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The International Montessori School - Mid-Levels Campus

Hong Kong

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Mandarin
Fees HK$58,800 - 247,800
Ages 2 - 6 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 Academic Enrichment, Outdoor Education, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Early Years, Middle School
Introduction

International Montessori School (IMS) Mid-Levels serves children aged 2–6 in a bilingual English–Putonghua environment with AMI-trained teachers in every classroom. The campus is in Soho/Sheung Wan near Hollywood Road Park, used for short outdoor observations. Programmes include Foundation Groups (2–3) and Casa dei Bambini (3–6); Casa classes operate with a 2:25 teacher–student ratio and a three-year mixed-age cycle. IMS’s broader pathway continues through Elementary and Hong Kong’s first Montessori Middle School (12–14), where students take daily small-group Chinese and can join opportunities such as Model United Nations, student-led clubs, and community projects. The school contracts a bus service across Hong Kong Island; uniforms are required from Casa. Address: Mezzanine Entrance, Tung Fai Gardens, 17 Po Yan Street, Sheung Wan.

This campus is part of The International Montessori School

Mezzanine Entrance, Tung Fai Gardens, 17 Po Yan St, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.

The Essentials

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

Location
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.

Stages
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.

Type
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.

Additional learning support
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.

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

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

School day structure
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.

Bus service
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.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
All IMS students wear school uniforms, which can be purchased online or at the school at the start of the year.

Governance and Ownership
The school is operated as an IMEF School by The International Montessori Education Foundation Limited (IMEF). IMEF and IMS are charitable institutions.
Fees

Annual tuition at The International Montessori School - Mid-Levels Campus ranges from HKD 58,800 to HKD 247,800 for 2026/27.

Application Fees
A one-time HK$2,000 application fee is charged per child. This amount is non-refundable and includes any assessment costs required during the admissions process.

Tuition Fees (Per Year)
Foundation Class (Ages 2–3)

2 Days (Tue & Thu): HK$ 58,800 per year
3 Days (Mon, Wed & Fri): HK$ 78,000 per year
5 Days (Mon – Fri): HK$ 127,200 per year

Casa dei Bambini (Ages 3–6)

Half Day (Ages 3–4): HK$171,600 per year
Full Day (Ages 4–6): HK$247,800 per year

Fees are charged on a monthly basis throughout the academic year.

Annual Capital Levy / Contribution Options
Students enrolled in Casa dei Bambini or higher must select one of the following contribution plans through The International Montessori Education Foundation (IMEF):

Annual Capital Levy: HK$ 35,000 per year per child
Personal Nomination Right (PNR): HK$ 120,000 (one-time; covers Casa and Elementary)
Capital Note: HK$ 150,000 (one-time; redeemable HK$ 90,000 after Casa completion, less any outstanding fees)

Additional Fees

Uniforms: Required for Casa students; available online or at school.
Bus Service: Provided by a contracted operator covering Hong Kong Island; fees are billed half-yearly by the provider.
Outdoor Education & Trips: Annual fees apply for field trips, camp, and other off-site learning experiences.

Refund Policy
Application fees and capital levies are non-refundable. The Capital Note may be partially redeemable at HK$ 90,000 after completion of the Casa programme, subject to conditions and settlement of outstanding fees.

Payment Options
Payments are accepted via bank transfer or other electronic methods approved by the school.
Academics

The International Montessori School - Mid-Levels Campus teaches Montessori Curriculum for students aged 2 to 6.

Curriculum
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.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
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.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
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.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
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.

Mental Wellbeing
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.

Safeguarding
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.
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 Mid-Levels Campus is one of IMS's campuses in Hong Kong, part of The International Montessori School network. IMS operates multiple campuses in Hong Kong including Stanley, Mid-Levels, South Horizons, and Aldrich Bay.

Academic Facilities
IMS provides an authentic Montessori program for ages 1–14 with AMI-trained educators in every classroom. The program uses a three-year mixed-age classroom structure and offers full-time bilingual immersion in English and Putonghua, with Montessori lessons delivered in both languages. The learning sequence includes Montessori First Steps (ages 1–2), Foundations (ages 2–3), Casa dei Bambini (ages 3–6), and Elementary (ages 6–12).

Extra Curricular Facilities
Open Days (e.g., IMS South Horizons) are held to engage families. IMS Life encompasses hands-on, experiential learning and community activities. IMS milestones include Montessori Model United Nations Rome (2024) and other program developments.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Science Adventures and Chess are offered as extra-curricular activities. Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) is offered as an academic extracurricular.

Arts & Creative
Hip Hop Dance, Stormy Chefs, Film Making, and Musical Theatre are offered.

Cultural & Language
Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) fosters cross-cultural understanding and global awareness.

Social & Hobbies
Student-Led Clubs provide cross-grade opportunities for lower and elementary students to design, prepare, and lead workshops. Field Trips connect students with places such as Wetlands, Cheung Chau, and Kadoorie Farm. Day and Overnight Camp offers experiential learning experiences.

Community & Service
Field trips involve interaction with community members and institutions, helping students draw connections to classroom learning.

Leadership & Professional
Student-Led Clubs offer leadership opportunities for students to design and run workshops. Montessori Model United Nations provides leadership experiences as students engage with mentors and international peers.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sports Teams include Gymnastics, Running & Athletics Club, Judo, Basketball, CrossFit Kids, and Football. IMS Sports Teams compete in the Asia Pacific Schools Sports Organisation (APSSO) league.
Languages

Language Provision
English and Chinese (Putonghua/Mandarin) are the languages of instruction across all stages, with Putonghua taught by native speakers and bilingual classrooms supporting language development.

Bilingual Teaching
The Mid-Levels Campus provides full-time bilingual immersion in English and Putonghua across all classrooms. Each classroom is led by two teachers, one English-speaking and one Chinese-speaking. Students experience the same Montessori lessons in both languages, reinforcing understanding through parallel language exposure.

Immersion Programs
Immersion occurs throughout the day in a bilingual environment. Daily Chinese instruction is delivered by native Putonghua teachers and integrated into the curriculum. In Elementary, students also attend a 45-minute daily Chinese small-group lesson in addition to bilingual classroom instruction.
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.

Supportive Family-Friendly Employer Award: Presented by Hong Kong’s Labour Department, this award recognises IMS for implementing family-friendly employment practices and creating a supportive work environment for staff.
Admissions

Admissions
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.

Waitlist
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.
School Events
The school has not added events
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