Established in 1963, the French International School, Hong Kong (FIS) is one of the first international schools in Hong Kong and, by 1988, was the first in Hong Kong to be authorized as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. The school’s mission is to provide, together with families, a nurturing, culturally diverse community that inspires young people to realize their true potential as confident, independent learners and responsible global citizens with moral values and integrity.
FIS comprises one school with four sites: Chai Wan (CW) campus serves students in Nursery–Year 1. Jardine’s Lookout (JL) for Years 2–6 includes a soft playroom, a fitness and weights area, a gymnasium, and a swimming pool. At Tseung Kwan O (TKO) Nursery–Year 6 students enjoy a playroom, gymnasium, dance studio, swimming pool, and a 5-lane running track. Opening soon, the Blue Pool Road (BPR) campus serving Years 7–13 includes a multi-purpose room and gymnasium. FIS students also use facilities in the wider community, such as tennis courts, dedicated athletics stadiums, sports fields for team sports, and parks for orienteering.
Authorized by both the IB Organization and the French Ministry of Education, FIS is authorized to offer two academic streams: the French and International Streams, preparing students from Petite Section/Reception towards certification in the French national examination, the French Baccalaureate, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
As one of the largest international pre-K–12 schools in Hong Kong, FIS currently welcomes over 2,700 students representing over 40 different nationalities, 61% of whom are in the French Stream and 39% in the International Stream. About 6% of the teaching staff are from Hong Kong.
Depending on the grade level and campus, extracurricular offerings include athletics, computing/robotics, sewing, football, violin, mandarin, Legos, handball, yoga, chess, basketball, and arts.
FIS explores and celebrates the arts in all its forms: visual arts; writing; drama; dance; and music, which includes learning musical instruments and singing. Throughout the school year, students have opportunities to take part in visual and performing arts activities, either during or after class. Students celebrate and share what they have learned in annual Christmas concerts, orchestra, choir, and theatre performances. Each year, campuses transform into magnificent art galleries, displaying works created by primary and secondary students. Students in the French stream can also participate in the AEFE (The Agency for French Education Abroad) photo competition Asian Countries in Pictures and Words. Students may take part in considerable competitions for drama, speech, poetry, and debate.
Secondary athletes train and compete in football, handball, basketball, fencing, rugby sevens, swimming, athletics, and netball, due to the organization of the physical education department with several major Hong Kong sports federations. Sometimes, FIS athletes are invited to compete in meetings or matches organized in Hong Kong or abroad in swimming, rock climbing, football, volleyball, basketball, and athletics.
Each year, FIS organizes sports events for the entire community, such as Sports Day; Swimathon, a charity event; and Interhouse Competition, where four houses—the Phoenixes, Serpents, Pandas, and Dragons—compete across a range of sports. Each year, secondary students gather for the Sports Awards to celebrate and receive recognition.
FIS hires certified singles and couples of diverse profiles, including couples with a non-teaching partner and newly certified candidates. Teachers must hold an academic degree in the subject they will be teaching. As per government regulations, certified overseas teaching candidates up to the age of 60 may obtain a work visa.
The benefits package for those teaching abroad includes a competitive salary as well as an annual housing allowance. FIS not only contributes 5% to a retirement plan but also grants leaves for maternity, paternity, adoption, and marriage. Tuition and school fees are covered with a debenture exemption at 75% for each child. Worldwide health insurance is fully covered for international teaching staff and includes dental, long-term disability, and emergency evacuation. Dependents can be added at cost. The school provides opportunities for professional development: training online, face-to-face, locally, or overseas. Finally, there are local employment opportunities for non-teaching partners.
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Please note: The information presented about this school was valid on the date published. This information may change, and the most up-to-date information can be found on the school profile.
