The International Montessori School - Stanley Campus

The Stanley Campus is situated on the southern side of Hong Kong Island in a residential seaside neighbourhood known for its parks and coastal access. The area offers a calm learning environment with nearby green spaces and waterfront areas used for outdoor learning and exploration. The campus is easily accessible by public transport and the school’s dedicated bus service, which connects to most areas of Hong Kong Island.

The Stanley Campus caters to children aged 2 to 14, covering the Foundation Group, Casa dei Bambini, Elementary, and Middle School programmes. The structure follows the Montessori model: multi-age classes (3–6, 6–9, 9–12, 12–14) with bilingual English–Putonghua instruction.

IMS is a co-educational, non-residential day school. All students commute daily, with optional school bus transport available. The school operates across four Hong Kong campuses, with Stanley serving as the main site for Elementary and Middle School programmes.

The IMS website does not disclose a specific programme for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) or additional learning requirements. Support is embedded in the Montessori environment, which allows children to progress at an individual pace, but there is no dedicated SEN department or published policy.

The school has no national or country affiliation. It is an independent Montessori institution registered with the Hong Kong Education Bureau.

IMS has no religious affiliation. It operates as a secular school welcoming families of all backgrounds.

Daily start and finish times are not published by the school. Programmes typically vary in duration—Foundation (2 hours), Casa (half-day or full-day), and Elementary and Middle School (full-day)—with lunch and outdoor breaks scheduled within class hours.

IMS contracts a private bus company to manage transport across Hong Kong Island. The service covers the majority of neighbourhoods and operates morning and afternoon routes for all campuses. Bus fees are billed directly by the provider on a half-year basis, and families select routes at enrolment.

The International Montessori School (IMS) follows an authentic Montessori bilingual curriculum delivered in English and Putonghua. Each classroom is led by two fully qualified AMI-trained Montessori teachers, one native English speaker and one native Chinese speaker, ensuring equal exposure to both languages throughout the day. Learning takes place in multi-age classrooms—Casa dei Bambini (ages 3–6), Elementary (6–12), and Middle School (12–14)—where students progress through a three-year cycle at each stage. The curriculum emphasises hands-on exploration, research, and self-directed study in core areas such as language, mathematics, sciences, geography, history, and cultural studies. In the Upper Elementary and Middle School years, students extend these skills through collaborative projects and real-world applications, preparing them for transition to secondary education within or beyond the Montessori system.

IMS incorporates social and emotional learning within its Montessori approach, which encourages independence, cooperation, and respect among students through mixed-age classroom environments. This structure allows younger students to learn from older peers and fosters empathy and collaboration. Teachers model calm communication and conflict resolution as part of daily routines. However, the school does not publicly describe a standalone SEL curriculum, dedicated counsellor, or formal wellbeing programme.

The IMS website does not publicly disclose any specific provision or staffing for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). The Montessori model naturally allows children to learn at their own pace within a mixed-age classroom, but IMS does not identify itself as a specialist SEN institution and does not publish information on the types of learning differences it can accommodate.

IMS does not publicly disclose a dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme. All teaching is conducted in both English and Putonghua, with two native-speaking teachers in each classroom, allowing language immersion for all students. The bilingual setting offers indirect support for students developing proficiency in either language, but there is no evidence of a separate EAL support framework or pull-out instruction.

The school does not publish specific information regarding mental health or counselling services. While the Montessori environment promotes independence and emotional balance through calm and structured learning spaces, IMS provides no public details about trained mental health staff, counselling programmes, or psychological support services for students.

IMS references general parent handbooks and policies that include school expectations and conduct, but does not make a safeguarding or child protection policy publicly available. No details are provided on designated safeguarding staff, training, or reporting procedures. Therefore, the school’s specific safeguarding measures and frameworks are not publicly disclosed.

1. Initial Enquiry and Campus Visit
Families are encouraged to learn about IMS through an Open Day, Campus Tour, or Montessori Trial Class. These sessions allow parents to observe the Montessori classroom environment and understand the school’s bilingual programme structure.

2. Application Submission
Applications are accepted year-round for children aged 1 to 14 years via the online application form on the IMS website. A non-refundable application fee is required for each submission. Supporting documents, such as the child’s birth certificate and passport copy, must be uploaded during the process.

3. School Visit or Assessment
Following submission, the school arranges a campus visit or observation session. During this visit, teachers meet the child and family to understand the child’s needs, learning style, and home language exposure. Admission decisions are based on programme suitability, space availability, and family commitment to Montessori education.

4. Offer of Placement and Enrolment
Successful applicants receive a written offer of admission. Parents must confirm acceptance by paying the required contribution option, either the Annual Capital Levy, Personal Nomination Right, or Capital Note, and completing enrolment documents within the stated timeframe.

5. Orientation and Start of Programme
Before the academic year begins, new students and families are invited to attend an orientation session to meet teachers, review classroom expectations, and learn about school routines. Classes begin according to the school’s internal academic calendar (September–June).

IMS does not publicly offer scholarships or financial aid programmes. All places are fee-paying, and all enrolled students in Casa dei Bambini, Elementary, and Middle School programmes must participate in one of the school’s Contribution Options (Annual Capital Levy, Personal Nomination Right, or Capital Note).

IMS does not operate a formal waitlist or pool system. Admissions are subject to space availability in each programme and age group. When a class is full, applications are held for consideration if a suitable opening arises, but no ranked waiting list or lottery system is published.