Choosing the right international school in Hong Kong can feel overwhelming. If you are a parent considering Chinese International School Hong Kong (CIS) for your child, this guide is for you. We cover the school’s history and ethos, bilingual curriculum and senior pathways, location and facilities, fees and costs, admissions process, what to look for when visiting, and practical next steps—so you can decide whether CIS is the right fit and how to prepare.

About Chinese International School Hong Kong (CIS)

Chinese International School (CIS) is one of Hong Kong’s leading international schools, known for its bilingual (English and Mandarin) programme from the early years through to graduation. Founded with a mission to bridge Eastern and Western education, CIS offers a dual-language environment where students develop fluency in both English and Mandarin while following a rigorous academic pathway. The school typically offers the IB Diploma in the senior years (confirm current offerings on the school website) and is known for strong university placement in Hong Kong, the UK, the US, and beyond.

The school’s ethos emphasises intellectual curiosity, cultural fluency, and community responsibility. Class sizes are kept manageable, and the faculty includes many experienced bilingual and IB teachers. Parents often cite the strength of the Mandarin programme, the clarity of the academic pathway, and the sense of community as key reasons for choosing CIS. The school welcomes families who value bilingualism and a global outlook.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is for parents who are researching CIS, comparing it with other Hong Kong international schools, or looking for detailed information on curriculum, fees, admissions, and what to expect. Whether your child is entering primary or secondary, or you are considering a move to Hong Kong, you will find here a structured overview and practical checklists to support your decision.

Curriculum and Programmes at CIS

CIS offers a bilingual programme in English and Mandarin from the early years. In the lower and middle years, teaching is split between the two languages so that students build fluency and literacy in both. The curriculum is structured to lead into the IB Diploma Programme in the senior years—confirm on the school website whether IGCSE or other qualifications are also offered. In the IB DP, students choose six subjects (typically three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level), complete TOK, the Extended Essay, and CAS.

Subject choice and language balance vary by year. The school supports students in choosing HL/SL combinations and language options that suit their interests and university goals. If your child needs extra support in IB subjects, Internal Assessments (IA), or exam technique, one-to-one tutoring aligned with the IB can supplement school work effectively.

Location and Facilities

CIS is located in Hong Kong (check the school website for the current address—often in the Mid-Levels or similar area). Facilities typically include modern classrooms, well-stocked libraries, science laboratories, IT suites, and dedicated spaces for music, drama, and art. Sports and outdoor spaces are available. Location affects daily commute; consider transport and family routine when shortlisting. Many families choose to live within a reasonable distance to simplify the school run.

Fees and Costs: What Parents Should Budget

CIS fees are typically in the upper range for Hong Kong international schools—often HKD 200,000–280,000+ per year depending on year level (indicative; confirm on the school website). Additional costs that parents should budget for include:

• Application and assessment fees (non-refundable)
• Capital levy or debenture (if applicable—check current policy)
• Uniform, PE kit, and optional materials
• Transport (school bus or public transport)
• Optional activities (trips, after-school clubs, exam fees)

Families who want to supplement school with targeted tutoring (e.g. for IB, IGCSE, or specific subjects) can do so at a fraction of the cost of a second school; flexible, one-to-one sessions can fit around the CIS timetable.

Admissions Process and Timeline

Typical steps for CIS (confirm with the school):

1. Application – Complete the online form and pay the application fee. Submit by the deadline for your intended start date.
2. Supporting documents – Previous school reports, passport/ID, and any relevant learning or medical information.
3. Assessment – Age-appropriate assessments (e.g. English, maths, and possibly Mandarin). Format varies by year group.
4. Interview – Student and/or family interview. The school uses this to assess fit and language readiness.
5. Offer and acceptance – If successful, you will receive an offer, often with a deadline to accept and pay a deposit.

Apply well in advance; places can be limited. Preparing for entrance assessments (e.g. maths and English at the right level) can help your child feel confident on the day.

What to Look for When Visiting CIS

Factor	What to check
Curriculum	Bilingual balance, IB DP subject choice and HL/SL options for your child’s year.
Language	Ratio of English and Mandarin instruction and additional language options.
Class size	Typical class size and student–teacher ratio.
Support	EAL, learning support, and pastoral care.
Location	Commute time and transport options from your home.
Fees	Total cost per year including levies and typical extras.
Culture	Fit with your family’s values and your child’s needs.

Pros and Cons: A Balanced View

Pros: CIS has a strong reputation, a genuine bilingual programme, and a clear IB pathway. The community is diverse and academically focused. Cons: Fees are high, entry can be competitive, and the fixed timetable means families who need extra support in specific subjects or exam prep often use external tutoring to supplement. Considering both sides helps you decide if CIS is the right fit.

How Tutopiya Fits In

If your child needs extra help with IB, IGCSE, or exam technique, one-to-one tuition can supplement CIS without changing school. Flexible scheduling and online sessions mean no extra commute, and continuity if you relocate. Book a free trial or explore Tutopiya’s learning portal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Parents

Q: Does CIS offer IGCSE or A-Level?
A: CIS typically offers the IB Diploma in the senior years. Confirm current offerings on the school website. For IGCSE or A-Level support alongside CIS, one-to-one tutoring can align with those curricula.

Q: How do we prepare for CIS entrance tests?
A: Tutoring can help with maths and English (and Mandarin if required) at the right level for the school’s entrance format. Check with the school for exact content.

Q: Can our child continue learning if we relocate?
A: Yes. Online one-to-one tuition allows your child to continue with the same tutor from anywhere.

Key Takeaways

CIS offers a bilingual (Chinese–English) programme and the IB Diploma in the senior years. Fees are in the upper range for Hong Kong; budget for application fees, levies, uniform, and transport. Admissions involve application, documents, assessment, and interview—apply early. Visiting the campus and confirming curriculum and fees for your child’s year will help you decide if CIS is the right fit. If your child needs extra support in IB or exam preparation, one-to-one tutoring can supplement the school timetable flexibly.

Next Steps for Parents

1. Visit the CIS website and, if possible, attend an open day or schedule a campus tour.
2. Confirm curriculum (bilingual programme, IB DP) and total fees for your child’s year.
3. Apply in good time and prepare your child for assessments.
4. If you need extra support (e.g. entrance-test preparation or IB tutoring), consider one-to-one tuition that fits around the school timetable. Book a free trial to see how it fits your family.