The Harbour School - The Garden Campus

The Garden Campus of The Harbour School is situated on the southern side of Hong Kong Island in the Ap Lei Chau area. It is connected to Central and other districts by the Aberdeen Tunnel and is well-served by public transport options, including MTR and buses. The campus is positioned close to the harbourfront, in a mixed residential and commercial neighbourhood.

THS offers education from Junior Grade 1 through Grade 12, split between two campuses: The Grove (Primary & Middle School) and The Garden (High School). The Garden Campus serves Grades 9 to 12, focusing on upper secondary education and pre-university preparation.

The Harbour School is a co-educational international day school. It does not offer boarding. Classes are mixed-gender, and the school serves local and expatriate families.

THS provides Learning Support and Learning Extension programs for students requiring extra help or enrichment. High School students have access to a full-time social-emotional counsellor, and those with additional needs may receive one-to-one assistance through partner organization The Children’s Institute of Hong Kong.

The Harbour School follows a curriculum influenced by the American educational framework, referencing Common Core, NGSS, and NCSS standards. It does not operate under any specific national government system.

The school is non-religious and does not have any stated religious affiliation.

The school does not publicly disclose daily start and end times on its website.

THS operates a school bus service managed by the Jolly Bus Company, which also partners with the school’s sustainability initiative to use biodiesel. The fees policy notes that students must commute via the school bus or public transport rather than private cars.

The Harbour School follows a curriculum influenced by the American educational framework, integrating standards such as Common Core (Literacy and Mathematics), NGSS (Science), and NCSS (Social Studies). At the Primary and Middle School levels, students engage in inquiry-based, interdisciplinary learning with an emphasis on literacy, numeracy, science, and social studies. The High School (Grades 9–12), located at the Garden Campus, offers a credit-based system that allows students to design individual learning pathways under the “Mapping Your Program” model, preparing them for university admission in multiple countries. High School students also participate in Global Classrooms—credit-bearing travel and research experiences—and internships aligned with personal interests. Languages taught across the school include French, Mandarin Chinese, and English as an Additional Language (EAL).

The Harbour School embeds social and emotional development within its academic and pastoral programs. The High School (Garden Campus) has a full-time social-emotional counsellor who supports students through one-on-one guidance and group sessions. The school also runs wellbeing initiatives and publishes resources on empathy, communication, and resilience within its THS blog and student life pages. Primary sections include lessons and assemblies that emphasize cooperation and respect. The website references wellbeing themes such as anti-bullying, positive relationships, and student voice in learning.

THS provides Learning Support and Learning Extension services for students who need additional academic or developmental assistance. The High School may recommend one-to-one learning support through its partner organization, The Children’s Institute of Hong Kong (TCI), for students requiring individualized intervention. Learning support includes differentiated instruction, progress tracking, and collaboration between teachers and support staff. The school does not classify itself as a specialist SEN institution and does not specify the exact categories of SEN it supports.

The Harbour School provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for students who are developing English proficiency. The EAL program forms part of the school’s language offerings, alongside French and Mandarin. EAL support is designed to help students improve literacy and communication skills needed for mainstream classes. The website does not list the specific EAL programs, staffing structure, or intensity of provision.

The High School employs a social-emotional counsellor who provides direct mental well-being support for students. The school publishes wellbeing resources and reflections on topics such as stress management, belonging, and positive social relationships through its online blog. Community activities, student-led projects, and inclusive classroom culture are encouraged to foster emotional balance. The school does not publicly disclose information about external partnerships for mental health or formal well-being programs beyond these descriptions.

Safeguarding and child protection responsibilities at The Harbour School are overseen by the Board of Directors, identified as the final authority for addressing professional misconduct and protection issues. The school’s governance information highlights clear reporting responsibilities and administrative oversight in these matters. However, the website does not provide a public child protection or safeguarding policy document or list designated safeguarding leads by name.

1. Book a school visit or virtual consultation.
Families are encouraged to contact the admissions office to schedule a campus tour or online meeting. This allows parents and students to learn more about the curriculum, facilities, and community culture at The Harbour School before applying.

2. Submit the application form and supporting documents.
Parents complete the official online application form available on the school’s website. Required documents include copies of the student’s passport and visa (if applicable), recent school reports, a passport-sized photo, and teacher recommendations. Applicants in higher grades may also be asked to provide samples of academic work, reading lists, or specialist assessments.

3. Schedule an assessment and trial day.
The admissions team will invite the student to attend a trial day at the relevant campus. Applicants complete the MAP screening in reading, language, and mathematics, which helps determine placement and learning needs. The trial day also provides an opportunity for teachers to observe class participation and social engagement.

4. Receive an offer and confirm enrolment.
Once the application and assessment are reviewed, successful candidates receive a formal offer letter. Parents have seven days to confirm acceptance by signing the enrolment documents and paying the Entry Fee and required Admissions Right or Capital Levy to secure the place.

5. Complete registration and prepare for school start.
After confirmation, the school provides details on fee payments, technology requirements, and uniform purchases. Families also receive orientation information and logistical guidance, such as bus service registration, before the start of the term.

THS offers need-based financial assistance to families who qualify. More than HKD 4 million in aid is distributed each year to support access for students who demonstrate financial need. Families must apply annually and provide supporting financial documentation for review. The school does not list any merit-based or academic scholarship programs on its website.

The Harbour School operates a waiting pool rather than a first-come, first-served waitlist. When a grade level or specialist service is at capacity, qualified applicants are placed in the pool. Offers from the pool are based on factors such as sibling priority, gender balance, nationality, and learning support requirements, rather than the date of application. Families may choose to defer for a year or reapply in the next admissions cycle.