Hong Kong offers an exceptional range of preschools and kindergartens, from play-based and Montessori environments to academically structured international programmes. For many families, particularly those new to the city, the process can feel surprisingly complex with different systems, timelines and philosophies to navigate.
The reality is that there is no single “best” preschool in Hong Kong. Instead, it’s about finding the right fit at the right stage; a place where your child feels settled, confident and curious.
Below, a considered guide to some of the best preschools and kindergartens in Hong Kong, along with a clear breakdown of how early years education works in the city.
The schools below are listed in alphabetical order rather than ranking, as the right choice will ultimately depend on your child, your priorities and what feels like the best fit for your family.
What is the difference between a nursery, preschool and kindergarten in Hong Kong?
One of the most confusing aspects for parents is the terminology, as different schools use these terms in slightly different ways.
Nursery typically refers to programmes for younger children, usually from around 6 months to 2.5 years. These are often play-based environments focused on social, emotional and sensory development, sometimes with caregiver participation.
Preschool is a broader term, generally covering children aged 2 to 5. It includes a wide range of approaches, from Montessori and Reggio Emilia-inspired settings to international early years programmes.
Kindergarten in Hong Kong usually refers more specifically to the formal K1–K3 system (ages 3 to 6). These programmes are often more structured and may follow either a local curriculum or an international framework such as IB or EYFS.
In practice, many schools offer a combination of all three, creating a continuous early years pathway under one campus.
Types of preschools in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s early years landscape is diverse, and understanding the main approaches can make the search far more manageable.
Montessori preschools focus on independence and self-directed learning, with children progressing at their own pace.
IB and international preschools introduce inquiry-based learning early, often linking directly to primary school pathways.
Local kindergartens (K1–K3) may place greater emphasis on structure and early academics.
Play-based and Reggio Emilia-inspired settings prioritise creativity, exploration and social development.
Bilingual preschools offer a balance of English and Mandarin, which is a key consideration for many families.
The best preschools and kindergartens in Hong Kong
Canadian International School of Hong Kong (Early Years)
CDNIS offers a thoughtfully designed Early Years programme that introduces inquiry-based learning in a calm, well-resourced environment. Classrooms feel bright and purposeful, with a strong emphasis on creativity, independence and social development. For many families, it provides a reassuringly clear pathway into the school’s full IB programme.
Best for: IB pathway from early years
Curriculum: IB Primary Years Programme
Location: Aberdeen
City Kids Preschool and Little Stars
Tucked into a historic red-brick building in Mid-Levels, City Kids has a charm that feels increasingly rare in Hong Kong. With over 40 years behind it, the school has retained a strong sense of community, where children, parents and teachers feel genuinely connected. Learning is play-based and inquiry-led, supported by a rich mix of frameworks including EYFS and Reggio Emilia, with daily access to outdoor spaces adding to its appeal.
Best for: Play-based learning, strong community feel
Curriculum: EYFS with Reggio Emilia influences
Location: Mid-Levels
English Schools Foundation (ESF) Kindergartens
ESF kindergartens are often one of the first options families explore, particularly those planning a longer-term international school journey. The play-based IB approach encourages curiosity and confidence, while the wider ESF network offers continuity through primary and secondary. The environment tends to feel relaxed but purposeful, with a strong focus on social development.
Best for: Through-train pathway, expat families
Curriculum: IB Primary Years Programme
Locations: Multiple campuses
Fairchild Canadian Academy
Fairchild offers a warm, multicultural environment where learning is driven by curiosity and exploration. Rooted in the Reggio Emilia approach, children engage with natural materials and thoughtfully designed spaces that encourage creativity and independence. The atmosphere is lively yet nurturing, with a strong emphasis on communication between school and home.
Best for: Reggio Emilia approach, creative learning
Curriculum: Reggio Emilia + Ontario framework
Locations: Sai Ying Pun, Tin Hau
French International School (Kindergarten)
The early years at FIS reflect the school’s broader international outlook, with both French and English streams available. Early Years education is offered at its Chai Wan and Tseung Kwan O campuses, providing families with flexible location options. Children are introduced to language naturally through daily interaction, creating a genuinely bilingual environment. The community feels diverse and outward-looking, which many globally mobile families find reassuring.
Best for: Multilingual early education
Curriculum: French or English early years curriculum
Locations: Chai Wan, Tseung Kwan O
Harrow Little Lions Kindergarten
Harrow Little Lions Kindergarten offers a purpose-built early years environment designed specifically for children aged three to five. The setting feels calm, structured and thoughtfully considered, with a strong emphasis on pastoral care and individual development from the outset. Following the bespoke Little Lions Curriculum, aligned with the UK Early Years Foundation Stage, learning balances guided activities with extended periods of play, allowing children to build confidence, independence and early academic skills at their own pace. English is the primary language of learning, supported by Mandarin, while outdoor play and creative exploration are woven into the daily rhythm. For many families, the added benefit of a priority pathway into Harrow International School Hong Kong provides a clear and reassuring next step.
Best for: British pathway, structured early years, Harrow pathway
Curriculum: Little Lions Curriculum (aligned with UK EYFS)
Location: Kowloon Bay
Hong Kong Academy
Hong Kong Academy’s early years programme reflects its wider ethos of inclusion and belonging. The setting feels open and welcoming, with a strong emphasis on relationships and emotional development alongside academics. Its Sai Kung location also allows for more outdoor exploration, creating a more relaxed and balanced learning environment.
Best for: Inclusive environment, holistic development
Curriculum: IB Primary Years Programme
Location: Sai Kung
ICHK Kindergarten
ICHK’s kindergarten offers a different pace to early years education in Hong Kong, shaped by its strong forest school foundation. Set within the green surroundings of Tai Po, outdoor learning is central to daily life, with children regularly exploring nature through hands-on experiences such as gardening and environmental discovery. As Hong Kong’s first Forest Schools Leadership Centre, the school emphasises confidence, resilience and independence through time spent outdoors. This is balanced by a structured, play-based approach that feeds into the IB Primary Years Programme, creating an environment that feels both grounded and academically purposeful.
Best for: Outdoor learning, nature-led education
Curriculum: IB Primary Years Programme
Location: Tai Po
Malvern College Pre-School Hong Kong
Malvern’s pre-school combines inquiry-based learning with a strong focus on wellbeing and communication. The environment feels calm and thoughtfully designed, with an emphasis on developing confident, independent learners. Its global network and IB pathway add to its appeal for internationally minded families.
Best for: IB pathway, modern environment
Curriculum: IB Primary Years Programme
Locations: West Kowloon, Sai Ying Pun
Norwegian International School (Kindergarten)
Norwegian International School offers a nurturing, community-led early years experience with a noticeably more intimate feel. Rooted in a Christian ethos, it emphasises kindness, respect and compassion while remaining inclusive of all families. Outdoor play and relationships are central, helping children settle quickly and build confidence.
Best for: Nurturing environment, values-led education
Curriculum: Play-based / IPC
Location: Tai Po
Small World Christian Kindergarten
Small World has built a loyal following over nearly 40 years, known for its warm, family-like community and values-led approach. Learning is play-based and inquiry-driven, supported by the International Early Years Curriculum, with Christian values gently woven into daily life. Its historic Mid-Levels campus and outdoor spaces add to its distinctive charm.
Best for: Faith-based nurturing environment
Curriculum: IEYC
Location: Mid-Levels
The International Montessori School (IMS)
IMS offers a calm, structured Montessori environment where children develop independence and focus from an early age. Classrooms are purposeful and thoughtfully designed, allowing children to engage deeply with activities at their own pace, with bilingual learning integrated naturally throughout.
Best for: Montessori, independence, bilingual learning
Curriculum: Montessori (English and Putonghua)
Locations: Multiple campuses
Best preschools in Hong Kong by category
- Best for IB pathway: CDNIS, ESF, Malvern, HKA
- Best for Montessori: IMS
- Best for bilingual learning: SISHK, FIS
- Best for outdoor learning: ICHK, Norwegian International School
- Best for creative/play-based: City Kids, Fairchild
- Best for nurturing environments: Norwegian International School, Small World
Preschool fees in Hong Kong
Preschool fees in Hong Kong vary widely depending on curriculum, facilities and reputation, typically ranging from around HK$90,000 to HK$180,000+ per year.
Additional costs such as debentures, uniforms, school buses and extracurricular activities can significantly increase the overall investment, so it’s worth factoring these in early.
When to apply for preschools in Hong Kong
Applications often open one to two years in advance, with peak season between September and January. Waiting lists are common, particularly for well-known schools, so early planning is key.
How to choose the right preschool
At this stage, the environment matters more than academics. Visiting schools, observing how teachers interact with children and getting a feel for the atmosphere can be far more telling than curriculum alone.
The right preschool is usually the one where your child feels comfortable, engaged and happy to return the next day.
*Lead image credit: Small World Christian Kindergarten
