History
In the early 1960s, a group of businessmen, who worshipped together, foresaw the growth of Hong Kong as a business center for Asia and recognized the need for a school teaching an American-style curriculum. They harnessed support from many areas, notably the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS), the American business community in Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Education Department. All three provided funding in various forms, while the Education Department provided land in Repulse Bay. In 1966, Hong Kong International School (HKIS) began in temporary facilities in Chung Hom Kok with 195 students.
HKIS first opened the doors in Repulse Bay to 630 multi- national, multi-faith students on September 14, 1967. From humble beginnings, HKIS has expanded to cover two campuses with Lower and Upper Primary schools based in Repulse Bay, and Middle and High Schools based in Tai Tam.
Student Population
Today, HKIS has four divisions: Lower Primary (R1-G2); Upper Primary (G3-G5); Middle School (G6-G8); and High School (G9-G12). Over 3,000 students attended HKIS in the 2024-25 school year; 40% were U.S. citizens, 19% were Hong Kong citizens and 41% were citizens of other countries.
Accreditation Process
Since 1971, HKIS has been continuously accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), an American accrediting organization covering California and the Pacific Rim. Accreditation is renewed with WASC every six years through a yearlong process of self-study analysis, and a visit and final report by a team of educators from the United States and Asian international schools. Improvement plans based on the findings of the school and the visiting team are folded into HKIS’s strategic and operational plans.
Board of Managers
The HKIS Board of Managers is primarily focused on setting overall strategic direction consistent with the HKIS Mission Statement; supporting, encouraging and evaluating the Head of School; and providing stewardship of the school’s resources. The Board of Managers comprises senior executives, professionals and other members of the HKIS community who collectively bring a diversity of backgrounds and experiences to their Board work. For further details about the Board of Managers and its members, please go to: https://www.hkis.edu.hk/about/leadership/board-of-managers