Canadian International School of Hong Kong

CDNIS practices a selective admissions process in which students are assessed prior to entry into the school. Admission decisions are based on a careful assessment of each applicant’s age appropriate knowledge, skills and understandings as well as their social and emotional development. Successful applicants must demonstrate that they are capable of meeting the school’s high academic standards as self-directed and responsible individuals. The IB Learner Profile also helps to govern selection as we look for students who are caring, open-minded, balanced, and principled. Assessment Procedures: Early Years 1 Applicants need to have beginning English skills as determined through a small group interview with a teacher. Social skills and the ability to follow instructions in English are also part of this assessment. The interview will take approximately 45 minutes. Early Years 2 Applicants need to have basic English skills as determined through a small group interview with a teacher. Social skills and the ability to follow instructions in English are also part of this assessment. The interview will take approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Preparatory Applicants need to have the ability to speak in simple sentences and to understand and respond to a teacher's general instructions and questions in English. Social skills are also part of this assessment. The interview will take approximately 45 to 60 minutes in a small group setting. Grade 1, Grade 2 and Grade 3 Acceptance is based upon the results of a short written and verbal test specifically designed for the grade level. The test includes vocabulary, writing, reading, comprehension, mathematics, and speaking skills. Social skills and the ability to follow instructions are also part of this assessment. Grade 1 and Grade 2 will take approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Grade 3 will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Grade 4 to Grade 12 Acceptance is based upon the results of the Canadian Achievement Test, which is a standardized test to determine competency in English and mathematics based on the Canadian curriculum. Applicants may also be required to write a short piece about a prescribed topic. Grade 11 applicants only will write an additional math test to determine their math ability and background. Previous academic results and a Student Reference Form are also taken into consideration. The time for an admission test varies in length from 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

Assessment Procedures Nursery Assessments are held in January/February and on-site at the CDNIS Early Years Centre (residing in Hong Kong) or via video assessment (overseas candidates). Early Years 1 Assessments are held in November/December and on-site at the CDNIS Early Years Centre (residing in Hong Kong) or via video assessment (overseas candidates). Early Years 2 - Grade 2 Assessments are held in November/December and on-site at the CDNIS Nam Long Shan campus (residing in Hong Kong) or via video assessment/online interview (overseas candidates). Grades 3-5 Assessments are held in March/April and on-site at the CDNIS Nam Long Shan campus (residing in Hong Kong) or via an online interview (overseas candidates). Grades 6-12** Assessments are held in March to May and on-site at the CDNIS Nam Long Shan campus (residing in Hong Kong) or via an online interview (overseas candidates). **Regardless of the applicant's place of residence, Grade 8 and above candidates may only be scheduled for an online interview, at the school's discretion.

Many international schools in Hong Kong have waiting lists and demand is higher in the Primary school years. At CDNIS, we do have waiting lists at most grade levels in our Lower School. However, we encourage families interested in joining our school to contact our Admissions Department directly to find out more information.

The deadline to apply to CDNIS is different from the deadline in which students can register for the upcoming academic year. Students applying for entry into Nursery must submit an application between November 1-30 the year prior. Students applying for entry into Early Years 1 to Grade 2 must submit an application by October 2 the year prior. Students wishing to apply for entry into Grades 3-11, must apply by January 31 of the year they wish to enrol. Once a student has been accepted into the school, they may begin registration procedures.

Yes. As some students leave the school after the first term, or move to Hong Kong in the middle of a school year, students may join the school once the year has started.