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Hong Kong Adventist Academy

Hong Kong

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Mandarin
Fees HK$117,500 - 139,000
Ages 6 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 200
Type Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 2011
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Mandarin, Russian, Cantonese, English, Japanese
Strengths Languages, STEM, Outdoor Education
Clubs Social and Hobbies, Academic and Intellectual, Cultural and Language
Stages Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Hong Kong Adventist Academy (HKAA) is a Seventh-day Adventist private school located on the campus of Hong Kong Adventist College in Clear Water Bay, Sai Kung, Hong Kong. Founded in 2011, HKAA offers international education for grades 1–12, combining an American curriculum for the high school through Griggs International Academy with a local Hong Kong curriculum for lower grades. All core subjects are taught in English from Grade 1 onward, with Putonghua (Mandarin) and traditional Chinese writing taught as part of the language program. The campus sits on a hillside in a rural setting about 15 minutes from Tseung Kwan O and Sai Kung, and overlooks the South China Sea. The school provides a dormitory for students in Grades 7–12 (5- or 7-day boarding). For 2025–2026, tuition is HKD 117,500 per year for Grade 1–6 and HKD 139,000 per year for Grade 7–12, with additional mandatory costs such as bus, meals, books, and uniforms. HKAA's high school diploma options include the American Standard High School Diploma or the College Preparatory Diploma through Griggs International Academy. The school emphasizes outdoor education, STEM, and languages as core strengths and welcomes students from around the world. HKAA's student body includes learners from over 35 countries, and the staff reflects international backgrounds. The campus and programs also support a variety of spiritual and community activities consistent with its Adventist identity.

1111 Clear Water Bay Rd, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong

The Essentials

Hong Kong Adventist Academy has 200 pupils, instruction in English, Mandarin.

Location

The school is located at 1111 Clear Water Bay Road, Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong. The campus sits on a hillside in a green setting with views toward the South China Sea. It is about 15 minutes from the Tseung Kwan O and Sai Kung areas, and accessible by bus routes 103, 103M, 16, 91 or 91R; alight at the Hong Kong Adventist College bus stop.

Stages

HKAA is organised as three through-education levels: Primary (Grade 1–5), Middle School (Grade 6–8), and High School (Grade 9–12). The High School operates as a Griggs International Academy affiliate and offers an American-style diploma pathway.

Type

Private, co-educational Seventh-day Adventist Christian school. Boarding is available for students in grades 7–12, with dormitories for boys and girls separated on site.

Additional learning support

Core subjects are taught in English. There are specialized English classes for students who meet academic standards but need additional assistance with English proficiency, and Chinese is taught in Putonghua with local and international levels of speaking ability.

Country affiliation

No formal country affiliation. HKAA follows the local Hong Kong curriculum standards, with an American high school diploma option available through the Griggs International Academy.

Religious affiliation

Seventh-day Adventist Christian school.

School day structure

Publicly published daily start/end times are not listed on HKAA's public pages; the calendar shows the school operates on a weekday schedule with activities, but exact hours by level should be confirmed with admissions.

Bus service

A school bus service is available with routes 103, 103M, 16, 91 and 91R. Students alight at the Hong Kong Adventist College bus stop on Clear Water Bay Road; services connect from areas such as Tseung Kwan O, Kowloon, and nearby districts.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

HKAA runs a dormitory for students in grades 7–12. The dormitory has a maximum capacity of 228 students and is divided into sections for boys and girls across three floors. Rooms house 3 or 4 students and each room has its own air-conditioning and campus views. Dorm students have access to most campus facilities, and the on-site cafeteria serves vegetarian meals year-round; boarders may choose to stay 5 days or 7 days per week.

Uniform Requirement

The uniform consists of a black blazer with gold trim and smart black shoes worn with black or white socks or black/natural tights. All uniform items must be purchased from Uniform Power at the Cheung Sha Wan address: 4th floor, 13室, Hong Kong Industrial Centre Block A, 489-491 Castle Peak Rd, Cheung Sha Wan.

Food Options

The HKAA dining system includes on-site food service. The Cafeteria offers a daily meal with three hot main dishes each day, including Western, Asian and Vegetarian options, along with starches, side dishes, soup and daily fruit. The Corner Cafe provides additional options for secondary students and adults, including pastries, snacks, salads, fruits, pasta and sandwiches.

Governance and Ownership

HKAA is governed within the Seventh-day Adventist education system. The sponsoring organizations are the Chinese Union Mission of Seventh-Day Adventist and the General Conference of Seventh-Day Adventist.
Fees

Annual tuition at Hong Kong Adventist Academy ranges from HKD 117,500 to HKD 139,000 for 2026/27.

Application Fees

- Application fee: HKD 1,500. The application fee is one-time, non-refundable, and non-transferable.

Tuition Fees (payment will be made monthly over 10 months)

- Grade 1 to Grade 6 (Primary): HKD 11,750 per month, totalling HKD 117,500 per school year.
- Grade 7 to Grade 12 (Secondary): HKD 13,900 per month, totalling HKD 139,000 per school year.
- Tuition is billed on a monthly schedule across 10 months. *Subject to EDB approval.*

Billing Schedule and Payment Terms

- Tuition is collected monthly for 10 months. Postdated cheques are not accepted.
- Once a student is accepted, an entrance/reservation payment is required to secure the place; fees paid to reserve a place are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- For boarding, the first month's dormitory fee is required as a reservation fee. Fees paid for dormitory reservation are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Boarding Fees (Dormitory fees paid monthly for 10 months)

- 5-day boarding: HKD 5,720 per month, totalling HKD 57,200 per school year.
- 7-day boarding: HKD 7,470 per month, totalling HKD 74,700 per school year.
- Dormitory fees include accommodation, laundry, and meals. The dormitory is managed by Hong Kong Adventist College.

Other Costs and Fees

- Additional costs that are not included in tuition or dormitory fees may include: extra-curricular activity fees, outdoor school activities, field trips, textbooks, Chromebook/tablet rental, uniforms, meals (where not covered by dormitory), and bus transport.

Refund Information

- Application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Fees paid to reserve a place (including the entrance fee and first month's dormitory reservation payment) are non-refundable and non-transferable. In general, fees already paid are not refundable or transferable.

Fee Payment Options

- Cheque: Crossed cheque payable to “Hong Kong Adventist Academy.” Please write the student's full name and class on the back of the cheque; postdated cheques are not accepted.
- Direct bank transfer: Hang Seng Bank (024); Account Name: Hong Kong Adventist Academy; Account Number: 204-305759-668. Please email a copy of the receipt with the student's full name and class to admissions@hkaa.edu.hk after payment.
- In person: Payments may be made in cash or cheque at the school Business/General Office during office hours.
- Online transfer for overseas payments: Flywire is used for international payments.
Academics

Hong Kong Adventist Academy teaches American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 6 to 18.

Curriculum

The Hong Kong Adventist Academy serves students from Grade 1 through Grade 12 and blends an American Griggs International Academy curriculum with local elements, with instruction delivered primarily in English. Core subjects in the primary and middle years are taught in English, with Putonghua (Mandarin) and traditional Chinese writing emphasized as part of language study. For high school (Grades 9–12), HKAA is an affiliate of Griggs International Academy and offers fully accredited American-style courses; students graduate with an American Standard High School Diploma or a College Preparatory Diploma and may take Advanced Placement (AP) or honors coursework and access specialized English and Math labs if needed. The high school curriculum is organized into categories: English, Math, Science, History/Social Studies, Applied Arts, Fine Arts, Physical Education, Health, Modern Languages (including Chinese), Religion; electives, Community Service (20 hours per year), and a Chapel/Character Development component. HKAA emphasizes character development and a holistic education with spiritual grounding alongside academics.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

HKAA supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a holistic education framework that integrates mental, social, and spiritual development as core to student growth. The school emphasizes a healthy mind and body and aims for holistic health across academic, spiritual, and social dimensions. A dedicated High School Behavior Support Coordinator indicates a structured approach to social‑emotional support for secondary students. Chaplaincy‑led Sabbath activities and student clubs (e.g., Pathfinders) provide social connection and character development within a faith‑based community. Outdoor education and a diverse campus environment further support wellbeing and resilience, and diversity and inclusion are highlighted as part of HKAA's ethos.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The Admissions page notes that SEN-related reports may be required during admissions, implying some consideration of SEN needs in enrolment. The Middle and High School levels offer specialized English classes or labs for students who need additional English proficiency support, but HKAA does not publish a dedicated SEN department or a published list of supported SEN categories, and it does not describe itself as a specialist SEN institution. Public pages emphasize diversity and inclusion rather than a standalone SEN program. The school's approach appears to integrate SEN-related support within its general programs rather than through a separate specialist unit.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

HKAA uses English as the language of instruction for core subjects, with Chinese taught in Putonghua. The Academic Levels page specifies specialized English classes for students who need extra English proficiency support in middle school, and specialized English labs in high school for additional help. There is no published, separate EAL department name; English language support appears to be integrated into standard programs rather than a standalone EAL service. English proficiency is considered within admissions as part of placement. Putonghua is taught as part of Chinese language instruction.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is foregrounded as part of HKAA's holistic health approach, with emphasis on mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. The school highlights a 'healthy mind' as part of its mission and emphasizes holistic health and outdoor education for overall well‑being. Social‑emotional development is described as part of the school's ethos and as an outcome of its inclusion framework. Chaplaincy and Sabbath activities provide pastoral and community support for students' wellbeing. The campus environment and nature play a role in fostering wellbeing and resilience.

Safeguarding

Admission documents require a safeguarding record (G.2‑G.12), indicating that safeguarding information is collected as part of enrolment. Pastoral and chaplaincy activities constitute additional student support within HKAA's faith‑based community context. The sponsoring organization describes a holistic development framework that includes social‑emotional wellbeing, aligning with safeguarding aims. Public pages do not publish a detailed safeguarding policy, but the admissions requirement demonstrates a safeguarding process. HKAA is accredited by the Education Bureau in elementary levels and affiliated with Griggs International Academy for high school, which implies compliance with relevant regulatory standards.
Parent Experience

History

HKAA is a Seventh-day Adventist Christian school founded in 2011, offering an American-influenced curriculum adapted for Hong Kong. All core subjects are taught in English from Grade 1 to Grade 12, with an emphasis on Putonghua and traditional Chinese writing. The High School program operates as a Griggs International Academy affiliate, providing an American-standard diploma pathway with AP and honors options. The school emphasizes holistic development, integrating academic excellence with spiritual grounding and character formation. The student body and staff come from more than 35 countries, creating an international learning environment.

Community

HKAA's community is inclusive and international, with students and staff from more than 35 countries. The community emphasizes collaboration and holistic growth through campus activities and the academy chaplaincy. Weekly Sabbath activities are organized with Bay View Church and the academy's chaplaincy, including a Bible discussion group, Pathfinders, and Sabbath School gatherings. Parents are encouraged to participate in campus events and open days to engage with the school.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

HKAA's Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) is a parent-led organization established to promote mutual effort between the school and parents in fostering Christian values and holistic education. It states that teachers and parents should work together, noting that a strong PTA will benefit the school. The PTA serves as a formal channel for parent involvement in school life and for supporting school initiatives. Public details about specific PTA events or groups are not listed on HKAA's public pages. Parents are encouraged to engage with campus life through events and activities consistent with the school's culture, including Sabbath-related activities and other family-oriented programs.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The HKAA campus sits on a hillside in Sai Kung, offering views of the South China Sea and surrounding greenery. The campus includes a dedicated Music Building to support the school's expanding music program, including choir, handbell choir, orchestra and private lessons. Indoor sport facilities include an indoor gym, and dormitory facilities provide a gym/fitness centre, a soccer field, outdoor volleyball/tennis courts, and an outdoor basketball court. Academic spaces include a library and well-equipped classrooms, with a multipurpose room available for activities. Outdoor spaces include lawns and recreation areas, with outdoor volleyball/tennis courts and an outdoor basketball court.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

HKAA uses local Hong Kong curriculum standards and augments instruction with international benchmarks in English, Science, General Studies, and Moral Education. The Elementary school sections from Grade 1 to Grade 8 are accredited by the Education Bureau (EDB) of Hong Kong, and the High School program is organized in affiliation with Griggs International Academy (GIA). Griggs International Academy is accredited by the Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventist Schools, Colleges, and Universities and by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and is approved as a non-public school by the Maryland State Board of Education. HKAA has the College Board School Code 670004, and most teachers are internationally based.

Arts & Creative

Visual Arts and Music are among the nine key learning areas in the lower elementary program. The Upper Elementary and High School programs maintain arts offerings, including dedicated High School Arts instruction (HS Arts). Visual Arts and Music are therefore present across grade levels.

Cultural & Language

English is the language of instruction for most subjects, while Chinese classes are taught in Putonghua with local and international levels of speaking competency. The HKAA curriculum integrates local Hong Kong standards with additional international standards in English, Science, Social Studies, and Moral Education across levels. The High School diploma is awarded under the Griggs International Academy (American-system) framework and includes Chinese language (Putonghua); AP and honors courses are available.

Social & Hobbies

Student Life includes The Harold Post, Yearbook, and Student Association. HKAA offers a range of activities and trips, with the High School featuring diverse extra-curricular opportunities.

Community & Service

The High School section includes a mandatory ten-day mission/service trip to another country, reflecting the Adventist emphasis on service.

Leadership & Professional

The High School has a Career Counselor to support college and career planning. Student leadership opportunities are available through Student Life programs, including the Student Association.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Dormitory life is available for students in grades 7–12, with 5-day or 7-day boarding options. The dormitory capacity is 228, and meals are served to dorm residents (vegetarian options are provided). Dorm life emphasizes independence and life skills; the dormitory is managed by Hong Kong Adventist College.
Languages

Language Provision

Languages taught include English and Chinese (Putonghua). English is the main language of instruction in most subjects; Chinese is taught in Putonghua as a separate language class. In Lower Elementary (Grade 1–5), English Language and Chinese Language (Putonghua) are core subjects, with two levels of Chinese speaking competency. In High School, Chinese language (Putonghua) is part of the diploma and a Chinese CFL program with EAL support for non-native English speakers.

Bilingual Teaching

English is the primary medium of instruction for most subjects. Chinese language classes are taught in Putonghua by trained Chinese educators, with local and international levels of speaking competency. Lower Elementary (Grade 1–5) uses English for most subjects, while Chinese is taught as a separate Putonghua class; entry into Grade 1 requires functional English proficiency. The High School follows an American curriculum and includes Chinese language (Putonghua) as part of the diploma, with language supports including English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Chinese as a Foreign Language (CFL) options for non-native speakers.
Reputation

Accreditations

Hong Kong Adventist Academy has the following accreditations: The Elementary school sections from Grade 1 to Grade 8 are accredited by the Education Bureau (EDB) of Hong Kong, indicating compliance with Hong Kong's local curriculum standards. The High School program (Grades 9–12) is organized in affiliation with Griggs International Academy (GIA). Griggs International Academy is accredited by the Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventist Schools, Colleges, and Universities, and also accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools, and it is approved as a non-public school by the Maryland State Board of Education.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Step 1 — Prospective parents fill in the application form and submit required documents as listed on the checklist. The checklist includes items such as the application form, Parents Questionnaire (G.1–G.5), safeguarding record (G.2–G.12 mandatory), two teachers' recommendations (G.4–G.12), optional dormitory application (G.7–G.12), academic records for the past two years, SEN-related reports if applicable, and the student's portfolio. All materials should be completed in English. Applications with missing or incomplete documents will not be processed. The school notes that the application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

2. Step 2 — Applications can be submitted in person or by mail. Online applications are available only to overseas applicants outside the China region. This distinction is important for families abroad versus those based in Hong Kong or Mainland China.

3. Step 3 — An admission interview will be scheduled for the applicant 2–3 weeks after the school receives the application. The process requires complete supporting documents and payment; applications with insufficient documents or missing payment will not be processed.

4. Step 4 — The admission interview occurs in three sessions: a teacher interview, an online assessment test, and a principal interview with the parents. The online assessment is based on a U.S. standardized test and assesses the applicant's English and mathematics proficiency.

5. Step 5 — The Admissions Committee makes a decision based on the interview and assessment results, the student's previous two years' school reports and performance, prior school recommendations, safeguarding record comments, and other criteria.

6. Step 6 — The school informs parents of the decision via email after the committee decisions are finalized. This communication confirms whether the applicant has been accepted or not.

7. Step 7 — If the applicant is accepted, a reservation deposit must be paid within 7 days. Placement is secured once the school has received the reservation deposit.

Scholarships

Hong Kong Adventist Academy maintains a Scholarships section in its website navigation and a Financial Aid page, indicating that some form of financial assistance is available. However, the school does not publish detailed public criteria, amounts, or the explicit application process for scholarships.

Waitlist

There is no published waitlist or wait pool described by Hong Kong Adventist Academy.
School Events
The school has not added events