Yew Chung International School Kindergarten 2026 Guide: Curriculum, Bilingual Education & Admission
Complete 2026 guide to YCIS Kowloon Tong Early Childhood Education, featuring the unique co-teaching model, non-local curriculum, facilities, fees and admission process.
Yew Chung International School - Early Childhood Education
Yew Chung International School (YCIS), established in 1932, is one of Hong Kong's oldest international schools. The Kowloon Tong Early Childhood Education (ECE) campus provides quality international pre-school education for children aged 2 to 5, renowned for its distinctive Chinese-Western co-teaching model.
School Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | G/F & 1/F, 3 & 3A Somerset Road; G/F - 1/F, 22 Somerset Road, Kowloon Tong |
| District | Kowloon City |
| Phone | 2336 3028 |
| Website | www.ycis-hk.com |
| Founded | 1932 |
| School Type | Non-profit-making |
| Student Category | Co-educational |
| Curriculum | Non-local |
Teaching Team
YCIS ECE boasts a highly qualified teaching team, with all 10 teachers holding degree qualifications. Dr. Betty Chan Po King serves as School Supervisor, representing the core leadership of Yew Chung Education Foundation, while Ms. Terence Lo Siu Yung leads the daily ECE operations as Principal.
The teacher-to-student ratio is approximately 1:6.3, ensuring each child receives adequate individual attention and care. The school currently enrolls around 194 full-day students with a capacity of 83.
Co-Teaching Model: Balancing East and West
YCIS's most distinctive feature is its Co-Teaching Model. Each class is jointly taught by a Western teacher and a Chinese teacher, offering numerous benefits:
- Natural bilingual environment: Children are exposed to both Chinese and English through daily interactions
- Cultural balance: Both Eastern and Western cultures and values are equally valued
- Identity confidence: Children develop strong confidence in their cultural background
- Global perspective: Building foundations for future international development
This model enables children to learn languages naturally in an immersive environment rather than through isolated language classes, fostering genuine bilingual proficiency.
Curriculum Features
YCIS follows a non-local curriculum designed around:
Inquiry-Based Learning
- Child-centred teaching approach
- Encouraging curiosity and active exploration
- Learning through play and experience
Holistic Development
- Balanced development across cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical domains
- Individualised learning plans
- Respecting each child's developmental pace
Assessment Approach Individual observation and assessment through a developmental continuum ensures the holistic development of each child. This continuous assessment approach better reflects children's true abilities and progress than traditional testing methods.
Campus Facilities
The school provides the following facilities to support learning:
- Outdoor Playground: Ample space for physical activities
- Music Room: Dedicated space for developing musical interests and rhythm
Located in the tranquil residential area of Kowloon Tong, the campus offers a safe and comfortable learning environment for young children.
Student Support Services
The YCIS Student Support Services team works closely with teachers, families, and community professionals to identify individual needs and provide comprehensive support. The school also participates in On-site Pre-school Rehabilitation Services, offering appropriate support for children with special educational needs.
Home-School Partnership
YCIS places great emphasis on home-school collaboration, providing diverse engagement opportunities for parents, grandparents, and caregivers:
- Workshops and community events: Helping parents understand the curriculum and teaching philosophy
- Online individual learning documentation: Parents can track their child's learning progress throughout the year
- End-of-year reports: Detailed records of children's growth and development
- Regular parent-teacher consultations: Maintaining close communication
2026 Academic Year Fee Reference
| Fee Item | Amount (HKD) |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $970 |
| Summer Uniform | $821 |
| Winter Uniform | $1,729 |
| School Bag | $186 |
Note: YCIS is not part of the government's Kindergarten Education Scheme, so tuition fees are not subsidised. Please contact the school directly for the latest fee information.
Admission Application
For parents interested in applying for the 2026 academic year:
- Visit the school's official website for detailed information
- Attend school open days or information sessions
- Prepare application documents in advance
- Note the application deadline
Summary
With nearly a century of educational experience, a unique co-teaching model, and an international curriculum focused on holistic development, YCIS Early Childhood Education offers families in Kowloon Tong a premium pre-school option. If you want your child to grow in a truly bilingual environment while developing global perspectives and cultural confidence, YCIS deserves serious consideration.
Information updated April 2026. Please refer to the school's official announcements for the latest details.