American School Hong Kong

American School Hong Kong (ASHK) is situated in Tai Po in the New Territories. The school is in a quieter, residential area surrounded by green spaces and set apart from the city’s central business districts. It is accessible via road links and public transport, including bus routes and the MTR East Rail Line to Tai Po Market.

ASHK provides education from Kindergarten (Reception) through Grade 12. The structure covers Elementary (KG–Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12), with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme offered in Grades 11 and 12.

The school is co-educational, admitting both boys and girls. ASHK does not offer boarding facilities, and students attend on a day-school basis.

ASHK provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for students who need help with English proficiency. The school also supports students with mild educational needs. The Learning Support team employs various strategies to address students’ needs, including push-in and pull-out instructional support.

ASHK is affiliated with the United States through its American curriculum and standards.

ASHK has no religious affiliation and operates as a non-denominational school.

The school day typically runs from the morning, 7:45 am through mid-afternoon, 2:35 pm. There is also an option to join the after-school program, ECA, which runs from 2:45 - 3:45 pm.

ASHK offers a school bus service for an additional fee. Routes cover various areas across Hong Kong, allowing students from multiple districts to access the campus. The service is optional, and costs depend on the route taken.

There are no boarding facilities at ASHK.

Uniform is required for all students and promotes pride and belonging; the administration reserves the right to determine if clothing conveys a message contrary to the policy. On PE days, students wear the PE uniform for the entire day. Uniforms can be purchased from Aston Wilson in Lai Chi Kok, and Dress Down Day occurs on the last Friday of most months with a $20 donation to a charity.

Food service is provided by Chartwells, with monthly lunch orders available. Chartwells ensures meals and snacks are safe, nutritious, and fresh. Snacks are encouraged and a Tuck Shop is available to students in Grade 3 and above.

The House system unites students from KG to Grade 12, parents, and staff in four Houses to foster school-wide spirit and belonging. Our Four Houses are Antelopes, Sharks, Hawks, and Kangaroos.

The school is a non-profit international school owned and operated by Esol Education, which has over 45 years of experience in international education. Esol Education runs a network of 10 international schools educating more than 10,000 pupils.

American School Hong Kong (ASHK) follows a U.S. standards-based curriculum from Kindergarten through Grade 10, aligned with the U.S. Common Core State Standards for English and Mathematics and the Next Generation Science Standards for Science, and the American Education Reaches Out (AERO) for Social Studies. In Grades 11 and 12, students may pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP), offering an internationally recognized qualification for university admission. Chinese language is taught from Kindergarten, with both Simplified and Traditional Chinese pathways available. The school also integrates STEAM learning across all levels, emphasizing connections between Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.

With an average student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1, ASHK ensures attentive and personalized learning. It should be noted that this ratio can vary by school division, as lower grades often maintain slightly smaller groups to nurture foundational skills, while higher grades may operate at the larger end of the scale to support more independent learning.

The ASHK Class of 2025 has delivered outstanding IB Diploma results, significantly outperforming global benchmarks. With a perfect 100% pass rate and an average score of 34.3 points—more than four points above the world average—the cohort demonstrated strong academic mastery, with 62% of all subject grades being a 6 or 7.

Graduates of the ASHK Class of 2025 have secured an impressive and diverse range of university placements worldwide. The class garnered over 60 acceptances across four continents, with a significant 42% of offers being unconditional and 10% including scholarships. Students were admitted to top-ranked institutions such as University College London and the University of Edinburgh in the UK; the University of Toronto and University of British Columbia in Canada; the University of California, San Diego and Pennsylvania State University in the United States; the University of Sydney and University of Melbourne in Australia; and leading local universities including the University of Hong Kong, Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

At the American School Hong Kong, we are committed to a holistic approach to education. This includes recognizing and supporting the unique profile of gifted and talented students, who require tailored pathways to thrive. We believe in accurately assessing each child’s needs—academically, socially, and emotionally—in order to provide the specific supports, guidance, and enriched learning experiences necessary to challenge and nurture their exceptional abilities, ensuring they are fully engaged and empowered in their educational journey.

ASHK promotes student wellbeing through its Personal & Social Development (PSD) program. The school emphasizes growth across social, emotional, physical, creative, and intellectual domains. Students participate in community-based projects from an early age to foster responsibility and empathy. Extracurricular activities also encourage the development of leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.

ASHK is an inclusive school that supports students with mild learning needs. All applicants complete diagnostic testing during admissions to identify individual requirements. A dedicated Learning Support team collaborates with homeroom and specialist teachers to create personalized support plans. Provision includes both push-in classroom support and pull-out sessions for targeted instruction. The school is not a specialist SEN institution but provides structured support to help students access the full curriculum.

ASHK runs a dedicated EAL program for non-native English speakers. The program helps students build English proficiency while continuing in the mainstream curriculum. Support is provided by trained teachers and is adapted to each student’s proficiency level.

ASHK addresses mental wellbeing through its Personal & Social Development framework, which includes attention to the emotional needs of students. The Parent Handbook states that the school works to meet the social and emotional needs of each student. In addition, ASHK has participated in initiatives raising awareness of youth mental health. However, the website does not publish a detailed standalone mental health policy.

ASHK highlights child protection as one of its core values. References appear in the “Why ASHK” page and the Parent Handbook, indicating the school’s commitment to safeguarding and student welfare. However, a detailed safeguarding or child protection policy document is not publicly available on the website. Parents are advised to request full policy details directly from the school.

ASHK was founded in 2016 by Esol Education, drawing on over 45 years of experience in operating international K-12 schools. The school’s founding principles included offering an American curriculum taught by international educators, and emphasizing moral, social, and physical development alongside intellectual growth. ASHK celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2025.

ASHK’s community includes students, parents, teachers, and staff from many different nationalities, reflecting a culturally diverse environment. The school holds cultural events such as Chinese New Year celebrations featuring lion dances, art exhibitions, and student performances. Community-based projects are also part of student life via the Personal & Social Development program, helping students build responsibility, leadership skills, and concern for others.

The American School Parents’ Association (ASPA) connects all ASHK parents and works to strengthen the school community. ASPA coordinates and supports various school social activities throughout the year, including parent volunteer programs and school-wide events. It also facilitates communication between parents, teachers, administration, and the Board of Governors. Additionally, ASPA manages the raising and distributing of funds to enhance school programs and promote the well-being of students and families.

The school is a through-train international campus in Tai Po, Hong Kong, serving Kindergarten through Grade 12 with a comprehensive American-oriented program. The campus is located at 6 Ma Chung Road, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong.

The school offers a range of athletics and after-school activities as part of its school life, including teams and clubs accessible through the after-school program.

ASHK delivers a rigorous American curriculum with STEAM integration and an IB Diploma Programme at the high school level; it is fully accredited and operates under the Esol Education network.

ASHK provides a broad set of extracurricular options through its After-School Program, including sports, robotics, arts, leadership, and clubs. It also runs a STEAM-focused curriculum and offers various field trips and cultural experiences.

The school teaches a curriculum based on the US Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). It prepares students for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Grades 11-12. The school is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA) and is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer the Diploma Programme. STEAM is an integrated approach that combines science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics to guide inquiry and critical thinking.

Music at ASHK empowers students to unlock their creative potential through musical experiences and emphasizes inclusive community and exposure to diverse traditions. The program supports ensembles and on‑stage performances, including choirs and bands, and engages students in theatre, dance, and other arts activities. Fine and performing arts are available across the school with opportunities to join after‑school ensembles and perform on stage. Students travel to music events and festivals, broadening collaborative experience with other young musicians.

The Chinese Program offers four streams CAL, CHL, CSL, and CFL to meet language development needs across grade levels. The program uses a holistic approach with emphasis on language ability and includes field trips and cultural exchanges. Extracurriculars include Chinese dance, Chinese music, WuShu, and a Speech Team. Field trips support Chinese units and cultural exchange opportunities are provided, including camps and cultural programs.

The After-School Program offers a wide range of activities beyond the classroom, including student council, robotics, cross country, cooking, woodwind master class, pottery, football, and basketball. Leadership and clubs provide opportunities for students to develop and refine leadership and organizational skills with student‑run executive teams. Fine and performing arts offer ensembles and stage performances such as choirs, bands, and theatre productions. Athletics provide sport participation across seasons and schools.

Service activities aim to develop responsible global citizens and align with the IB Diploma Programme requirements. Students contribute through direct school roles such as tutor, usher, digital ambassador, score‑keeper, and buddy for new students, and some volunteer with hospitals, homes for the aged, or Habitat for Humanity projects. The ASHK community celebrates diversity through cultural celebrations and community events. Week Without Walls experiences reinforce learning through service, community engagement, and cultural immersion.

Leadership and clubs provide students with executive roles to develop leadership, organizational, and communication skills. Students learn to set goals, adapt to change, and work effectively in teams within clubs and organizations. Week Without Walls includes leadership and teamwork as part of its experiential learning and connects to IB CAS requirements through creativity, activity, and service. The program supports student initiative and professional growth through real‑world experiences.

The Athletics program uses the SHAPE America curriculum and runs four seasons with competitive leagues and a hall of fame recognizing athletic achievement. Physical education and after‑school ECAs promote fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship across elementary and secondary levels. Week Without Walls emphasizes resilience, independence, and service through outdoor and cultural experiences. The school participates in regional leagues such as ISSFHK and ACAMIS and offers a range of sports including soccer, basketball, cross country, and more.

English-language instruction is supported by three EAL programs: Mainstream EAL Program, Foundational English Program (FEP) for Grades 2-5, and Bridging Program (BP) for Grades 6-9, providing immersive English language support and access to the full curriculum. The Mandarin program is taught through a multi-stream Mandarin language program with Simplified characters in CFL and CSL and Traditional characters in CAL and CHL; there are five lessons per week, and streams are assigned based on language assessments. The language programs align with ACTFL, YCT, and HSK standards, with field trips and cultural activities accompanying language study.

English serves as the main medium of instruction across subjects, and Chinese is provided as an additional language program.

Mainstream EAL provides an immersive English-language environment. Mandarin language program offers multi-stream Mandarin instruction.

Greater Bay Area School Awards: K-12 Arts Award 2026, which reflects a strong K-12 music curriculum.

Now TV Happy Academy 2025: “Most Loved International School” is a recognition from the broader community, celebrating the school's positive impact, reputation, and the strong connection it has fostered with families and students.

Ohpama Parent Awards 2024: “Most Loved International School,” recognizing parent satisfaction and community perception.

Champimom Hong Kong Parents’ Choice Awards 2024: Best International Primary School and Best International All-Through School, reflecting choices by parents in Hong Kong.

Sunday Kiss Parents’ Favorite Brand Award 2024: Parents’ Favorite International School with Diversified Teaching, highlighting international schools with varied teaching styles.

And more

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): A U.S.-based body that evaluates schools on organization, curriculum, teaching, and student achievement.

Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA): A U.S. accreditation agency that ensures quality standards in American-style international schools.

International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO): Permits ASHK to offer the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11–12.

doris recommends that you start by speaking to admissions. This connects you directly to the school's admissions team who can respond with answers, more information, and next steps.

1. Prepare required documents
Parents need to gather electronic copies of items such as the child’s birth certificate, passports for the student and parents, visa/permit if applicable, school reports from the past two years (if available), and a recent passport-size photo.

2. Fill in the online application form
Submit the online application through ASHK’s portal, upload the required documents, and complete any other requested information.

3. Pay the Application Fee
A non-refundable Application Fee is required at this stage, and the receipt often must be emailed to the admissions office.

4. Attend assessment test and interview
After the application and fee are submitted, the student attends assessments. For Kindergarten, assessment includes social interaction/group play. For other grades, the MAP test (Measures of Academic Progress) is often used in English and Mathematics. An interview may also be part of the process.

5. Secure a place by paying the Capital Fee or the Debenture + initial tuition
If the student meets admissions criteria, the family secures the place by paying a non-refundable Capital Fee or choosing a debenture, as determined by the admissions policy. Some initial tuition payment is also required before the child can begin attending.

ASHK offers three types of scholarships: Merit-based, Needs-based, and Diversity scholarships. They are open to students in elementary, middle, and high school. Merit awards recognize strong achievement in academics, arts, athletics, service, or leadership. Needs-based scholarships are designed for families who qualify for ASHK but require financial assistance, with eligibility determined through supporting financial documents. Diversity scholarships are aimed at students whose nationalities, backgrounds, or life experiences are underrepresented in the school community. Awards may cover partial or full tuition and can be granted for either one year or multiple years. Applications must include a Scholarship Application Form, academic reports from the past two years, and a reference letter from a current teacher. Shortlisted applicants are invited to an interview with the School Director before a final decision is made.

ASHK operates a rolling admissions policy, which means they accept applications throughout the year. Spaces may fill up quickly, and early application is advised. If the grade is full, the student will be placed on a waitlist.