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Chinese International School

Hong Kong

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Mandarin
Fees HK$216,100 - 342,800
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1500
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1983
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Mandarin
Typical class size 9
Strengths Performing Arts, Academic Enrichment, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies, Leadership and Professional
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Chinese International School (CIS) is a bilingual Reception–Year 13 school on Braemar Hill, Hong Kong. Primary students learn in English and Chinese (Mandarin) with equal time in both languages, while Secondary instruction is primarily in English with Mandarin required at differentiated levels. The curriculum progresses from IB MYP in Years 7–9, to a school-developed programme in Years 10–11, and the IB Diploma Programme in Years 12–13. A distinctive feature is CIS Hangzhou, a required year-long residential programme for Year 10 that deepens language, cultural understanding, and service through experiential learning. The school enrols 1,500+ students and offers extensive co-curricular activities across Arts, Sports, and Service, including a weekly Service Programme led by Year 12 students. CIS operates a “Busing for All” policy for Years 3–11 to reduce congestion and emissions.

1 Hau Yuen Path, Hong Kong.

The Essentials

Chinese International School has 1,500 pupils, typical class sizes of 9, instruction in English, Mandarin.

Location
Chinese International School (CIS) is located on Braemar Hill, Hong Kong Island. The area is residential and home to several other schools, offering a quieter setting compared with busier districts. The campus is about 10 minutes by bus or taxi to Causeway Bay MTR and around 20 minutes to Central.

Stages
The school accepts students from Reception (age 4) through Year 13 (age 18). The structure includes Primary (Years 1–6) and Secondary (Years 7–13). Year 10 students spend a mandatory year at CIS Hangzhou, a residential campus in mainland China.

Type
CIS is a co-educational day school. Boarding is not offered in Hong Kong, but Year 10 students take part in a one-year residential programme at CIS Hangzhou.

Additional learning support
Support includes Learning Enhancement Teachers, an English Language Support Teacher, and School Counsellors in Primary. In Secondary, Social-Emotional Counsellors and Learning Enhancement staff work with students, families, and teachers.

Country affiliation
The school is international and does not have an affiliation with any specific country.

Religious affiliation
The school does not have a religious affiliation.

School day structure
The school does not publish daily start and end times on its website.

Bus service
CIS operates a “Busing for All” programme. Students in Years 3–11 are required to use the bus service, while Reception–Year 2 and Years 12–13 may opt in. This arrangement is designed to reduce congestion in the Braemar Hill area.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
CIS Hangzhou offers a year-long residential programme for Year 10. The mini-campus is housed in two custom-built halls on the Greentown Yuhua School campus, with 24-hour supervision. Each residence group contains up to four students per room, and groups of up to 24 students are organized into a house with a Head of House and two Coach Mentors.

House System
In CIS Hangzhou, housing groups are organized into six houses named Ren (仁), Yi (義), Li (禮), Zhi (智), Xin (信) and Yong (勇). Each house is led by a Head of House and supervised by Coach Mentors as part of dorm life.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a non-profit charitable organisation. Ultimate responsibility rests with the Board of Governors of the Chinese International School Foundation; day-to-day operations are led by the Head of School and the Leadership Team.
Fees

Annual tuition at Chinese International School ranges from HKD 216,100 to HKD 342,800 for 2026/27.

Application Fees
A non-refundable application fee of HKD 2,000 is required for all new students. In addition, an assessment fee of HKD 2,500 (Primary) or HKD 2,000 (Secondary) is charged. Upon acceptance, families must pay a reservation deposit of HKD 150,000, which includes the first year’s Annual Capital Levy. The deposit is non-refundable.

Tuition Fees (Per Year)
Reception: HKD 216,100
Years 1 – 6: HKD 286,600
Years 7 – 11: HKD 338,300
Years 12 – 13: HKD 342,800

Annual Capital Levy
Students who joined CIS between 2018–19 and 2024–25 pay HKD 28,000 per year.
Students joining from 2025–26 pay HKD 30,200 per year.

Annual Fees (Resources, Activities, Materials)
Reception – Year 2: HKD 12,230 – 12,790
Years 3 – 6: HKD 14,490 – 18,150
Years 7 – 9: HKD 25,050 – 27,940 + HKD 23,700 China Experience Programme
Year 10 (Hangzhou): HKD 30,400 + HKD 198,800 Boarding Fee
Year 11: HKD 10,110 (excludes Project Week, billed separately)
Year 12: HKD 10,410 (excludes Project Week; includes Y12 Induction)
Year 13: HKD 13,030 (includes Graduation Fee)

Billing Schedule
Families may choose from:
Monthly Autopay: 10 instalments (Sept–Jun), due on the 5th of each month.
Termly Payment: Three instalments (Sept–Dec, Jan–Mar, Apr–Jun).
Lump Sum: Full-year payment due in August.

Boarding Fees
Boarding is required in Year 10 at CIS Hangzhou. The Boarding Fee is HKD 198,800 in addition to tuition and annual fees.

Additional Costs
Uniforms, meals, and Year 11–12 Project Week expenses are billed separately.

Refund Policy
Application, assessment, and reservation fees are non-refundable. Tuition and levies are not refundable once billed.

Payment Options
Payments can be made via bank transfer or autopay through the school’s Business Office.
Academics

Chinese International School teaches IB (MYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum
Chinese International School offers a bilingual curriculum from Reception to Year 6, with equal instruction in English and Chinese (Mandarin). In Years 7–9, students follow the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP), which emphasizes inquiry-based learning across subject areas. Years 10–11 complete a CIS-developed curriculum, which bridges the MYP and the IB Diploma Programme and includes the residential Year 10 experience in Hangzhou. In Years 12–13, students pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP), preparing them for university admission worldwide. Chinese (Mandarin) remains a required subject throughout Secondary, taught at multiple proficiency levels to suit different student backgrounds. The curriculum is supported by co-curricular activities in the arts, sports, and service learning.

Academic calendar
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
CIS has embedded Visible Well-Being into its teaching and culture, drawing from Chinese traditions of self-cultivation and modern positive psychology. The school partnered with Professor Lea Waters from the University of Melbourne to adapt the SEARCH framework, which structures wellbeing through strengths, emotional management, attention, relationships, coping, and habits. This framework is integrated across academics, co-curriculars, and advisory programmes. In Secondary, advisory sessions and Flexi-time include wellbeing activities, while homerooms provide daily check-ins. The aim is to help students recognize, understand, and manage their emotions while supporting each other.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
In Primary, student support includes Learning Enhancement Teachers, an English Language Support Teacher, and School Counsellors, who provide both direct and indirect interventions. In Secondary, Social-Emotional Counsellors work alongside Learning Enhancement staff, collaborating with teachers and families. The school does not publicly list the specific categories of SEN it supports, nor is it designated as a specialist SEN institution. Support appears to be offered through flexible, teacher-led interventions rather than dedicated SEN programmes.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school lists an English Language Support Teacher as part of its Primary Student Support team. Beyond this, CIS does not publicly disclose information on structured EAL programmes, staffing, or provisions for older students. Therefore, details on specific EAL initiatives remain unavailable.

Mental Wellbeing
CIS promotes mental well-being through its Visible Well-Being framework and counselling provision. Secondary students can access Social-Emotional Counsellors through self-referral or via teachers and parents. Advisory programmes and homerooms provide daily opportunities for connection and well-being check-ins. Flexi-time includes student choices that support wellbeing, including activities aimed at stress management and healthy lifestyles.

Safeguarding
CIS has a formal Child Protection Programme, which is outlined publicly on its website. The school provides a Child Protection Reporting Form for staff, students, or parents to raise concerns. Safeguarding is framed as a shared responsibility, with policies and procedures designed to ensure student safety and well-being.

Safeguarding Policy
Parent Experience

History
Chinese International School (CIS) was founded in 1983 to provide bilingual education in English and Chinese (Mandarin). In 1991, the school moved to its purpose-built campus on Braemar Hill, where it remains today. It is governed by a Board of Governors under the Chinese International School Foundation Limited, a non-profit body. In 2013, CIS launched CIS Hangzhou, a one-year residential programme for Year 10 students in partnership with Greentown Yuhua School. The school’s long-term strategic plan, Vision ’33, guides its development leading to its 50th anniversary in 2033.

Community
The CIS community includes students, staff, parents, and alumni who actively support school life. Families participate in cultural and service events, including sustainability initiatives and community service programmes. The Phoenix Sports Club and Phoenix Arts Club provide opportunities for parent and alumni involvement in athletics and the arts. A Sustainability Council connects students, parents, staff, and alumni in advancing environmental projects.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The CIS Parent Teacher Association (CISPTA) includes all parents and guardians, full-time faculty, and school management. It is overseen by a 14-member elected General Committee, supported by sub-committees such as Community Events, Transport, and Sustainability. CISPTA organizes community-building events, fundraising initiatives, and parent volunteer opportunities across the school. It also collaborates with groups such as the Phoenix Sports Club and Phoenix Arts Club, which support athletics and cultural programmes. Parents take part as class or year representatives, helping to connect families across year levels. Through these efforts, the PTA plays an important role in strengthening community ties at CIS.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Braemar Hill campus is CIS's single Hong Kong campus, opened in 1991, and is located on Braemar Hill with three central courtyards and views of Victoria Harbour. The school teaches English and Mandarin. CIS Hangzhou operates a Year 10 residential programme on the Greentown Yuhua School campus in Hangzhou, opened in 2013. The Arts and Languages Centre opened in 2005 to support arts and language education. The New Tower opened in 2017 to expand campus facilities. The adjacent site at 9 Hau Yuen Path has been awarded for redevelopment and will open in August 2028 to increase capacity and include spaces for innovation and intercultural understanding with a performing arts hub.

Academic Facilities
The Arts and Languages Centre opened in 2005 to support arts and language education. The New Tower opened in 2017 to expand campus facilities. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. CIS Hangzhou hosts a Year 10 study centre on Greentown Yuhua School campus in Hangzhou, opened in 2013 and designed to align with top boarding school standards.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The Co-Curricular Programme includes co curricular activities, a private music lesson programme, and competitive sports teams. CCAs cover categories such as arts, music, sports, academic and enrichment, communication and language, global issues, community, environment and service. Popular activities include chess, debate, model United Nations, science and speech. Popular clubs include F1 in Schools, entrepreneurship, mathematics, medical advancement, Student Alliance of Inclusivity and Diversity SAID, underwater robotics, and Xiao Hua Magazine. Sports teams and CCAs compete in HKPSSA, PASS, HKSSF, ISSFHK and ACAMIS, with popular sports including basketball, football, fencing, Frisbee, netball, rock climbing, swimming and volleyball.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The Co-Curricular Programme includes Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs), a private music lesson programme, and competitive sports teams. CCAs cover the categories: Arts, Music, Sports, Academic & Enrichment, Communication & Language, Global Issues, Community, Environment, and Service. Activities may be offered in English or Chinese and are delivered by school staff and outside specialist providers. Secondary students may propose and lead their own clubs under faculty supervision.

Arts & Creative
Arts CCAs are part of the Co-Curricular Programme. Student-led clubs include Muse Magazine, Scribbles Magazine, Xiaohua Magazine, and the Student Arts Executive. These clubs support arts and creative expression through writing, publication, and collaboration. They provide opportunities for creative pursuit and peer-to-peer publication.

Cultural & Language
The Co-Curricular Programme includes a Communication & Language category. Popular activities include Model United Nations (MUN). The school is bilingual and intercultural, developing strong English and Chinese (Mandarin) skills. The programme promotes intercultural engagement through clubs and international perspectives.

Social & Hobbies
The Co-Curricular Programme offers a wide range of student-led and teacher-led clubs. Popular clubs include F1 in Schools, Entrepreneurship, Mathematics, Medical Advancement, SAID (Student Alliance of Inclusivity and Diversity), Underwater Robotics, and Xiaohua Magazine. Primary students participate in teacher-led clubs; Secondary students propose and lead their own clubs under faculty guidance. These activities provide opportunities to explore hobbies, collaborate, and develop teamwork.

Community & Service
CCAs cover Global Issues, Community, Environment, and Service. Examples of student clubs include CO-EXIST (migrant worker support) and Drop in the Ocean (DITO). The CIS community emphasizes making a positive difference in the world and safeguarding the planet through co-curricular work. Students engage in community and service initiatives as part of the programme.

Leadership & Professional
CIS provides opportunities for students to explore meaningful areas and develop leadership, teamwork and service. Examples of student leadership include Head Boy & Head Girl, House Captains & Representatives, Middle School Forum, Primary Student Council, Upper School Forum, Secondary Student Council, Senior Student Committee, Whole School Sustainability Council, and Whole School Advisory Council. Student Clubs include Chinese Broadcasting Station, CO-EXIST, Free Clinic, Muse Magazine, Scribbles Magazine, Xiaohua Magazine, SCTV, Student Arts Executive, The Feminist Monthly, and Drop in the Ocean. Students can propose and lead clubs with faculty advisors.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
CIS runs a Visible Well-Being programme to empower students to develop agency, learn from failure, and foster resilience and caring relationships. It is not a formally taught programme; it is a set of attitudes drawn from Chinese traditions and positive psychology and integrated into classroom and school life. The approach is grounded in the Positive Education framework and the Visible Well-Being (SEARCH) framework. Well-being is made visible through actions and interactions across the school community.
Languages

Language Provision
The main language of instruction at the Secondary school is English and Mandarin is a required subject offered at different levels. In Primary, equal time is devoted to English and Mandarin and the curriculum is delivered in both languages. Mandarin is foregrounded through the dual-language Chinese History programme (Years 7-9), the China Experience Programme (Years 7-9), and the year-long CIS Hangzhou programme (Year 10). CIS Hangzhou is taught in English and Chinese to enhance Chinese language proficiency.

Bilingual Teaching
Primary School uses equal time for English and Mandarin, and much of the curriculum is delivered in both languages. Every homeroom is headed by two teaching partners, one native Chinese (Mandarin) speaker and one native English speaker. The partners collaborate to plan for and facilitate student learning across all subjects, supporting students as dual-language learners.

Immersion Programs
Language is taught in an immersion setting, with both English and Mandarin used as mediums of instruction for learning in all subjects. Starting in 2021, Chinese Language Arts for Years 4-6 is taught at three proficiency levels to support language development. In Secondary, Mandarin is taught as a subject and is foregrounded through the dual-language Chinese History programme (Years 7-9), the two-week China Experience Programme (Years 7-9), and the year-long CIS Hangzhou programme (Year 10). The CIS Hangzhou programme is taught in English and Chinese to enhance language proficiency and intercultural understanding.
Reputation

Awards
The school’s website does not publish a list of institutional awards received.

Accreditations
*Council of International Schools (CIS): Re-accredited in May 2021, confirming that the school meets international standards for quality and continuous improvement.

New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC): Accreditation by a US-based regional body that evaluates international schools for educational quality and governance.

International Baccalaureate (IB): Authorized to deliver the IB Middle Years Programme (Years 7–9) and the IB Diploma Programme (Years 12–13), providing internationally recognized qualifications.

Memberships: The school is also a member of ACAMIS (Association of China and Mongolia International Schools) and NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools), which connect CIS to regional and international school networks.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Determine eligibility and year level: Reception applicants must be 4 years old by 31 August of the entry year. The Reception programme is half-day, and there are 96 places available. Year placement is based on the applicant’s age and prior schooling. Families should review bilingual expectations, particularly in the Primary years.

2. Submit an online application: Parents complete the online application form and pay a non-refundable application fee of HKD 2,000. Additional documents, such as academic reports and recommendations, may be requested, especially for Secondary applicants.

3. Attend assessments or observations: Reception applicants take part in observation sessions, while Primary and Secondary applicants complete entrance assessments. An additional non-refundable assessment fee applies: HKD 2,500 for Primary and HKD 2,000 for Secondary. Secondary applicants may also be invited for interviews.

4. Notification of results: Offers for Reception are usually sent by mid-March. Secondary applicants are notified several weeks after assessments. Some applicants may be placed on a reserve list, depending on the availability of places.

5. Acceptance and enrolment: To confirm a place, families must pay a HKD 150,000 reservation deposit, which includes the Annual Capital Levy for the first year. The remaining balance is offset against tuition and annual fees. Some offers may be conditional, for example, requiring confirmation of a Hong Kong visa or right of abode.

Scholarships
CIS offers financial aid beginning from Year 8 onwards. This aid is available to new students who demonstrate financial need and meet eligibility requirements. The aid applies to tuition fees, and families must apply directly through the school’s admissions office for consideration. The school does not publish details of merit-based scholarships or awards beyond this financial aid provision.

Waitlist
CIS maintains a reserve list for each year group, which functions as a pool system. The reserve list is not ranked. When a place becomes available, the school reviews candidates in the pool and selects the student who best complements the available space in that year group.
School Events
The school has not added events
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