Carmel School - Carmel Elementary Campus and HKCA Po Leung Kuk School are both in Hong Kong, about 3 km apart. Both schools follow an IB curriculum. Published annual fees are HK$80,500 - 226,090 at Carmel School - Carmel Elementary Campus and HK$93,200 - 125,000 at HKCA Po Leung Kuk School, which puts Carmel School - Carmel Elementary Campus roughly 41% higher. Carmel School - Carmel Elementary Campus takes pupils from 1 to 18, and HKCA Po Leung Kuk School from 3 to 12. Typical class sizes are 4 at Carmel School - Carmel Elementary Campus and 10 at HKCA Po Leung Kuk School.
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Carmel School - Carmel Elementary Campus
Hong Kong
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HKCA Po Leung Kuk School
Hong Kong
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| Snapshot | Snapshot | |
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Fees / year
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Fees / year HK$80,500 - 226,090 | Fees / year HK$93,200 - 125,000 |
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Age range
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Age range 1 - 18 years | Age range 3 - 12 years |
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Type
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Type Co-educational | Type Co-educational |
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Curriculum
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Curriculum IB (PYP) | Curriculum IB (PYP) |
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Pupils
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Pupils 350 | Pupils — |
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Typical class size
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Typical class size 4 | Typical class size 10 |
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Instruction language
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Instruction language English | Instruction language English, Mandarin |
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Opened
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Opened 1991 | Opened — |
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Bus service
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Bus service Yes | Bus service No |
| Essentials | Essentials | |
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Location
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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 HKCA Po Leung Kuk School is located at 62 Tin Hau Temple Road, Hong Kong. The campus is on Hong Kong Island in the Tin Hau area and is described as a small, leafy site. It is a short walk from Tin Hau MTR station, about 350 metres away, making it accessible by public transport. (+852 3465 8400 for the Primary, +852 3465 8404 for the Kindergarten). |
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Stages
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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 The school serves children aged 3–12 years, with a through-train pathway from K1 to Grade 6. This means the campus offers Kindergarten and Primary levels under the IB Primary Years Programme. (Ages 3-12; K1 to Grade 6). |
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School type
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School type Carmel is a co-educational day school. It does not provide boarding facilities; all students commute daily. | School type HKCA Po Leung Kuk School is a private not-for-profit international school established by Po Leung Kuk. It offers an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme as part of its non-local curriculum. (Not-for-profit international school; IB World School). |
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Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix — | Pupil nationality mix — |
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Additional learning support
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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 Published admissions information notes that English as a Second Language (ESL) support can be provided for students needing language assistance, with some ESL classes potentially occurring outside the regular school day at the parents' expense. The school does not publish detailed SEN provisions on its site. |
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Country affiliation
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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 operates in Hong Kong and is not affiliated with a specific country. It is run as a not-for-profit international school under Po Leung Kuk. |
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Religious affiliation
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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 Religious affiliation is not indicated in the published materials. |
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School day structure
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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 Typical days begin with arrival around 7:55–8:15, followed by a homeroom period and morning block. Core subjects run through the morning, with lunch around 12:00–12:30, and dismissal (with an available school bus option) around 2:50–3:00, depending on section. After-school activities may run from 3:15–5:15. |
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Bus service details
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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 offered as part of the transport options; bus-related costs are listed among the school's additional charges. Dismissal times align with bus services when used. For exact routes and fees, consult the Admissions/Fees materials. |
| Fees | Fees | |
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Fee details
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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 Application fee - Application fee: HK$800 (non-refundable). Tuition fees (by year group and billing detail) - Kindergarten (K1–K3): Annual tuition HK$93,200. Paid in 10 monthly instalments of HK$9,320. - Primary (Grade 1–Grade 6): Annual tuition HK$125,000. Paid in 10 monthly instalments of HK$12,500. Billing schedule and payment terms - Annual tuition is billed on an academic-year basis but structured to be paid in 10 monthly payments (the published instalment amounts are HK$9,320 per month for Kindergarten and HK$12,500 per month for Grades 1–6). The application fee is a one-time, non-refundable payment. Annual tuition fees may be adjusted subject to Education Bureau approval. - Kindergarten miscellaneous fee: A HK$6,000 Miscellaneous Fee for Kindergarten (covers learning materials, stationery, art materials and field trip expenses) is payable in two instalments of HK$3,000. Additional costs for Primary are itemised separately (see Other costs). Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. The school operates as a day school for children aged 3–12. No boarding fees are published. Other costs and typical additional charges - For Primary: likely additional charges include field trips, some after‑school activities, school bus, school lunch, stationery and uniform. These are separately billed or charged and are not included in the annual tuition figure. - For Kindergarten: the HK$6,000 Miscellaneous Fee (in two instalments of HK$3,000) is specifically published to cover learning materials, stationery, art materials and field trip expenses. Fee remission / financial assistance - A fee remission scheme (financial assistance for tuition) is available for eligible families; application details are handled by the Admissions Office. Refund information - The application fee is explicitly non-refundable. No general tuition‑refund policy for mid‑term withdrawal or similar situations is published in the publicly available fee summary. Fee payment options and contacts for payment enquiries - Specific payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, FPS, cheque, etc.) are not published on the fees summary page. For payment arrangements and accepted payment channels, contact Admissions or the school office using the published contact numbers. Admissions: +852 3465 8401; Primary Section: +852 3465 8400; Kindergarten Section: +852 3465 8404. |
| Diving deeper | Diving deeper | |
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Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements — | Boarding arrangements — |
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Uniform requirement
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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 The school has a school uniform. |
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Food options
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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 Lunch is available as an additional cost. |
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House system
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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 — |
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Governance and ownership
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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 Po Leung Kuk operates the school in a not-for-profit manner. |
| Academics | Academics | |
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Curriculum details
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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 HKCA PLK School offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) for children aged 3–12, with Kindergarten through Grade 6 on Tin Hau Temple Road in Hong Kong. The PYP framework guides learning across a transdisciplinary programme that emphasizes inquiry, reflection and action in open, democratic classrooms. The homeroom teacher leads as the main language of instruction for English, with Mandarin taught as a separate language, and learning organized around a Programme of Inquiry (POI) comprising units of inquiry across Kindergarten to Grade 6. Core subjects include English Language, Mandarin, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, The Arts, and Personal, Social and Physical Education, with IB-scope & sequence documents guiding Language Arts, Mathematics, PSPE and The Arts and school-developed continuums for Science and Social Studies. Assessment uses a portfolio approach with Seesaw for daily communication, and formal Student-Led Conferences and reports; teachers record and report learning progress. The curriculum is organized into Kindergarten, Grades 1–2, 3–4, and 5–6 bands, each with age-appropriate POIs and unit continuums. |
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Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio — | Student teacher ratio — |
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Exam results
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Exam results — | Exam results — |
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Higher education progression
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Higher education progression — | Higher education progression — |
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Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented — | Gifted and talented — |
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Academic calendar
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Academic calendar | Academic calendar — |
| Wellbeing & support | Wellbeing & support | |
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Social & emotional learning
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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 HKCA Po Leung Kuk School provides a transdisciplinary, challenging learning environment described as a happy, safe and caring school. The Inclusion Policy states the aim is to increase access and engagement by removing barriers and by fostering collaboration, mutual respect, support and problem-solving across the whole school community. Belonging, safety, self-worth and well-being are identified as core elements of the student learning experience. For students with learning support needs, an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) is created and progress is tracked, with ILP records kept confidential in the School Office. Seesaw is used to support daily teacher–parent–student communication and to support mother-tongue development as part of home–school learning. |
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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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 Inclusion Policy notes the school cannot offer a full continuum of learning support programmes, but teachers differentiate instruction and implement ILPs to address individual needs. Prior to admission, the Principal meets with families to determine whether the school can address the student's needs with the resources available. ILP records are created for students with learning support needs and are confidential, stored in the School Office. The policy identifies potential areas of challenge covered by an inclusive approach, including reading, writing, mathematics, social and emotional, mental health and well-being, speech and language, vision, hearing, giftedness, physical and medical considerations. Inclusion strategies rely on collaboration among teachers, parents and specialists, with ongoing professional development to promote inclusive practice. |
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English as an additional language
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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 The school accepts students with the requisite proficiency in English to access its English-medium curriculum. Where necessary, students identified as needing additional language support may take English as a Second Language (ESL) support classes out of school at the parents' own expense. English Language is taught as a core subject in the Primary School with direct instruction and meaningful contexts. The homeroom teacher is responsible for the main language of instruction (English), with language learning in English and Mandarin integrated into the programme. Seesaw is used to support parent–teacher–student communication and to support mother-tongue development. |
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Mental wellbeing
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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 The school aims to provide a happy, safe and caring environment to support students' mental wellbeing, as reflected in the Inclusion Policy. Belonging, safety, self-worth and well-being are highlighted as central to the learning experience. The Personal, Social and Physical Education (PSPE) curriculum is delivered by specialists and class teachers, focusing on identity, active living and positive interactions. Professional development is provided for staff to promote inclusion and diversity, contributing to a supportive school climate. These elements align with the IB philosophy of holistic development of the whole child. |
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding The school does not publicly disclose safeguarding or child-protection policies on its website. | Safeguarding Safeguarding-related information is addressed through policies that emphasize a safe and caring environment and safeguarding principles embedded in school life. A Personal Data Handling Policy governs how student and parent data are collected, stored and shared, with confidentiality and retention rules. Before admission, the Principal meets families to assess whether the school can address the student's needs with available resources, and an ILP is developed to guide support. ILP records are confidential and stored in the School Office. Policy communication and bi-annual review processes ensure safeguarding considerations are reviewed and updated within the school. |
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Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy — |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
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Facilities overview
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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 The school is located at 62 Tin Hau Temple Road, Hong Kong, about 350m from Tin Hau MRT station. The campus is fully renovated to provide a high-quality international education. It is an IB World School authorized to offer the Primary Years Programme for students aged 3-12. The curriculum uses a transdisciplinary, inquiry-based approach to develop students as creative, globally minded learners. Po Leung Kuk operates the school in a not-for-profit manner and values English, Chinese and other mother-tongue languages. |
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Sports facilities
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Sports facilities The school has a multi-purpose sport hall for physical education and team activities. | Sports facilities — |
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Academic facilities
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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 HKCA Po Leung Kuk School delivers the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for children aged 3-12 as part of its IB World School status. The PYP framework emphasizes transdisciplinary inquiry, reflection and action within a challenging learning environment. The program aims to develop students' confidence, inquiry skills and understanding, while nurturing individual interests, strengths and abilities. English, Chinese and other mother-tongue languages are valued to support an inclusive language atmosphere. |
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Extra curricular facilities
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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 After School Activities (ASA) include Arts & Crafts; Chinese Calligraphy; Coding; Drama; French; Games & Puzzles; Lego Club; Movies & More; Playground Games; Spanish; and Web Page Design. Student interest drives the breadth of offerings and the school plans to expand ASA as it grows. |
| Parent experience | Parent experience | |
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History
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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 HKCA Po Leung Kuk School traces its origins to 1951, when it was established by Mr HO Iu Kwong and the Hong Kong Construction Association as the Building Contractors' Association School. The school officially commenced operation in September 1957. In 2017, Po Leung Kuk and the HKCA collaborated to transform the Building Contractors' Association School into the Kuk's first IB-PYP private school. In 2019 a donation led to the campus on Tin Hau Temple Road being named Ho Iu Kwong Campus. |
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Community
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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 Recent News & Events show a calendar of activities, including the Kindergarten Christmas Party on December 6, 2025 and the Kindergarten Experience Day on October 28, 2025. The campus is located at 62 Tin Hau Temple Road and is described as a renovated, tree-surrounded environment. The school is an IB World School authorized to offer the Primary Years Programme, emphasizing global citizenship. Open Day events have taken place, such as the Open Date on October 18, 2025. |
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Parent teacher association
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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 HKCA PLK School PTA actively recruits parent volunteers throughout the year to support events and student activities. Parents can sign up using the online volunteer form and may contact the PTA by email. The PTA maintains an events calendar with a 2025-26 program and has organized major events such as Winter of Hope (the 6 December 2025 winter fair with profits directed to Tai Po Fire victims). Other activities include Box of Hope packing, Halloween celebrations, Diwali festivities, Mid-Autumn Festival activities, World Teachers' Appreciation Week, and Back to School Night 2025. The PTA works in close collaboration with the school to plan and run these events. |
| Extra-curricular | Extra-curricular | |
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Academic & intellectual
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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 HKCA PLK School offers a range of optional After School Activities (ASA) to extend learning beyond the classroom. Past ASA have included Arts & Crafts; Chinese Calligraphy; Coding; Drama; French; Games & Puzzles; Lego Club; Movies & More; Playground Games; Spanish; and Web Page Design. Student voice and choice drive ASA planning, and offerings are expanded as the school builds relationships with the local community. These activities complement the IB PYP framework by providing opportunities to apply classroom learning in real-world contexts. |
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Arts & creative
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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 Arts education is delivered by specialist teachers and covers dance, drama, music, and visual art, with a focus on both responding to and creating works. The curriculum supports students in expressing ideas through personal artistic journeys and a variety of media. After-school options include arts-related activities such as Arts & Crafts and Drama, providing additional creative outlets. The school emphasizes creativity across units of inquiry within the PYP framework. |
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Cultural & language
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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 English and Mandarin are taught within the Primary Years Programme, with language learning integrated into transdisciplinary units. Optional language clubs include French and Spanish, and Chinese Calligraphy offers cultural language exposure. The IB PYP framework supports intercultural understanding and global awareness through inquiry-based learning, and cultural events are integrated into school life. Cultural events such as Diwali and Mid-Autumn Festival are highlighted in school life and PTA activities. |
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Social & hobbies
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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 A variety of social and hobby clubs are offered through the After School Activities program, including Lego Club; Games & Puzzles; Movies & More; and Playground Games. Activities are chosen with student voice and a focus on collaboration and peer interaction beyond the classroom. School events and family activities organized by the PTA also provide social engagement opportunities for the community. |
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Community & service
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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 HKCA PLK School runs a robust PTA that coordinates volunteering and community service initiatives. Examples include Winter of Hope and Box of Hope, with volunteers invited to participate through a sign-up process. The PTA maintains an events calendar with regular service-oriented and community-building activities. |
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Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional — | Leadership & professional — |
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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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 Personal, Social and Physical Education is taught by specialists and class teachers and focuses on identity, active living and interpersonal skills. The curriculum integrates PSPE with units of inquiry to promote wellbeing and a balanced approach to learning. School events, outdoor education and sport-related activities support physical health and social-emotional wellbeing. The calendar includes teacher professional development days to maintain program quality. |
| Language provision | Language provision | |
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Language provision
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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 Language and Mandarin (Chinese language). English is the main language of instruction, while Mandarin is taught as a language and integrated into learning experiences through units of inquiry. Mandarin language instruction focuses on listening, speaking, reading, and writing, using traditional characters. Seesaw is used to facilitate parent–teacher communication and support mother-tongue development. The school serves children aged 3 to 12 (Kindergarten 1 to Grade 6). |
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Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching — | Bilingual teaching The English language is the main language of instruction in the Primary School Programme at HKCA PLK School. Mandarin (Chinese) is taught as a language and is integrated into learning through direct instruction and units of inquiry. The homeroom teacher leads instruction in English for core subjects, with Mandarin included as part of the language offerings. The school serves children aged 3 to 12 (Kindergarten 1 to Grade 6). |
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Immersion programs
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Immersion programs — | Immersion programs — |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
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Awards
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Awards — | Awards — |
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Accreditations
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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 International Baccalaureate World School (Primary Years Programme). The school is authorized to offer the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), aligning with IB's global standards for inquiry-based, transdisciplinary learning. |
| Admissions | Admissions | |
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Admissions
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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 Step 1: Review eligibility and class placement. The school defines age guidelines for Early Years (K1) through Grade 6, and class placement is determined by the school after the admission process. The age framework aligns with UK/ESF equivalence and birth-date ranges, and placement decisions are made by the school, not by parental choice. The range of eligible ages and the corresponding grade levels are published to guide families before applying. Step 2: Language readiness. The school requires proficiency in English to access the English-medium curriculum. If a student needs additional language support, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes may be taken outside of school at the parents' expense. This ensures students can participate in core subjects while language needs are addressed. Step 3: Online application submission. Parents interested in enrolling their child can apply online by completing the Admission Form. Enrollment will be continuous until all available places have been filled, and the school is explicit about ongoing accepting of applications where places remain. In addition, there are currently limited remaining places for some years, so timely submission is advised. Step 4: Admission interviews and criteria. Eligible applicants must demonstrate satisfactory social and communication skills and achieve satisfactory results in the admission interviews. First-round interviews for Early Years and Grade 1 typically last about 45 minutes, with longer sessions (60–70 minutes) for older grades. Interviews assess readiness for school and, for higher grades, literacy and numeracy. Step 5: Admission decision and enrollment. If a place is offered, enrollment proceeds in line with available capacity, and there is a priority framework for admissions (non-local students, siblings, and the children of full-time staff). Admissions are described as ongoing, with inquiries accepted and places filled on a rolling basis. The process emphasizes continuous enrollment until spaces are exhausted. Step 6: Fees and application outcomes. An application Fee of HK$800 is required and is non-refundable. The annual tuition for Kindergarten is HK$93,200 (paid in 10 monthly installments of HK$9,320), while the annual tuition for Grades 1–6 is HK$125,000 (HK$12,500 monthly). The school notes that paying the application fee does not guarantee admission and that annual tuition may be adjusted with Education Bureau approval. |
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Scholarships
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Scholarships The school does not publicly offer merit-based or need-based scholarships. | Scholarships The school does not offer traditional scholarships. Instead, a fee remission scheme is available for families needing financial assistance, applicable to those who already have a student enrolled at the school. Details and the appropriate forms are provided through the Admissions Office. Applicants should note that there is an HK$800 non-refundable application fee, and admission is not guaranteed by payment of this fee. |
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Waitlist
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Waitlist The school does not describe a formal waitlist or pool system on its website. | Waitlist Waitlist or pool procedures are not described as a formal system on the admissions materials. |
| View full profile → | View full profile → | |
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