Welcome to our exploration of the best kindergarten in Hong Kong! As a parent, we all want our little ones to blossom in a stimulating and nurturing environment. Navigating the numerous options available can be overwhelming, but fear not! Hong Kong boasts a vibrant selection of kindergartens, each catering to different needs and approaches.
From play-based learning to bilingual curriculums, this city has something special for every child. Join us as we delve into what makes these top 12 kindergartens in Hong Kong stand out, and discover why it might be the perfect place for your little one to begin their educational journey.
Choosing the Right Kindergarten for Your Little Learner
In Hong Kong, the kindergarten adventure begins for children aged 3 and above, with these institutions being regulated by the Education Bureau. For younger children, under 3 years old, child care centers are available and overseen by the Social Welfare Department. Most kindergartens in Hong Kong operate on a half-day schedule, offering K1, K2, and K3 programs that cater to children aged 3 to 6, providing a well-rounded foundation for their early years.
Hong Kong boasts a diverse kindergarten landscape with both public and private options, including several prestigious private kindergartens, preschools, and childcare that are part of renowned international chains. Continue reading to explore the best options.
Please note: Fee ranges are estimates and may vary depending on factors like program type, year level, and additional services.
1. Maple Bear Canadian International Kindergarten
Location: Alto Residences, Shop 7, G/F, 29 Tong Yin St, Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong
Centers: 2
Curriculum: Canadian curriculum
Age: 1 year to 6 years
Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
Embrace the warmth of Canadian early childhood education with Maple Bear’s bilingual program. The kindergarten offers a Canadian curriculum that emphasizes experiential learning and bilingual education in English and Chinese. Located in Tseung Kwan O, Maple Bear offers half-day and full-day programs. The kindergarten helps children become confident, creative, curious, and independent, preparing them for outstanding performance in college, work, and life, both in their home country and abroad.
Known for its immersive learning environments, experienced teachers, and focus on developing critical thinking and creativity, Maple Bear provides an engaging and supportive educational experience for young learners, making it one of the best childcare and kindergartens in Hong Kong.
2. Guidepost Montessori
Location: Multiple locations
Centers: 13
Curriculum: Montessori
Age: 6 months to 12 years
Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
Email – admissions@guidepost.hk
Whatsapp – https://wa.me/91266211
Guidepost Montessori is a growing school network in Hong Kong, with 13 convenient locations across the city, 27 in Asia, and a global community with more than 100 schools around the world. Joining the Guidepost community provides your family with a smooth transition into school options through pre-nursery, kindergarten, primary, and beyond, wherever your journey takes you.
Guidepost Montessori firmly believes that when it comes to your child’s education, you can have it all. Why choose between a school where your child is happy and a school where your child is academically challenged? Guidepost Montessori thinks your child’s education can be both joyful and rigorous. Their authentic Montessori program is tailored to your child’s needs and interests, and is supported by dual-language immersion and modern conveniences. As part of their close-knit community, you’ll enjoy network-wide benefits without compromising on personalized attention. Come visit a Guidepost location near you and see the difference for yourself.
Book a tour today or contact Guidepost Admissions Team for more information.
3. Highgate House School International Steiner Waldorf Preschool Hong Kong
Location: 2/F, 100 Peak Rd, The Peak, Hong Kong
Centers: 1
Curriculum: Drs. Rudolf Steiner and Emmi Pikler curriculum
Age: 2 to 6 years
Timings: 8:00 am to 2:30 pm
If you want to nurture your child’s natural curiosity, then this preschool is an amazing choice. At Highgate, they aim to cultivate a nurturing and stimulating environment that respects each child’s individuality and fosters a love for learning.
Their holistic curriculum integrates intellectual, artistic, and practical activities, ensuring balanced development. They empower children to become confident, compassionate, and lifelong learners. The school prides itself on small class sizes, personalized attention, and a community-oriented approach, creating a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
4. Mulberry House International Kindergarten
Location: LG, Mayfair By the Sea I, 23 Fo Chun Road, Tai Po
Centers: 3
Curriculum: Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Age: 6 months to 6 years
Timings: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
A nurturing hub for young learners, this kindergarten is committed to raising bilingual, bi-cultural, and bi-literate children. Their unique dual-language program, delivered by native-speaking educators, provides a balanced mix of play-based and academic learning.
With state-of-the-art facilities and a curriculum rooted in both Western and Chinese values, Mulberry House fosters creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning in a nurturing environment. They encourage children to become confident, curious, and creative global citizens.
5. Yew Chung International School (YCIS) Early Childhood Education
Location: 3 To Fuk Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
Centers: 5
Curriculum: Bilingual education with an East-meets-West philosophy
Age: 6 months to 6 years
Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
Email: admissions@ycef.com
Website: https://www.ycis-hk.com/en
YCIS ECE provides the Infant & Toddler Learning Programme (ITLP), 2’s, 3’s, 4’s and 5’s programmes for children from six months to 5 years old. Five campuses, located in Kowloon Tong and Tseung Kwan O, feature stimulating learning environments where children are respected as key drivers of their learning journey.
YCIS blends East and West with its bilingual curriculum including English and Chinese, to promote cultural diversity and global awareness. The school is recognized as a pioneer in play-based learning , and appreciated for its emergent curriculum, experienced bilingual teachers, and inclusive community, ensuring well-rounded early childhood care and education for the little ones.
Through the Caregiver Connection Programme, YCIS teachers and educators provide ample resources for parents and caregivers to support children’s development in partnership with the school.
At YCIS schools, student safety comes first. They understand the immense responsibility of child protection and have created a nurturing environment where every child feels secure and supported. Their commitment to fostering a safe and positive learning experience is a core principle of the YCIS community.
6. ESF International Kindergarten
Location: 25/F 1063 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
Centers: 5
Curriculum: IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)
Age: 3 to 5 years
Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
With the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), ESF International Kindergartens nurture a love for inquiry and learning in a multicultural environment. Offering an English-medium education, the kindergarten focuses on creating a strong foundation among kids for future learning in international settings.
ESF schools cultivate joyful learning environments, fostering a spirit of curiosity in young learners. This is achieved through a team of exceptional teachers who personalize the learning experience to bring out the best in each child.
Parents value the focus on creative and critical thinking and the excellent teacher-student ratios, making ESF a great choice in the list of top kindergartens in Hong Kong.
7. St. Catherine’s Kindergarten
Location: 4-6, 4 Norfolk Rd, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
Centers: 1
Curriculum: School-based curriculum with a focus on moral education
Age: 2 to 6 years
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
At St. Catherine’s, kids enjoy a personalized learning experience with a curriculum that blends English and Chinese education. Their dedicated teachers focus on developing bilingual skills and fostering overall growth in cognition, language, social interactions, emotions, and physical abilities.
They emphasize independence, confidence, and moral values, encouraging children to express themselves creatively. St. Catherine’s values strong partnerships with parents, ensuring continuous communication and collaboration to support your child’s development journey.
8. Parkview International Pre-school (PIPS)
Location: Tower 18 Parkview, 88 Tai Tam Reservoir Road, Hong Kong
Centers: 2
Curriculum: IB PYP curriculum
Age: 1 to 6 years
Timings: 9 am to 4:30 pm
PIPS prioritizes fostering internationally minded children. Their experienced teachers create a warm and engaging environment where kids can thrive. With a bilingual approach led by native language teachers, classes encourage immersion and cultural understanding. The curriculum emphasizes early literacy and motor skills development through a well-equipped library and expansive outdoor playground.
PIPS adopts an inquiry-based, play-centric teaching method, believing in hands-on learning and authentic interactions. They enrich the curriculum with innovative environments and utilize technology to enhance learning experiences, fostering holistic development in every child’s educational journey.
9. Harrow International School
Location: 38 Tsing Ying Rd, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong
Centers: 1
Curriculum: British-style education
Age: 2 to 6 years
Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
Providing a British-style education, Harrow International School focuses on nurturing leadership and character development. The school combines educational principles, practices, and traditions from Harrow School in England with Hong Kong’s vibrant international community, offering a unique educational experience.
Their renowned pastoral care program ensures that young learners feel supported and valued within a vibrant international setting. Harrow’s focus on a well-rounded education prepares children for success at top schools around the world.
10. Anfield International Kindergarten
Location: 5 Cumberland Rd, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
Centers: 2
Curriculum: Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and English Curriculum
Age: 12 months to 6 years
Timings: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
This kindergarten offers a British curriculum with a strong emphasis on values and personal development. Anfield focuses on creating a loving and joyful environment for children where they are challenged academically and spiritually.
With a value-based education system, Anfield teaches young learners to understand not only their values but also the values of others. The kindergarten offers a safe, nurturing, and adequate learning environment. They value and respect each child’s unique learning style and pace of intellectual and physical growth.
11. Norwegian International School
Location: 170 Kam Shan Rd, Tai Po, Hong Kong
Centers: 1
Curriculum: IEYC
Age: 1 to 6 years
Timings: 8:30 am to 5 pm
This kindergarten in Hong Kong follows the International Early Years curriculum, supporting key areas of learning through play-based approaches, covering all curriculum areas, including personal, emotional, and social development. Norwegian promotes bilingual teaching, encouraging the use of English and Mandarin in classes. The immersive programs allow children to develop a love for language and different cultures.
12. Victoria Shanghai Academy
Location: 19 Shum Wan Rd, Aberdeen, Hong Kong
Centers: 8
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Age: 8 months to 6 years
Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
When it comes to the best pre-nurseries in Hong Kong, Victoria Educational Institution has to be on the list. They follow a holistic education approach, using a child-centered inquiry-based framework aligning with early education as well as current research trends.
By incorporating play-based learning, VEO ensures that students receive balanced exposure to opportunities that foster cognitive, language, social, physical, and character development.
Tips to Find the Perfect Fit!
Choosing a kindergarten is a big step! Here are some key factors to consider:
- Educational Philosophy: Does the school prioritize play-based learning, traditional academics, or a blend of both? Consider what aligns with your child’s learning style and your educational goals.
- Class Size and Environment: Smaller class sizes allow for more individual attention. Look for classrooms that are bright, cheerful, and stimulating for young learners.
- Curriculum: Does the curriculum focus on core academics, social-emotional development, or a well-rounded approach? Consider your child’s needs and interests.
- Location and Schedule: Think about commute times and after-school care options. Does the school offer a schedule that complements your family’s routines?
- Special Programs: Does the school offer extracurricular activities, language programs, or other special offerings that align with your child’s interests?
Final Words
As you’ve explored a variety of exceptional kindergartens in Hong Kong, it’s clear there’s a perfect fit for every child. From nature-immersed wonderlands to globally-focused programs and language-rich environments, each school offers a unique approach to nurturing young minds.
Remember, the most important factor is finding a kindergarten that aligns with your child’s personality and learning style. Don’t hesitate to schedule visits and explore your options – the right kindergarten will be a place where your child feels excited, supported, and ready to embark on their educational journey!
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