Head of School Welcome

It is a great pleasure and privilege to welcome you to the Canadian International School of Hong Kong!

We are immensely proud of the reputation our school has established since its founding in 1991. CDNIS is an independent international school with currently more than 1,830 students and 300 staff, all united by the joy of learning, excellence in achievement, and shared values. Our student body represents more than 40 nationalities from Early Years 1 (3 years old) through to Grade 12. With all 15 grade levels coexisting on one campus, members of our community are able to form strong bonds and long-lasting relationships.

CDNIS has been a leader in international education since its inception 30 years ago and is now widely recognized as one of the world’s most innovative and cutting-edge institutions. Our future-ready programmes promote academic excellence, the development of character, and strong engagement both locally and globally. We are fully committed to the integration of Chinese language and culture with the Ontario curriculum and International Baccalaureate programmes, and are the only school outside of Canada where students graduate with both the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and the IB Diploma. Post-secondary institutions around the world recognize these two distinct diplomas for their rigorous assessment, and we are proud that CDNIS students graduate with both. Along with the focus on academics, CDNIS places a high degree of importance on the development of the whole person, which is supported by an exceptionally rich extra-curricular programme. Students are encouraged to maintain a balance between academics and extra-curricular opportunities, preparing them to thrive at the top post-secondary institutions they are admitted to around the world.

In 2022-23, we are excited to share three of our top strategic priorities for the year. Firstly, we have launched a new Mandarin/English Bilingual Programme alongside our international section in the Early Years, which we plan to increment year by year up until Grade 5. A Head of the Bilingual Programme has been hired to oversee this initiative, which has proved extremely popular so far with 90% of parents selecting this option. Secondly, we have recruited a schoolwide Director of Visual and Performing Arts, who is working closely with all our talented arts faculty to consolidate our inclusive arts programmes across all school divisions and create innovative opportunities for students to showcase their talents not only at school but across Hong Kong and beyond. Thirdly, we have enhanced and resourced our university counselling programme by hiring a Director and a dedicated team of professionals who each have regional expertise in placing students in competitive and highly sought-after universities.

In short, CDNIS is a school where all students can find their passion, be it in academics, the arts, athletics, community service, leadership, or wherever their interest lies. The skills students acquire at CDNIS will enable them to succeed in the world of the future where they can actively contribute to building a better, globally-focused and more peaceful world.

The best way to get to know the school is to come for a visit and discover why CDNIS truly is an extraordinary school where ideas live and breathe. Please contact our Admissions Department and learn why CDNIS is the right school for your child. We very much look forward to welcoming you!

Dr. Jane Camblin​​
Head of School