American International School vs International Christian School - Shek Mun Campus

	A American International School Hong Kong	I International Christian School - Shek Mun Campus Hong Kong
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year HK$97,000 - 180,400	Fees / year HK$148,400 - 201,500
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 5 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum	Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Christian Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 930	Pupils 1,200
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 15
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 The main campus is in Shek Mun, Sha Tin, in the New Territories, It is relatively accessible from major thoroughfares in Sha Tin, and the school arranges bus services across Hong Kong.
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 ICS offers a continuous pathway from Kindergarten through Elementary, Middle School, and High School.
School type	School type AIS operates as a day school.	School type It is a co-educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
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 ICS runs a program called Bridges for students aged 11-18 with significant learning needs (e.g. in communication, social/emotional or physical domains), with dedicated staff, lower student-teacher ratios, and integration into the mainstream classes where appropriate.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is not affiliated with any country.	Country affiliation The school does not formally affiliate with one country’s educational system; it operates independently as an international school in Hong Kong.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliations.	Religious affiliation ICS is affiliated with Christian faith, operating as an evangelical Christian school and integrating Christian worldview into its curriculum and community life.
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 Typical school hours are Monday to Friday, 7:45 am to 3:00 pm. In secondary (High School and Middle School), they run on a 6-day rotating schedule for classes, with an advisory program (“Tribe” or “Facegroups”) meeting daily around lunch periods.
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 ICS provides a school bus/coach service for students across Hong Kong, using contracted providers. The routes and service arrangements are reviewed annually, and the service supports both Kindergarten and the main campus.
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 * Pre-Grade 1 – Grade 12: HK$1,500 (non-refundable, non-transferable, payable prior to assessment). Reservation Deposit / Registration Fee Confirms enrollment and is credited against the first tuition installment. It is forfeited if a place is accepted but the student does not attend. * Elementary School: HK$14,840 * Middle School: HK$19,660 * High School: HK$20,150 Tuition Fees (2025–26) Tuition is billed in installments per year and cannot be prorated. All fees are in Hong Kong dollars, non-refundable and non-transferable unless otherwise stated. * Elementary (Pre-Grade 1 – Grade 5): HK$148,400 per year * Middle School (Grade 6 – Grade 8): HK$196,600 per year * High School (Grade 9 – Grade 12): HK$201,500 per year Other Fees Additional costs may include graduation fees, extracurricular activities, band instrument rental, uniforms, school bus, and meals. These are billed separately as applicable. Financial Assistance * Financial Aid: Tuition subsidy for families facing financial challenges; must reapply annually. * Family Discount: Applied per eldest child and downward, renewed annually. * 1st & 2nd child – no discount * 3rd child – 10% discount on tuition * 4th child – 15% discount on tuition * Additional children – increases by 5% increments Withdrawal Policy For Grades Pre-1 to 12, the school requires two full calendar months’ written notice of withdrawal, or payment of two months’ tuition if notice is shorter. Summer holiday does not count toward the notice period. Payment Options Fees are payable in installments; payment is accepted by bank transfer (credit card not specified).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
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 Uniforms are compulsory for all elementary and secondary students and optional for kindergarten students. Uniforms may be purchased at Uniform Station; uniform swap programs are run by the ICS Parents Association; selected items can also be bought via the ICS Merch Store.
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 ICS provides a lunch program with Sodexo. Students may purchase lunch or snacks at the on-campus cafeteria, and payments are cashless through Octopus. Older students (grades 11–12) may leave campus at lunchtime with parent approval.
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 —
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 ICS is governed by a Board of Trustees formed in 1992 as International Christian Schools, Limited (ICSL). ICSL includes mission organizations: The Conservative Baptist Foreign Mission Society, Culture Regeneration Research Society (Hong Kong) Ltd., Evangelical Free Church of China, The Free Methodist Church of Hong Kong, The International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, and Wycliffe Bible Translators (Hong Kong). Since its founding, ICS has been governed by a Board of Trustees drawn from ICSL mission organizations and independent members. Board Chair: Anthony Lo. School Supervisor: Darius Yuen. Other trustees and committee chairs include Andrew Ngo, Dr. George So, Jonathan Luk, Kenneth Leung, Matthew A. Pine, and Wai Keung Kwok. The Head of Schools is Reverend Nick Seward, supported by the senior leadership team.
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 International Christian School follows a North American curriculum framework taught in English, with integration of a Christian worldview across all subjects. The Elementary School (Pre-Grade 1–Grade 5) provides a broad foundation in core subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and social studies, complemented by art, music, and physical education. In Middle School (Grades 6–8), students continue in a structured North American program while exploring electives and developing study skills in preparation for high school. The High School (Grades 9–12) offers a full college-preparatory curriculum, with the option to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses across a wide range of subjects, including sciences, humanities, and world languages (e.g. AP Chinese and AP Spanish). Throughout the school, Chinese language is taught as a subject, with Spanish also available at higher levels. Co-curricular programs in arts, STEM, and service are integrated into the academic pathway, ensuring students experience a well-rounded program through to graduation.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar View document	Academic calendar View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning 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 ICS assigns a dedicated counselor in each school division who provides social-emotional support through both one-on-one and group counseling sessions. The counselors also conduct in-class lessons in the Elementary and Kindergarten divisions. In the High School, the “Tribe” advisory program meets daily during lunch, giving students consistent mentorship and a peer group structure.
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) ICS offers the Bridges Program for students aged 11–18 who have “significant special learning needs” in areas such as communication, social / emotional interaction, or physical / sensory challenges (equivalent IQ ~50–70) with a lower student-teacher ratio and specialized staff support. The school does not present itself as a specialist SEN institution, but rather integrates the Bridges support alongside its regular program.
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 ICS does not publicly disclose a separate, named EAL program.
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 ICS describes community, accountability, and interpersonal growth as core to its mission, emphasizing respect, care, and spiritual formation to nurture students’ social and emotional However, there is no publicly detailed program exclusively for mental health (e.g. clinical counseling services) beyond what is offered through their general counseling staff.
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 ICS maintains a detailed Child Protection Policy and Procedures document stating that staff, contractors, and volunteers must report suspected abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, neglect). The policy names a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL: Nick Seward) and several Deputy DSLs for various divisions (Elementary, Middle, High, Kindergarten). ICS is also a member of the Child Safety and Protection Network (CSPN).
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy View document	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview 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 ICS operates across two campuses: the Shek Mun Campus serves primary and secondary students, while a dedicated Kindergarten Campus in Ma On Shan serves Reception 1 and 2. The Shek Mun Campus provides large classrooms with modular furniture and technology, designed for flexible learning. It includes an indoor, air‑conditioned gym, a fitness room, and a pool for year‑round PE and sports. Dedicated music spaces include a fully equipped theatre, and specialist spaces support science, art, ceramics, and STEM. The campus also houses a well‑resourced library and a cafeteria serving meals with pre‑order options.
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 Secondary facilities at the Shek Mun Campus include an indoor, air‑conditioned gym, a fitness room, and a pool for year‑round PE and after‑school sports programs. The campus supports year‑round athletic activities through its PE and sports offerings. Elementary facilities at the Shek Mun Campus also feature an indoor gym for PE classes.
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 ICS provides specialist spaces for science, art, ceramics, and STEM on the Shek Mun Campus. Classrooms are equipped with technology and are designed to be adaptable for large groups, small groups, and individual instruction. The library is well‑resourced to support student research and disciplinary work.
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 Arts, Music & Drama facilities include dedicated art rooms, a ceramics program, stagecraft and theatre opportunities, and regular performing arts productions. The school offers extensive clubs and student leadership opportunities across divisions, including Art Club, Chess Club, Robotics Club, Debate, MUN, and many others. Service Learning and Spiritual Formation programs are integral to campus life, with opportunities for community service, worship, retreats, and Bible study. A broad range of sports, arts, and leadership activities are provided through after‑school programs and clubs across both campuses.
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 ICS began in 1992, when it opened its first location in a facility owned by the Bethel Mission of China at 45-47 Grampian Road, Kowloon City. Over time, ICS expanded via satellite campuses in Kwai Chung, Hung Hom, and Fo Tan before consolidating into the Shek Mun campus. The Shek Mun campus was built after ICS won a land grant, and the school moved its elementary and secondary programs there around 2007–08.
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 ICS hosts a variety of community and cultural events, including regular alumni networking through the “My ICS” alumni network. The school also runs “Coffee Chats” with principals, seasonal campus decorations, buddy programs for new families, and prayer groups as part of community life. ICS includes many interest clubs, arts performances, service projects and cultural programs in student life.
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 At ICS, the Parents Association (PA) (sometimes called “Parents Association / Parents & Families”) is active in building partnerships among families, faculty, and leadership. The PA runs a Buddy Program to help new families integrate into the community. It organizes regular Coffee Chats with principals so parents can engage on school direction and ask questions. The PA also leads seasonal campus decorations, appreciation events for staff, and some parents serve on service tendering committees and accreditation processes. In addition, it sponsors social fundraisers: for example, its Spring EXTRAvaganza FUNraiser is an adults-only event involving an auction, food trucks, music, and childcare.
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 ICS provides Pre-K through Grade 12 education across two campuses: Shek Mun for P1–12 and Ma On Shan for Reception 1–2. The curriculum is a Christ-centered liberal arts program integrated with standards-based learning and clear ESLRs. The High School offers a robust Advanced Placement program taught from a Biblical worldview, supported by a Tribe advisory program for student mentorship and university planning.
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 Arts, music and drama are offered as part of Beyond The Classroom, with programs designed to nurture creativity within a Biblical worldview. The Arts, Music & Drama offerings are described as a core component of student life.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Special interest clubs include Model United Nations, Global Issues, and student government.	Cultural & language —
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 ICS provides interest clubs and student leadership opportunities, empowering students to explore passions and lead with God-given abilities. Service Learning enables hands-on community engagement. Sports and Athletics are part of student life, and Spiritual Formation activities include Chapel and faith-based experiences.
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 Service Learning is a core component that cultivates compassion and stewardship through meaningful, hands-on service. The program connects students with community needs and demonstrates the school's commitment to real-world service.
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 The Tribe advisory program provides four-year mentorship and supports university planning and personal development. Leadership opportunities are available through Interest Clubs & Student Leadership, helping students develop organization, teamwork and communication skills.
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 Sports & Athletics build skill and teamwork in a Christ-centered environment. Spiritual Formation includes prayer, worship, and regular Chapel experiences that reinforce character and values. The program emphasizes piety, virtue, and wisdom as foundations for daily life and future success.
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 English is the primary language of instruction. World Languages include Chinese and Spanish. Students progressing to Grade 6 can choose either Chinese or Spanish to continue their language learning. In High School, Chinese and Spanish are offered through the World Languages Department.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
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 does not highlight any awards won by the school on their website.
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 * ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) — ACSI accredits Christian schools, providing a framework that evaluates how well a school integrates Christian mission and education, and ensures adherence to certain institutional and spiritual standards. ICS is listed as accredited by ACSI. * WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges – Accrediting Commission for Schools, ACS WASC) — This is a regional accreditation body in the USA that also accredits international schools, ensuring quality in educational programs, governance, and operations. ICS is fully accredited by WASC.
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. Submit Application Families begin by submitting an online application for the specific academic year. An application fee (non-refundable) must be paid. 2. Assessment & Testing Applicants are tested in English reading, writing, and mathematics to assess readiness. For some grades, candidates may also be asked to submit standardized test scores. 3. Interview (and Parent Interview) After assessment, qualified candidates and their parents are invited for in-person interviews. International applicants may be assessed or interviewed online if unable to attend in Hong Kong. 4. Admissions Decision & Wait Pool The Admissions Committee reviews all assessments and interviews; decisions are typically communicated within 30 days. 5. Offer Acceptance & Enrollment Families who receive an offer must return a signed acceptance and pay the reservation deposit to confirm the student’s place. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of the offer.
Scholarships	Scholarships The school does not publicly disclose information regarding scholarships or financial aid on its admissions pages.	Scholarships International Christian School does not provide general merit-based scholarships. Instead, it offers financial assistance programs to help families with demonstrated need. This includes tuition subsidies, debenture relief, and discounts for families with multiple children enrolled. In addition, the school operates the Foundation Scholars Program, which is designed to support children of Christian ministry workers with both financial aid and additional language support where needed. All financial assistance is reviewed on an annual basis, and families must reapply each year with supporting documentation.
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 ICS does operate a wait pool system (not a traditional chronological waitlist) for applicants who have met requirements but for whom no place is currently available.
	View full profile →	View full profile →