Canadian International School of Hong Kong vs Carmel School - Carmel Elementary Campus

	C Canadian International School of Hong Kong Hong Kong	C Carmel School - Carmel Elementary Campus Hong Kong
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year HK$156,300 - 254,300	Fees / year HK$80,500 - 226,090
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 1 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Canadian Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP)
Pupils	Pupils 2,100	Pupils 350
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size 4
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1991	Opened 1991
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS) is situated on the south side of Hong Kong Island, in the Aberdeen area. The campus is within walking distance of Wong Chuk Hang MTR station and is also served by local bus routes. It sits in a mixed residential and commercial neighbourhood close to Aberdeen Harbour.	Location Carmel Elementary is situated in the Mid-Levels area on Hong Kong Island, a central neighbourhood known for its residential community and convenient access to transport links and the city’s business districts. The school operates three campuses across Hong Kong Island, with the Elementary campus in Mid-Levels and the High School in Shau Kei Wan, giving families access from different parts of the city.
Stages	Stages CDNIS educates children from age 2 through Grade 12. The school is divided into the Lower School (Early Years and Grades 1–5) and the Upper School (Grades 6–12, split into Transition Years, Grades 9–10, and Grades 11–12).	Stages The Elementary campus serves Kindergarten to Grade 5. Students continue into the Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10) and Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12) at Elsa High School.
School type	School type The school is private and co-educational. It operates as a day school only, and students must live with a parent or legal guardian in Hong Kong. Boarding is not offered.	School type Carmel is a co-educational day school. It does not provide boarding facilities; all students commute daily.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support CDNIS provides guidance counselling services in both the Lower and Upper Schools, supporting students academically and socially. However, the school website does not publish detailed information about specialised SEN facilities or provisions.	Additional learning support The Elementary campus includes a Dedicated Learning Enhancement room to provide extra support to students who need it. Beyond this, the school does not publish detailed SEN provisions or policies.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school integrates elements of the Ontario (Canada) curriculum and awards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) alongside the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP).	Country affiliation The school does not have a national affiliation; it is an IB Continuum School authorised for the PYP, MYP, and DP programmes.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school is not affiliated with any religion.	Religious affiliation Carmel School is a Jewish international school with a Modern Orthodox ethos. It welcomes students from all strands of Judaism and also accepts non-Jewish students in its High School.
School day structure	School day structure The school website does not publish its standard daily start and end times or detailed schedules.	School day structure The school’s public website does not disclose daily start and end times or details of breaks/lunch times.
Bus service details	Bus service details CDNIS provides a school bus service operated by Kwoon Chung Motors (KCM). All full-day students are required to use the bus service, with routes across Hong Kong. The school allows options for one-way ridership and installment payments for bus fees.	Bus service details Yes. Carmel contracts City School Bus Service Limited for transport. Families can arrange service directly.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application Fees An application fee of HKD 2,350 is required for EY1–Grade 11 applicants, with an assessment fee of HKD 1,650 if shortlisted. Nursery applications carry a combined application and assessment fee of HKD 1,800. These fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Entry & Reservation Fees A one-time Entry Fee of HKD 12,500 is charged to all new students. In addition, an HKD 80,000 Reservation Deposit is required to secure enrollment. This is credited toward the first term’s tuition and levy but is non-refundable for new students. Tuition Fees (Per Year) Nursery (Half-day, bilingual): HKD 138,600 (paid in 11 instalments) EY1 (Half-day, bilingual): HKD 156,300 EY2 (Full-day, bilingual): HKD 203,100 Preparatory – Grade 2 (Bilingual): HKD 210,900 Grade 3: HKD 191,800 Grades 4–5: HKD 193,600 Grade 6: HKD 212,800 Grades 7–8: HKD 216,600 Grades 9–10: HKD 237,700 Grades 11–12: HKD 254,300 Fees for EY1–Grade 12 are billed in two instalments per year. Nursery tuition is billed in 11 instalments. Additional Fees * Annual Capital Levy: HKD 38,000 per student (unless covered by a debenture) * Uniforms, extracurricular activities, and some resources are billed separately. * Grades 4 and above include a technology fee, and Grades 11–12 include IB Diploma exam and textbook fees in tuition. Debenture Scheme Debentures are not compulsory, but holders receive admissions priority if other requirements are met. Debentures can be transferred on the second-hand market. Transportation Fees The school bus service is operated by Kwoon Chung Motors (KCM). Fees vary by route and are billed directly by the provider. Options for one-way ridership and installment payments are available. Boarding Fees The school does not offer boarding facilities. Refund Policy Tuition (EY1–G12) may be refunded on a pro-rata 10-month basis if three months’ written notice is provided. Reservation deposits for new students are non-refundable. Most other fees are non-refundable. Payment Options Payments can be made via bank transfer, PPS, e-banking bill payment, or direct debit. Cash and cheque are not accepted.	Fee details Tuition Fees (Per Year) Early Learning (Tzutzik & Ganeynu Afternoon Programme): HKD 84,500 Nursery & Pre-K: HKD 114,000 Kindergarten – Grade 5 (Elementary): HKD 202,600 Elsa High School Main Stream (Grades 6–12): HKD 202,600 Elsa High School International Stream (Grades 6–12): HKD 237,370 Fees are billed monthly over 10 months per year, due on the 1st of each month. Families entering mid-year are also charged from the 1st of the month. Capital Levy Grades 6–12 students are charged an annual Capital Levy of HKD 18,520. This levy supports facility maintenance and improvements. Transportation Fees The school provides a bus service through City School Bus Service Limited. Families make arrangements directly with the provider. Learning Support Elementary offers a Dedicated Learning Enhancement room. Costs for additional specialist support, if required, are not detailed online. Refund Policy The website does not disclose tuition refund terms. Financial assistance is available to families in need, but is not offered during the first year of enrolment and not for Nursery or younger. Applications are due by June 1 annually. Payment Options The school does not specify exact payment methods (e.g., card or transfer) online but notes that the Carmel School Association acts as the agent for fee collection.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school uses a uniform supplied by Untold Horizons. A new uniform was introduced in August 2023, and the previous uniform may be worn until June 2025. The uniform list varies by year group, and new students should not buy a PE/house shirt until they have been assigned to a house. House shirts are Bear, Raven, Mountain Lion, and Orca. Uniforms can be purchased from the online store or the second-hand uniform supplier, Retykle. Sports uniforms are provided for Timberwolves teams, with an activity fee of $500 per sport.	Uniform requirement The school requires a uniform for Carmel Elementary Campus. Blazer days are formal; on Fridays and on formal days the blazer, shirt and tie must be worn, while on other days the polo shirt may be worn instead of the blazer, formal shirt and tie if directed. The kippah is an integral part of the uniform and must be worn by Jewish male students at all times. The uniform can be purchased from Aston Wilson Ltd in Kowloon and the Uniform Policy is detailed in the School Handbook.
Food options	Food options Catering is provided by Maxim's Group for on-site meals.	Food options Food options follow kosher dietary laws across Carmel School. The Kashrut policy requires meat and dairy not to be mixed and to be prepared according to kosher rules; Kosher symbols indicate approved products. Kosher food is available through the KosherMart at the JCC for families, and Shabbat and Jewish festivals are observed.
House system	House system The school operates a house system with four houses: Bear, Raven, Mountain Lion, and Orca. Students wear house PE shirts, and house assignments are part of the onboarding process.	House system Carmel Elementary Campus uses a three-house system: Jerusalem, Haifa and Tel-Aviv. House Captains and Vice Captains lead the houses, and Inter-House sports and academic events promote healthy competition.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is a private international school registered under the Education Ordinance of Hong Kong and is registered as a non-profit organization with the Inland Revenue Department. It has a two-tier governance structure consisting of the Council of Members and the Board of Governors. The Board is elected by the Council of Members and holds fiduciary responsibility for the school's direction and operations, while the Head of School and senior administration manage day-to-day operations.	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a Board of Directors regulated by the Articles of Association of Carmel School Association Limited. The Board comprises not less than 10 members and includes two members nominated by the PTA; it sets policies and appoints the Principal and Head of the Elementary School. Day-to-day operations are led by the Principal and Head of the Elementary School; the current Chairman is Mr. Jonathan Zeman.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details CDNIS delivers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, beginning with the Primary Years Programme (PYP) in the Lower School from Early Years through Grade 5. Students in Grades 6–10 follow the Middle Years Programme (MYP), which provides a broad foundation across subject areas. In Grades 11–12, students pursue the IB Diploma Programme (DP), with courses designed to prepare them for university study worldwide. Alongside the IB, CDNIS integrates the Ontario curriculum, and graduates earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) in addition to the IB Diploma. The school also offers a bilingual English–Chinese track in the Early Years, with Mandarin taught as a subject throughout the school.	Curriculum details Carmel Elementary delivers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), which focuses on inquiry-based learning across all subjects. The Programme of Learning includes core subjects such as English, Mathematics, Music, Hebrew and Jewish Studies, alongside specialist provision in STEAM, EAL (English as an Additional Language), and physical education. Students in Kindergarten through Grade 5 follow the PYP framework, which emphasises transdisciplinary themes to connect learning across disciplines. After Grade 5, students progress to the Middle Years Programme (MYP) at Elsa High School, followed by the IB Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 11–12. This makes Carmel an IB Continuum School, providing all three stages of IB education from early years through high school.
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 CDNIS outlines a dedicated Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) framework that emphasizes self-awareness, resilience, empathy, positive relationships, and responsible decision-making. SEL is described as critical to student success and is embedded in the curriculum across grade levels. The school publishes specific learning goals, such as developing coping skills, building empathy, and fostering collaborative relationships.	Social & emotional learning The school’s learner outcomes state that students are expected to develop and maintain emotional and social wellbeing as part of their growth. However, the website does not provide details of specific SEL programmes, staff roles, or initiatives implemented at the Elementary campus.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school provides Guidance Counselling services in both the Lower and Upper Schools, offering academic and social-emotional support. However, CDNIS does not publicly specify the types of SEN needs it supports, nor does it describe specialist facilities, staff qualifications, or targeted SEN programmes. Therefore, it cannot be considered a specialist SEN institution.	Special educational needs (SEN) Carmel Elementary highlights a Dedicated Learning Enhancement room designed to provide support for students who require additional academic help. The website does not specify the categories of Special Educational Needs it can support, nor does it publish a full SEN policy. Based on available information, Carmel is not presented as a specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school does not publicly disclose information regarding EAL.	English as an additional language Carmel Elementary explicitly lists EAL (English as an Additional Language) as part of its Programme of Learning. This indicates that the school provides tailored support for students whose first language is not English, though further details about staffing or programme structure are not published.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing CDNIS provides guidance counselling programmes at both the Lower and Upper School levels. These services are described as proactive, preventive, and responsive, with counsellors supporting academic progress, social development, and transitional needs. In the Upper School, transition counselling is available to help students adjust to new year levels and academic expectations.	Mental wellbeing Beyond the general statement in the learner outcomes about supporting emotional and social wellbeing, the school does not publish specific programmes, staff roles, or mental health initiatives for Elementary students. Therefore, detailed information on mental wellbeing support is not publicly available.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding CDNIS publishes a Child Safeguarding Policy, stating a zero-tolerance approach to mistreatment or abuse. Recruitment practices and school operations are aligned with international child protection guidance, and all staff are expected to follow safeguarding protocols. The school notes its commitment to creating a safe environment and explicitly references safeguarding responsibilities as part of its community standards.	Safeguarding The school does not publicly disclose safeguarding or child-protection policies on its website.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy View document	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The CDNIS campus covers 40,000 square metres and spans 14 levels on the south side of Hong Kong Island in Aberdeen. It features state-of-the-art facilities that support learning and are continually upgraded. The Leo Lee Arts Centre is a frequently used community facility with usage fees to offset costs. The Main Campus and the Early Years Centre provide learning spaces, including the teamLab Classroom and the Chinese Cultural Centre. A Photovoltaic Farm and other facilities such as a swimming pool, gymnasiums, a design studio, a library, and cafeterias support a wide range of learning experiences.	Facilities overview Carmel Elementary Campus is housed in a Hong Kong heritage building on Borrett Road in Mid-Levels. The campus delivers the IB Primary Years Programme for children aged 3-12. Facilities include an outdoor playground and jungle gym, a community garden, and an indoor play area. There is a library, dedicated music facilities, The Patricia Creative Centre for art and engineering, a multi-purpose sport hall, and ICT, coding and programming spaces. A dedicated Learning Enhancement room supports student learning.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The campus includes a swimming pool on the Main Campus, multiple gymnasiums, and an artificial turf pitch that support on-campus athletics.	Sports facilities The school has a multi-purpose sport hall for physical education and team activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Academic facilities include a library, an Upper School Science Corridor, and a Design Studio. The teamLab Classroom provides immersive learning spaces, and the Main Building (Spine) houses classrooms across levels. The Chinese Cultural Centre and other spaces support a broad spectrum of learning experiences.	Academic facilities The PYP Programme of Learning includes English, Mathematics, Music, Hebrew and Jewish Studies, and English as an Additional Language (EAL). English instruction covers listening and speaking, viewing and presenting, reading, and writing across phases from Early Years to Grade 5. Hebrew and Jewish Studies are part of the curriculum. A library supports reading and research, the Patricia Creative Centre supports art and engineering, and ICT, coding and programming spaces support digital learning. A dedicated Learning Enhancement room provides targeted learning support.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities CDNIS offers a wide range of extracurricular options, including special interest clubs, performance activities, Timberwolves sports, and an expansive After School Activities programme.	Extra curricular facilities Experiential Learning extends learning beyond the classroom through field trips and educational visits. These experiences aim to develop IB Learner Profile attributes such as inquiry, collaboration, and resilience. Outdoor activities include canyoning, raft-building, stand-up paddleboarding, and team survival challenges.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS) was founded in 1991 as a private, independent institution. From its early years, the school has grown steadily to serve more than 2,100 students across its programmes. Today, it operates under the governance of its own Board, with no religious affiliation, and awards both the International Baccalaureate Diploma and the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Over the decades, CDNIS has expanded its facilities and programming to include a full IB continuum and a bilingual Early Years pathway.	History Carmel School was founded in 1991 as the first Jewish day school in East Asia. In 2009, the school expanded by opening Elsa High School, enabling students to continue through the IB Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme. Today, Carmel operates as a not-for-profit institution overseen by the Carmel School Association Board of Directors, which is responsible for governance and appointing senior leadership. The school has grown into a community of more than 350 students aged 1–18 across three campuses on Hong Kong Island.
Community	Community The CDNIS community includes students, families, and staff who participate in a wide range of activities beyond academics. The school promotes involvement through arts events (such as the annual Upper School musical), sports competitions under the Timberwolves athletics programme, and cultural celebrations like International Day. Community engagement also extends through service and sustainability initiatives, where students collaborate locally and globally to make an impact.	Community Carmel describes itself as a community school, welcoming families with diverse backgrounds and fostering Jewish identity alongside international education. The school calendar features a variety of cultural and community events, including Jewish holidays, student-led activities, and performances. These events strengthen ties among students, parents, and staff while reinforcing the school’s values and traditions.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school has an active Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) that supports family involvement and community building. While CDNIS’s website does not provide a detailed list of PTA committees or leadership, references highlight its participation in cultural and school-wide events, including International Day and community gatherings. The PTA plays a role in fostering connections between families and the school, coordinating volunteer opportunities, and enhancing the student experience through sponsored activities. Its contributions reflect an emphasis on parent partnership in student life, though specific groups and events are not extensively detailed publicly.	Parent teacher association The PTA at Carmel is active and meets monthly with school leadership to support communication and collaboration. The association plays a role in both curricular and co-curricular activities, helping to organise community events and initiatives throughout the year. While specific events are not listed publicly, the PTA is described as central to building community spirit and supporting student life. Parents are encouraged to engage with the PTA to contribute ideas, help plan events, and strengthen connections across the Carmel community. Its work complements the school’s wider emphasis on community involvement and cultural traditions.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual CDNIS is an IB World School offering PYP, MYP, and DP programmes. Enhancements include the Early Years Bilingual Programme and the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) for high school students. The school serves Nursery through Grade 12 across 16 grade levels and enrolls over 2,100 students from more than 40 nationalities. The school aims to inspire excellence, cultivate character, and empower engagement locally and globally.	Academic & intellectual The school is an IB Continuum School offering the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). Carmel Elementary Campus follows the PYP framework as part of that continuum. The campus has an ICT, Coding and Programming zone to support computing education. The STEAM programme includes a Robotics Programme and Design Challenge opportunities for students to explore robotics, coding and engineering.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative CDNIS provides a broad performing and visual arts program with a wide range of extracurricular options. Lower School activities include the Junior Choir, Chinese Dance Team, the SEED environmental club, and the Lower School Student Council. The Upper School offers extensive performing arts opportunities and more than 70 activities, including inter-school sports, clubs, and intramurals. The Upper School hosts musicals, such as School of Rock.	Arts & creative The campus has dedicated music facilities. The Patricia Creative Centre is a specialist art and engineering facility. Art Club is a weekly co-curricular activity, and Drama is available as a Grade 4-5 ASA option. The school also runs Design Challenge activities as part of STEAM.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school teaches English, Mandarin, French, and Spanish as part of the curriculum. The Early Years Centre provides a bilingual learning environment to guide language and cultural fluency. Chinese language and culture are represented through courses and language study within the curriculum.	Cultural & language Mandarin for Native Speakers is offered as a Co Curricular Activity, and French for Native Speakers is also offered for Kindergarten to Grade 2.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies CDNIS uses a four-House system (Bear, Raven, Orca, Mountain Lion) to promote community, spirit, and well-being. Lower School offers a range of after-school activities including the Junior Choir, Chinese Dance Team, SEED environmental club, and the Lower School Student Council; Timberwolves sports begin in Grade 4. Upper School provides more than 70 activities, including inter-school sports, a wide array of clubs, performing arts opportunities, and intramurals.	Social & hobbies Kindergarten to Grade 3 Co Curricular Activities include Multi Sports, Robotics, Mini-Tennis, Art Club, Chess Club, MasterChef, Mandarin for Native Speakers and French for Native Speakers. Grade 4-5 ASA options include Homework Club, Football, Drama, Table Tennis, Badminton, Social Games and Math Support. Robotics is also offered in Grade 4-5.
Community & service	Community & service Through the House system, students engage in community service projects. House activities include volunteering and service events throughout the year.	Community & service Service Learning is integrated across all Carmel campuses, with students involved in community and charity-based enterprises. Educational visits to Cambodia, Israel, Poland, Shanghai, Spain, Sri Lanka and other locations have a service component at their core.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Lower School has a Student Council that provides student leadership opportunities. The House system and a broad activity program foster leadership development across year groups. Additional leadership and guidance resources are available through the school's guidance structures and student life programs.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Timberwolves sports and athletics are a central part of student life. After School Activities (ASA) provide enrichment and wellness opportunities beyond the classroom. The house system and a wide range of clubs support social connection, teamwork, and well-being across the school.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Elementary Campus features an outdoor playground and jungle gym, an indoor play area and a multi-purpose sport hall. A community garden and dedicated music facilities contribute to student wellbeing and recreation.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme, with Ontario Secondary School Diploma credits and a two-diploma graduation (IB DP and OSSD). English is the core language of instruction, Mandarin is offered as a language study from Early Years to Grade 10, French begins in Grade 6 and runs through Grade 8 (with the option to continue in Grade 9 in either French or Mandarin), and Spanish is available as a Diploma Programme language for Grades 11–12. There is a Chinese Studies program with dedicated streams to accommodate diverse language backgrounds.	Language provision The school teaches in English as the language of instruction for core subjects at Carmel Elementary Campus. Hebrew and Jewish Studies are included in the curriculum as separate subjects. English as an Additional Language (EAL) supports students whose dominant language is not English.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The Early Years Programme offers a bilingual learning environment with 50% English and 50% Chinese content. The dual-language immersion model uses English and Chinese as both disciplines and mediums of instruction. The bilingual programme began in August 2022 for EY (EY1–EY2, 3–4 year olds) and will progressively include Grade 2 through Grade 5 by 2028/2029, until Nursery to Grade 5 are fully bilingual.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs The dual-language immersion model allows students to experience both English and Chinese throughout the day. English and Chinese are used as languages of instruction for core subjects, with language outcomes in both languages.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations International Baccalaureate (IB) World School: authorised to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP), confirming compliance with IB curriculum and quality standards. Council of International Schools (CIS): international accreditation confirming that the school meets globally recognised standards in teaching, governance, and student welfare. Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): a U.S.-based accrediting body ensuring educational quality and institutional effectiveness.	Accreditations International Baccalaureate (IB) – PYP, MYP, DP: Carmel is authorised as an IB Continuum School, meaning it delivers all three core IB programmes (Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma). This ensures that the school adheres to the IB’s international standards for teaching and learning. WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges): Carmel is accredited by WASC, a US regional accrediting body that evaluates schools for quality and institutional effectiveness. EARCOS (East Asia Regional Council of Schools) Membership: Carmel is a member of EARCOS, which connects international schools across East Asia for professional collaboration and the sharing of resources.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Application submission Families begin by completing an online application form via the CDNIS Admissions Portal. Required documents typically include a copy of the child’s passport or Hong Kong ID, recent school reports, and a current photo. An application fee (and, where relevant, an assessment fee) must be paid at this stage. 2. Supporting documents and references Depending on grade level, families may need to submit a Student Reference Form completed by a current teacher. These references are used to better understand the applicant’s academic and social readiness for CDNIS. 3. Assessment and interview Applicants who progress are invited for an assessment or interview. Early Years students participate in play-based assessments, while older students complete literacy, numeracy, or group activities. Upper School applicants may also attend a personal interview. The school explains that the assessment format differs by grade. 4. Selection and review Applications are reviewed holistically, combining assessment results, references, and past reports. Students are then ranked as Excellent, Good, Marginal, or Not Suitable. Offers depend on meeting academic expectations and the availability of places. 5. Offer and enrolment Successful candidates receive a conditional offer, which must be confirmed by paying the reservation deposit and completing enrollment forms. If no space is available in the grade, eligible students are placed into the waitpool until a place opens.	Admissions 1. Application submission Families begin the process by completing the application form and submitting it by post, email, or in person to the relevant campus. Required documents include prior school reports and teacher recommendations, which help the admissions team evaluate readiness and fit. 2. Assessment and review The school considers a range of indicators such as school reports, teacher comments, and, if relevant, international English proficiency assessments. For some applicants, the school uses MAP testing to measure literacy, numeracy, and science skills. These assessments allow Carmel to match students with appropriate support and placement. 3. Interviews Applicants may be invited for an interview with the Principal or Head of Elementary, depending on the year group. This provides an opportunity to discuss the child’s learning style, language background, and family expectations while helping the school assess social and academic needs. 4. Priority considerations If demand exceeds available places, priority may be given to siblings of current students and certain categories within the Early Learning Centre. This helps maintain continuity for families already within the Carmel community. 5. Decision and enrolment Decisions are communicated after review of all submitted materials and assessments. Successful applicants complete enrolment and payment of tuition. Families requiring financial assistance must apply by June 1, though support is not available in the first year of enrolment or for Nursery/Pre-K students.
Scholarships	Scholarships CDNIS has a scholarship programme listed under its Admissions section. Scholarships are intended to recognise student achievement and potential, but the school does not publish detailed information about specific eligibility criteria or award amounts on its main website. Families interested in scholarships are directed to the Scholarships section of the Admissions pages for current opportunities.	Scholarships The school does not publicly offer merit-based or need-based scholarships.
Waitlist	Waitlist CDNIS operates a waiting pool system when grades are full. Placement into the waitpool occurs after a student is deemed admissible, but no seat is available. Importantly, a student’s status in the pool does not roll over to the following academic year; families must reapply if they wish to be considered again.	Waitlist The school does not describe a formal waitlist or pool system on its website.
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