The International Montessori School - Mid-Levels Campus

The Mid-Levels Campus of The International Montessori School (IMS) is situated in the Soho and Sheung Wan area of Hong Kong Island. The campus is easily accessible by public transport, with major bus routes and MTR stations nearby. The surrounding neighbourhood features a mix of residential buildings, local shops, and green spaces, offering a convenient setting for families.

At the Mid-Levels Campus, IMS offers programmes for children aged 2 to 6, divided into the Foundation Class (ages 2–3) and Casa dei Bambini (ages 3–6). These classes follow the Montessori mixed-age structure, allowing children to progress at their own pace under the guidance of AMI-trained bilingual teachers.

IMS is a co-educational day school offering a bilingual English–Putonghua Montessori curriculum. There are no boarding facilities. Classrooms are led by two teachers—one native English speaker and one native Putonghua speaker—ensuring full dual-language immersion.

The school does not publicly detail specific provisions for students with Additional Learning Needs or Special Educational Needs. Support structures are not outlined for the Mid-Levels Campus on the official website.

The school has no formal affiliation with any specific country. It operates as an independent international school under the Montessori education model.

IMS has no religious affiliation and welcomes students from all cultural and faith backgrounds.

The Mid-Levels Campus offers half-day and full-day programmes. The Foundation Class (ages 2–3) runs for 2 hours daily in morning or afternoon sessions, while Casa dei Bambini (ages 3–6) operates for 3.5 hours (half-day) or 6.5 hours (full-day), Monday to Friday. Specific start and end times vary slightly by class but follow a consistent weekday schedule.

IMS contracts a private bus company to serve students across Hong Kong Island. Routes are arranged based on student demand, and the service covers the main residential areas near Central, Mid-Levels, Pok Fu Lam, and Happy Valley. Bus fees are paid directly to the provider in half-year segments. The school also requires uniforms for Casa students, which may be purchased online or from the campus.

The International Montessori School (IMS) follows an authentic Montessori curriculum with instruction in both English and Putonghua (Mandarin Chinese). Each classroom is led by two teachers—one native English speaker and one native Putonghua speaker—creating a full bilingual immersion environment. At the Mid-Levels Campus, the curriculum includes the Foundation Class (ages 2–3) and Casa dei Bambini (ages 3–6), where children engage in self-directed learning using Montessori materials designed to build independence, concentration, and coordination. Lessons cover early literacy, numeracy, sensorial exploration, practical life, and cultural studies. Students progress through mixed-age classrooms over a multi-year cycle, allowing them to develop leadership and collaborative skills naturally. All teachers are AMI-trained, ensuring the programme aligns with international Montessori education standards.

IMS places emphasis on children’s emotional and social growth as part of the Montessori philosophy, which encourages respect, independence, and self-regulation. In the Elementary years, the school monitors well-being through regular student check-ins and well-being quizzes, allowing teachers to identify students who may need additional support. The Montessori classroom model also fosters emotional development through mixed-age peer learning, where children learn empathy, cooperation, and responsibility. There are no published details of a formal SEL curriculum or dedicated staff role for social-emotional learning at the Mid-Levels Campus.

The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision. There is no mention of a dedicated learning support team or specific SEN programmes on the school’s website. IMS is not described as a specialist SEN institution, and no information is provided regarding the types of learning differences or disabilities it can accommodate.

IMS operates as a bilingual English–Putonghua school, with both languages used equally in classroom instruction. The school does not publish details of an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme or any targeted language support services. There is no public information about specialist staff or additional EAL assistance for students requiring extra English support.

IMS publicly notes that student well-being is “of paramount importance” in the Elementary years, where teachers use tools such as well-being quizzes to assess emotional health and provide guidance as needed. However, there is no detailed information published regarding counsellors, psychological services, or structured mental health programmes at the Mid-Levels Campus.

The school provides limited public information about its safeguarding or child protection framework. References to safety procedures and emergency protocols appear in the IMS Parent Handbook, but this document is not publicly accessible. There is no published safeguarding policy or named safeguarding officer listed on the school’s website.

1. Enquiry and School Visit
Families are encouraged to attend an open day or campus tour to learn more about the school’s Montessori approach and bilingual environment. The Mid-Levels Campus conducts tours for parents interested in the Foundation Class (ages 2–3) and Casa dei Bambini (ages 3–6).

2. Application Submission
Applications are accepted year-round for all programmes, and parents can complete the process through the school’s online application portal. A non-refundable application fee is required for each child, which includes any assessment-related costs.

3. Assessment and Observation
Once an application is submitted, children may be invited for a school visit or observation session. Admission decisions are based on the child’s readiness for a Montessori environment, the family’s commitment to Montessori education, and the availability of places within the appropriate age group.

4. Offer and Acceptance
Successful applicants receive a formal offer of admission, which must be accepted within the specified timeframe. Upon acceptance, families are required to complete registration forms and pay the relevant tuition fees and contribution plan (Annual Capital Levy, Personal Nomination Right, or Capital Note) to confirm the place.

5. Orientation and Enrolment
Before the school year begins, new families are invited to an orientation session to familiarise themselves with the Montessori classroom setup, school policies, and daily routines. Teachers meet individually with parents to discuss the child’s transition and expectations for the programme.

IMS does not publicly describe a formal waitlist or pool system. Admission depends on place availability within each age group at the time of application. If a class is full, applicants are typically placed on a notification list and contacted should a vacancy arise. No details regarding ranked or pooled selection procedures are published on the school’s website.