Christian Alliance International School vs International Christian School - Shek Mun Campus

	C Christian Alliance International School Hong Kong	I International Christian School - Shek Mun Campus Hong Kong
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year HK$136,300 - 228,300	Fees / year HK$148,400 - 201,500
Age range	Age range 5 - 17 years	Age range 5 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), Canadian Curriculum, Christian Curriculum	Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Christian Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,700	Pupils 1,200
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1992	Opened 1992
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Christian Alliance International School (CAIS) is situated in Butterfly Valley, Lai Chi Kok on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong. The campus is accessible via major public transport links, including nearby MTR stations and bus routes. The surrounding area is urban and well connected, with facilities that serve the local community.	Location The main campus is in Shek Mun, Sha Tin, in the New Territories, It is relatively accessible from major thoroughfares in Sha Tin, and the school arranges bus services across Hong Kong.
Stages	Stages The school runs as a through-train programme from Preparatory (Kindergarten) through Grade 12. This structure includes Primary (Prep–G6) and Secondary (G7–G12), with students in Grades 11–12 able to pursue the Alberta Diploma, Advanced Placement (AP), or the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP).	Stages ICS offers a continuous pathway from Kindergarten through Elementary, Middle School, and High School.
School type	School type CAIS is a co-educational international day school with an enrollment of over 1,700 students. It does not provide boarding facilities, with all students commuting daily.	School type It is a co-educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school provides support for students with mild to moderate learning needs through its Student Support Services team. Provision includes learning support teachers and assistants who collaborate with classroom staff and families to help students access the curriculum. CAIS is not a specialist SEN school.	Additional learning support ICS runs a program called Bridges for students aged 11-18 with significant learning needs (e.g. in communication, social/emotional or physical domains), with dedicated staff, lower student-teacher ratios, and integration into the mainstream classes where appropriate.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation CAIS is accredited by Alberta Education, Canada, to deliver the Alberta curriculum, and also offers AP and IBDP pathways.	Country affiliation The school does not formally affiliate with one country’s educational system; it operates independently as an international school in Hong Kong.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school is a Christian institution, founded by the Kowloon Tong Church of the Chinese Christian and Missionary Alliance (KTAC).	Religious affiliation ICS is affiliated with Christian faith, operating as an evangelical Christian school and integrating Christian worldview into its curriculum and community life.
School day structure	School day structure School days begin at 7:55 am (Primary) and 8:05 am (Secondary). Regular dismissal is mid-afternoon, with Monday featuring an earlier finish (Primary at 2:05 pm, Secondary at 2:35 pm). Published bell schedules also note dedicated chapel/assembly sessions and advisory times.	School day structure Typical school hours are Monday to Friday, 7:45 am to 3:00 pm. In secondary (High School and Middle School), they run on a 6-day rotating schedule for classes, with an advisory program (“Tribe” or “Facegroups”) meeting daily around lunch periods.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school operates a bus service, referenced in its bell schedules and dismissal notices. Buses depart after school dismissal, including an earlier departure on Mondays. While full provider details are not published, the service is part of daily logistics and coordinated with start and end times for Primary and Secondary.	Bus service details ICS provides a school bus/coach service for students across Hong Kong, using contracted providers. The routes and service arrangements are reviewed annually, and the service supports both Kindergarten and the main campus.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application Fees A one-time application fee is required for all new students. The fee is HKD 1,500 for Preparatory–Grade 3 and HKD 1,800 for Grades 4–12. This is non-refundable and must be paid by cheque at the time of application. Tuition Fees (Per Year) Fees are billed in 10 monthly installments across the academic year. The annual tuition fees for 2025–26 are as follows: Preparatory: HKD 136,300 Grade 1–3: HKD 151,800 Grade 4: HKD 159,600 Grade 5: HKD 171,200 Grade 6: HKD 183,000 Grade 7–9: HKD 197,800 Grade 10–12 (Alberta/AP): HKD 216,300 Grade 11–12 (IB Diploma Programme): HKD 228,300 Capital Contributions Families must select one of the following options: Individual Capital Note (ICN): HKD 560,000 (first child), reduced amounts for additional siblings. Refundable or transferable with administrative fees. Annual Capital Levy (ACL): HKD 30,000 per year, non-refundable. This applies if the student is not covered by an ICN or Corporate Capital Note (CCN). Corporate Capital Note (CCN): An option for companies to secure places for nominated students. Sibling Discount Second child: 10% Third child: 15% Fourth child and beyond: 20% Additional Fees A reservation fee equal to one month’s tuition is payable upon acceptance and credited toward the first installment. Administrative fees apply for reissued invoices or mailed documents. Other costs such as uniforms, extracurricular activities, and learning materials are billed separately. Refund Policy Tuition is non-refundable for any month in which a student attends, even partially. The Annual Capital Levy is also non-refundable. ICN refunds are subject to school policies and administration fees. Payment Options Payments are accepted by cheque or bank transfer. Cash is not accepted.	Fee details Application Fees * Pre-Grade 1 – Grade 12: HK$1,500 (non-refundable, non-transferable, payable prior to assessment). Reservation Deposit / Registration Fee Confirms enrollment and is credited against the first tuition installment. It is forfeited if a place is accepted but the student does not attend. * Elementary School: HK$14,840 * Middle School: HK$19,660 * High School: HK$20,150 Tuition Fees (2025–26) Tuition is billed in installments per year and cannot be prorated. All fees are in Hong Kong dollars, non-refundable and non-transferable unless otherwise stated. * Elementary (Pre-Grade 1 – Grade 5): HK$148,400 per year * Middle School (Grade 6 – Grade 8): HK$196,600 per year * High School (Grade 9 – Grade 12): HK$201,500 per year Other Fees Additional costs may include graduation fees, extracurricular activities, band instrument rental, uniforms, school bus, and meals. These are billed separately as applicable. Financial Assistance * Financial Aid: Tuition subsidy for families facing financial challenges; must reapply annually. * Family Discount: Applied per eldest child and downward, renewed annually. * 1st & 2nd child – no discount * 3rd child – 10% discount on tuition * 4th child – 15% discount on tuition * Additional children – increases by 5% increments Withdrawal Policy For Grades Pre-1 to 12, the school requires two full calendar months’ written notice of withdrawal, or payment of two months’ tuition if notice is shorter. Summer holiday does not count toward the notice period. Payment Options Fees are payable in installments; payment is accepted by bank transfer (credit card not specified).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school requires full school uniform on campus and at CAIS-sponsored activities. Uniforms are designed and distributed by Uniform Station Limited, with online ordering available and in-person purchasing options. Students maintain modest and neat appearances, and all uniform items should be clearly labelled.	Uniform requirement Uniforms are compulsory for all elementary and secondary students and optional for kindergarten students. Uniforms may be purchased at Uniform Station; uniform swap programs are run by the ICS Parents Association; selected items can also be bought via the ICS Merch Store.
Food options	Food options Hot lunch services are provided by Sodexo, offering nutritionally balanced meals. Meals can be pre-ordered online for Grades 7–12 through the Sodexo meal enrollment program.	Food options ICS provides a lunch program with Sodexo. Students may purchase lunch or snacks at the on-campus cafeteria, and payments are cashless through Octopus. Older students (grades 11–12) may leave campus at lunchtime with parent approval.
House system	House system The school has a four-house system: Alyward, Simpson, Taylor and Yu. House activities include dodgeball, intramural sports, trivia nights and drama competitions to foster cross-grade connections and house-based competition.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership CAIS is a non-profit international school wholly owned by Kowloon Tong Church of the Chinese Christian and Missionary Alliance (KTAC).	Governance and ownership ICS is governed by a Board of Trustees formed in 1992 as International Christian Schools, Limited (ICSL). ICSL includes mission organizations: The Conservative Baptist Foreign Mission Society, Culture Regeneration Research Society (Hong Kong) Ltd., Evangelical Free Church of China, The Free Methodist Church of Hong Kong, The International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, and Wycliffe Bible Translators (Hong Kong). Since its founding, ICS has been governed by a Board of Trustees drawn from ICSL mission organizations and independent members. Board Chair: Anthony Lo. School Supervisor: Darius Yuen. Other trustees and committee chairs include Andrew Ngo, Dr. George So, Jonathan Luk, Kenneth Leung, Matthew A. Pine, and Wai Keung Kwok. The Head of Schools is Reverend Nick Seward, supported by the senior leadership team.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Christian Alliance International School follows the Alberta (Canada) curriculum from Preparatory through Grade 12, which provides the framework for core subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, alongside specialist subjects such as Visual Arts, Music, Physical Education, and Design Technology. In the upper grades, students can pursue Advanced Placement (AP) courses and examinations in selected subjects, allowing them to gain additional university recognition. For Grades 11–12, CAIS also offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) as an alternative pathway, with subjects across all six IB groups, including English A, Chinese A, Economics, Sciences, Mathematics, and Visual Arts. Chinese language learning is part of the curriculum from Preparatory onwards, with pathways into AP Chinese and IBDP Chinese in the senior years. The main language of instruction is English, with Chinese, French, and Spanish taught as additional world languages.	Curriculum details International Christian School follows a North American curriculum framework taught in English, with integration of a Christian worldview across all subjects. The Elementary School (Pre-Grade 1–Grade 5) provides a broad foundation in core subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and social studies, complemented by art, music, and physical education. In Middle School (Grades 6–8), students continue in a structured North American program while exploring electives and developing study skills in preparation for high school. The High School (Grades 9–12) offers a full college-preparatory curriculum, with the option to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses across a wide range of subjects, including sciences, humanities, and world languages (e.g. AP Chinese and AP Spanish). Throughout the school, Chinese language is taught as a subject, with Spanish also available at higher levels. Co-curricular programs in arts, STEM, and service are integrated into the academic pathway, ensuring students experience a well-rounded program through to graduation.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar View document	Academic calendar View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning CAIS integrates social and emotional development through its Pastoral and Advisory Care Team (PACT) programme in the secondary school. The published bell schedules show dedicated Community Time for primary students and Advisory Time for secondary students, which provide opportunities for relationship-building and personal development. Regular Chapel and Assembly sessions also contribute to students’ spiritual and emotional growth. Student Services include counselling support, though detailed SEL initiatives beyond these structures are not published.	Social & emotional learning ICS assigns a dedicated counselor in each school division who provides social-emotional support through both one-on-one and group counseling sessions. The counselors also conduct in-class lessons in the Elementary and Kindergarten divisions. In the High School, the “Tribe” advisory program meets daily during lunch, giving students consistent mentorship and a peer group structure.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) CAIS provides support for students with mild to moderate learning needs. Services are delivered by Learning Support teachers and assistants, who collaborate with classroom staff and families to help students participate in mainstream classes and access the Alberta curriculum. The school is clear that it is not a specialist SEN institution and does not publish provision for severe or complex needs.	Special educational needs (SEN) ICS offers the Bridges Program for students aged 11–18 who have “significant special learning needs” in areas such as communication, social / emotional interaction, or physical / sensory challenges (equivalent IQ ~50–70) with a lower student-teacher ratio and specialized staff support. The school does not present itself as a specialist SEN institution, but rather integrates the Bridges support alongside its regular program.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language CAIS has a structured English Language Learners (ELL) programme. The school publishes an ELL Policy outlining how students are assessed, supported, and monitored, with the goal of enabling them to succeed in the mainstream Alberta and IB programmes. Support is tailored to student needs, and placement decisions are reviewed periodically to ensure progress.	English as an additional language ICS does not publicly disclose a separate, named EAL program.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing CAIS Student Services include counselling for emotional and mental wellbeing, with support available to students who need guidance. The school also notes that referrals may be made to external professionals if required. Published information highlights the availability of pastoral structures and counselling but does not specify additional programmes or initiatives related to mental health.	Mental wellbeing ICS describes community, accountability, and interpersonal growth as core to its mission, emphasizing respect, care, and spiritual formation to nurture students’ social and emotional However, there is no publicly detailed program exclusively for mental health (e.g. clinical counseling services) beyond what is offered through their general counseling staff.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The Student Services page at CAIS references child protection and safeguarding as part of its remit. While the website confirms that safeguarding policies are in place, detailed procedures and protocols are not published openly.	Safeguarding ICS maintains a detailed Child Protection Policy and Procedures document stating that staff, contractors, and volunteers must report suspected abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, neglect). The policy names a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL: Nick Seward) and several Deputy DSLs for various divisions (Elementary, Middle, High, Kindergarten). ICS is also a member of the Child Safety and Protection Network (CSPN).
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The CAIS campus is a single, purpose-built learning community located in Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, West Kowloon. It comprises an Amenities Building, an Academic Building, an Aquatic Centre, and other specialized spaces, all connected to a central library and multiple learning areas. The Academic Building opened in 2017 and includes 70 classrooms, five science laboratories, two gymnasiums, a 200-seat lecture hall and a central whole-school library. The campus features a roof-top, FIFA-standard 7-a-side soccer pitch, a 611-seat Alliance Hall for performing arts, a ground-floor multi-purpose space, and a cafe-style courtyard. The Aquatic Centre houses a 25-meter, eight-lane pool with year-round water and air temperature control. The campus is located at 33 King Lam Street, Lai Chi Kok, and is about a five-minute walk from Lai Chi Kok MTR.	Facilities overview ICS operates across two campuses: the Shek Mun Campus serves primary and secondary students, while a dedicated Kindergarten Campus in Ma On Shan serves Reception 1 and 2. The Shek Mun Campus provides large classrooms with modular furniture and technology, designed for flexible learning. It includes an indoor, air‑conditioned gym, a fitness room, and a pool for year‑round PE and sports. Dedicated music spaces include a fully equipped theatre, and specialist spaces support science, art, ceramics, and STEM. The campus also houses a well‑resourced library and a cafeteria serving meals with pre‑order options.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities A roof-top 7-a-side soccer pitch meets FIFA standards and uses artificial turf for outdoor play. The on-site gymnasiums include a basketball court and a rock-climbing area with an auto-belay system, with the fourth floor housing high-performance facilities for basketball coaching, judo, ballet and related activities. Alliance Hall is a purpose-built 611-seat venue with strong acoustics for performing arts such as orchestra, dance and choral work. A ground-floor multi-purpose space and other flexible learning areas support sports, movement, and informal gatherings across the campus.	Sports facilities Secondary facilities at the Shek Mun Campus include an indoor, air‑conditioned gym, a fitness room, and a pool for year‑round PE and after‑school sports programs. The campus supports year‑round athletic activities through its PE and sports offerings. Elementary facilities at the Shek Mun Campus also feature an indoor gym for PE classes.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The Academic Building provides 70 classrooms, five science laboratories, two gymnasiums, a 200-seat lecture hall and a central library, along with nine multi-purpose areas and a fitness center. The building was opened in 2017 as part of CAIS's campus development. The campus sits at 33 King Lam Street, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong, and is within a short walk of Lai Chi Kok MTR and local amenities.	Academic facilities ICS provides specialist spaces for science, art, ceramics, and STEM on the Shek Mun Campus. Classrooms are equipped with technology and are designed to be adaptable for large groups, small groups, and individual instruction. The library is well‑resourced to support student research and disciplinary work.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities World Languages are taught in English followed by Chinese, French and Spanish. The Chinese Studies program includes activities such as Parent-Child Story Competition, Chinese Reading Month, Book Battle, Mid-Autumn Festival Lantern Riddles, Chinese Calligraphy Competition, Drama Performance, Chinese Fun Fair, Chinese Speech Festival and Chinese Debate Competition. Chinese Studies can prepare students for AP Chinese Language and Culture, Alberta Diploma requirements, and IB Group 2 options. French and Spanish are offered at beginner, intermediate and IB Ab Initio levels in secondary, with an aligned progression across grades 7–12. The World Languages program details a sequence from Preparatory Chinese Studies through Grade 12, including elective and IB pathways. Alliance Hall and the Music Floor support performing arts, with dedicated spaces for music and dance across the campus.	Extra curricular facilities Arts, Music & Drama facilities include dedicated art rooms, a ceramics program, stagecraft and theatre opportunities, and regular performing arts productions. The school offers extensive clubs and student leadership opportunities across divisions, including Art Club, Chess Club, Robotics Club, Debate, MUN, and many others. Service Learning and Spiritual Formation programs are integral to campus life, with opportunities for community service, worship, retreats, and Bible study. A broad range of sports, arts, and leadership activities are provided through after‑school programs and clubs across both campuses.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Christian Alliance International School (CAIS) was founded in 1992 by the Kowloon Tong Church of the Chinese Christian and Missionary Alliance (KTAC). It has grown steadily since its establishment, originally operating from earlier sites before moving to its purpose-built campus at Butterfly Valley, Lai Chi Kok. The new campus officially opened in August 2017, providing expanded facilities for academics, sports, and the arts. The school continues to operate as a non-profit institution under the ownership of KTAC.	History ICS began in 1992, when it opened its first location in a facility owned by the Bethel Mission of China at 45-47 Grampian Road, Kowloon City. Over time, ICS expanded via satellite campuses in Kwai Chung, Hung Hom, and Fo Tan before consolidating into the Shek Mun campus. The Shek Mun campus was built after ICS won a land grant, and the school moved its elementary and secondary programs there around 2007–08.
Community	Community CAIS fosters community through events such as Parent Forums, Parent-Teacher Conferences, and cultural activities that bring together families, staff, and students. The school also convenes a School Council that includes parents, teachers, students, and community representatives. Student-led initiatives, including leadership roles through the Student Representative Council (SRC) and participation in service programmes, further strengthen the sense of shared community.	Community ICS hosts a variety of community and cultural events, including regular alumni networking through the “My ICS” alumni network. The school also runs “Coffee Chats” with principals, seasonal campus decorations, buddy programs for new families, and prayer groups as part of community life. ICS includes many interest clubs, arts performances, service projects and cultural programs in student life.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association CAIS refers to its parent engagement structures through formal Parent Forums and a School Council rather than a traditional PTA. Parent Forums include presentations, school updates, and opportunities for families to meet leadership teams. The School Council serves as an advisory body, with parent representatives contributing to discussions on school development and policies. Parents are also involved in networking opportunities and community events, including academic information sessions and university and careers evenings. Through these channels, families maintain an active role in shaping and supporting the life of the school.	Parent teacher association At ICS, the Parents Association (PA) (sometimes called “Parents Association / Parents & Families”) is active in building partnerships among families, faculty, and leadership. The PA runs a Buddy Program to help new families integrate into the community. It organizes regular Coffee Chats with principals so parents can engage on school direction and ask questions. The PA also leads seasonal campus decorations, appreciation events for staff, and some parents serve on service tendering committees and accreditation processes. In addition, it sponsors social fundraisers: for example, its Spring EXTRAvaganza FUNraiser is an adults-only event involving an auction, food trucks, music, and childcare.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school is a through‑train international school in Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong, serving students aged 5 to 18 in preparatory, lower primary, upper primary and secondary sections.	Academic & intellectual ICS provides Pre-K through Grade 12 education across two campuses: Shek Mun for P1–12 and Ma On Shan for Reception 1–2. The curriculum is a Christ-centered liberal arts program integrated with standards-based learning and clear ESLRs. The High School offers a robust Advanced Placement program taught from a Biblical worldview, supported by a Tribe advisory program for student mentorship and university planning.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Arts, music and drama are offered as part of Beyond The Classroom, with programs designed to nurture creativity within a Biblical worldview. The Arts, Music & Drama offerings are described as a core component of student life.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies ICS provides interest clubs and student leadership opportunities, empowering students to explore passions and lead with God-given abilities. Service Learning enables hands-on community engagement. Sports and Athletics are part of student life, and Spiritual Formation activities include Chapel and faith-based experiences.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Service Learning is a core component that cultivates compassion and stewardship through meaningful, hands-on service. The program connects students with community needs and demonstrates the school's commitment to real-world service.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional The Tribe advisory program provides four-year mentorship and supports university planning and personal development. Leadership opportunities are available through Interest Clubs & Student Leadership, helping students develop organization, teamwork and communication skills.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports & Athletics build skill and teamwork in a Christ-centered environment. Spiritual Formation includes prayer, worship, and regular Chapel experiences that reinforce character and values. The program emphasizes piety, virtue, and wisdom as foundations for daily life and future success.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The medium of instruction is English, and CAIS offers Chinese, French and Spanish as world languages. Chinese Studies is mandatory for Preparatory to Grade 6; Grades 7-9 may continue Chinese Studies or study French or Spanish. In Grades 10-12, Chinese Studies, French and Spanish are electives with pathways to the Alberta Diploma or the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Traditional script is taught in native/near-native classes, while Simplified script is used in non-native classes.	Language provision English is the primary language of instruction. World Languages include Chinese and Spanish. Students progressing to Grade 6 can choose either Chinese or Spanish to continue their language learning. In High School, Chinese and Spanish are offered through the World Languages Department.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards The school’s website does not list any institutional awards received.	Awards The school does not highlight any awards won by the school on their website.
Accreditations	Accreditations Alberta Education (Canada): CAIS is accredited by Alberta Education to deliver the Alberta curriculum and award the Alberta High School Diploma. This means the school is regularly inspected and meets Alberta’s standards for teaching, learning, and assessment. International Baccalaureate (IB) World School: CAIS is authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11–12. This indicates that the school follows IB standards and can prepare students for the internationally recognized IB Diploma.	Accreditations * ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) — ACSI accredits Christian schools, providing a framework that evaluates how well a school integrates Christian mission and education, and ensures adherence to certain institutional and spiritual standards. ICS is listed as accredited by ACSI. * WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges – Accrediting Commission for Schools, ACS WASC) — This is a regional accreditation body in the USA that also accredits international schools, ensuring quality in educational programs, governance, and operations. ICS is fully accredited by WASC.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Application Submission Families begin by completing the online application form and mailing the printed form, required supporting documents, and the application fee cheque to the Admissions Office. The fee is HKD 1,500 for Preparatory–Grade 3 and HKD 1,800 for Grades 4–12, and it is non-refundable. Cash is not accepted, and all cheques must be payable to the school. 2. Assessment and Interview Applicants are invited for an admissions assessment if a place is available. The assessment length varies by grade level: about 1 hour for Preparatory–Grade 3, 2.5 hours for Grades 4–6, and 3 hours for Grades 7–12. Parents may also be interviewed, and additional documents, such as a Student Reference Form, are required for secondary applicants. 3. Admissions Decision Families are informed of the result within 30 days of the assessment. If a place is available and the student meets requirements, an offer of admission is extended. If not, but the student is eligible, they may be placed in the Wait Pool. 4. Enrollment Confirmation A student’s place is confirmed once the family pays the required Individual Capital Note (ICN or Annual Capital Levy (ACL by the deadline. A reservation fee equal to one month’s tuition is also due and will be credited against the first tuition installment.	Admissions 1. Submit Application Families begin by submitting an online application for the specific academic year. An application fee (non-refundable) must be paid. 2. Assessment & Testing Applicants are tested in English reading, writing, and mathematics to assess readiness. For some grades, candidates may also be asked to submit standardized test scores. 3. Interview (and Parent Interview) After assessment, qualified candidates and their parents are invited for in-person interviews. International applicants may be assessed or interviewed online if unable to attend in Hong Kong. 4. Admissions Decision & Wait Pool The Admissions Committee reviews all assessments and interviews; decisions are typically communicated within 30 days. 5. Offer Acceptance & Enrollment Families who receive an offer must return a signed acceptance and pay the reservation deposit to confirm the student’s place. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of the offer.
Scholarships	Scholarships CAIS offers scholarships specifically for students enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). These scholarships ensure that all IBDP students pay the same tuition as Alberta curriculum students, rather than the higher IBDP fee. This effectively reduces the cost of the IB pathway and makes it financially aligned with the school’s other senior programmes.	Scholarships International Christian School does not provide general merit-based scholarships. Instead, it offers financial assistance programs to help families with demonstrated need. This includes tuition subsidies, debenture relief, and discounts for families with multiple children enrolled. In addition, the school operates the Foundation Scholars Program, which is designed to support children of Christian ministry workers with both financial aid and additional language support where needed. All financial assistance is reviewed on an annual basis, and families must reapply each year with supporting documentation.
Waitlist	Waitlist CAIS operates a Wait Pool system. Qualified applicants who have passed assessments but for whom no immediate space is available are placed into the Wait Pool. This placement is valid for one academic year, and families are contacted if a suitable place becomes available. Students in the Wait Pool are not guaranteed admission, but being placed there indicates they are eligible should space open.	Waitlist ICS does operate a wait pool system (not a traditional chronological waitlist) for applicants who have met requirements but for whom no place is currently available.
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