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The International Montessori School - Aldrich Bay Campus

Hong Kong

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Mandarin
Fees HK$78,000 - 241,500
Ages 1 - 14 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 2002
Bus Service Yes
Part of
The International Montessori School
Academic offering
Curriculum Montessori Curriculum
Taught languages Mandarin
Typical class size 25
Strengths STEM, Academic Enrichment, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Early Years, Primary School
Introduction

The International Montessori School (IMS) operates four Hong Kong Island campuses, including Aldrich Bay, and offers an authentic Montessori education with full-time bilingual immersion (English and Putonghua) and AMI-trained teachers in every classroom. Families can see early-years Montessori in action at Aldrich Bay through small-group, 18–30-month trial sessions guided by both English- and Putonghua-speaking teachers. Across IMS, the curriculum spans ages 1–14, with Elementary featuring an integrated, inquiry-driven programme and daily level-grouped Chinese lessons (45 minutes). IMS provides a contracted school bus network on Hong Kong Island; uniforms are required in Casa dei Bambini and Elementary. A distinctive feature is IMS’s bilingual Montessori pathway delivered across multiple campuses with AMI expertise—unusual in Hong Kong—supported by opportunities such as Model United Nations, student-run clubs, and community service in Elementary.

This campus is part of The International Montessori School

G/F, i-UniQ Grand, 155, Shau Kei Wan Rd, Shau Kei Wan, Hong Kong.

The Essentials

The International Montessori School - Aldrich Bay Campus has typical class sizes of 25, instruction in English, Mandarin.

Location
The International Montessori School – Aldrich Bay Campus is located in the Aldrich Bay area on the eastern side of Hong Kong Island. The neighbourhood is largely residential and well connected to other parts of Hong Kong by the MTR, bus routes, and nearby tram services. The area provides convenient access for families living in Sai Wan Ho, Shau Kei Wan, and Quarry Bay. The campus is part of IMS’s network of four Hong Kong Island campuses.

Stages
The Aldrich Bay Campus offers the Foundation Group (ages 2–3) and Casa dei Bambini (ages 3–6) levels within IMS’s bilingual Montessori programme. Students in these early years programmes typically attend between two and five days a week, depending on age and schedule. Older year levels (Elementary and Middle School) are located at IMS’s Stanley campus.

Type
The school is co-educational, welcoming both boys and girls. IMS operates as a day school only and does not provide boarding facilities. The Aldrich Bay Campus focuses on early childhood and kindergarten-aged learners.

Additional learning support
The IMS website does not publish specific details about support for students with additional or special learning needs. Based on publicly available information, there are no references to a dedicated SEN department or specialist staff. Therefore, the school does not publicly disclose information regarding its provision for Additional Learning Needs.

Country affiliation
The International Montessori School is a Hong Kong-based independent international school with no formal affiliation to any other country.

Religious affiliation
The school is non-religious and does not follow or promote any particular faith or belief system.

School day structure
The Aldrich Bay Campus runs half-day and full-day programmes depending on the age group. Foundation Group students attend 2-hour sessions in the afternoon, while Casa dei Bambini students follow either a half-day or full-day schedule. The specific start and end times are not publicly stated on the school’s website.

Bus service
IMS provides a school bus service through a contracted private bus company that covers most areas of Hong Kong Island. Bus fees are billed directly by the provider in half-year segments. The service is optional and designed to help families with daily transportation to and from school. Uniforms are also required for Casa dei Bambini students, and families can purchase them online or on campus.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are required for Casa dei Bambini and Elementary students; uniforms can be purchased online or at IMS at the start of the year.

Governance and Ownership
The International Montessori School operates as an IMEF School; The International Montessori Education Foundation Limited (IMEF) provides funding and governance for IMS. IMEF and IMS are charitable institutions mentioned in Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap.112). The IMS Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) was established in 2002 to engage parents in school life.
Fees

Annual tuition at The International Montessori School - Aldrich Bay Campus ranges from HKD 78,000 to HKD 241,500 for 2026/27.

Application Fees
A one-time application fee of HKD 2,000 per child is required. This covers both the application and any assessment fees. It is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Tuition Fees (Per Year)
Fees are charged monthly over ten months of the academic year.

Foundation Group | Ages 2–3 | 2 hours per day

2 Days PM (Tue & Thu): HKD 43,000 per year
3 Days PM (Mon, Wed & Fri): HKD 60,000 per year
5 Days (Mon–Fri): HKD 99,500 per year

Casa dei Bambini | Ages 3–6

* Half Day (Ages 3–4): HKD 143,000 per year
* Full Day (Ages 4–6): HKD 206,500 per year

Annual Capital Levy
An Annual Capital Levy of HKD 35,000 per child per year is charged for all Casa dei Bambini, Elementary, and Middle School students. This levy is non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-interest-bearing. It supports campus improvements and programme development.

Contribution Options (for Casa dei Bambini applicants)
Families must select one of the following contribution options:

Personal Nomination Right (PNR): HKD 120,000 – non-refundable; secures a place in Casa dei Bambini and Elementary programmes.
Capital Note: HKD 150,000 – partially redeemable at HKD 90,000 upon completion or withdrawal from Casa dei Bambini.

Additional Fees
Uniforms: Required for Casa dei Bambini students; available for purchase online or at the school.
Bus Service: IMS contracts a private bus company serving most of Hong Kong Island. Bus fees are billed directly by the provider in half-year segments.
Other Costs: Field trips, camp, and outdoor education activities are billed annually by the school.

Refund Policy
The application fee and Annual Capital Levy are non-refundable. Tuition refunds are subject to the terms outlined in the school’s enrolment agreement.

Payment Options
Tuition and levies can be paid via bank transfer or PPS (Payment by Phone Service). Payment instructions are issued with the school’s official acceptance documents.
Academics

The International Montessori School - Aldrich Bay Campus teaches Montessori Curriculum for students aged 1 to 14.

Curriculum
The International Montessori School (IMS) follows an authentic Montessori curriculum accredited by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), delivered through a bilingual English and Putonghua (Mandarin) immersion model. Each classroom is led by two fully qualified Montessori teachers, one native English speaker and one native Putonghua speaker. At the Aldrich Bay Campus, the curriculum covers the Foundation Group (ages 2–3) and Casa dei Bambini (ages 3–6), focusing on independence, sensory exploration, early literacy, and numeracy through hands-on learning. The Montessori approach allows children to progress at their own pace within a structured environment designed for self-directed learning. IMS’s broader curriculum continues through Elementary and Middle School levels at other campuses, integrating subjects such as mathematics, language, science, cultural studies, and daily Chinese language instruction grouped by ability.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The International Montessori School (IMS) embeds social and emotional learning within its Montessori environment. The Montessori method itself encourages independence, self-regulation, and collaboration through mixed-age classrooms and self-directed activities. Teachers guide students in resolving conflicts peacefully and developing empathy as part of daily routines. However, the IMS website does not describe any dedicated SEL programme, specialist staff, or specific initiatives by name. Therefore, beyond the embedded Montessori practices, the school does not publicly disclose information regarding any formal SEL framework or staff roles.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
IMS does not publish any information about a dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) department, policy, or inclusion framework on its website. There are no details about specialist staff, types of needs supported, or individualised learning provisions. The Montessori approach at IMS offers differentiated, self-paced learning materials, but this is part of the standard curriculum rather than a specialised SEN service. The school does not publicly disclose information regarding SEN provisions or support programmes, and it is not described as a specialist SEN institution.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
IMS delivers a bilingual English and Putonghua immersion programme with two qualified teachers in each classroom—one native English speaker and one native Putonghua speaker. While this approach may support language acquisition for children learning in a second language, the IMS website does not mention any separate EAL programme, additional staffing, or targeted language support services. The school does not publicly disclose information regarding a dedicated EAL support programme.

Mental Wellbeing
There is no publicly available information on the IMS website describing any mental health or well-being programme, counselling service, or pastoral care staff. The Montessori model naturally encourages calm, respectful interactions and a focus on each child’s individual development, which may contribute to emotional well-being. However, the school does not publicly disclose information regarding any formal mental well-being policy, counselling provision, or mental health initiatives.

Safeguarding
IMS does not publish a safeguarding or child protection policy on its public website. There are no references to designated safeguarding officers, training, or specific reporting procedures. As a registered school in Hong Kong, IMS would be expected to comply with Education Bureau standards for student safety, but the school does not publicly disclose information regarding its safeguarding or child protection procedures.
Parent Experience

History
The International Montessori School (IMS) was founded in 2002 by Anne Sawyer and Karin Ann, both long-time Montessori educators. The school was established to provide an authentic bilingual Montessori education in Hong Kong, beginning with a single campus and later expanding to four sites, including Stanley, South Horizons, Aldrich Bay, and Mid-Levels. IMS operates as a non-profit institution under the International Montessori Education Foundation (IMEF), a registered charitable organisation in Hong Kong. IMEF manages funding for school development, facilities, and capital improvements through its contribution options programme.

Community
IMS fosters a diverse, bilingual school community with families representing a wide range of cultural and professional backgrounds. The school promotes participation in family events, school performances, and student-led initiatives that strengthen connections between home and school. Cultural festivals, such as the Chinese New Year and International Day, are celebrated annually, encouraging students to share traditions and build cross-cultural understanding.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The IMS Parent Teacher Association (PTA) was established in 2002 and plays an active role in school life. It supports the school through community-building events, such as holiday fairs, charity drives, and workshops for parents on Montessori education. The PTA also organises volunteer opportunities that connect parents with classroom activities and school events. Regular meetings provide a platform for parents and school leadership to exchange feedback and collaborate on community projects. The association’s focus is on maintaining a supportive, family-oriented atmosphere across all IMS campuses.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The International Montessori School has four Montessori campuses in Hong Kong, including Aldrich Bay Campus. The Aldrich Bay Campus is located on the G/F, i-UniQ Grand, 155 Shau Kei Wan Road, Shau Kei Wan. It is a three-minute walk from Sai Wan Ho MTR station and is near Aldrich Bay Park and promenade. The campus serves children aged 2 to 6 years. IMS delivers an authentic Montessori program through AMI-trained educators with English and Putonghua bilingual immersion across classrooms.

Sports Facilities
IMS participates in regular sports tournaments as a founding member of the Asia Pacific Schools Sports Organisation. Students can represent the school in football, basketball, and netball from Grade 3 onward, with teams trained by an IMS coach on a regular basis. IMS conducts these sports programs as part of its student life across campuses.

Academic Facilities
IMS is an Accredited Bilingual Montessori School serving children ages 1 through 14. The Montessori environment features three-year mixed-age groups in every classroom and AMI-trained educators in each classroom. English and Putonghua are used across all classrooms in a full-time bilingual immersion. Students learn with hands-on materials and experiential learning as core aspects of the program.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Beyond the classroom, IMS offers field trips to places such as wetlands, Cheung Chau, and Kadoorie Farm. Day and overnight camps provide extended outdoor learning experiences for younger and older students. The school runs student-led clubs, sports teams, and Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) activities, with MMUN opportunities for Upper Elementary students. IMS also hosts campus events and open days to engage families.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Upper Elementary students participate in Montessori Model United Nations, a year-long program in which they act as delegates at a global conference that simulates the United Nations. They prepare and debate on current societal issues with guidance from a teacher mentor and peers from around the world. This activity develops research, critical thinking, and public-speaking skills in an international context.

Leadership & Professional
Montessori Model United Nations also builds leadership and public-speaking skills, collaboration, and strategic thinking as students work with mentors and peers. The experience emphasizes teamwork and professional communication in an international setting.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Lower Elementary students participate in a 1-day camp, while Upper Elementary students engage in a 3-day, 2-night camp supervised by IMS faculty and camp leaders. IMS participates in regular sports tournaments through the Asia Pacific Schools Sports Organisation, with teams in football, basketball, and netball, supported by ongoing coaching and tournament play.
Languages

Language Provision
English and Chinese (Putonghua) are the languages of instruction; IMS delivers immersive bilingual education to students from ages 1 to 14; AMI-trained teachers are in every classroom. At Aldrich Bay Campus, programs are offered for 2-6 year-olds.

Bilingual Teaching
The school provides full-time bilingual immersion in English and Chinese (Putonghua) across all classrooms.

Immersion Programs
English and Putonghua teachers are available across all classrooms; students experience the same Montessori lessons in both languages, so the two languages complement each other and deepen understanding.
Reputation

Awards
The IMS website does not list any institutional awards received by the school.

Accreditations
Association Montessori Internationale (AMI): IMS is recognised by AMI, the organisation founded by Dr. Maria Montessori that ensures schools and teachers uphold authentic Montessori educational standards worldwide.

International Montessori Council (IMC): IMS is accredited by the IMC, an international body supporting Montessori schools in maintaining quality assurance, professional development, and global best practices.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Enquiry and Campus Tour
Parents begin the admissions process by submitting an enquiry or registering for a campus tour through the IMS website. Tours are available at all campuses, including Aldrich Bay, and allow families to observe Montessori classrooms in session. These visits are recommended to help parents understand the bilingual Montessori approach and the specific programmes offered at each campus.

2. Application Submission
Applications are submitted online through the IMS Admissions Portal. A non-refundable application fee of HKD 2,000 per child is required at this stage, which also covers any assessment fees. Parents must upload supporting documents, such as copies of the child’s birth certificate and passport, as part of the application process.

3. Assessment / Class Visit
Once the application is received, the school schedules an age-appropriate assessment or classroom visit. For younger children (Foundation Group and Casa dei Bambini), this may take the form of a short observation session in a Montessori environment to assess readiness and adjustment. IMS does not publicly specify the duration or detailed criteria of these assessments.

4. Offer of Place and Acceptance
Successful applicants receive an offer of admission via email. To confirm enrolment, families must pay the required tuition deposit and select one of the Contribution Options (such as the Annual Capital Levy, Personal Nomination Right, or Capital Note). Once fees are settled, the school issues confirmation of the student’s place.

5. Orientation and Start of School
Before the start of the term, new families are invited to attend an orientation session introducing the Montessori philosophy, school routines, and classroom expectations. This helps children and parents transition smoothly into the bilingual Montessori environment at Aldrich Bay or other assigned campuses.

Scholarships
The International Montessori School does not list any scholarships or financial aid programmes on its official website. There is no mention of merit-based, need-based, or special talent awards for students. The school does not publicly disclose information regarding the availability or operation of scholarships.

Waitlist
The IMS website does not provide any public information about the use of a waitlist or pool system. There are no details regarding how applications are prioritised or how available places are allocated if a year group is full. Therefore, the school does not publicly disclose information regarding the operation of a waitlist or pool system.
School Events
The school has not added events
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