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The International Montessori School - South Horizons Campus

Hong Kong

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Mandarin
Fees HK$43,200 - 247,800
Ages 1 - 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 Sport, Academic Enrichment, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years
Introduction

IMS South Horizons is IMS’s dedicated early years campus on Ap Lei Chau, a minute from South Horizons MTR and next to a seaside community playground. It serves ages 1–6 through Montessori First Steps (1–2), Foundation (2–3) and Casa dei Bambini (3–6), taught bilingually in English and Putonghua with one teacher for each language in every classroom. IMS follows an authentic Montessori curriculum, with clear teacher-to-student ratios (e.g., 2:8 in First Steps and 2:25 in Casa) and AMI-trained educators. Families can use the IMS bus network covering most of Hong Kong Island. IMS is part of a four-campus school serving about 1,000 children from 1–14, with elementary and middle school continuing at other campuses; older students join student council, clubs, and service initiatives. South Horizons focuses on a calm, hands-on start to school in a bilingual environment.

This campus is part of The International Montessori School

Phase III, G/F, Blocks 23 to 23A, South Horizons, South Horizon Drive, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong.

The Essentials

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

Location
The International Montessori School (IMS) South Horizons Campus is situated in a residential area of Hong Kong, offering easy access to public transportation and community facilities. The campus is designed for young learners in the school’s early years programmes. Families benefit from convenient travel options and a calm neighbourhood environment suitable for preschool education.

Stages
This campus serves children aged 1 to 6 years through three Montessori programmes: Montessori First Steps (ages 1–2), Foundation Group (ages 2–3), and Casa dei Bambini (ages 3–6). Students progress from toddler and preschool levels to kindergarten age before continuing at IMS’s Stanley Campus for Elementary and Middle School.

Type
IMS South Horizons is a co-educational day school. It follows the bilingual Montessori approach in English and Putonghua (Mandarin). The school does not offer boarding, and all programmes run on a day-school basis.

Additional learning support
The school promotes an inclusive environment and pastoral care across its programmes. However, IMS does not publicly detail specialised facilities or programmes for students with identified Special Educational Needs (SEN) on its website. Families requiring dedicated SEN provision should contact the school directly for clarification.

Country affiliation
The school has no affiliation with any particular country. It is an international institution registered in Hong Kong, following an authentic Montessori curriculum.

Religious affiliation
IMS has no religious affiliation and welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds.

School day structure
The school day varies by age group and programme. Montessori First Steps runs for about 1.5 hours per day, Foundation Group classes for 2 hours per day, and Casa dei Bambini offers half-day or full-day schedules. The exact daily timetable is confirmed individually with families upon enrolment.

Bus service
IMS contracts an independent bus company to provide a network of school buses covering most of Hong Kong Island. The service operates on morning pick-up and afternoon drop-off routes. Bus fees are billed directly by the provider and are payable in half-year segments. Families can select routes based on their home location, subject to seat availability.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
All Casa dei Bambini and Elementary students wear school uniforms, which can be purchased online or at the start of the year.

Governance and Ownership
The International Montessori School is governed by The International Montessori Education Foundation Limited (IMEF). IMEF and IMS are charitable institutions mentioned in section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance.
Fees

Annual tuition at The International Montessori School - South Horizons Campus ranges from HKD 43,200 to HKD 247,800 for 2026/27.

Application Fees
A one-time Application Fee of HK$2,000 per child is required upon submission. This amount is inclusive of any assessment fees and is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Tuition Fees (Per Year)

Montessori First Steps (Ages 1–2)

2 Days (Tue & Thu): HK$43,200 per year
3 Days (Mon, Wed & Fri): HK$63,600 per year

Foundation Group (Ages 2–3)

5 Days (Mon – Fri): HK $119,400 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

Tuition fees are invoiced monthly, based on the number of school months in the academic calendar.

Capital Contribution Options
All students enrolled in the Casa dei Bambini, Elementary, or Middle School programmes must participate in one of the following contribution plans administered by 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, non-refundable)
Capital Note: HK$150,000 (one-time, partly redeemable at HK$90,000 upon withdrawal or completion, less any outstanding fees)

These funds support campus development, facilities, and learning environment improvements.

Additional Fees
Bus service: Charged directly by the contracted provider in half-year segments.
Uniforms: Required for Casa dei Bambini students; available for purchase online or at school.
Field trips and Camps: Charged annually by the school based on participation.

Refund Policy
The Application Fee and Annual Capital Levy are non-refundable. The Capital Note may be partially refunded (HK$90,000) upon completion or withdrawal from the Casa programme, provided all school fees have been settled.

Payment Options
Payments may be made via bank transfer or other approved electronic methods as outlined in the school’s finance documentation.
Academics

The International Montessori School - South Horizons Campus teaches Montessori Curriculum for students aged 1 to 6.

Curriculum
The International Montessori School (IMS) South Horizons Campus follows an authentic bilingual Montessori curriculum, taught in English and Putonghua (Mandarin) with one teacher for each language in every classroom. The campus serves children aged 1 to 6 years, offering three key programmes: Montessori First Steps (ages 1–2), Foundation Group (ages 2–3), and Casa dei Bambini (ages 3–6). Learning is hands-on and individualised, guided by AMI-trained Montessori educators who introduce early literacy, numeracy, sensorial, and practical life concepts through self-directed activities. The curriculum emphasises independence, focus, and social development within a mixed-age setting. Students who complete Casa dei Bambini may continue into the Elementary and Middle School Montessori programmes at IMS’s Stanley Campus, ensuring continuity through to age 14.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
IMS emphasises the development of independence, self-discipline, and cooperation as part of the Montessori approach. These qualities are nurtured through daily classroom routines and mixed-age group interaction, which encourage empathy, responsibility, and respect. At the Elementary level, IMS mentions ongoing wellbeing initiatives such as student wellbeing surveys and pastoral monitoring to support emotional growth. However, the school does not publish campus-specific SEL programmes or staff roles for the South Horizons campus.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school’s website does not publicly disclose specific information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) support. IMS states that it provides a nurturing environment for children of varied abilities but does not identify itself as a specialist SEN institution. Details about learning support staff, facilities, or accommodations for particular learning needs are not available on public pages.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
IMS operates as a bilingual English and Putonghua (Mandarin) Montessori school. The website does not mention any specific English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme or targeted language support. Instruction is conducted in both languages, but no additional EAL provision is described for non-native speakers.

Mental Wellbeing
The school’s Elementary section references the use of student wellbeing quizzes and a pastoral system to monitor and support mental health. This suggests structured oversight for older students’ emotional well-being. However, the school does not provide published details of formal mental health staff, counselling services, or initiatives specific to the South Horizons campus, which serves younger children.

Safeguarding
IMS states that it operates under Hong Kong’s Education Bureau regulations and that families can access full safeguarding information through its Parent Handbook. A dedicated safeguarding or child protection policy is not publicly available on the school website. No further details are provided about the staff responsible or the training undertaken in safeguarding practices.
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 South Horizons Campus is located on G/F, Blocks 23 to 23A, South Horizons, Phase III, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong. It is a spacious campus located a one-minute walk from the South Horizons MTR station. The campus opens directly onto a community playground by the sea and houses IMS's youngest students. The campus serves children aged 1-6 and is part of The International Montessori School's four-campus network. IMS delivers Montessori programmes at this campus for ages 1-2 (Montessori First Steps), 2-3 (Foundation Groups), and 3-6 (Casa dei Bambini).

Sports Facilities
Sports activities are supported through IMS Student Life. IMS fields sports teams that compete in the Asia Pacific Schools Sports Organisation (APSSO) leagues, with teams training regularly with an IMS coach and participating in tournaments.

Academic Facilities
The school provides an authentic Montessori curriculum with AMI-trained educators in every classroom. Classroom practice uses three-year mixed-age groups. Full-time bilingual immersion provides English and Putonghua across all classrooms, and students experience the same Montessori lessons in both languages. Hands-on materials and experiential learning underpin student work. IMS programs cover ages 1-14: Montessori First Steps (ages 1-2), Foundation Groups (ages 2-3), Casa dei Bambini (ages 3-6), and Elementary (ages 6-12).

Extra Curricular Facilities
Student-Led Clubs enable students to design and run workshops across lower and elementary grades. Field trips include visits to Wetlands, Cheung Chau, and Kadoorie Farm. Day and Overnight Camp opportunities are offered. Sports Teams participate in APSSO tournaments, with regular training by an IMS coach. Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) provides upper elementary students with a global debate experience.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The IMS South Horizons Campus serves children aged 1–6 years. Programs cover the early years: Montessori First Steps (Ages 1–2), Foundation Groups (Ages 2–3), and Casa dei Bambini (Ages 3–6).

Cultural & Language
The campus provides a bilingual Immersion program with English and Putonghua (Mandarin) across all classrooms.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught are English and Putonghua (Mandarin). The program uses a bilingual environment with instruction delivered in both languages, guided by two-teacher classrooms to support language learning.

Bilingual Teaching
The school provides full-time bilingual immersion in English and Putonghua across all classrooms. In every classroom, two teachers are present—one English-speaking and one Putonghua-speaking—to support language development. Students experience the same Montessori lessons in both languages.

Immersion Programs
IMS offers full-time bilingual immersion across all ages from toddler to elementary. English- and Putonghua-speaking teachers are available in every classroom, and students learn Montessori lessons in both languages. The two language mediums complement each other to 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. Initial Enquiry and Campus Visit
Families are encouraged to attend an Open Day, Montessori Trial, or Campus Tour to understand the school’s learning environment and bilingual Montessori approach. Visits are held throughout the year and can be booked directly through the school’s website.

2. Application Submission
Applications are accepted year-round through the school’s online Admissions Portal. Parents submit the completed form along with supporting documents and the non-refundable Application Fee, which includes any assessment fees.

3. Assessment and Interview
Once an application is received, the admissions team arranges an age-appropriate observation or meeting. For younger children, this may involve a short classroom visit to assess readiness and comfort within a Montessori setting.

4. Offer and Enrolment
Successful applicants receive a formal Offer of Admission, after which parents must confirm acceptance within the time frame provided. Families are then required to complete relevant paperwork and select one of the school’s Contribution Options (Annual Capital Levy, Personal Nomination Right, or Capital Note) to secure the place.

5. Orientation and Start
Before the first day, parents receive joining instructions, uniform details (for Casa students), and transport arrangements. The school provides orientation sessions to help children and families settle into the Montessori routine.

Scholarships
The school’s website does not publicly disclose any scholarship or financial aid programmes. All places are fee-paying, and enrolment requires participation in one of the IMEF Contribution Options. There are no published details regarding merit-based, needs-based, or sibling scholarships.

Waitlist
IMS does not publicly state the use of a formal waitlist or pool system. The website notes that applications are accepted throughout the year and processed on a rolling basis. Admission decisions depend on age group availability and the completion of all required steps.
School Events
The school has not added events
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