Christopher Coates
School Director
American School Hong Kong (ASHK) is a through-train international school in Tai Po. ASHK offers a rigorous American curriculum and IB Diploma Programme taught by highly experienced international teachers who inspire, motivate and challenge students to achieve excellence.
Fully accredited for Kindergarten (age 5) to Grade 12 by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA). ASHK is also authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) to offer the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11 - 12 students.
ASHK is operated by Esol Education, the world's largest operator of international American schools, with over 45 years of experience in establishing and operating high standard International schools worldwide. Graduates at Esol Schools are now attending leading universities worldwide, including Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Yale University, Columbia University, University of Toronto, and the London School of Economics.
We have organised the information available for this school into 10 sections and 29 questions. Click or tap on the name of each section to read more.
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Native English speaking teachers
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Yes
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Language support for students not fluent in English
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English as an Additional Language Program: EAL teachers provide support throughout the Elementary School to enable all students equal access not just to the curriculum, but to all that ASHK offers. An early intervention program identifies and assesses needs and appropriate language support is implemented for those students requiring it. English language learners develop their language skills in an immersive English environment.
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Additional language classes offered by the school
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Mandarin
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Max. number of students per class
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24
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Does the school employ teaching assistants?
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Yes
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Use of technology in the classroom
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Digital Technology is integrated into ASHK’s curriculum starting from Kindergarten. Computers, Ipads, mobile devices, smart screens, and classroom management software will be connected through an intelligent infrastructure that is wifi enabled throughout the school.
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Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures)
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Yes
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Do students practice religion at the school? What religion?
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No
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External examinations or assessments available
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IB Diploma
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Do teachers assign homework to their students?
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Yes
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Approximate hours of homework given
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Depends on the type of homework assigned.
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Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs
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Yes, we have learning support staff.
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Entry evaluation for students
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Assessments and testing
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Brief description of entry evaluation required
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Assessments include social interaction and group play for KG applicants, and MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) testing for all other grades. MAP tests measure students’ English and Mathematics abilities.
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Deadline for registration (new academic year)
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There is no deadline. We employ a rolling admissions policy and will accept applications throughout the school year.
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Students can join after academic year begins
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Yes
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School start time
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7:45 am
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School finish time
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2:35 pm if the student does not join any ECA program and 3:45 pm if the student joins ECA programs.
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School bus service available
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Yes
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School provided lunches
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Yes
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Uniform required
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Yes
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Facilities at the school
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Art rooms, canteen, Elementary library, Secondary School library, music rooms, science labs, STEAM room, student lounge and more
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Sports facilities at the school
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A modern gymnasium and numerous outdoor sports facilities.
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Qualities and characteristics best defining the school
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American School Hong Kong is a non-profit, non-denominational college preparatory school offering a holistic American education. The school is operated by Esol Education, a leading education organization with 40 years of experience in establishing and operating K-12 international schools, currently educating 11,000 pupils in nine schools across three continents. ASHK will deliver a rigorous curriculum, focused on developing well-rounded, motivated, and thoughtful global citizens. It will equip students with the academic, social, and entrepreneurial skills required for success in the 21st century.
The school's mission is to provide a challenging, American and international education that empowers students to be independent critical thinkers, and responsible global citizens who excel in their future studies and careers.
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Teaching approach of the school
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ASHK focuses on the development of the individual student’s knowledge, skills, and attitudes and at the same time focus on rigorous and meaningful learning in a safe, nurturing and challenging environment. ASHK will inspire its students to become critical thinkers, problem solvers and people who can innovate and operate effectively in the modern world.
The main focus of ASHK is to further the academic achievements of its students. To encourage a respect for intellectual values that is supported through experiences inside and outside the classroom. ASHK aims to develop the dispositions of morality, optimism, wellbeing and health. It is important that a commitment to service is perceived through a social awareness and understanding that can only be attained through purposeful actions. ASHK wants its students to challenge themselves in everything they do, to be happy and develop a positive disposition to learning. ASHK desires its students to have the capacity to be independent, autonomous and critical thinkers innovative and entrepreneurial.
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Elementary School
In the Elementary School (KG - grade 5), the US Common Core (math and English), Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and the American Education Reaches Out (AERO) social studies standards, along with other best-practice international frameworks, provide the foundation for learning. The standards provide benchmarks and success criteria for each grade level and are designed to build upon the most advanced current thinking about preparing students for future success. The standards are the learning goals for what students should know, be able to do, and communicate at each grade level. They are designed to help students acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to reach their full potential.
Secondary School
Grades 6-8 will continue to build on the programs implemented within the Elementary School. The US Common Core (math and English), Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and American Education Reaches Out (AERO) Social Studies Standards provide the framework for learning.
The Grade 9 and 10 program is aligned to the US Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and American Education Reaches Out (AERO) curricular standards. The focus remains interdisciplinary in nature and will continue to promote critical and analytical thinking.
We offer the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) for grade 11 and 12 students. The IB DP is recognized as an excellent credential or “gold standard” passport for admission into top tier colleges or universities in English-speaking countries worldwide.
Our Campus
Located in a peaceful suburb of the Tai Po area of Hong Kong, our beautiful international school provides American-trained teachers to inspire our Kindergarten to Grade 10 students with a proven academic program based on the US Common Core and prepare them for the IB Diploma in Grades 11 and 12.
