Best Pre-Nursery, Kindergarten And Preschools In Hong Kong

Preschools and Kindergarten In Hong Kong

Looking for a pre-nursery or kindergarten to start your little one’s preschool learning journey? From ESF to St Catherine and Victoria to Montessori and beyond, we’ve rounded up the best nurseries, early learning centres and international kindergartens in Hong Kong!

Pre-nurseries, kindergartens and preschools are perfect if your baby is now old enough to attend school (but not yet for primary school). In Hong Kong, a child’s unaccompanied learning journey can start with pre-nursery classes when they are between 2 and 3 years old, before moving on to more structured preschool classes, often referred to as K1 and K2. You can of course also start them in fun playgroups from six months and up. While not a requirement for children in Hong Kong, kindergartens are generally seen as an essential step for kids to become independent and school-ready.

Click the links below to check out some of the best international kindergartens and preschools all over Hong Kong, sorted by region. If you need a bit more guidance, scroll below to find out how to choose the best preschool for your child.

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How To Choose The Best International Kindergarten, Pre-Nursery Or Preschool In Hong Kong?

Hong Kong’s international presence means that you have a large choice of schools, curriculums and languages to choose from, depending on how you want your child to grow and learn. If you want to enrol your child in a local and not-for-profit school, the Hong Kong government has the Pre-Primary Education Voucher Scheme (PEVS) in which you can apply for subsidies on your child’s school fees.

Before you narrow down your preferred preschool, consider a few points that will help you make your decision:

Is your main objective securing a spot in a primary school or introducing your child to a specific style of learning? Depending on that, you could look at standalone preschools or a through-school that goes from pre-nursery to higher education.
If you are looking at a through-school, is the kindergarten section located within the same premises (getting kids used to the ‘big school’ feel) or is it at a separate location?
If it is a through-school, are you assured of a spot in the primary section after kindergarten?
Are you leaning toward a particular method of teaching, learning and/or curriculum, i.e., Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf Steiner, International Baccalaureate, EYFS, IEYC, play-based, experiential, etc?
What are the school timings and are there morning and afternoon slots? Young children often haven’t dropped their day naps yet and the timings of the school could influence your decision.
Does the school require potty training for entrance to pre-nursery?
Last, but not least, where is the school located and is it easy for your little one to get to?

Sassy Mama Picks For Prenurseries, Kindergartens And Preschools In Hong Kong

Small World Christian Kindergarten

Small World Christian Kindergarten offers a nurturing and loving environment for children, providing them with exceptional international early childhood education. To provide each child with the best start in their educational journey, its dedicated team of experienced educators emphasises a holistic approach to education, focusing on social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. Book your spot and visit the campus to discover its vibrant classrooms, outdoor gardens and playgrounds designed to stimulate young minds. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet passionate teachers and gain insight into the tailored curriculum designed to meet each child’s unique needs.

Educational Model: IEYC
Language: English with Mandarin programme
Age: 2 years 8 months to 6 years old

Small World Christian Kindergarten, 10 Borrett Road, Mid-Levels, Central, Hong Kong, 2525 0922, www.smallworld.edu.hk

French International School (FIS)

The French International School off Hong Kong (FIS) offers a transformative foundation through two distinct tracks: a bilingual French Stream and a play-led International Stream following the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC). Both pathways prioritise play to unlock student potential, developing numeracy, literacy and inquiry skills within a multicultural campus that introduces Mandarin and nurtures responsible global citizens. FIS welcomes year-round applications from students of all linguistic backgrounds, as French knowledge is not mandatorily required, thanks to its robust Language Support Programme. Families are invited to book a campus tour to experience this unique dual-stream environment and academic excellence firsthand.

Educational Model: International Early Years Curriculum
Language: English and French
Age: 3 to 18 years, kindergarten to upper secondary

French International School of Hong Kong, 165 Blue Pool Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, 2892 3677 , www.fis.edu.hk, Facebook: www.facebook.com/hkfis,www.fis.edu.hk

Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong (NAIS HK)

NAIS HK’s Sai Kung Early Years Campus is home to a nurturing environment where structured learning blends with playful exploration so that children can thrive. From the UK-trained teachers who help ignite students’ curiosity to the hands-on experiences and lifelong friendships formed, the supportive community at NAIS HK prepares students for success while encouraging enthusiasm and fostering their well-being. As a place designed for wonder and growth, this all-through school (with primary in Lam Tin and secondary in Kwun Tong) ensures every child graduates feeling empowered, curious and brimming with experiences that shape who they become.

Sassy Mama Tip: For a sneak peak into NAIS HK’s culture, take your little one (aged 18 months to 3 years) to a free Stay and Play session at the beautiful waterfront campus in Sai Kung any Wednesday from 28 January to 11 March, 2026, from 9am to 10:30am, or join the Early Years Campus Open Day on Saturday, 25 April, 2026 from 10am to 12pm!

Educational Model: EYFS
Language: English
Age: 3 years to 5 years

NAIS HK, 285 Hong Kin Road, Tui Min Hoi, Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong, 3958 1428, [email protected], www.facebook.com/NAISHongKong, www.nais.hk

Hong Kong Academy

Hong Kong Academy (HKA) welcomes kids aged 3 to 5 years to its half day Pre-K programme, with Kindergarten being the first year of Primary School and running a full day schedule. Based in its Early Childhood centre, HKA’s youngest learners enjoy purpose-built classrooms and playscapes, while benefitting from the campus facilities and specialist teachers of a ‘big school’. Kids above 3 years have access to multiple daily after school activities and competitive sports teams from Grade 3. Small class sizes and at least two teachers per class ensure that every child is known as an individual and feels a deep sense of belonging that enhances their personal and academic development.

Sassy Mama Tip: Book a tour on 28 March to meet the teachers and explore the campus and curriculum!

Educational Model: IB PYP
Language: English and Mandarin
Age: 3 to 6 years

Hong Kong Academy, 33 Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong, 2655 1111, www.facebook.com/HongKongAcademy, www.hkacademy.edu.hk

Harrow Little Lions Kindergarten

Harrow Little Lions Kindergarten offers an exceptional early years experience for children, blending purpose-built learning spaces with its bespoke Little Lions curriculum to nurture confidence, curiosity and essential foundational skills. As the first step in the prestigious Harrow pathway, Little Lions also receive priority entry into Year 1 at Harrow International School Hong Kong, giving your little ones true continuity from the start. Additionally, the school hosts monthly tours where parents can explore the campus, meet the team and see the curriculum in action — a perfect chance to picture your child’s educational journey from day one.

Educational Model: EYFS
Language: English
Age: 3 years to 5 years

Sassy Mama Tip: Register now for the school’s next parent-only tour, from 9:30am to 11am.

Harrow Little Lions Kindergarten, G/F, Uptown East, 55 Kwun Tong Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3152 4700, Facebook: @HarrowLittleLionsKindergarten, www.harrowhongkong.hk

Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong (MCPS)

MCPS is a distinguished international pre-school with campuses in Island West and Coronation Circle. Its nurturing environment for children aged 2 to 5 years offers a play-based, bilingual education where students are encouraged to develop essential skills for future learning. In addition to the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum, MCPS also features a unique Forest-Beach School programme where kids can get hands-on experiences to foster independence and curiosity. Students then have the option to go on to Malvern College Hong Kong, a leading international IB World School in Pak Shek Kok.

Sassy Mama Tip: Your little ones can try Stay & Play Sessions (accompanied by a parent) or you can join a variety of other events and tours held at the two campuses to get a better feel for the school.

Educational Model: EYFS
Language: English and Mandarin
Age: From 2 to 5 years old

MCPS (Island West), G/F and 1/F Viking Court, 165-166 Connaught Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, 3898 4670
MCPS (Coronation Circle), G09-12 Coronation Circle, 1 Yau Cheung Road, West Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3898 4660, www.facebook.com/MalvernPreschoolHK, www.malvernpreschool.hk

Australian International School Hong Kong (AISHK)

The Australian International School Hong Kong (AISHK) is a co-educational institution where students benefit from a unique Australian-style education in a vibrant international setting. As the only school in Hong Kong to use the Australian curriculum, AISHK offers a seamless transition for families following the Southern Hemisphere academic year. In their final years, students can choose between two pathways: the New South Wales Higher School Certificate (HSC) or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. Graduates emerge as confident, globally minded students, consistently achieving academic results that rank among the best in the world.

Grades: Reception (age 4) to Year 12
Curriculum: Australian National Curriculum (Primary), NSW Stage 4 & 5 (Years 7-10), NSW HSC or IB Diploma (Years 11-12)
Campus: Kowloon Tong
Language streams: English. Mandarin classes compulsory for Reception to Year 6.

Australian International School, 3A Norfolk Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2304 6078, [email protected], www.aishk.edu.hk

The International Montessori School (IMS)

Hong Kong’s first through-train Montessori school, IMS was founded in 2002 and serves nearly 1,000 students aged 1 to 14, with its new Middle School that was launched in 2025. Across four Hong Kong Island campuses, IMS blends an authentic Montessori programme with an immersive bilingual environment, nurturing independence and a love of learning in both English and Mandarin.

IMS offers Greater China’s only fully accredited bilingual Montessori curriculum, led by AMI-trained educators to ensure highest quality. Beyond the classroom, parenting workshops support families throughout their child’s development. The Middle School ensures a seamless transition for primary students, with a proven track record of producing confident, curious bilingual graduates who go on to top international secondary schools in Hong Kong and beyond.

Educational Model: Montessori
Language: English and Mandarin
Age: 1 to 14 years

Sassy Mama Tip: If you have a little one aged 12 to 30 months, sign up for the IMS Montessori Trial Classes led by AMI Montessori experts to see if this school and educational system is the right fit for your child.

IMS Stanley Campus (Ages 2 to 14), Phase III, Ma Hang Estate, Stanley, Hong Kong, 2566 7196

IMS South Horizons, Aldrich Bay & Mid-Levels (Ages 1 to 6), various locations across Hong Kong, 2772 2468, [email protected], www.facebook.com/InternationalMontessoriSchoolHK, www.ims.edu.hk

ESF Explore

Offering Playgroup and Pre-Kindergarten programmes, the early years’ curriculum at ESF Explore will help your child develop language, emotional, social and physical skills through play and enquiry-based learning with the help of qualified and experienced teachers.

Educational Model: EYFS
Language: English
Age: 6 months to 3 years

ESF Explore, 2/F, Prime Mansion, 183-187 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong and various locations in Hong Kong, 2838 2276, 2711 1280, www.esfexplore.org.hk/playgroup

Prenurseries, Kindergartens And Preschools With Locations Across Hong Kong

Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong (MCPS)

Educational Model: EYFS
Language: English and Mandarin
Age: From 2 to 5 years old

Greenfield International Kindergarten

First founded in Ma On Shan by a group of accomplished child educators, Greenfield International Kindergarten now has seven kindergartens and pre-nurseries all around Hong Kong. Classes are conducted in English and Mandarin or English, Mandarin and Cantonese with morning, afternoon and full-day sessions.

Educational Model: EDB Local
Language: English, Mandarin and Cantonese
Age: 2 to 6 years

Greenfield International Kindergarten, various locations around Hong Kong, www.greenfield.edu.hk

Cannan Kindergarten

Cannan Kindergarten & Nursery has a child-centred curriculum that is designed to attain knowledge and skills via moral, cognitive, language, physical, affective, social and aesthetic development. It has a Reading Duck program that motivates its students to borrow storybooks and instil a love for reading.

Educational Model: EDB Local
Language: English and Mandarin
Age: 2 to 6 years

Cannan Kindergarten, various locations around Hong Kong, www.cannan.edu.hk

Learning Habitat Kindergarten & Bilingual Nursery

Dedicated to fostering students’ all-around development, Learning Habitat Kindergarten & Bilingual Nursery has professionally trained staff that build students’ foundation for the skills they need in today’s world. Plus, it also has a bilingual immersion programme.

Educational Model: EDB Local
Language: Cantonese and English (CE) and Putonghua and English (PE) streams
Age: 3 to 6 years

Learning Habitat Kindergarten & Bilingual Nursery, various locations across Hong Kong, www.learninghabitat.org

Mulberry House International Kindergarten (MHKG)

Mulberry International Kindergarten aims to nurture global citizens, both culturally and linguistically. It works to develop a love of learning through play with its child-centred approach and nursery, kindergarten and forest programmes.

Educational Model: Reggio Emilia and EYFS
Language: English and Mandarin
Age: 3 to 6 years

Mulberry House International Kindergarten (MHKG), various locations across Hong Kong, 5598 3636, www.mulberryhousekg.com

Sun Island Kindergarten

With eight kindergartens across Hong Kong, Sun Island Kindergarten provides high-quality pre-primary education that develops students’ self-confidence and independence. It emphasises bi-literacy and trilingual education, and students come from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Educational Model: EDB Local
Language: English, Cantonese and Putonghua
Age: 2 to 6 years

Sun Island Kindergarten, various locations across Hong Kong, www.sunisland.edu.hk

Victoria Educational Organisation

With nine campuses providing pre-nursery, nursery and kindergarten programmes, kindergarten classes here are bilingual or trilingual and have a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:10 so you can be sure that your child is getting that extra care.

Educational Model: IB World Schools Primary Years Programme (PYP)
Language: Bilingual or Trilingual classes in English, Mandarin and Cantonese
Age: 1 to 6 years

Victoria Educational Organisation, various locations around Hong Kong, www.victoria.edu.hk

Woodland Pre-Schools – Part of Guidepost schools

After years of being synonymous with preschool education in Hong Kong, Woodland is part of the Guidepost Montessori network. An award-winning Hong Kong international preschool and kindergarten group, Woodland Pre-Schools is renowned for its exceptional early years education programmes spanning from playgroup to pre-nursery and kindergarten. It acknowledges the diverse linguistic backgrounds of children in Hong Kong and offers English, bilingual, and Mandarin classes, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Educational Model: Montessori
Language: English, Mandarin and bilingual
Age: 6 months to 6 years

Woodland Pre-Schools, Guidepost Montessori, various locations across Hong Kong, 9126 6211, www.guidepost.hk

Yew Chung International School

Yew Chung International School (YCIS) is an emergent, play-based preschool that offers infant, toddler and kindergarten classes focused on building positive, caring, trusting relationships between teachers, children and families.

Educational Model: The Yew Chung Approach
Language: English, Cantonese and Putonghua
Age: From 6 months to 5 years old

Yew Chung International School, various locations around Hong Kong, 2338 7106, www.ycis-hk.com

More Pre-Nursery Classes, International Kindergartens And Preschools With Locations Across Hong Kong

St Hilary’s Kindergarten – Through-train education system from nursery and kindergarten to secondary school. www.kindergarten.sthilarys.edu.hk
Magart Education Foundation – International bilingual kindergarten and nursery. www.magartedu.com
Island Waldorf School – The first school on Hong Kong Island to offer high-quality Waldorf education to children aged 3-14 years. www.iws.edu.hk
Parkview International Preschool (PIPS) – Fully bilingual learning environment following the IB curriculum. www.pips.edu.hk
Les Petits Lascars – Offers preschool education in line with the French National Education system. www.hkkidsacademy.edu.hk/les-petits-lascars
Tutor Time – Full-immersion bilingual Mandarin and English preschool and kindergartens around Hong Kong. www.tutortime.com.hk