doris
Currency
T

The International Montessori School - Stanley Campus

Hong Kong

Save school

· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Mandarin
Fees HK$119,400 - 285,720
Ages 2 - 14 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 2002
Bus Service Yes
Part of
Academic offering
Curriculum Montessori Curriculum
Taught languages Mandarin
Typical class size 25
Strengths Sport, Academic Enrichment, Outdoor Education
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Social and Hobbies, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School
Introduction

IMS Stanley is the south-side home of Hong Kong’s first through-train bilingual Montessori school, founded in 2002. The campus sits beside Stanley Plaza and the promenade, giving classes ready access to parks and the beach for nature-based inquiry. Teaching is fully bilingual with one English-speaking and one Putonghua-speaking teacher in each classroom; in Elementary, children also join small-group Chinese lessons by ability. Programmes at Stanley span ages 2–14, including Elementary (6–12) and Middle School (12–14). Students join student-led clubs, represent IMS in APSSO sports from Grade 3, and Upper Elementary can take part in Montessori Model United Nations. The Casa (3–6) teacher–student ratio is 2:25. IMS contracts a bus network across Hong Kong Island and publishes fees and other costs on its site.

This campus is part of The International Montessori School

Phase III Ma Hang Estate, Stanley, Hong Kong.

The Essentials

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

Location

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.

Stages

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.

Type

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.

Additional learning support

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.

Country affiliation

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

Religious affiliation

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

School day structure

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.

Bus service

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.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

All students in Casa dei Bambini and Elementary programmes wear school uniforms, which can be purchased online or at the school at the beginning of the year.

Governance and Ownership

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

Annual tuition at The International Montessori School - Stanley Campus ranges from HKD 119,400 to HKD 285,720 for 2026/27.

Application Fee
A non-refundable application fee of HKD 2,000 per child is required for all new applicants. This fee includes any assessment or interview costs. There is no refundable deposit or re-registration fee currently published.

Tuition Fees (Per Year)

Montessori Bilingual Programme – Stanley Campus
Foundation Group (Ages 2–3, 5 Days): HKD 119,400
Casa dei Bambini (Ages 3–6, Half Day): HKD 171,600
Casa dei Bambini (Ages 3–6, Full Day): HKD 247,800
Elementary Lower (Ages 6–9): HKD 251,400
Elementary Upper (Ages 9–12): HKD 259,800
Middle School (Ages 12–14): HKD 285,720

Tuition is billed monthly over 12 months, with payments made directly to the school by bank transfer. Returning students pay a registration deposit that is offset against future tuition.

Contribution Options (Applicable for Casa, Elementary, and Middle School)
Each student must be covered by one of the following contribution options managed by the International Montessori Education Foundation (IMEF):

Annual Capital Levy: HKD 35,000 per year per child (non-refundable)
Personal Nomination Right (PNR): HKD 120,000 one-time payment (non-refundable)
Capital Note: HKD 150,000 one-time payment (redeemable at HKD 90,000 upon withdrawal or completion of the Casa programme)

Additional Fees
Uniforms are required for Casa and Elementary students and may be purchased online or at school. Bus transport is available via a contracted provider and charged directly to families in half-year segments. Additional annual fees cover field trips, outdoor education, and camp programmes.

Refund Policy
All fees (application, tuition, and capital contributions) are non-refundable once a student accepts an offer, except for the Capital Note, which may be redeemed by IMEF at HKD 90,000 upon withdrawal or completion of the Casa programme.

Payment Options
Payments are accepted via bank transfer to the school’s designated account. Bus and uniform suppliers bill families directly for their services.
Academics

The International Montessori School - Stanley Campus teaches Montessori Curriculum for students aged 2 to 14.

Curriculum

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.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

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.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

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.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

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.

Mental Wellbeing

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.

Safeguarding

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.
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 Stanley Campus is located at Phase III Ma Hang Estate, Stanley, Hong Kong. It is an airy campus off Stanley Plaza, surrounded by flora and fauna, with opportunities for nature walks, discovery, and research. The campus serves children aged 2-14. The IMS bilingual Montessori program is taught in English and Putonghua across classrooms.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Outdoor camps are offered for Elementary students; Lower Elementary participate in a 1-day camp, while Upper Elementary enjoy an extended 3-day-2-night camp, supervised by IMS staff. IMS is a founding member of the Asia Pacific Schools Sports Organisation (APSSO) and participates in regular sports tournaments with teams from Grade 3 onward in football, basketball and netball, with coaching provided. Montessori Model United Nations provides Upper Elementary students with the opportunity to act as delegates at a global conference.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) provides Upper Elementary students with a life-changing opportunity to become delegates at a global conference simulating the real world forum. Students work with their teacher mentor and international peers in this year-long commitment to represent a country's stance and publicly debate on pressing societal issues. Field Trips are group excursions to places such as the Wetlands, Cheung Chau, or Kadoorie Farm; these experiences consolidate knowledge, encourage independent information seeking, and involve interaction with community members and institutions.

Social & Hobbies

Student-Led Clubs give children the chance to participate and lead workshops based on their own hobbies and skills. Club leadership requires students to design, prepare, and run sessions that bring together both lower and elementary students. This cross-grade format fosters new relationships beyond the classroom.

Community & Service

Field trips involve visits to local sites and institutions, supporting interaction with community members and the wider local context.

Leadership & Professional

Student-Led Clubs develop leadership and project-management skills as students plan and run workshops for peers from different grades, fostering cross-grade collaboration.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Day and Overnight Camp provide outdoor learning experiences, and IMS participates in regular sports tournaments through the Asia Pacific Schools Sports Organisation, with IMS teams training regularly and competing in football, basketball, and netball.
Languages

Language Provision

English and Mandarin are taught across all levels from toddler to middle school. The program exposes students to both languages throughout the day in the classroom, supporting proficiency in English and Mandarin.

Bilingual Teaching

The Stanley Campus provides bilingual teaching in English and Mandarin. English and Mandarin are used as languages of instruction across classrooms and grade levels.

Immersion Programs

The Stanley Campus offers an immersive bilingual program in English and Mandarin. Chinese is integrated into the curriculum and daily learning to support real-world language use.
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. 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).

Scholarships

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).

Waitlist

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.
School Events
The school has not added events