Top 7 Preschools and Kindergartens in Sai Kung, Hong Kong

Preschool is a vital stepping stone in shaping your child’s academic, social, and emotional development. Choosing the right one is a crucial decision, as it sets the stage for their entire educational journey.

With so many options available, narrowing down the best fit can be daunting. To make it easier, we’ve handpicked the top 7 preschools and kindergartens in Sai Kung, based on highest parent ratings, where your little one can truly thrive and grow.

1. Guidepost Montessori Pre-School (formerly Woodland Sai Kung Preschool)

Guidepost Montessori offers an authentic Montessori program designed to nurture each child’s growing independence. The curriculum is scientifically structured and tailored to individual needs and interests, with activities driven by the child's own choices. 

Teachers are trained to observe and guide children through their exploration of a broad curriculum. The school provides a full-time dual-language environment in English and Mandarin, with fluent English and Mandarin-speaking guides in every classroom.‍

Location
‍Various locations including Causeway Bay, Chai Wan, Clearwater Bay, Discovery Bay, Happy Valley, Kennedy Town, Mid-Levels, Pok Fu Lam, Repulse Bay, and Sai Kung.
Timings
‍School hours vary by program
Age range
‍0 to 6 years‍

Key activities and focus areas

• Montessori Work Period: Children choose their work based on the curriculum, from individual tasks to small group lessons
• Snack Time: Children enjoy snacks with peers, sitting with different partners each day
• Gross Motor Activities: Includes free play and organized games using physical educational tools
• Circle Time: Includes storytelling, singing, and language games
  

Special features

• Dual-language environment with English and Mandarin, where children can access the entire curriculum in both languages
• Prepared environments designed to appeal to children's cognitive development and support independence
• Real-time insights for parents through the Transparent Classroom App and personalized daily updates
• A growing network of schools across Hong Kong and Asia, with over 100 schools worldwide‍

‍Pricing
Annual fees for Early Education: HK$112,680 (divided into 12 installments)
Contact
Phone: 9126 6211
Email: admissions@guidepost.hk
Website: guidepost.hk

2. Leapfrog Kindergarten

Leapfrog Kindergarten offers nature-based early childhood education in Sai Kung, focusing on hands-on play, exploration, and the development of social, emotional, and motor skills. Their programs provide a nurturing, dynamic environment where children can grow through guided activities and independent exploration. 

The kindergarten emphasizes creativity, curiosity, and independence, with a focus on both indoor and outdoor learning spaces.

Location
11 Pak Tam Chung Village, Sai Kung Country Park, Hong Kong
Timings 
School hours vary by program
Age range
0 to 5 years

Key activities and focus areas

• Play-based learning in a natural environment
• Focus on social and emotional development, motor skills, and sensory experiences
• Outdoor exploration, sensory play, action songs, and interactive games
• Activities designed to develop creativity, language skills, and physical coordination

Special features

• Nature-based curriculum with access to Sai Kung Country Park
• Small group classes for individualized attention
• Emphasis on sensory development, motor skills, and rhythm
• Parent-child programs to encourage active family involvement
• Sensory-rich environment to help children develop awareness and curiosity

Pricing
 K2 (Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 12 PM): HK$57,000 per year
  K1 (Monday – Friday, 1 PM – 4 PM): HK$57,000 per year

Playgroups:

• Little Explorers (3-5 year olds, Friday 2 PM – 4 PM): HK$320 per session, payable termly
• Super 2s (2-3 year olds, Monday – Thursday 2 PM – 4 PM): HK$320 per session, payable termly
• Hoppers (2-3 year olds with parent involvement, Monday/Wednesday/Friday 9 AM – 11 AM): HK$270 per session, payable termly
• Tadpoles (1-2 year olds with parent involvement, Tuesday/Thursday 9 AM – 11 AM): HK$270 per session, payable termly
• Sensational Baby (Birth to 12 months, Monday/Wednesday 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM): HK$200 per session, payable in 8-session blocks‍

‍‍Contact
Phone: (852) 2791 1540
Website: leapfrogkindergarten.org

3. Hong Kong Academy Pre-School

Hong Kong Academy (HKA) in Sai Kung offers a play-based, inquiry-driven learning environment for young children. As one of the first schools in Hong Kong to be authorized to deliver the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), HKA places a strong emphasis on curiosity, creativity, and independent learning. 

The flexible Early Childhood classrooms are designed to inspire exploration and social interaction, while children develop academic and personal skills through engaging, hands-on experiences.
‍

Location 
33 Wai Man Road, Sai Kung
Timings
8:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Age range
2 to 6 years

Key activities and focus areas

• Play-based learning with a focus on inquiry
• Daily activities include Exploration Time, Home Corner, community snack, read-alouds, number stations, and block building
• Specialist sessions in language, literacy, movement, art, and music
• Dual language environment with English and Mandarin instruction‍

‍‍Special Features

• Outdoor playscapes including an organic garden, adventure playscape, mud kitchen, and water features
• Access to all-school facilities such as a professional theatre, visual arts studios, gymnasium, indoor climbing wall, and sports pitches
• Parent involvement encouraged through volunteer opportunities and regular updates on Seesaw
• Focus on eco-friendly construction, with Gold BEAM status awarded by The Green Buildings Council of Hong Kong

Pricing
Pre-K1 to Pre-K2: HK$112,200 annually
     Semester 1 (due May 16, 2024): HK$56,100
      Semester 2 (due November 15, 2024): HK$56,100
An application fee of HK$1,500 is required for each child and is non-refundable.
Contact
Phone: 2655 1111
Website: hkacademy.edu.hk

4. Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong (NAIS), Nursery and Reception

Nord Anglia International School (NAIS) Hong Kong offers a tailored Early Years education that follows the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for Nursery and Reception (K1 & K2). The program is designed to meet the needs of Hong Kong’s international environment, fostering confident, well-rounded children who develop a love for learning through a variety of play-based methods. 

The school’s spacious "Big Busy" areas provide opportunities for role play, large construction, water play, and messy activities, promoting exploration and curiosity.
‍

Location
285 Hong Kin Road, Tui Min Hoi, Sai Kung, New Territories
Timings
8:30 AM – 2:45 PM
Age range
3 to 6 years (Nursery, Lower Kindergarten/Reception, Upper Kindergarten/Year 1)

Key activities and focus areas

• Child-centered, flexible learning based on individual interests
• Daily focus on Phonics and Maths with hands-on, practical activities
• Social and emotional development alongside academic learning
• Specialist instruction in Mandarin, PE, Art, and Music
• High teacher-to-student ratio (1:6 in Nursery) to ensure personalized learning

Special features

• Expansive indoor and outdoor spaces designed for creative exploration
• Rooftop garden and various outdoor play areas for physical activities
• Open-ended resources supporting Early Years education
• Digital platforms such as Firefly, Tapestry, and Seesaw to keep parents informed about progress
• Strong parental involvement through workshops, consultations, and regular learning journey updates‍

‍‍Pricing
Nursery morning session: HK$127,450
Nursery afternoon session: HK$90,410
Lower kindergarten (reception) morning session: HK$87,920
Lower kindergarten (reception) afternoon session: HK$87,920
Upper kindergarten (year 1) morning session: HK$94,875
Upper kindergarten (year 1) afternoon session: HK$94,875

Contact
Phone: 3958 1428
Email: admissions@nais.hk
Website: nais.hk

5. Malvern College Pre-School (MCPS)

Malvern College Pre-School offers an Educationally Harnessed Play Program based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. The program engages children through both structured and free play, emphasizing their inquisitive nature with hands-on activities. 

MCPS follows the Reggio Emilia philosophy, creating beautiful and functional learning spaces that invite exploration and creativity. The bilingual curriculum ensures children receive equal exposure to both English and Chinese, and the school is one of the first in Hong Kong to operate a fully-fledged Forest-Beach-School Programme.‍

Location
^‍Island West campus: G/F and 1/F, Viking Court, 165-166 Connaught Road WestSai
Ying PunCoronation Circle campus: G09-12 Coronation Circle, 1 Yau Cheung Road, West Kowloon‍

‍Timings
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Age range
2 to 5 years

Key activities and focus areas

• Structured and Free Play: A balance of child-initiated and adult-led activities to foster creativity and curiosity.
• Circle Time: Two sessions per day, one in English and one in Mandarin.
• Discovery Time: Uninterrupted playtime for children to explore the pre-school’s learning environment.
• Specialist Sessions: Weekly music, PE, and sensory play sessions.
• Outdoor Learning: Regular outings to parks and playgrounds for physical and social development.
• Forest-Beach School: Bi-weekly sessions in Sai Kung to explore woodland and beach environments, focusing on collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.‍

‍‍Special Features

• Reggio Emilia-Inspired Environment: The school views the environment as "the third teacher," with open-plan classrooms and shared learning spaces including a sandpit, play hut, dress-up costumes, café, construction area, library, PE area, and water play tables.
• Bilingual Curriculum: Equal exposure to both English and Chinese languages and culture.
• Forest-Beach School Programme: A unique outdoor learning experience in a natural setting, running in all safe weather conditions.
• Nature Explorers Programme: Weekly outdoor education sessions in Sai Kung for children aged 2 to 7 years, available to both internal and external pupils.
• Parent Involvement:
  
  • Tapestry: An online digital learning portfolio for parents to track their child’s progress.
  • Class Dojo: A communication platform for real-time updates and interaction between parents and the school.
  • Regular Updates: Weekly newsletters with photographs and details of the week’s learning focus.
  • Parent-Teacher Conferences: Regular meetings to discuss progress and set learning goals.
  • Parental Engagement: Parents are encouraged to visit classes, share their expertise, and participate in activities like reading stories to the children.
    ‍

Pricing
Island West Campus
     1.Half Day Morning Programme (8:30 AM – 11:30 AM): HK$10,784 x 11 instalments
     2.Half Day Afternoon Programme (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM): HK$10,784 x 11 instalments.
     3.Full Day Programme (8:30 AM – 4:00 PM): HK$18,512 x 11 instalments‍

‍‍Coronation Circle Campus
     1.Half Day Morning Programme (8:30 AM – 11:30 AM): HK$10,694 x 11 instalments
      2.Half Day Afternoon Programme (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM): HK$10,694 x 11 instalments
      3.Full Day Programme (8:30 AM – 4:00 PM): HK$18,863 x 11 instalments

Contact
Phone: 3898 4668
Email: mcpsadm@malvernpreschool.hk
‍Website: malvernpreschool.hk

6. Canadian International School (CDNIS), Early Years Centre

The CDNIS Early Years Centre (EYC) provides a rich and engaging learning environment for children aged two and three years. The Centre is designed to foster creativity and exploration through spacious, well-equipped classrooms and dedicated indoor play areas that encourage physical activity and social interaction. 

The bilingual curriculum emphasizes play-based learning, integrating arts, literacy, and STEM activities. This is supported through a collaboration with teamLab to promote holistic development.

Location
Shop Units G21-24, G/F, The Southside, 11 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang
Timings

• Monday to Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM; Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
• Regular classes run from August to June, with after-school, weekend, and holiday programs available for both CDNIS and non-CDNIS students.‍

Age range
2 to 3 years
Key activities and focus areas

• Play-based learning: The curriculum emphasizes creativity, exploration, and social interaction.
• Arts, literacy, and STEM activities: Integrated into the curriculum with a focus on holistic development.
• Bilingual environment: Encouraging language acquisition in both English and Mandarin.
• Hands-on learning: Children engage in activities like arts and crafts, storytelling, and free play, all tailored to developmental milestones.‍

Special features

• Spacious, well-equipped classrooms: Designed to foster creativity and independent learning.
• Indoor play areas: Dedicated spaces for physical activity and social interaction.
• Collaboration with teamLab: The only teamLab education collaboration in the world, enhancing the learning experience with immersive, interactive digital art.
• Parental involvement: Parents are encouraged to volunteer for field trips, festive events, and cultural celebrations like Halloween, Mid-Autumn Festival, Christmas, and Lunar New Year.‍

‍Pricing
Annual tuition fee for Nursery (half day; bilingual): HK$132,000 (paid in 11 installments)Application fee: HK$1,800 (non-refundable)Debenture: Applicable (Contact the admin department for details)
Contact
Email: admissions@cdnis.edu.hk
Website: cdnis.edu.hk

7. English Schools Foundation (ESF) Explore, Kindergartens

As Hong Kong’s largest international education provider, The English Schools Foundation (ESF) operates five kindergartens across Hong Kong Island, New Territories, and Lantau. These kindergartens are IB World Schools that follow the Primary Years Programme (PYP), designed for children aged three to five years. 

The environment at ESF kindergartens is vibrant, filled with noise, colour, and laughter, encouraging children to be active and engaged in their learning. Teachers ensure that children are always discovering new things, having fun, and building foundational skills that will support future learning. 

The PYP curriculum focuses on early literacy and numeracy, with Mandarin Chinese forming a core part of the programme.

Timings

• Monday to Friday, either 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM or 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Regular classes run throughout the academic year, with admissions for K1 in September (for children born in 2023, apply from 1st to 30th September 2025, for an August 2026 start).‍

Age range
3 to 5 years
Key activities and focus areas

• Bilingual learning environment: Exposure to both English and Mandarin, with Mandarin as a core language of the curriculum.
• Play-based learning: Activities designed around units of inquiry, integrating early literacy and numeracy.
• Community engagement: Children participate in projects like Box of Hope, where they contribute to the wider community and understand the importance of helping others.
• Holistic learning: Activities designed to develop creativity, social skills, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.‍

Special Features

• Bilingual stream: ESF Tung Chung offers a bilingual stream with two teachers, one speaking native English and the other native Mandarin. Both teachers spend 100% of their time in the classroom.
• PYP curriculum: Focus on the holistic development of children through inquiry-based learning.
• Kindergarten Class A debenture: For interview priority, consider applying for the ESF Kindergarten Class A Debenture (visit join-us.esf.edu.hk for more details).‍

‍How to Choose the Right Preschool or Kindergarten 

Picking the right preschool is a big decision for both you and your child. Here are some things to keep in mind to make sure you choose the best fit:

Think about your child’s interests: Does your child love to be creative, or do they prefer exploring and playing outside? Look for a school that matches their interests and makes learning exciting for them.

Check the curriculum and teaching style: Different schools use different teaching methods, like Montessori or the IB program. Find one that feels right for your child’s learning style, whether they need more structure or a play-based environment.

Look at safety and the facilities: You want to make sure your child will be safe and comfortable. Check that the school has low teacher-to-child ratios, safe play areas, and clear emergency plans.

Consider the social and emotional environment: It’s important for your child to feel happy, respected, and confident. Find a school that encourages kids to work together, make friends, and express themselves in a supportive environment.

Talk to other parents: Connecting with parents whose kids already go to the school can give you a good idea of what to expect. If they’ve had positive experiences with the teachers, activities, and environment, you’ll have a better sense that it’s a great place for your child.

Recommendations You Can Trust

At illumine, we’ve spent nearly a decade working with over 3,000 preschools, kindergartens, and nurseries across more than 50 countries.

In that time, we've helped schools improve their operations, lesson planning, and parent communication. This has given us deep insights into what makes a preschool truly exceptional. When it comes to recommending the best options for your child, we bring all that experience to guide you toward the top preschools for your child.