Carmel School - Carmel Elementary Campus vs Creative Secondary School

	C Carmel School - Carmel Elementary Campus Hong Kong	C Creative Secondary School Hong Kong
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year HK$80,500 - 226,090	Fees / year HK$173,652 - 244,642
Age range	Age range 1 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP)	Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 350	Pupils 700
Typical class size	Typical class size 4	Typical class size 8
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1991	Opened 2006
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location Creative Secondary School is situated in Tseung Kwan O in Hong Kong’s New Territories. The area is well connected by MTR, bus, and minibus routes, with dedicated school bus services covering Kowloon and New Territories districts. Families relocating to Hong Kong will find the campus in a residential and educational hub that is accessible from major urban centres.
Stages	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.	Stages CSS offers education for Forms 1–6, covering the equivalent of lower secondary to upper secondary. Forms 1–3 follow the IB Middle Years Programme framework, while senior students in Forms 4–6 may pursue either the HKDSE or the IB Diploma Programme.
School type	School type Carmel is a co-educational day school. It does not provide boarding facilities; all students commute daily.	School type The school is an English-medium Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) institution. It is co-educational and operates as a day school, with no boarding provision.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	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.	Additional learning support CSS provides structured support for students with additional learning needs. Services include access to school-based educational psychology and speech support, small group teaching, academic counselling, and co-teaching models. The Centre for Academic Language Proficiency (CALP) also supports students requiring English language development.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school does not have a national affiliation; it is an IB Continuum School authorised for the PYP, MYP, and DP programmes.	Country affiliation The school does not have a formal affiliation with any particular country. It is part of the Creative Schools Continuum in Hong Kong.
Religious affiliation	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.	Religious affiliation The school does not have any religious affiliation.
School day structure	School day structure The school’s public website does not disclose daily start and end times or details of breaks/lunch times.	School day structure The school does not publish its daily timetable publicly.
Bus service details	Bus service details Yes. Carmel contracts City School Bus Service Limited for transport. Families can arrange service directly.	Bus service details A school bus service is available, operated by Wah Cheung Travel and Tourist Bus Co. Ltd. Routes are revised annually and currently include Tseung Kwan O, Kowloon districts such as Kwun Tong, Kowloon Bay, and Tsim Sha Tsui, and New Territories areas including Shatin and Tsuen Wan. This makes the school accessible to families living in multiple parts of Hong Kong.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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.	Fee details Tuition Fees (Per Year) Form 1 – Form 2: HK$173,652 (10 instalments) Form 3: HK$179,512 (10 instalments) Form 4: HK$191,997 (10 instalments) Form 5 (HKDSE): HK$197,127 (10 instalments) Form 5 (IBDP): HK$244,642 (10 instalments) Form 6 (HKDSE): HK$197,177 (8 instalments) Form 6 (IBDP): HK$244,632 (8 instalments) Billing Schedule and Payment Terms Fees are billed monthly, in 8 or 10 instalments depending on the year group. For new students joining mid-month, fees are pro-rated: * 1st–7th of the month: 100% * 8th–15th: 75% * 16th–23rd: 50% * 24th–31st: 25% If a student withdraws mid-month, the full month’s fee remains payable. Refund Policy Parents must submit a Student Withdrawal Form at least one month before the last attendance date, or one month’s fee will be charged in place of notice. For end-of-year withdrawals, notice must be given by 30 June. Library books and any borrowed equipment must be returned before departure. Financial Assistance CSS offers a Fee Remission Scheme (need-based) and a Scholarship Scheme (merit-based, covering academics, arts, STEM, leadership, and service).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	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.	Uniform requirement MY1 to F.3 wear a uniform; F.4 to F.6 wear a uniform; there are summer and winter variants. The PE uniform is colour-coded by House (six colours). Uniforms are purchased from Kam Lun Tailors Ltd.
Food options	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.	Food options There is a sizeable on-site canteen with a catering service that cooks on-site, providing breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas and snacks.
House system	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.	House system CSS has a vertical House System with six houses named after flowering trees, each with a distinctive colour. Students and staff are assigned to a house; each house functions as a family unit with a House Tutor and has House Committees and student leadership.
Governance and ownership	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.	Governance and ownership The School Sponsoring Body is Creative Education Foundation Ltd. CSS is an English-medium direct subsidy (DSS) school and an IB World School; it offers HKDSE in addition to the IB Diploma. It is part of Creative Schools Continuum with CPS and CPSKG. The governing structure includes a Board of Directors and a School Management Committee; CSS Management Committee Ltd. oversees governance.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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.	Curriculum details Creative Secondary School offers a secondary programme from Form 1 to Form 6. In Forms 1–3, students follow Hong Kong’s junior secondary curriculum taught through the framework of the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), which emphasises inquiry-based learning across subjects. In Forms 4–6, most students prepare for the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE), the local university entrance qualification. From Form 5, students may alternatively opt for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), with a broad range of subject choices across languages, sciences, humanities, and the arts. The school also runs CLACH (Chinese Language, Arts, Culture and History) to strengthen Chinese cultural education and the CALP (Centre for Academic Language Proficiency) to support academic English. Across all years, the Personal Growth Programme (PGP) and experiential learning activities form part of the core timetable.
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 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.	Social & emotional learning CSS integrates social and emotional learning into the curriculum through its Personal Growth Programme (PGP). This programme is delivered by house tutors and external NGO speakers, with age-appropriate content tailored to each year group. The PGP is designed to build five key competences across Forms 1–6, ensuring continuity and progression in student development. Students also benefit from the house tutorial system, where teachers provide long-term guidance from entry to graduation. These structures create consistent support for students’ personal and social development.
Special educational needs (SEN)	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.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school provides a Learning Support Programme which includes school-based educational psychology and speech therapy services, support groups, individual academic counselling, and explicit teaching or co-teaching when required. CSS is not a specialist SEN institution but does offer targeted interventions to support students with additional needs. The website does not specify the categories of SEN supported, but indicates services are delivered in collaboration with teachers and specialists.
English as an additional language	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.	English as an additional language CSS operates the Centre for Academic Language Proficiency (CALP), which provides intensive English support to students who require it. In senior forms, Academic Language Proficiency (ALP) is also offered as an elective subject in Forms 4–5 to strengthen English across different academic disciplines. These programmes are intended to help students succeed in English-medium learning across all subjects.
Mental wellbeing	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.	Mental wellbeing CSS’s Student Development & Well-being Team works alongside the house tutorial system to support students’ overall well-being. The team’s role is described as helping students develop in and beyond the classroom, though no individual counsellor roles are listed on the public site. The PGP and house tutor system further contributes to mental well-being by offering structured guidance and continuity of care. Specific mental health services beyond these frameworks are not publicly disclosed.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school does not publicly disclose safeguarding or child-protection policies on its website.	Safeguarding The CSS website includes a section on School Policies, Plans & Reports, which references safeguarding and child protection. However, the site does not make the detailed safeguarding or child protection policies publicly accessible. Therefore, while safeguarding is acknowledged, the precise procedures and measures are not available online.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy View document
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	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.	Facilities overview CSS has a modern, purpose-designed campus located beside Tseung Kwan O EcoPark with a sea view. It is a BYOD school with campus-wide Wi‑Fi to support inquiry-based learning. The campus is about five minutes from Hang Hau MTR by green minibus and has convenient access to other public transport. The school houses specialist facilities for science, arts and technology, including seven science laboratories with data-logging equipment, four Visual Art studios, a STEAM Education Suite, a CLACH Room, a Food Technology Centre and a Design Technology Centre with three workshops and a CAD studio. The on-site library overlooks EcoPark and Victoria Harbour, and the campus includes an on-site canteen, two roof gardens, an Astroturf multipurpose ball court, a bouldering wall and a gym.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The school has a multi-purpose sport hall for physical education and team activities.	Sports facilities Two roof gardens and an Astroturf multipurpose ball court are located on the campus. The campus also includes a bouldering wall and a gym room for physical education and student well-being. The school has convenient access to top-class public facilities for athletics, swimming, soccer, cycling and more near the campus, which are regularly booked to support the PE programme.
Academic facilities	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.	Academic facilities CSS provides specialist academic facilities for science, arts and technology. There are seven science laboratories with data-logging and digital equipment, four Visual Art studios, a STEAM Education Suite, a CLACH Room for Chinese Language and Literature, Art, Culture and History, a Food Technology Centre and a Design Technology Centre with three workshops and a CAD studio. The Arts facilities support examination courses in HKDSE and the IB Diploma for Visual Art, Theatre, Music and Film. The library is well stocked and overlooks EcoPark and the harbour, supporting study and research.
Extra curricular facilities	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.	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular activities are supported by the school's performing arts and sports facilities. A black-box drama studio, a multi-room Music Centre and two multi-purpose rooms for dance and other activities host drama, music and dance clubs and performances. A digital recording studio and the music facilities support student media projects and music creation beyond class work. The school hall supports assemblies and larger performances. Students have access to clubs and activities across arts, technology and sport that utilize these spaces.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	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.	History CSS was founded in 2006, with its establishment following the creation of the Creative Schools Continuum to provide a seamless pathway from primary to secondary education. The Creative Primary School and its kindergarten began in 1985 on Oxford Road, forming the foundation of the continuum. In response to Education Commission reforms in 1999 advocating educational continuums, the sponsor applied for a site for CSS in 2000, eventually opening in Tseung Kwan O. CSS and its sibling schools are run by separate school boards and are independent in management and finance.
Community	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.	Community The CSS community hosts regular events and cultural programmes, such as joint anniversary celebrations, online art exhibitions, and creative showcases. Arts exhibitions (HKDSE & IBDP), winter arts showcases, and cross-school exhibitions are featured in the News & Events calendar. The community also values the notion of an “inviting school” culture and integrates experiential learning, house systems, and student leadership activities to build relationships within the school.
Parent teacher association	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.	Parent teacher association The CSS PTA publishes a Chairperson’s message that emphasizes building close connections among parents, students, and the school, and organising activities to enhance understanding and communication. One of the PTA’s concrete projects is the classroom and common area refurbishing initiative, where the PTA led over 20 volunteers to upgrade furniture and learning spaces. The PTA also organizes community events: for example, the Welcome Party & “We Will Rock You” video premiere brought parents and students together with live performances and video premieres to kick off the school year. Through these efforts, the PTA acts as a bridge between parents and the school, fostering a collaborative and supportive school environment.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	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.	Academic & intellectual The school offers IB Middle Years Programme and IB Diploma Programme alongside the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education. A STEAM Education Suite and a Design Technology Centre support student-driven projects across science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, with specialist facilities such as science laboratories and a CAD studio enabling extended inquiry. The program emphasises inquiry-based learning within its IB framework and HKDSE pathways.
Arts & creative	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.	Arts & creative The school provides extensive performing and visual arts facilities, including a black-box drama studio, a Music Centre with instruments and a recording studio, and multiple Visual Art studios. A Chinese Arts & Culture Hub supports cultural activities and spaces for dance and related disciplines. The school showcases student work through productions such as Shrek Jr. The Musical.
Cultural & language	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.	Cultural & language The school is an English-medium direct subsidy school and an IB World School. A Chinese Arts & Culture Hub is integrated on campus, supporting Chinese language and culture activities. The school values cultural identity and international-mindedness within its learning community.
Social & hobbies	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.	Social & hobbies Students participate in regular performing arts events and other student-led activities. Open Day highlights include student-led, interactive charity booths and live performances. The campus supports a range of clubs and hobby groups through its arts- and sport-oriented community.
Community & service	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.	Community & service The Scholarship Scheme includes a Special Scholarship for Leadership & Service, indicating opportunities for leadership and community involvement. Student-led charity booths and community engagement activities are part of CSS Open Day experiences. The school's philosophy emphasises serving the wider community.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional The Scholarship Scheme includes General, HKDSE, IB Diploma, and Special Scholarships with Leadership & Service as a talent area, reflecting a commitment to developing student leadership and professional skills. CSS emphasises leadership development as part of its educational approach.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	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.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus features a bouldering wall, a gym, and an Astroturf multipurpose court, with additional indoor and outdoor sports facilities nearby for physical education and athletics. The school prioritises active engagement and student well-being within its facilities and programs.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	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.	Language provision Languages taught include English and Chinese. First-language options are English or Chinese; second language acquisition develops proficiency in a second language. Language and Literature is studied in the first language, and bilingual learners study Language and Literature in both English and Chinese.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The school delivers a bilingual approach to language learning. In Form 1–3, the IB Middle Years Programme is used to deliver the Hong Kong junior secondary curriculum, with Language and Literature offered in the first language (English or Chinese) and second language acquisition to develop proficiency in an additional language. Bilingually fluent students may study Language and Literature in both English and Chinese. The MYP has been IB-authorised since 2009. From Form 4–6, students study HKDSE, with the option to pursue the IB Diploma Programme in Form 5–6.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards The CSS website does not provide a formal, curated list of institutional awards (i.e., awards given to the school itself).
Accreditations	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.	Accreditations IB World School: CSS is authorized to deliver the IB Middle Years Programme and IB Diploma Programme. This accreditation confirms it meets IB standards in curriculum, teaching, assessment, and governance. Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) status in Hong Kong: while not an “accreditation” in the international sense, this governmental scheme places CSS in a regulated category of schools that receive government subsidy while retaining some autonomy.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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.	Admissions 1. Application Parents begin by submitting an online application form via the school’s website. Required documents include a recent student photo, copies of Hong Kong ID or passport/visa, the last two years of school reports, and any supporting certificates. If applicable, families should also submit medical or psychological assessment reports. Applications are accepted for entry into Form 1 (Secondary 1) as well as for transfer into Forms 2–5. 2. Eligibility Check The school reviews applications to ensure students meet the Education Bureau (EDB requirements and the school’s academic readiness criteria. For Form 1, completion of local Primary 6 or equivalent (such as IBPYP or an overseas system) is expected. Non-Chinese speaking students are assessed under EDB guidelines for Chinese language learning eligibility. 3. Assessment Applicants are invited to sit written assessments in subjects such as English, Chinese, and Mathematics. Shortlisted students are then called for an interview. Notifications and interview arrangements are sent directly to parents by email from the school’s admissions office. 4. Offer and Enrolment Successful candidates receive an offer of admission. Parents must confirm acceptance and complete the financial procedures, including tuition fees, according to the published fee schedule. Families interested in financial support can also apply for the Fee Remission Scheme or the Scholarship Scheme.
Scholarships	Scholarships The school does not publicly offer merit-based or need-based scholarships.	Scholarships CSS offers a structured Scholarship Scheme for students who demonstrate excellence across different areas. The scheme includes a Multipotential Scholarship for Forms 1–4, recognising students who show ability in multiple fields, as well as HKDSE and IBDP Scholarships for Forms 5–6, awarded to students excelling in either the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme pathways. In addition, Excellence Scholarships are available for outstanding talent in areas such as sport, music, visual arts, drama, dance, STEM, or leadership and service. All scholarships require a formal application, and recipients are expected to sign an agreement that includes leadership and service commitments.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not describe a formal waitlist or pool system on its website.	Waitlist CSS does not describe a formal waitlist or pool system on its website. Instead, the admissions page explains that if families do not hear back within about two months of applying, they should assume the application has been unsuccessful. Interview invitations and offers are issued at the discretion of the school’s admissions team.
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