Guide To Reggio Emilia Schools And Curriculum In Hong Kong

WHAT IS THE REGGIO EMILIA APPROACH?

Reggio Emilia refers to an educational philosophy originating from the eponymous Italian city rather than a structured curriculum or a specific individual. This approach emphasizes a self-guided curriculum, making it challenging to define a uniform "Reggio Emilia curriculum."

Unlike traditional educational methods, Reggio Emilia does not involve formal training courses or certification processes. Schools adopting this philosophy are described as "Reggio Emilia-inspired," acknowledging the unique nature of each child and community.

Primarily applied in pre-school and primary education settings, the Reggio Emilia approach is based on the premise that children, in their early developmental stages, possess a "hundred languages" — diverse means of expression that reflect their individuality and innate learning drives.

The core of this approach is communication, aimed at fostering effective self-expression that aligns with one's intentions and facilitates mutual understanding among children and adults. This involves engaging with the environment sensorily and forming meaningful connections between surroundings and concepts, underscoring the necessity of a tailored educational framework.

THE TEACHER & THE COMMUNITY

In the Reggio Emilia approach, teachers function as collaborators rather than traditional instructors, engaging in a mutual process of inquiry and discovery with their students. This educational model emphasizes the significance of relationships in fostering self and communal understanding, positioning peers as co-educators.

Teachers commit to guiding the same group of children for at least three years, treating each child's development as a comprehensive, ongoing project. Children are regarded as highly capable, insightful, and essential contributors to their community, reflecting a core principle of the Reggio Emilia philosophy.

The approach is supported by a strong sense of community involvement, rooted in the belief that raising a child is a collective effort. Consequently, parents are considered primary educators and play a crucial role as educational partners, actively participating in decisions related to school policy, curriculum, and other significant aspects of the school's operation.

THE MATERIALS

In the Reggio Emilia approach, learning is not structured around predetermined units or pre-planned projects. Instead, educators attentively listen to children's narratives and interests, facilitating opportunities for further exploration and collaborative project work, thereby adopting a hands-on learning methodology.

This approach also involves initiating discussions to enhance mutual understanding. Educational concepts are introduced to children using a variety of expressive mediums such as music, drama, puppetry, and shadow play. Children are then encouraged to express their comprehension through diverse symbolic forms like drawing, sculpture, dramatic enactment, and writing.

Teachers document the learning journey by recording children's thoughts across various formats, effectively becoming researchers. This documentation process visualizes the children's developmental progress and enables educators to identify and cultivate further learning opportunities.

THE CLASSROOM

As previously mentioned, the learning environment is paramount in the Reggio Emilia approach, which regards it as a "third teacher" alongside adults and peers.

Consequently, learning spaces are designed to foster a connection with the external environment and the broader community, characterized by their welcoming, spacious nature, abundant natural light, and absence of clutter to eliminate any potential barriers to motivation.

These environments are dynamic yet structured, crafted to stimulate interaction and facilitate the exchange of knowledge, enabling children to employ their diverse modes of expression to learn from and educate others.

MALVERN COLLEGE PRE-SCHOOL HONG KONG: EYFS + Reggio Emilia International Preschool And Kindergarten In Hong Kong

Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong, drawing on over 150 years of heritage from Malvern College UK, is dedicated to providing a world-leading Early Years educational program that nurtures the potential in every child through a personalized approach to active, play-based learning. Emphasizing core values such as curiosity, kindness, resilience, independence, integrity, and humility, the school prepares children for a smooth transition to primary education in a safe, structured, and innovative environment that balances creativity, academics, sports, and outdoor activities, including the "Forest-Beach School" program.

The campuses have been designed to reflect the Reggio Emilia education philosophy, which views the “environment as the third teacher.” With a focus on bilingual education, children gain equal exposure to English and Chinese, facilitated by native-speaking teachers in a supportive learning environment that encourages seamless language switching. Additionally, the school incorporates educational technology and emphasizes outdoor learning through its Forest-Beach School program, promoting child-led learning and a deep connection with nature.

Malvern College Pre-school Hong Kong, +852 3898 4668, mcpsinfo@malvernpreschool.hk, www.malvernpreschool.hk

• Malvern College Pre-school Coronation Circle: G9-12, Coronation Circle, 1 Yau Cheung Road, Southwest Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 3898 4660
• Malvern College Pre-School Island West: G/F, 1/F, Viking Court, 165-166 Connaught Road West, Hong Kong, +852 3898 4670

WILDERNESS INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN: Preschool And Kindergarten Offering Bilingual Play-Based Learning + Reggio-Inspired Approach In Kennedy Town, Hong Kong

Wilderness International Kindergarten is dedicated to fostering the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth of each child through a play-based learning framework rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy. The institution emphasizes daily exploration of nature, intertwining structured learning with inquiry-based discovery and enriching experiences in both their nature garden and thoughtfully designed classrooms. This environment lays a strong foundation for child-led learning, facilitating natural curiosity.

The kindergarten’s highly skilled and passionate educators play a vital role in this process, ensuring a safe and nurturing setting that supports each child's development. With expertise in holistic education, the educators implement an emergent curriculum reflecting the best practices in Early Childhood Education. This approach enables tailored, differentiated programs that align with each student's developmental pace, promoting optimal growth and learning.

Wilderness International Kindergarten, G/F, Po Tak Mansion, 85 Smithfield Road, Kennedy Town, +852 2595 9066, admissions@wilderness.asia, www.wilderness.asia

ITALIAN INTERNATIONAL NURSERY & KINDERGARTEN: International School Offering The Reggio Emilia Approach + Trilingual

The Italian International Nursery and Kindergarten (IIN&IIKG), founded in 2019 by the Sapientia Foundation in Hong Kong, integrates the Hong Kong kindergarten curriculum with the Italian pedagogic tradition, particularly the Reggio Emilia Approach. This approach emphasizes project-based, hands-on learning experiences in a nurturing environment that respects each child's rights and needs and values cultural diversity.

Offering bilingual streams in English and Chinese, plus Italian language and culture, the school provides a variety of extracurricular activities to enrich children's interests. With a motto of "Education made in Italy: tradition, research, and innovation," IIN&IIKG commits to a child-centered education that fosters curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.

The curriculum, compliant with the "Kindergarten Education Curriculum" issued by the Education Bureau (2017), focuses on holistic development across multiple learning areas and incorporates the Jolly Phonics program for English literacy. Unique features include various ateliers, such as Art and Cooking, which support the belief that learning is a creative process engaging all the senses. Educational visits and field trips extend learning beyond the classroom, offering real-life experiences that help students better understand society.

Italian International Nursery & Kindergarten, Podium Level 1, Block 4, Phase 1, South Horizons, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong, +852 2662 3066, info@iikg.edu.hk, iikg.edu.hk

MULBERRY TREE ACADEMY: International Academy Combining The Reggio Emilia + Montessori Principles

Mulberry Tree Academy embraces a child-centric approach to early education, blending Montessori and Reggio Emilia principles to foster independent, inquiry-driven learning. Offering an emergent, project-based curriculum that is ambitious, progressive, and inherently child-centred. With a strong focus on practical knowledge and the Arts, they provide a wealth of opportunities to explore and develop your child’s creative and capable mind.

Music, yoga, field trips, gardening, and STEAM classes offer diverse, hands-on experiences that support holistic development, social skills, and a lifelong love of learning. Through these varied educational experiences, they aim to create a safe, supportive atmosphere where children view learning as an exciting journey of discovery, building confidence, and fostering a sense of capability from their first school experiences.

Mulberry Tree, Tai Po Tau and Shui Wai Youth Centre, Tai Po, Hong Kong, + 852 6460 4177, mulberrytreehk@gmail.com, www.mulberrytree.com.hk

CREATIVE KINDERGARTEN: EYFS & Reggio Emilia Framework With Christian Values For Kindergarten In Hong Kong

Creative Kindergarten serves as an enriching haven for young learners aged 2 to 6, embodying the core principles of "Respect every child, Nurture a loving heart, Develop potential, and Cultivate the mind." The institution fosters a warm and stimulating atmosphere that encourages holistic development.

Grounded in the Reggio Emilia approach, the curriculum emphasizes child-centered learning, where exploration and play are integral to the educational experience. This approach values children as capable individuals, promoting inquiry-based learning through hands-on activities that empower them to express their thoughts and ideas. Professional educators, passionate about fostering learning, meticulously design and implement engaging activities that stimulate cognitive, social, and emotional development, ensuring children are well-prepared to face future challenges.

With multiple campuses across Kowloon and the New Territories, Creative Kindergarten is committed to accessibility, providing families with the opportunity to access quality early childhood education tailored to individual learning needs. Through intentional planning and a collaborative environment, Creative Kindergarten nurtures every child's creative spirit and potential.

Creative Kindergarten, Multiple campuses across Hong Kong, creative.edu.hk

DISCOVERY BAY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL: International School With Early Years Focused On UK Curriculum + Reggio Emilia Approach 

At DBIS, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides a full-day program for FS-1 and FS-2 students in a spacious, welcoming campus with Reggio Emilia-inspired classrooms, a library, a dining hall, and a music room, fostering a stimulating and nurturing environment with a focus on play-based learning.

The outdoor Forest and Beach Schools program complements the curriculum, offering dynamic learning experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity, and a connection to the world. The school values respect, kindness, diversity, and global-mindedness, aiming to provide an outstanding, holistic education that prepares students as global citizens. With a curriculum based on the English National Curriculum and enhanced by the school's international setting, DBIS prioritizes personalized learning, encouraging independence, creativity, and internationalism. Small class sizes ensure individual attention, while the broad curriculum emphasizes problem-solving, language proficiency, and cultural awareness.

The Learning Enhancement team supports inclusive education, promoting student resilience and success. Internationalism is central, focusing on developing a strong sense of self-identity and appreciation for diverse cultures, preparing students for life in international environments. DBIS is refining its approach to intercultural learning through collaboration with experts, aiming for deep, meaningful outcomes that enrich students' understanding of cultural diversity and intercultural interactions. 

Discovery Bay International School, Discovery Bay Road, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, +852 2987 7331, +852 2914 2142 (Early Years), dbis@dbis.edu.hk, www.dbis.edu.hk

MAGART INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN & NURSERY: International School Offering Early Years Stage From The UK With The Reggio Emilia Approach + Inquiry Approach 

Magart International Learning Community, inspired by Reggio Emilia and Inquiry approaches and enhanced by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) from the UK, offers a holistic education for children aged 6 months to 6 years, integrating Chinese traditional culture into its curriculum.

With over 20 years of experience in international early education and a multilingual teaching team, Magart emphasizes a child-centered, exploratory learning environment across its spacious campuses located conveniently near transportation hubs. The school fosters academic achievement, character development, and life skills through its 23 Magart Learning attributes, balancing academic excellence with character education.

Drawing its name from historical and cultural symbols of education, beauty, love, and intelligence, Magart 's philosophy promotes a global vision, nurturing talent and developing etiquette. The curriculum focuses on language, literacy, physical, and personal and social development, supported by a school-based English curriculum that encourages bilingual language proficiency through meaningful interactions.

Chinese Confucian principles are woven into the curriculum to enhance children's appreciation of Chinese culture, alongside a logical thinking mathematics program and Montessori materials to foster mathematical understanding and logical thinking. Character education is central, with the Magart Learning Tree attributes embedded within the curriculum to cultivate well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.

Magart International Kindergarten And Nursery, +852 2786 9314, info.wp@magartedu.com, www.magartedu.com

• Whampoa Campus: Shop G3A, Site 7, Whampoa Garden, 9 Tak On Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon, HK (Whampoa Station Exit D2), +852 2786 9699 /+852 2788 0788
• Taikoo Kornhill Campus: 16 Hong Shing St, Kornhill, Quarry Bay, HK (Near Kornhill Recreation Club), +852 2786 9152 /+852 2786 9189
• Fanling Campus: G/F, Phase 1, Fanling Centre, New Territories (Fanling Station Exit A), +852 2677 8109

FAIRCHILD CANADIAN NURSERY & KINDERGARTEN: Early Learning Framework & Reggio-Emilia Approach For Playgroup And Kindergarten In Hong Kong

Fairchild focuses on the holistic development of children within a play-based environment, integrating the Ontario, Canada Kindergarten Program and the Hong Kong Kindergarten Education Curriculum Guide, underpinned by the Reggio Emilia approach.

Recognized as a pioneer in Hong Kong for adopting this approach, Fairchild fosters children's natural curiosity and learning through sensory play, creative arts, and nature exploration. The school's multicultural environment enhances children's language skills in English and Mandarin, with support from native-speaking teachers. With a commitment to close parent-teacher communication, Fairchild ensures a collaborative journey in children's education, preparing them for future academic endeavors.

The school's mission is to nurture curiosity, creativity, and confidence through inquiry-based learning, creating a joyful, inclusive community where play is essential to comprehensive growth. Adhering to Reggio Emilia's principles, Fairchild views children as competent learners, with educators acting as guides in a cooperative educational system where the environment serves as a significant learning facilitator. This philosophy extends to thematic camps and programs across different age groups, promoting a seamless transition to primary education and laying a foundation for lifelong learning.

Fairchild Kindergarten, info@fairchild.edu.hk, www.fairchild.academy

• Kindergarten: G/F & 1/F, Kong Chian Tower, Block 1, 351 Des Voeux Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, +852 2803 2638
• Playgoup: F Park Commercial Centre, 180 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tin Hau, Hong Kong, +852 2898 1611

MULBERRY HOUSE INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN: Reggio Emilia And EYFS Preschool And Kindergarten In Hong Kong

Founded in 2015, Mulberry House Education Group (MHG) has established itself as a leading education brand, offering a range of programs from Playgroup and Kindergarten to K12 Education and Teacher Training Centres. MHG encourages bilingual learners by providing stimulating learning opportunities that unlock each child's unique potential and nurture them into global citizens for the 21st century. By integrating a modern inquiry-based educational model with rigorous Mandarin immersion, MHG creates an innovative environment where children become fully fluent and literate in Mandarin and develop a deep appreciation for the language and culture, preparing them for a multilingual future.

Inspired by the International Baccalaureate Organization's structured inquiry framework, the curriculum emphasizes natural immersion in Mandarin, allowing children to develop true fluency and literacy. MHG differentiates itself with a 100% Mandarin immersion environment, small-group, child-centered classes led by native-speaking teachers experienced in early years education, and a comprehensive MandarinSmartTM Curriculum tailored to developmental stages that focuses on language, cognitive, motor, and social development. The group promotes experiential learning for true fluency, supported by digital and interactive resources for home support, ensuring a holistic approach to language acquisition and child development.

Mulberry House International Kindergarten, Admissions@MulberryHouseKG.com, mulberryhousekg.com

• Tai Po Campus: LG/F Kindergarten, Mayfair By The Sea I, 23 Fo Chun Road, Tai Po, Hong Kong, +852 5598 0909
• Southside Campus: G/F, Ocean Court, 3 Aberdeen Praya Road, Aberdeen
• Central Campus: Units 901 and 2403, Universal Trade Centre, 17-19 Caine Road, Central, Hong Kong