Guide To American Curriculum And Schools In Hong Kong

THE AMERICAN CURRICULUM

Before we present you with our scoop of the best places to get that premium American education, let's clear those muddy waters and explain what it is that sets it apart first! Unlike the British, the US educational system is characterized by a lack of uniformity, so it is often unclear what the term "American curriculum" exactly implies. American international schools provide a core curriculum designed to prepare students for enrolment at schools and universities in the US especially, as well as other universities across the globe. The approach is less focused on the strict and boring academic side and more on the open and engaging holistic side, yet excellence is continuously achieved. This westernmost approach is student-centred, based in enquiry and hands-on teaching, and prepares our little humans aged 5 to 18 for the greatest test of all—the unpredictability of the future.

STAMFORD AMERICAN SCHOOL: Ages 5 to 18

Stamford American School Hong Kong is part of Cognita, a global leader in independent education with over 68 schools worldwide. It combines rigorous standards-based education with a vibrant environment, which ultimately enables kids to continuously outdo themselves without being stressed out. Students eventually leave the campus as fully-formed, globally aware individuals with a love of learning and an understanding of how to approach the unpredictability of adult life. The school regularly invites the world's most inspirational minds and industry leaders to share tips, tricks, highs and lows of what's ahead.

Stamford American School, 25 Man Fuk Road, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2500 8688, admissions@sais.hk.edu, www.sais.edu.hk

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL: Ages 6 to 18

American International School (AIS) nurtures students into confident, caring, and well-rounded global citizens through academic cooperation in their close-knit and efficiently organized community of students, families, teachers, and administrators, further strengthened through systemic programs of outdoor activity days, camping and travel. AIS graduates consistently earn admission to some of the most prestigious universities and colleges in the US and worldwide, and achieve this as happy, fully-formed individuals.

American International School Hong Kong, 125 Waterloo Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2336 3812, www.ais.edu.hk

HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL: Ages 5 to 18

The American-style curriculum at HKIS is grounded in Christian faith and especially inclusive of and responsive to the multiculturalism of its widely international and multi-religious student body. The curriculum is academically challenging, but opportunities for learning and growth transcend the boundaries of the classroom. Kids are encouraged to participate in clubs, athletics, and other after-school activities, while compassion and community service are emphasized across all grades. Close to 85% of students attend American institutions after HKIS!

Hong Kong International School, 1 Red Hill Road, Tai Tam, Hong Kong, +852 3149 7000, www.hkis.edu.hk

HONG KONG ADVENTIST ACADEMY: Ages 5 to 18

Hong Kong Adventist Academy offers their own hybrid of the best features of the American, British and Hong Kong curriculum for primary & middle school, and an accredited (Griggs International Academy) US high school diploma program. They seek to install positive Christian values in their students to make them strong men and women capable of changing the world for the better, and they look for the same in their teachers who come from different cultures and all parts of the world. They go beyond academic knowledge to develop the whole person on a spiritual, physical, intellectual and social-emotional level!

Hong Kong Adventist Academy, 1111 Clearwater Bay Road, Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong, +852 2623 0034, info@hkaa.edu.hk, www.hkaa.edu.hk

INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL: Ages 5 to 18

International Christian School finds no contradiction between the truth of revelation and scholarly investigation, on the contrary—they believe that the intersection of Christian belief, the liberal arts and sciences, and an ethic of service provide an educational perspective that unites theory with practice, leading to an increased understanding of God, self and the world. Their approach is centered in Christ, a wholly wholesome approach to academic and physical development, moral development of ICS's students is based on knowing, studying and applying biblical principles.

International Christian School, 1 On Muk Lane, Shek Mun, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, +852 3920 0000, ics@ics.edu.hk, www.ics.edu.hk

AMERICAN SCHOOL HONG KONG: Ages 5 to 18

American School Hong Kong is run by Esol Education, the world’s largest operator of international American schools—and it shows. They only trust outstanding teachers to provide students with holistic American education. Moreover, they do this in their newly-renovated, specialized facilities on the green hills of Tai Po. Though the focus is on performing to the best of one's ability, falling short at times is expected, but so is acting constructively to get back on track. They have the support at ASHK, and they will learn to have the tools to do so on their own throughout their lives.

American School Hong Kong, 6 Ma Chung Road, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong, +852 3919 4100, admissions@ashk.edu.hk, ashk.edu.hk