Pre-Nursery, Kindergartens And Preschools In Hong Kong

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

If your baby is now old enough to attend school (but not yet for primary school), you could find a spot in one of the city’s many reputed international kindergartens, prenursery classes or preschools (the terms and starting ages differ across schools). In Hong Kong, a child’s unaccompanied learning journey can start with prenursery 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 in becoming 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 specific style of learning? Depending on that, you could look at standalone preschools or a through-school that goes from prenursery 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 prenursery?
Last, but not least, where is the school located and is it easy for your little one to get to?

Prenurseries, Kindergartens And Preschools With Locations Across Hong Kong

Woodland Pre-Schools – Learn-through-play curriculum

Looking to unlock your child’s potential before they head to primary school? Woodland Pre-Schools is at the forefront of early years education, offering a learn-through-play curriculum for children from 6 months to 6 years old. With five campuses and a diverse mix of nationalities, you can be sure that your child will have an inspiring worldview and be academically equipped for the next steps in their educational journey. Enrol your child at Woodland Pre-Schools before Tuesday, 31 January 2023 to enjoy one week of tuition fee credit and a registration fee waiver (T&C apply).

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

Woodland Pre Schools, various locations around Hong Kong, 2526 9478, enquiry@woodlandschools.com, www.woodlandschools.com

Yew Chung International School – Child-centred and multilingual program

Yew Chung International School 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. Its programme is child-centred and multilingual where children learn through their authentic interests and experiences as teachers scaffold and support children to ensure their holistic development. Register here for its monthly information sessions to find out more about the programme.

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, admissions@ycef.com, www.ycis-hk.com

ESF Language & Learning – Play and enquiry-based learning

Offering Playgroup and Pre-Kindergarten programmes, the early years’ curriculum at ESF Language & Learning is based on the idea that play is the foundation of development and learning for young children. Your child will develop language, emotional, social and physical skills through play and enquiry-based learning with the help of qualified and experienced teachers. Suitable for kids from 6 months old, it offers pre-kindergarten programmes at the Wan Chai ESF Language & Learning Centre and ESF Tung Chung International Kindergarten. You can even book a trial class at Wan Chai ESF Language & Learning Centre to see if it’s the right fit for your child!

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

ESF Language & Learning Centre, 2/F, Prime Mansion, 183-187 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong and various locations in Hong Kong, 2838 2276, 2711 1280, language@esf.org.hk, www.esf.org.hk/playgroup

Victoria Educational Organisation

With 9 campuses providing pre-nursery, nursery and kindergarten programmes, kindergarten classes here are bilingual or trilingual and have a small teacher-to-student ratio of 1:10 so you can be sure that you’re 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, enquiry@victoria.edu.hk, www.victoria.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 programme 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

Mulberry House International Kindergarten (MHKG)

Mulberry International Kindergarten aims to nurture global citizens, both culturally and linguistically. It aims 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), LG/F Kindergarten, Mayfair By The Sea I, 23 Fo Chun Road, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong, 2311 9008, taipo@mulberryhousekg.com

Mulberry House International Kindergarten (MHKG), Shops 1 & 2, G/F, Ocean Court, 3 Aberdeen Praya Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, 5598 3636, southside@mulberryhousekg.com, www.mulberryhousekg.com

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

More Prenursery 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
Malvern College Preschool – Focuses on learning through play with the EYFS model and offers a unique forest-beach programme. www.malvernpreschool.hk
Parkview International Preschool (PIPS) – Fully bilingual learning environment following the IB curriculum. www.pips.edu.hk
Sunshine House International Kindergarten – Bilingual preschool classes beginning at the age of two years. www.sunshinehouse.com.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
YCIS – Offers curriculum based on the EYFS model and YCIS learning approach. www.ycis-hk.com

Prenursery Classes, Kindergartens And Preschools On Hong Kong Island

CityKids

Offering playgroups for kids as young as 10 months and preschool for kids up to 5 years of age in the heart of Central, City Kids has been providing an active learning environment community for kids and parents since 1984.

Education Model: EYFS
Language: English
Age: 10 months to 5 years

City Kids, 2/F East Wing, 12 Borrett Road, Mid-Levels, Central, Hong Kong, 2522 4446, admin@citykidshk.org, www.citykidshk.org

Small World Christian Kindergarten

Aiming to make learning joyful, motivating and fun, Small World Christian Kindergarten is a Christian-centered school based on the International Early Years Curriculum programme. Its early Mandarin programme is developed in collaboration with the Education University of Hong Kong and the University of Hong Kong to develop kids’ understanding of Chinese culture.

Educational Model: IEYC
Language: English with Mandarin programme
Age: 2 to 5 years

Small World Christian Kindergarten, 10 Borrett Road, Mid-Levels, Central, Hong Kong, 2525 2131, www.smallworld.edu.hk

Highgate House School

Providing a home-like environment that is comfortable for children to learn, Highgate House School helps to develop strong foundations for academics through movement and exploration, creative, artistic and hands-on activities.

Educational Model: Waldorf Steiner
Language: English, Mandarin or Bilingual
Age: 3 to 6 years

Highgate House School, 100 Peak Road, The Peak, Hong Kong, admin@highgatehouse.edu.hk, www.highgatehouse.edu.hk

St Paul’s Church Kindergarten

St Paul’s Church Kindergarten encourages children to learn through play, sensory stimulation and other interesting activities while teaching them to be self-motivated and committed. It’s well-equipped with facilities including classrooms, music rooms, a reading corner, indoor and outdoor playgrounds and more.

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

St. Paul’s Church Kindergarten, Wu Ting Fong Hall and Social Room, St. Paul’s Church, Glenealy, Hong Kong, 2453 3766, info@stpaulchurchkg.edu.hk, www.central.stpaulchurchkg.edu.hk

More International Kindergartens And Preschools On Hong Kong Island

Fairchild Canadian Academy – Blends Canadian curriculum guide, Reggio Emilia method and local Hong Kong school guide with play-based learning. www.fairchild.academy
Guidepost Montessori – Offers an authentic and holistic Montessori education for children. www.guidepost.hk
International Montessori School (IMS) – Dual-language curriculum for ages 2 to 6. www.ims.edu.hk
Mighty Oaks – Based on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, it encourages a healthy sense of self-identity through play and discovery. www.mightyoaks.edu.hk

Prenursery Classes, Kindergartens And Preschools In Kowloon

St. Catherine’s Kindergarten

One of the first kindergartens in Hong Kong to employ native English speakers to teach English, St. Catherine’s Kindergarten continues to provide a thoughtfully designed curriculum delivered by a dedicated team of native English and Chinese teachers.

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

St. Catherine’s Kindergarten, various locations around Kowloon, www.stcatherines.edu.hk

HARTS Preschool

The curriculum at HARTS is specially designed to nurture children in language, literacy and the arts. The school promotes a strong reading culture through a UK based graded reading scheme that helps children acquire reading skills.

Education Model: EDB Local and Creative Curriculum Programme (USA)
Language: Cantonese, English and Mandarin
Age: 2 to 5 years

HARTS Preschool, G/F and 1/F, High Park Grand, 68 Boundary Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2338 2878, info@hartspreschool.com, www.hartspreschool.com

Kentville Kindergarten

Offering K1 to K3 classes, the curriculum at Kenville Kindergarten provides students with a headstart with a solid foundation of basic knowledge, good manners, habits, skills and positive attitudes.

Education Model: EDB Local
Language: Cantonese, English and Mandarin
Age: 3 to 6 years

Kentville Kindergarten (Kent Road), 9 Kent Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, 2336 7286

Kentville Kindergarten (Dorset Crescent), 5-7 Dorset Crescent, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, 2338 6422, www.kentville.edu.hk

Sophie Kindergarten & Nursery School

Meaning ‘love of wisdom’ in Greek, Sophie Kindergarten & Nursery School encourages all its students to develop to their full potential in a stimulating learning environment and integrated trilingual education.

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

Sophie Kindergarten & Nursery School, Units 8-10, UG/F, The Long beach, 8 Hoi Fan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2811 9929, info@sophikg.edu.hk, www.sophiekg.edu.hk

More International Kindergartens, Prenursery Classes And Preschools In Kowloon

Mills International Preschool – EYFS framework is used to emphasise creative education while learning through play. www.millsinternational.edu.hk
Anfield International Kindergarten – Based on a modified EYFS foundation supported by Chinese language and literacy. www.anfield.edu.hk
Infinity Montessori Academy – Guided by American Montessori Society credentialed teachers and offers trilingual English, Cantonese and Mandarin programmes. www.infinitychildren.com

Prenursery, Kindergartens And Preschools In The New Territories

Leapfrog Montessori

Following the UK Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, Leapfrog Montessori provides a full Forest School program with outdoor educational experiences. Children can experience hands-on learning and freely move through self-chosen and adult-initiated activities.

Education Model: UK EYFS, Montessori
Language: English supplemented with Mandarin
Age: 3 to 5 years

Leapfrog Montessori, 11 Pak Tam Chung Village, Sai Kung Country Park, Sai Kung, Hong Kong, 2791 1540, www.leapfrogkindergarten.org

Maple Bear Canadian International Kindergarten

Bringing the best of Canadian and Hong Kong bilingual education, Maple Bear offers learning through play as well as a fully immersive language programme. Other than Bear Care (playgroups) starting at 18 months, it offers kindergarten classes for children two years and up.

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

Maple Bear Canadian International Kindergarten, Shop 7, G/F Alto Residences,
29 Tong Yin Street, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories, Hong Kong, 2813 4887, admissions@maplebear.hk, www.maplebear.hk

Nord Anglia International School (NAIS)

Nord Anglia has an Early Years Programme covering the Nursery and Reception years. It has a purpose-built campus in Sai Kung. NAIS uses a personalised play-based approach, taught by well-qualified UK-trained teachers.

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

NAIS, 285, Hong Kin Road, Tui Min Hoi, Sai Kung, Hong Kong, www.nordangliaeducation.com

Creativity Kindergarten

Creativity Kindergarten has been based in Hong Kong for over 30 years. It is a Christian-based school that follows both the EYFS and Reggio Emilia frameworks. The natural world is an important aspect of this preschool’s pedagogy.

Education Model: EYFS and Reggio Emilia
Language: English
Age: 2 to 6 years

Creativity Kindergarten, 61 Wu Uk Village, Tai Lam Chung, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, 2450 3363, info@creativity.edu.hk, www.creativitykg.edu.hk

More International Kindergartens And Preschools In The New Territories

Harrow International School – Offers early years education from K1 all the way to Year 13. www.harrowschool.hk
Jing Jing International – With students of over 20 nationalities, it offers unique PE classes and a diverse food menu. www.jingjing.edu.hk
Sai Kung Montessori – Set in Sai Kung town, this is a Montessori for kids from 3 to 6 years old. www.saikungmontessori.com
SKIP — Sai Kung International Preschool has a small leafy campus with lots of outdoor play facilities. www.skip.edu.hk
Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong – Offers full-day primary classes and a half-day nursery programme. www.shrewsbury.edu.hk
Zebedee International – Uses inquiry-based learning structured around the EYFS. www.zebedee.edu.hk

Prenursery, Kindergartens And Preschools On The Outlying Islands

Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten

At Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten, children learn by being hands-on with materials and activities with their peers. With teachers acting as guides, your child will be able to independently decide what they want to learn in a thoughtfully arranged classroom.

Education Model: Montessori
Language: English with Mandarin and Cantonese language programmes
Age: 18 months to 5 years

Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten, Units 12 and 13, G/F, Silverview Centre, 8 Ngan Kwong Wan Road, Mui Wo, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, littlelantaumontessori2015@gmail.com, www.littlelantaumontessori.com

Cheung Chau Sacred Heart Kindergarten

Cheung Chau Sacred Heart Kindergarten aims to cultivate children’s attitude toward independent learning and trilingual skills through nursery rhymes, songs, stories, discussions, games, dramas and reading. It offers the option of morning, afternoon or full-day classes from K1 to K3.

Education Model: EDB Local
Language: Chinese, with English and Mandarin language programmes.
Age: 3 to 6 years

Cheung Chau Sacret Heart Kindergarten, Tung Wan, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, 2981 0506, ccshkg@ccshkg.edu.hk, www.ccshkg.edu.hk

More Prenursery Classes, Kindergartens And Preschools On The Outlying Islands

Ecole Française Internationale de Lantau Ltd. (EFIL) – Offers programmes in French alongside English and Mandarin. www.ecole-discovery.com
Our Lady Of Lourdes Catholic Kindergarten – One of the few kindergartens located on Lamma Island, its class medium is Cantonese with English and Mandarin programmes. www.ololckg.edu.hk

Editor’s Note: The Best International Kindergartens, Pre-Nursery Classes And Preschools In Hong Kong was most recently updated in January 2023 by Najuka Redkar.

This article contains paid partnerships. Main image courtesy of Getty, image 1 courtesy of Getty, image 2 courtesy of ESF Language & Learning, image 3 courtesy of Woodland Pre-Schools, image 4 courtesy of Victoria Educational Organisation, image 5 courtesy of Mulberry House International Kindergarten via Facebook, image 6 courtesy of Greenfield International Kindergarten, image 7 courtesy of Getty, image 8 courtesy of CityKids, image 9 courtesy of Highgate House School, image 10 courtesy of Getty, image 11 courtesy of St. Catherine's Kindergarten, image 12 courtesy of Kentville Kindergarten, image 13 courtesy of Getty, image 14 courtesy of Leapfrog Montessori, image 15 courtesy of Getty, image 16 courtesy of Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten, image 17 courtesy of Getty.

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International Pre-Nursery, Kindergartens And Preschools In Hong Kong

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

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

Prenurseries, Kindergartens And Preschools With Locations Across Hong Kong

Woodland Pre-Schools – Learn-through-play curriculum

Yew Chung International School – Child-centred and multilingual program