Stamford American School Hong Kong - Ho Man Tin

Stamford American School Hong Kong is situated in a central, residential area of Kowloon, with a new campus opening in West Kowloon in 2025 for upper grades. The main site is easily reached via MTR, bus, and cross-harbour routes. A door-to-door bus service connects families across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories.

The school is divided into Elementary (Pre-Primary–Grade 5), Middle (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12). Senior students pursue the American High School Diploma or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

A co-educational day school serving students aged 5–18. There are no boarding facilities.

28 nationalities

The school offers EAL programs, learning support, enrichment, and counseling through a dedicated Student Support team. The website does not specify specialist facilities for particular learning needs.

Affiliated with the United States through its American standards curriculum and accredited by WASC and CIS.

None indicated; Stamford is a secular international school.

Classes run Monday–Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. with breaks for recess and lunch. The academic year is divided into two semesters.

A comprehensive bus service covers Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. Routes are door-to-door where possible and organized by an external provider in coordination with the school.

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Full school uniform is required at all times; it should be neat, clean, modest, and in good repair. Uniforms are ordered through Aston Wilson and include summer and winter sets. Students wear black shoes with the uniform, and white sneakers for PE; navy socks with the uniform and white socks for PE.

Canteen services are provided by Chartwells, offering a varied and nutritionally balanced international menu. Chartwells operates a Smart Food Program aligned with USDA Dietary Guidelines.

4 Houses: Boars, Monkeys, Dolphins, Popcuppines

The school is part of Cognita, a global network of schools. Governance is managed by Cognita with regional leadership; the Head of School is accountable to the Regional Chief Executive Officer.

Stamford American School Hong Kong follows an American standards-based curriculum built on the AERO and Common Core Plus frameworks. The program integrates inquiry-based learning from the early years through high school, emphasizing core subjects alongside science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation through the school’s STEMinn program. Students study Mandarin or Spanish as part of a daily modern-language program, with a bilingual English–Mandarin track available in the elementary years. In high school (Grades 9–12), students pursue the American High School Diploma and may also choose to complete the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme or selected IB courses. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for a range of international university pathways while maintaining strong academic progression across all grade levels.

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Class of 2025 IB Results
Average 35
92% Pass Rate
Bilingual Diploma 24%
Highest IB Score 44
University Offers 200+

IBDP
Stamford High School Diploma
IB Courses

Available, please contact admissions team for further details

Stamford American School Hong Kong incorporates social and emotional learning into classroom practice and pastoral care across all grade levels. The school’s published materials describe SEL as part of its focus on student wellbeing, supported through mindfulness, resilience, focus, and self-regulation activities. In the elementary years, SEL lessons and class discussions are integrated into daily routines, helping students build interpersonal and emotional awareness skills. Trained counselors and classroom teachers support this work, and the school promotes a “culture of care” to ensure students feel safe and supported.

The school provides learning support for students who may need additional help to access the curriculum, but it is not a specialist SEN institution. Support is coordinated by the student support team, which includes teachers, counselors, and learning specialists. Interventions and accommodations are individualized following assessments and teacher recommendations. Additional learning support fees may apply, assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Stamford offers structured English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for students whose first language is not English. This includes push-in and pull-out models, small group sessions, and individualized instruction through the Accelerated Language Program (ALP). Placement and duration of support depend on student need, determined through assessment. EAL services are designed to help students develop the academic and social English skills required for full participation in mainstream classes.

The school supports mental well-being through its counseling services, health and PE programs, and SEL framework. Counselors are available to students for individual guidance and support, and well-being content such as mindfulness and focus strategies is embedded across the curriculum. The school emphasizes student safety and emotional balance as part of its everyday practice. Dedicated health professionals, including school nurses, provide medical and well-being assistance during the school day.

Stamford American School Hong Kong maintains clear safeguarding and child protection practices as part of its “Student Well-being and Safety” policy. The school operates under Cognita’s global safeguarding framework, which includes oversight of child protection, health, and safety procedures. Staff are trained in safeguarding responsibilities, and students are encouraged to raise concerns with counselors or designated well-being staff. The school publicly highlights its commitment to maintaining a safe environment and fostering respectful relationships among all members of its community.

Stamford American School Hong Kong opened in September 2017 and is part of the Cognita Schools Group, a global education organization headquartered in London. The school was established to provide an American standards-based education with international pathways for students in Hong Kong. Since opening, Stamford has expanded its facilities and introduced the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for senior students. In 2025, the school will open an additional West Kowloon campus to accommodate the growing high school division.

The school community includes families from diverse national and cultural backgrounds who participate actively in school life. Regular events such as cultural celebrations, seasonal festivals, and student showcases bring families and staff together throughout the year. The school also hosts wellbeing weeks, service initiatives, and parent workshops to strengthen connections between home and school.

Stamford’s Parent School Association (PSA) serves as the main body connecting parents and the school. The PSA welcomes new families, organizes community events, and supports fundraising activities for student and school projects. It helps coordinate cultural celebrations and family-oriented gatherings such as international days, parent coffee mornings, and charity events. The PSA also collaborates with school leadership to provide parent feedback and encourage participation in school initiatives. Through these activities, the PSA helps maintain open communication and an inclusive community spirit within the school.

The school operates two campuses: Ho Man Tin at 25 Man Fuk Road, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, and West Kowloon at Imperial Cullinan, 10 Hoi Fai Road, Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon.

The campuses feature comprehensive facilities to support studies, arts, and athletics as part of the international program.

Academic programs are built on an American standards-based curriculum using AERO and Common Core Plus frameworks, with high school preparation through IBDP options.

Co-curricular activities and university counseling are offered as part of the student experience across campuses.

The school uses an American standards-based curriculum built on AERO and Common Core Plus, delivering a bilingual international program across its K–12 structure. High School students can pursue three diploma pathways: the Stamford American High School Diploma, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or an IB Courses option alongside the Stamford diploma. The US Diploma is CIS- and WASC-accredited, and IB options provide access to DP exams and IB course credits where applicable. The Class of 2025 IB cohort achieved a 100% pass rate with an average score of 35, including top scores above 40, and a portion earned the Bilingual Diploma. The West Kowloon Campus is being developed to support high school and IBDP offerings.

The school offers an Arts program within the High School and supports arts integration through its Cornerstones program and related studio spaces on its West Kowloon Campus. Visual arts, music, drama and other creative subjects are part of the regular timetable across divisions.

Modern language study is integral, with daily Mandarin or Spanish instruction for all students (around 40 minutes per day). In elementary, there is an immersive English–Mandarin bilingual pathway, and high school language options include Mandarin and Spanish with IB course opportunities.

The school provides extensive co-curricular activities and wellbeing programs, including weekly social-emotional learning (especially in Middle School) and a broad range of after-school activities across sports, arts and clubs.

The curriculum includes service learning and creativity, activity, and service (CAS) components, integrated with IB practices and Cornerstones projects in High School, to support holistic growth and global citizenship.

Students have opportunities for leadership through student councils and house systems in High School, with dedicated university counseling and IB coordination to guide pathway decisions.

There is a strong emphasis on wellbeing and a balanced approach to growth, including MAP assessments to monitor progress and ensure appropriate challenge and support across grades.

The school provides a seamless K–12 journey with an American standards-based curriculum that combines AERO and Common Core Plus standards with an inquiry-based approach. The High School offers the Stamford American High School Diploma, with the option to pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or select IB courses. The school also offers daily Mandarin and Spanish language instruction as part of the core curriculum, with 40 minutes per day. In high school, language study can include additional languages via self-study with faculty support.

The school offers a bilingual English/Mandarin stream in elementary (Pre-primary to Grade 5).

Accelerated Learning Program Class provided in Stamford Elementary School

GBA Award - Public's Choice Award (STEAM Category) 2026

Council of International Schools (CIS): An international accreditation body that evaluates schools against global standards in education quality, leadership, and governance. Stamford achieved full CIS accreditation in 2021, confirming its commitment to continuous improvement and international best practice.

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): A U.S.-based accrediting organization that ensures schools maintain recognized standards for teaching, learning, and institutional performance. WASC accreditation confirms that Stamford provides high-quality education consistent with American and international benchmarks.

International Baccalaureate (IB) World School: Authorization from the International Baccalaureate Organization enables Stamford to offer the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11–12. This certification recognizes the school’s ability to deliver a globally recognized, inquiry-based academic program.

SAT Test Center: Approval by the College Board as an official SAT testing site allows Stamford students to sit for PSAT and SAT examinations on campus, promoting accessibility and informed academic guidance.

Cognita Schools Group: Membership in the Cognita global network provides governance, safeguarding oversight, and shared quality standards across schools worldwide. Cognita ensures consistent policies in student welfare, health and safety, and educational quality.

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. Enquiry and School Tour
Families begin the process by submitting an online enquiry form or booking a school tour through the Stamford website. The admissions team provides details about available grade levels, curriculum pathways, and space availability. Campus visits are encouraged so families can understand the learning environment and school expectations before applying.

2. Application Submission
Applications are completed online through the school’s admissions portal. Required documents include recent school reports, a copy of the student’s passport or Hong Kong ID, and any relevant specialist reports. Application and assessment fees are currently waived.

3. Assessment and Review
All applicants are assessed to ensure that the school can meet their learning needs. Assessments may include academic review, language proficiency testing, or interviews, depending on grade level. For older students (Grade 6 and above), additional written tasks or questionnaires may be required.

4. Admission Offer and Capital Levy Selection
Successful applicants receive an offer letter via email. To confirm enrollment, families must select and pay for one of the two Capital Levy Options — Option A or Option B. Payment of this fee secures the student’s place at the school.

5. Enrollment and Orientation
Once payment and acceptance forms are received, the admissions team issues a formal confirmation of enrollment. Families receive joining instructions, uniform details, and access to the school’s parent platform. Orientation sessions are organized before the start of each semester to help new students and parents transition smoothly into school life.

The school offers a range of scholarships for students entering or continuing in high school. Scholarships are awarded based on demonstrated excellence in academics, STEM, performing or visual arts, or athletics. The External Scholarship Program welcomes talented high school students (Grade 9-11) to join the world-class IB pathway and vibrant, global community. Outstanding applicants may even be awarded a tuition scholarship of up to 75% for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).

Admissions are reviewed on a rolling basis, and places are offered according to seat availability and the date of completed application submission. Priority is given to applicants with siblings already enrolled, to families holding debentures, US citizens, and students with an enrollment record in other Cognita international schools.