviewed periodically to ensure progress.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
AIS emphasizes emotional wellbeing as part of the Guidance program and uses advisory time to build healthy habits and self-awareness. Examples of wellbeing activities include relaxation sessions for seniors and Professor Paws therapy-dog visits. The counseling team leads family webinars across the year to help parents support their children. Division counselors (Elementary, Middle, High School) are publicly identified and available to students.
Mental wellbeing
CAIS Student Services include counselling for emotional and mental wellbeing, with support available to students who need guidance. The school also notes that referrals may be made to external professionals if required. Published information highlights the availability of pastoral structures and counselling but does not specify additional programmes or initiatives related to mental health.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
AIS publishes a Safeguarding page outlining its duty of care, commitment to embedding policies, procedures, and guidelines, and clarifying the purpose of its child protection policy.
Campus measures include a single main gate staffed by professional security, CCTV across campus, faculty ID badges, and guest registration with visible lanyards.
Safeguarding
The Student Services page at CAIS references child protection and safeguarding as part of its remit. While the website confirms that safeguarding policies are in place, detailed procedures and protocols are not published openly.
The American International School has a single closed campus at 125 Waterloo Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong. AIS is a through-train school with Early Childhood and Elementary sharing the campus with Middle School and High School, fostering a connected community. The campus emphasizes technology-enabled learning with a 1:1 Apple device program and BYOD; digital projectors are in every classroom, and Grade 3–8 students bring iPads while High School students use MacBooks. On-campus catering is provided by Café Concepts with a cashless lunch system, and transportation is served by California Coach. The campus is maintained in part through an annual capital levy dedicated to campus maintenance.
Facilities overview
The CAIS campus is a single, purpose-built learning community located in Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, West Kowloon. It comprises an Amenities Building, an Academic Building, an Aquatic Centre, and other specialized spaces, all connected to a central library and multiple learning areas. The Academic Building opened in 2017 and includes 70 classrooms, five science laboratories, two gymnasiums, a 200-seat lecture hall and a central whole-school library. The campus features a roof-top, FIFA-standard 7-a-side soccer pitch, a 611-seat Alliance Hall for performing arts, a ground-floor multi-purpose space, and a cafe-style courtyard. The Aquatic Centre houses a 25-meter, eight-lane pool with year-round water and air temperature control. The campus is located at 33 King Lam Street, Lai Chi Kok, and is about a five-minute walk from Lai Chi Kok MTR.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
AIS runs a competitive athletics program with teams across Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Cross Country, Badminton, Track and Field, and more. AIS teams compete in the International Schools Sports Federation Hong Kong (ISSFHK) league.
Sports facilities
A roof-top 7-a-side soccer pitch meets FIFA standards and uses artificial turf for outdoor play. The on-site gymnasiums include a basketball court and a rock-climbing area with an auto-belay system, with the fourth floor housing high-performance facilities for basketball coaching, judo, ballet and related activities. Alliance Hall is a purpose-built 611-seat venue with strong acoustics for performing arts such as orchestra, dance and choral work. A ground-floor multi-purpose space and other flexible learning areas support sports, movement, and informal gatherings across the campus.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
AIS uses United States Common Core standards and offers Advanced Placement (AP) examinations for senior high school. The school maintains a 1:1 Apple device program (iPads for Grades 3–8 and MacBooks for High School), with digital projectors in every classroom. There is a dedicated high school media lab, an on-site e-library, an e-corner in the elementary library, and a growing suite of digital resources accessed through Google Classroom and e-books.
Academic facilities
The Academic Building provides 70 classrooms, five science laboratories, two gymnasiums, a 200-seat lecture hall and a central library, along with nine multi-purpose areas and a fitness center. The building was opened in 2017 as part of CAIS's campus development. The campus sits at 33 King Lam Street, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong, and is within a short walk of Lai Chi Kok MTR and local amenities.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
AIS provides extensive ECAs in Visual & Performing Arts as part of a comprehensive K–12 arts program, along with field trips to venues and galleries. Outdoor Education & Leadership Program (OELP) delivers outdoor activities, camps, overseas service trips, and real-world learning experiences throughout the year.
Extra curricular facilities
World Languages are taught in English followed by Chinese, French and Spanish. The Chinese Studies program includes activities such as Parent-Child Story Competition, Chinese Reading Month, Book Battle, Mid-Autumn Festival Lantern Riddles, Chinese Calligraphy Competition, Drama Performance, Chinese Fun Fair, Chinese Speech Festival and Chinese Debate Competition. Chinese Studies can prepare students for AP Chinese Language and Culture, Alberta Diploma requirements, and IB Group 2 options. French and Spanish are offered at beginner, intermediate and IB Ab Initio levels in secondary, with an aligned progression across grades 7–12. The World Languages program details a sequence from Preparatory Chinese Studies through Grade 12, including elective and IB pathways. Alliance Hall and the Music Floor support performing arts, with dedicated spaces for music and dance across the campus.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
AIS was founded in 1986 by Dr. Thomas Liang. The school’s founding values—Justice, Knowledge, and Love—continue to frame its mission and community culture. AIS is fully accredited by WASC, a status the school explains on its site. AIS also marks community milestones, such as its 25th Silver Jubilee Anniversary in 2011, noted in an alumni feature.
History
Christian Alliance International School (CAIS) was founded in 1992 by the Kowloon Tong Church of the Chinese Christian and Missionary Alliance (KTAC). It has grown steadily since its establishment, originally operating from earlier sites before moving to its purpose-built campus at Butterfly Valley, Lai Chi Kok. The new campus officially opened in August 2017, providing expanded facilities for academics, sports, and the arts. The school continues to operate as a non-profit institution under the ownership of KTAC.
Community
Community
AIS highlights a busy annual calendar of community events that bring families and staff together—examples include the PTA Winter Fair, Lunar New Year celebrations, Book Fair/Literacy Week, HS Musical Showcase/Drama, Prom, Sports Days, Art Shows, and Graduation. Recent updates also show the community marking cultural moments such as the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Community
CAIS fosters community through events such as Parent Forums, Parent-Teacher Conferences, and cultural activities that bring together families, staff, and students. The school also convenes a School Council that includes parents, teachers, students, and community representatives. Student-led initiatives, including leadership roles through the Student Representative Council (SRC) and participation in service programmes, further strengthen the sense of shared community.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
AIS has an active PTA Executive Committee elected annually; school updates announce nominations and the elected committee for each school year. The PTA organizes major community events such as the Winter Fair and runs bake sales and other fund-raisers. It also hosts social events—for example, a faculty–parent mingle tied to the Apple Distinguished School ceremony. Parents receive volunteer training for supporting class activities, field trips, and fairs. Families can contact the PTA via the school’s Family Web Portal.
Parent teacher association
CAIS refers to its parent engagement structures through formal Parent Forums and a School Council rather than a traditional PTA. Parent Forums include presentations, school updates, and opportunities for families to meet leadership teams. The School Council serves as an advisory body, with parent representatives contributing to discussions on school development and policies. Parents are also involved in networking opportunities and community events, including academic information sessions and university and careers evenings. Through these channels, families maintain an active role in shaping and supporting the life of the school.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
Advanced Placement (AP) examinations are administered on campus for senior high school students in May. AIS is an on-campus SAT Test Center, enabling PSAT and SAT testing for high school students. Academic progress is reported formally each trimester through internal assessments to monitor progress toward the school's academic expectations.
Academic & intellectual
The school is a through‑train international school in Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong, serving students aged 5 to 18 in preparatory, lower primary, upper primary and secondary sections.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
The Visual & Performing Arts program engages students across all divisions and prepares them for Advanced Placement Art and Music courses in High School. The program covers Visual Arts, Drama, and Music, with teachers creating spaces for exploration and skill development. AIS offers extended learning opportunities in the arts through extracurricular activities (ECAs), and students visit art venues and guest speakers as part of their arts education.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Special interest clubs include Model United Nations, Global Issues, and student government.
Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
AIS uses a House System in which students are assigned to Red Phoenix, White Tigers, or Blue Dragons and compete in events to build school spirit.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
The Outdoor Education & Leadership Program includes a Service In Action Week with week-long activities overseas and in Hong Kong, conducted with NGOs to develop intercultural understanding and service. The program emphasizes service and global citizenship and recognizes service hours as part of college applications.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Student government is listed as a leadership opportunity at AIS. The Outdoor Education & Leadership Program develops leadership and communication skills through real-world experiences.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
AIS has a competitive athletic program with a House System; students join Red Phoenix, White Tigers, or Blue Dragons and compete in ISSFHK leagues in four seasonal cycles. Sports include football, volleyball, basketball, cross country, badminton, and track and field. Outdoor Education & Leadership Program provides outdoor learning experiences, including Adventure Week, overnight camping, residential camps and overseas travel.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
The language of instruction is English. Mandarin is compulsory from Early Childhood 1 to Grade 8; Simplified Chinese (Putonghua) is taught in Mandarin classes, with about 3 to 5 Mandarin lessons per week and ability-based grouping. In Grades 9–12, students may choose Mandarin, French, or Spanish in the Modern Foreign Languages program. The school does not offer English as a Second Language (ESL) support.
Language provision
The medium of instruction is English, and CAIS offers Chinese, French and Spanish as world languages. Chinese Studies is mandatory for Preparatory to Grade 6; Grades 7-9 may continue Chinese Studies or study French or Spanish. In Grades 10-12, Chinese Studies, French and Spanish are electives with pathways to the Alberta Diploma or the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Traditional script is taught in native/near-native classes, while Simplified script is used in non-native classes.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
* 21C Greater Bay Area (GBA) School Awards 2025 — Public Choice Award: AIS reports winning the event’s Public Choice Award, placing first across categories for its K–12 student-agency work.
* Apple Distinguished School (2023–2026): AIS states it is recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2023–2026 for its school-wide innovation in teaching and learning with Apple technology.
Awards
The school’s website does not list any institutional awards received.
Accreditations
Accreditations
* WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges): AIS is fully accredited by WASC, an international accrediting body that recognizes schools meeting defined quality standards through ongoing evaluation and improvement.
* EARCOS (East Asia Regional Council of Schools): AIS is a long-standing member; EARCOS is named on the school’s “Accreditations & Affiliations” section.
* College Board: AIS lists College Board under “Accreditations & Affiliations”; the High School offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
Accreditations
Alberta Education (Canada): CAIS is accredited by Alberta Education to deliver the Alberta curriculum and award the Alberta High School Diploma. This means the school is regularly inspected and meets Alberta’s standards for teaching, learning, and assessment. International Baccalaureate (IB) World School: CAIS is authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11–12. This indicates that the school follows IB standards and can prepare students for the internationally recognized IB Diploma.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Online application & documents. Create an online account and complete the form. Upload required items: student photo, birth certificate, passport page, HKID (if available), valid study visa (if applicable), parent passport/HKID, school reports for the last 2–3 years, and the non-refundable application fee. Grades 1–12 must also submit Student Reference Form(s) completed by current teachers/counselor (different forms by grade band). AIS notes that it does not offer EAL or special learning needs programs; families must disclose any relevant reports.
2. Entrance assessment & (if granted) interview. Applicants complete grade-level placement tests (EC1–G1Jr: language readiness. Tests draw on U.S. standardized measures in English and Mathematics; some applicants write a short piece. A personal interview for the student/family may follow on a separate day; overseas applicants may arrange an online assessment. English is the language of instruction; students are expected to be age-appropriate proficient in English.
3. Offer decision. The Admissions Committee reviews school records, assessment results, and (if applicable) the interview to determine fit. The school may accept, accept conditionally/probationarily, or decline; reasons for decline include academic/behavioral record, insufficient English proficiency, or lack of a program to meet individual needs. Final decisions rest with the school administration.
4. Acceptance & enrollment. Accepted families receive an email offer and must pay required fees by the deadline stated in the offer to secure the seat; placement is confirmed on receipt of tuition and the capital levy. Tuition may be paid annually or in four installments; payments are accepted via e-payment or telegraphic transfer.
*Additional placement notes:* EC1–G1 placements are based on age as of 31 December; mid-year transfers generally remain in the same grade for the remainder of the AIS academic year. AIS operates rolling admissions and encourages early application because places are limited.
Admissions
1. Application Submission Families begin by completing the online application form and mailing the printed form, required supporting documents, and the application fee cheque to the Admissions Office. The fee is HKD 1,500 for Preparatory–Grade 3 and HKD 1,800 for Grades 4–12, and it is non-refundable. Cash is not accepted, and all cheques must be payable to the school.
2. Assessment and Interview Applicants are invited for an admissions assessment if a place is available. The assessment length varies by grade level: about 1 hour for Preparatory–Grade 3, 2.5 hours for Grades 4–6, and 3 hours for Grades 7–12. Parents may also be interviewed, and additional documents, such as a Student Reference Form, are required for secondary applicants.
3. Admissions Decision Families are informed of the result within 30 days of the assessment. If a place is available and the student meets requirements, an offer of admission is extended. If not, but the student is eligible, they may be placed in the Wait Pool.
4. Enrollment Confirmation A student’s place is confirmed once the family pays the required Individual Capital Note (ICN or Annual Capital Levy (ACL by the deadline. A reservation fee equal to one month’s tuition is also due and will be credited against the first tuition installment.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding scholarships or financial aid on its admissions pages.
Scholarships
CAIS offers scholarships specifically for students enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). These scholarships ensure that all IBDP students pay the same tuition as Alberta curriculum students, rather than the higher IBDP fee. This effectively reduces the cost of the IB pathway and makes it financially aligned with the school’s other senior programmes.
Waitlist
Waitlist
AIS runs a wait list once a class reaches maximum size. To reserve a wait-list place, families must pay a deposit within 7 days of the offer; the deposit is credited toward the first tuition if a place is offered. If no opening arises within 3 months, the deposit may be refunded in full; if an opening does arise within 3 months and the family declines, the deposit is non-refundable. Waiting status ends after third-semester enrollment is finalized in late March; families may reapply for the following year.
Waitlist
CAIS operates a Wait Pool system. Qualified applicants who have passed assessments but for whom no immediate space is available are placed into the Wait Pool. This placement is valid for one academic year, and families are contacted if a suitable place becomes available. Students in the Wait Pool are not guaranteed admission, but being placed there indicates they are eligible should space open.
