YEW CHUNG Children's House (Somerset Road) - Kowloon Tong International Kindergarten 2026 Guide
Established in 1932, YEW CHUNG Children's House (Somerset Road) offers quality bilingual international curriculum with Reggio Emilia approach and inquiry-based learning. Complete guide to school features, facilities, teaching staff, fees, and 2026 admission information.
YEW CHUNG Children's House (Somerset Road) is located in the heart of Kowloon Tong and is one of Hong Kong's oldest international kindergartens. Since its establishment in 1932, the school has maintained a commitment to high-quality bilingual education, providing children aged 2-6 with a learning environment that integrates the best of Eastern and Western educational philosophies.
School Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1932 (Nearly a century of history) |
| School Type | Non-profit-making Kindergarten |
| Curriculum Type | Non-local (International Curriculum) |
| Student Category | Co-educational |
| Address | 20 Somerset Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon |
| Phone | 2336 8255 |
| Website | www.ycis-hk.com |
YEW CHUNG Children's House does not participate in Hong Kong's Free Quality Kindergarten Education Scheme and operates as a private international school, offering an independent international curriculum.
Curriculum Philosophy & Teaching Features
Inquiry-Based Learning & Reggio Emilia Approach
YEW CHUNG adopts an inquiry-based play curriculum infused with the essence of the Reggio Emilia approach. This teaching model emphasizes:
- Child-Initiated Learning: Learning experiences emerge from children's play and inquiry, rather than preset curriculum
- Long-term Project Work: In-depth projects developed according to children's skills and interests to foster sustained exploration
- Holistic Development: Covering all areas including personal, social, emotional, communication, language, cognitive, physical, and aesthetic development
- Environmental Education: Strong focus on children's connection with nature and the surrounding community, providing a healthy and sustainable learning environment
Unique Co-Teaching Model
The school implements a Western and Chinese Co-Teacher system, with each class staffed by both a foreign teacher and a Chinese teacher, creating a bilingual learning environment where both languages are equally valued. Benefits of this model include:
- Natural exposure to both Chinese and English languages
- Developing confidence in identity and language
- Easy transition between cultures and languages
- Preparation for success in a globalized future
Teaching Staff
YEW CHUNG Children's House (Somerset Road) maintains excellent teaching standards:
- Total Staff: 11 members
- Degree-Holding Teachers: 100% (All teachers hold degree qualifications)
- Teacher-Student Ratio: 1:5.7 (Well above Hong Kong's average standard)
This low teacher-student ratio ensures every child receives adequate attention and individualized guidance.
Facilities & Learning Environment
Located in the premium Kowloon Tong community, the school offers:
- Outdoor Playground: Ample outdoor activity space for children
- Music Room: Dedicated space for music teaching and activities
- Indoor Learning Environment: Exploration-based learning spaces designed according to Reggio principles
The school capacity is 120 students, ensuring each child can learn and grow in a comfortable environment.
Student Support & Assessment
Individualized Support Services
YEW CHUNG has a professional Student Support Services team that works closely with teachers, families, and community professionals to:
- Identify individual learning needs
- Provide comprehensive support plans
- Participate in the government's "On-site Pre-school Rehabilitation Services" program
Continuous Assessment
The school employs a developmental continuum observation and assessment system to continuously monitor each child's learning progress:
- Individual observation records
- Online individual learning documentation throughout the year
- End-of-year reports
- Regular parent-teacher consultations
Home-School Partnership
YEW CHUNG places great emphasis on home-school collaboration, offering diverse channels for parent participation:
- Workshops for parents, grandparents, and caregivers
- Regular community events
- Regular parent-teacher consultations
- Year-round online learning documentation platform
2026-27 School Year Fee Reference
According to information published by the Education Bureau for the 2025-26 school year, fees at YEW CHUNG Children's House (Somerset Road) are as follows:
| Item | Full-Day Programme Fee |
|---|---|
| Nursery | $233,442/year (11 instalments of $21,222 each) |
| K1 | $241,857/year (11 instalments of $21,987 each) |
| Meal Charge | $7,359/year (11 instalments of $669 each) |
Other Fees
- Application Fee: Free
- Registration Fee: $970
- Summer Uniform: Approx. $821
- Winter Uniform: Approx. $1,729
- School Bag: Approx. $186
- Textbooks, Workbooks & Stationery: Not applicable
Important Notice: The above fees are for reference only. Actual fees are subject to the school's latest announcements. Parents are advised to contact the school directly for the most current fee details for the 2026-27 school year.
PN Class (Pre-Nursery)
YEW CHUNG offers Pre-Nursery (PN Class) for children aged 2-3. Parents interested in enrolling younger children should contact the school early to inquire about availability and application details.
Suitable For
YEW CHUNG Children's House (Somerset Road) is particularly suitable for families who:
- Value bilingual education and international perspectives
- Support inquiry-based learning and child-led education philosophy
- Want their children to grow in a low teacher-student ratio environment
- Plan for children to continue in international schools or overseas education
- Can afford international school tuition levels
2026 Admission Application Recommendations
As YEW CHUNG is a popular international kindergarten, parents are advised to:
- Early Preparation: Start researching and preparing at least one year in advance
- Attend Open Days: Experience the school environment and teaching philosophy firsthand
- Prepare Documents: Birth certificate, immunization records, parent identification, etc.
- Understand Interview Process: Some international schools arrange parent and child interviews
- Waiting List: If not admitted in the first round, consider applying for the waiting list
Contact School
- Address: 20 Somerset Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon
- Phone: 2336 8255
- Fax: 2336 8258
- Website: www.ycis-hk.com
Parents are recommended to arrange a visit by phone or through the school website to personally experience this historic international kindergarten.
References
- Hong Kong Education Bureau - Kindergarten Profiles 2025/26
- Education Bureau - Kindergarten Fee Information
Information in this article is current as of April 2026. Fees and curriculum information are compiled based on Education Bureau data for the 2025-26 school year. As international school fees and curriculum may be adjusted, parents are advised to contact the school directly for the latest admission information and confirmed fees for the 2026-27 school year.