Founded in 1966 by a group of American business professionals and the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, HKIS has served a growing and dynamic community for over 50 years. Watch the videos below and read our book for an in-depth understanding of who we are, and where we've come from. In 2026, HKIS will celebrated its 60th Anniversary. 

HKIS Flourishing at 50 - Then, Now + Beyond

In 1964, a Hong Kong-based committee of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) first submitted a proposal to have the school built. The Repulse Bay Lutheran Church and School Project conducted a survey of Americans in July 1964. The results showed the majority of respondents were in favor of establishing an American school, with 100 new families anticipated to arrive each year.  

The official groundbreaking for HKIS took place in April 1966, and the new Headmaster Mr. Bob Christian arrived. In September 1966, the school opened in an apartment in Chung Hom Kok, and a year later HKIS opened the doors of its own school building for the first time to more than 600 students. 

It became the first school in Hong Kong with a U.S. education program. The school facilities were completed in 1967, with the Church of All Nations also located on the campus. 

The Journey of HKIS

4 Decades of Expansion & Vision 

HKIS has been blessed, growing in just four decades from humble beginnings with one building and 700 students at its Repulse Bay original campus to four (and more buildings) on two campuses, with over 3000 students. 

To understand more about the history of HKIS, click below to read about HKIS's first 40 years.

For the best viewing experience, read on a desktop in fullscreen mode.

About HKIS

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About HKIS