Choosing the right international school in Hong Kong can feel overwhelming. If you are a parent considering ISF Academy Hong Kong for your child, this guide is for you. We cover the school’s bilingual (Chinese–English) IB programme, location and facilities, fees and costs, admissions process, what to look for when visiting, and practical next steps—so you can decide whether ISF Academy is the right fit and how to prepare.

About ISF Academy Hong Kong

ISF Academy is an IB World School offering a bilingual (Chinese–English) IB programme from the early years through to graduation: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). The school emphasises fluency in both Chinese and English, academic rigour, and strong university placement. ISF serves students from early years through to the DP and is known for its dual-language immersion model and high academic standards. Parents often cite the strength of the Chinese and English programmes, the clarity of the IB pathway, and the school’s focus on bilingualism as key reasons for choosing ISF Academy.

The school’s ethos combines the IB learner profile with a deep commitment to Chinese language and culture alongside English-medium learning. Class sizes are kept manageable, and the faculty includes many experienced bilingual and IB teachers. ISF Academy welcomes families who value genuine bilingual education and an internationally recognised qualification (IB) for university entry worldwide.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is for parents who are researching ISF Academy, 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, you will find here a structured overview and practical checklists to support your decision.

Curriculum and Programmes

ISF Academy offers the IB PYP, MYP, and DP in a bilingual (Chinese–English) context. In the PYP and MYP, teaching and learning are split between Chinese and English so that students build fluency and literacy in both. In the Diploma Programme, 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 options are wide—confirm current offerings on the school website. The school supports students in choosing HL/SL combinations that suit their interests and university goals.

If your child needs extra support in specific IB DP subjects, Internal Assessments (IA), or exam technique, one-to-one tutoring aligned with the IB can supplement school work effectively.

Location and Facilities

ISF Academy is located in Hong Kong (check the school website for the current address). Facilities typically include well-stocked libraries (including Chinese and English resources), science laboratories, IT suites, sports halls, swimming pools, and dedicated spaces for music, drama, and art. The campus is designed to support a bilingual curriculum and a broad co-curricular programme. 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

ISF Academy fees are typically in the upper range for Hong Kong—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, capital levy or debenture (if applicable), uniform, transport, and optional activities. Families who want to supplement school with targeted tutoring (e.g. for IB DP subjects or exam prep) can do so with flexible, one-to-one sessions that fit around the ISF timetable.

Admissions Process and Timeline

Typical steps for ISF Academy (confirm with the school): (1) Application – complete the online form and pay the application fee; (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 Chinese); (4) Interview – student and/or family interview; (5) Offer and acceptance – if successful, you will receive an offer. Apply well in advance; places can be limited. Preparing for entrance assessments can help your child feel confident on the day.

What to Look for When Visiting ISF Academy

Factor	What to check
Curriculum	Bilingual IB PYP, MYP, DP—subject choice and HL/SL options for your child’s year.
Language	Ratio of Chinese and English instruction and additional language support.
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: ISF Academy has a strong reputation for bilingual IB education, a full PYP–MYP–DP continuum in Chinese and English, and good university placement. The dual-language immersion appeals to many families. Cons: Fees are in the upper range, entry can be competitive, and families who need extra support in specific IB subjects or exam prep often use external tutoring to supplement. Considering both sides helps you decide if ISF Academy is the right fit.

How Tutopiya Fits In

If your child needs extra help with IB DP subjects, IA, or exam technique, one-to-one tuition can supplement ISF Academy 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 ISF Academy offer IGCSE or A-Level?
A: ISF Academy offers the bilingual IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP). For IGCSE or A-Level support alongside ISF, one-to-one tutoring can align with those curricula.

Q: How do we prepare for ISF Academy entrance tests?
A: Tutoring can help with maths and English (and Chinese if required) at the right level for the school’s entrance format.

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

ISF Academy offers a bilingual (Chinese–English) IB programme (PYP, MYP, DP). 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 ISF Academy 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 ISF Academy website and, if possible, attend an open day or schedule a campus tour.
2. Confirm curriculum (bilingual IB PYP, MYP, 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.