FAQ
1. What is Hong Kong Pacific School?
The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod (LCMS) is a global charity with a focus on education:
- founded Hong Kong International School (HKIS) in 1966
- owns the Repulse Bay Campus currently occupied by the Lower Primary and Upper Primary sections of HKIS (No. 6 and 23 South Bay Close, Repulse Bay)
- currently educates over 175,000 school-age students worldwide (preK-12), through its leading international schools in Shanghai and Hanoi and the schools of its US member congregations
The LCMS believes that in recent years under the management of Hong Kong International School Association Limited (HKISAL) – the company appointed by the LCMS to operate HKIS – HKIS has lost its way and no longer resembles the school the LCMS originally established for the Hong Kong community.
The LCMS has now commenced litigation against HKISAL due to its serious legal, ethical and governance concerns about HKISAL.
Please see further details in question 4 (about the LCMS’ concerns with HKIS’ governance) and full details in our Statement of Claim.
That litigation may result in the eviction of HKIS from the Repulse Bay Campus.
Accordingly, subject to the outcome of that litigation, the LCMS is preparing to establish and make Hong Kong Pacific School (HKPS) a new world-class beacon of educational excellence in Hong Kong if HKISAL is unable to satisfactorily address the LCMS’ concerns with the current management and operation of HKIS.
HKPS is the LCMS’ plan to ensure that (if HKISAL does not operate HKIS pursuant to its contract with the LCMS) the LCMS can fulfill its promise to Hong Kong when it founded HKIS: to operate a world-class, competitive, not-for-profit school, open to all, for the benefit of Hong Kong on the Repulse Bay Campus.
Please see question 15 (about how HKPS is not linked to HKIS) and question 16 (about the opening of HKPS).
2. Who is The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod?
The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod (LCMS) is a global Christian charity founded over 175 years ago with a long-standing commitment to education, service and community development.
The LCMS has been active in Mainland China since 1913 and in Hong Kong since the 1940s.
The LCMS established its first school in Hong Kong in 1953 and founded Hong Kong International School (HKIS) in 1966.
Today the LCMS educates over 175,000 school-age students (preK-12) through its international schools in Shanghai and Hanoi and the schools of its US member congregations.
The LCMS is the registered owner of the Repulse Bay Campus (No. 6 and 23 South Bay Close, Repulse Bay) currently occupied by the Hong Kong International School (HKIS) Lower Primary and Upper Primary school.
3. Why is the LCMS suing HKISAL? Will HKIS be evicted from the Repulse Bay Campus?
The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod (LCMS), as the founder of Hong Kong International School (HKIS) and the registered owner of the Repulse Bay Campus, has made the difficult decision to start litigation after years of sustained efforts to resolve its serious concerns with Hong Kong International School Association Limited (HKISAL).
Over the past years, the LCMS has sought to address what it believes are repeated and material breaches of the Operating Agreement (OA), the contract by which the LCMS appointed HKISAL to operate HKIS.
Following a thorough audit and investigation from 2022 to 2024, the LCMS alleges that HKISAL is acting:
- in repeated, ongoing, material breach of the OA
- in breach of HKISAL’s own Memorandum and Articles of Association
- in breach of the Companies Ordinance
- in breach of EDB guidelines and circulars
- in breach of HKISAL’s contract with the EDB
Please see full details in our Statement of Claim.
Accordingly, the LCMS has serious legal, ethical and governance concerns about HKISAL.
As a Christian organization, the LCMS views litigation as a last resort, but as stewards of HKIS’ founding vision, the LCMS believes it has a responsibility to act to preserve the integrity of HKIS, to ensure fairness, integrity and accountability in the governance of HKIS, and to meet the LCMS’ unwavering commitment to Hong Kong and the students of HKIS.
If HKISAL does not rectify the situation, the LCMS is preparing to evict HKIS from the Repulse Bay Campus and launch Hong Kong Pacific School (HKPS), which the LCMS believes is the most responsible path forward in the best interests of Hong Kong, its students, families and the community.
If it opens HKPS, the LCMS would create a world-class, socially and economically inclusive educational resource in Hong Kong for everyone, not just the wealthy, privileged few.
HKPS is not affiliated with, or licensed, sponsored or endorsed by, HKIS or HKISAL. The opening of HKPS and eviction of HKIS from the Repulse Bay Campus, are subject to several factors. Please see question 1 (about what HKPS is), question 15 (about how HKPS is not linked to HKIS) and question 16 (about the opening of HKPS).
4. What are the LCMS’ specific concerns with HKIS governance?
The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod (LCMS) founded Hong Kong International School (HKIS) in 1966.
The LCMS appointed a local company, Hong Kong International School Association Limited (HKISAL), to operate HKIS pursuant to a contract referred to as the Operating Agreement (OA).
However, the LCMS believes that in recent years under HKISAL’s management, HKIS has lost its way and no longer resembles the equitable, compassionate, supportive and generous school the LCMS originally established for the Hong Kong community.
The LCMS has serious legal, ethical and governance concerns about HKISAL.
Following a thorough investigation from 2022 to 2024, the LCMS alleges that HKISAL is acting:
- in repeated, ongoing, material breach of the Operating Agreement (OA)
- in breach of HKISAL’s own Memorandum and Articles of Association (Articles)
- in breach of the Companies Ordinance
- in breach of EDB guidelines and circulars
- in breach of HKISAL’s contract with the EDB
A summary of the LCMS’ concerns and allegations is below, but please see full details in our Statement of Claim.
Operating Agreement
The LCMS alleges the following major breaches of the Operating Agreement (OA) by HKISAL:
- Open to all
The OA requires: HKIS will be open to all children. Priority will be given to students of the greatest need of an English language education based on the American style of education
The LCMS claims: HKIS is open only to students of Hong Kong’s wealthy and connected elite - Head of School
The OA requires: the HKIS Head of School shall be a member of the LCMS and be appointed by and ultimately responsible to the LCMS
The LCMS claims: HKIS has been led by an “interim” Head of School since 2017, who is not an LCMS member. Despite the LCMS’ efforts to appoint a permanent Head of School, this important role continues to be filled on an interim basis. The HKIS interim Head of School is not accountable to the LCMS, working to fulfil the OA or sharing information with the LCMS - Values
The OA requires: HKISAL is required to operate HKIS and teach students, consistent with the constitution of the LCMS (which sets the values of HKIS)
The LCMS claims: HKISAL has repeatedly ignored the clear requirements of the LCMS constitution and the values on which HKIS was established - Operation
The OA requires: HKIS should offer an American model of education and operate like LCMS member congregation schools in the United States
The LCMS claims: HKIS operates for only a small, elite section of Hong Kong. LCMS member congregation schools in the US operate for the benefit of their students and community. They do not charge top of the market fees, invest in extravagant facilities or sell priority access debentures – or limit access to the wealthy and connected elite. Accordingly, HKISAL’s financial management of HKIS is contrary to the OA (see further below) - HKIS Chair
The OA requires: the position of HKIS Chair shall not be filled by the same person for more than three consecutive years
The LCMS claims: the current HKIS Chair has held the position since 2015, despite the LCMS’ repeated protests and requests for him to step down - HKIS senior staff
The OA requires: a majority of the senior administrators of HKIS are members of the LCMS or members in good standing in a congregation served by the LCMS
The LCMS claims: the overwhelming majority of HKIS senior administrators are not members of the LCMS. As of 1 September 2024, less than 1% of HKIS staff are LCMS members - Information and oversight
The OA requires: HKISAL to share information with the LCMS
The LCMS claims: HKISAL has repeatedly ignored or refused LCMS requests for information. As a result, the LCMS is prevented from properly supervising HKIS
Articles
The LCMS alleges the following major breaches of the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of HKISAL (the Articles) by HKISAL:
- Invalid appointment of HKISAL directors
The Articles require: LCMS approval for the appointment of any HKISAL director
The LCMS claims: HKISAL has repeatedly appointed directors without LCMS approval - Values
The Articles require: HKISAL to exercise its powers consistent with the LCMS constitution (which sets the values of HKIS)
The LCMS claims: HKISAL has repeatedly ignored the clear requirements of the LCMS constitution and the values on which HKIS was established
Financial mismanagement
The LCMS alleges that HKISAL’s management of its finances, as described below, is contrary to the OA, the Articles and EDB circulars / guidelines (No. 14/2015 and No. 5/2025).
Despite HKIS’ website stating that the HKIS “sustains its operations through tuition fees”, HKISAL, the company that operates HKIS, oversaw cumulative net operating surpluses of almost HK$800m (approx. US$97m) over the five years up to and including FY24 and a net operating surplus of almost HK$300m (approx. US$37m) in FY24 alone.
As of 30 June 2024, according to the audited financial statements of HKISAL, HKISAL had:
- financial reserves of more than HK$2.8 billion (approx. US$360m)
- current assets of more than HK$2.45 billion (approx. US$315m), being:
- HK$1.28 billion (approx. US$164m) in cash reserves; and
- HK$1.11 billion (approx. US$142m) in investments (including significant investments in private equity)
Notwithstanding these immense financial reserves, the LCMS alleges that HKISAL continuously demands more payments from parents, including regularly increasing school fees, selling priority access debentures, repeatedly seeking funding and donations (even in cryptocurrency) and charging student training and competition fees.
The LCMS argues that HKIS funds should be used to reduce school fees, expand the HKIS student population and/or provide significantly more scholarships and financial aid, all with the goal of sharing an HKIS education with a wider section of HK.
At a cost of over HK$1 billion (US$ 128m), HKISAL is currently building a new “Student Activity Center” including two gymnasiums, four tennis courts, a fitness center, an indoor golf simulator, a dance studio, indoor rock-climbing facilities and HKIS’ third indoor swimming pool.
Leadership
Pursuant to the Articles, approval from the LCMS is required for appointment of any HKISAL director.
The LCMS alleges that HKISAL has not sought approval from the LCMS for any of the recently-appointed HKISAL directors.
Nearly half of the HKISAL board of directors work in private equity, and a majority of them possess finance or legal backgrounds. There are no educators on the HKISAL board.
Transparency
The LCMS claims that HKISAL is legally required to provide the LCMS with information pursuant to the OA.
The LCMS alleges that HKISAL has consistently failed to supply required and requested information, and when information is supplied, it is frequently more than 18 months old or so brief that it is insufficient to allow proper oversight.
HKISAL’s actions undermine the LCMS’ authority and trust, compromising the LCMS’ ability to oversee and supervise HKIS.
The LCMS also claims that HKISAL directors have signed and filed one or more documents on behalf of the LCMS without authority or approval.
Companies Ordinance
The LCMS alleges that HKISAL directors have, in their operation of HKIS, breached section 645 of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622).
HKIS contract with EDB
The LCMS alleges that HKISAL has breached its contract with the EDB by failing to grant contractually-required scholarships.
Please note that this website reflects the views and opinions of the LCMS only. As of today, none of the claims herein have been tested in court; they are allegations only based on the beliefs and opinions of the LCMS. Please see full details of those claims in our Statement of Claim.
5. What does an eviction mean for students at HKIS?
The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod (LCMS) alleges that Hong Kong International School Association Limited (HKISAL), the company that operates Hong Kong International School (HKIS), has committed multiple, ongoing breaches of contract, Hong Kong law and EDB guidelines / circulars.
Please see further details in question 4 (about LCMS’ concerns with HKIS’ governance) and full details in our Statement of Claim.
If HKISAL does not rectify the situation, the LCMS is preparing to evict HKIS from the Repulse Bay Campus (owned by the LCMS).
If HKIS is evicted from the Repulse Bay Campus, HKIS would no longer be able to operate on that land.
Instead, the LCMS would establish Hong Kong Pacific School (HKPS) at the Repulse Bay Campus, reaffirming its original promise to the Hong Kong Government and community: to provide a world-class, competitive, not-for-profit LCMS school that is inclusive and accessible to all.
The LCMS is committed to minimizing disruption and ensuring that every student is supported with dignity, care and clarity. Accordingly, if HKPS is established:
- all current HKIS students and their siblings would be guaranteed entry to HKPS
- all current HKIS teachers at the Repulse Bay Campus would also have priority consideration for positions at HKPS
- HKPS would offer the same grade levels and small class sizes, and a similar curriculum and extracurricular activities, as HKIS at the Repulse Bay Campus
- HKPS fees would be lower than HKIS. We pledge not to sell any priority access debentures, and to grant significantly more financial aid
The opening of HKPS and eviction of HKIS from the Repulse Bay Campus, are subject to several factors.
Please see question 1 (about what HKPS is), question 15 (about how HKPS is not linked to HKIS) and question 16 (about the opening of HKPS).
6. Is the LCMS seeking money from HKIS or HKISAL?
No.
The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod (LCMS) is not pursuing monetary damages or seeking to extract any payment from Hong Kong International School (HKIS) or Hong Kong International School Association Limited (HKISAL) (other than reimbursement for a relatively small amount of third party costs the LCMS believes it is owed by pursuant to a binding legal contract with HKISAL).
Instead, the LCMS is prepared to make a significant investment in Hong Kong with the establishment of Hong Kong Pacific School (HKPS), should this be necessary.
As a global Christian organization, the LCMS’ sole interest lies in fulfilling its educational mission and restoring the integrity of HKIS, the school it founded.
The LCMS has deep concerns about HKISAL’s operation of HKIS. See further question 4 (about the LCMS’ concerns with HKIS’ governance).
If HKISAL does not rectify the situation and operate HKIS according to the Operating Agreement (OA), the LCMS is prepared to establish HKPS, subject to approval of the Education Bureau (EDB) and the outcome of the litigation.
HKPS will reflect the LCMS’ original promise made to the government and people of Hong Kong when it founded HKIS almost 60 years ago; to operate a world-class, competitive, not-for-profit school, open to all, for the benefit of Hong Kong.
The LCMS believes that:
- HKIS no longer resembles the school founded by the LCMS
- only families with the resources, background and connections to gain admission for their children are welcome at HKIS
- the true mission of HKIS is to be a community school
Accordingly, the LCMS pledges that if it opens HKPS, it will:
- charger lower tuition fees than HKIS, without compromising on quality
- not charge any “priority access” debentures, ensuring that admission is not influenced by financial contributions
- offer significantly more scholarships and financial aid, supporting families from all backgrounds to access first-rate education
- be open for all, not only the rich and connected elite
- reinvest any surplus into the school
Tuition fees are subject to approval of the EDB, and opening HKPS is subject to EDB approval and various other factors.
Please see question 1 (about what HKPS is), question 15 (about how HKPS is not linked to HKIS) and question 16 (about the opening of HKPS) .
7. Why are we only finding out about this now?
Hong Kong International School (HKIS) leadership has known about the possible eviction of HKIS from the Repulse Bay Campus since 2022.
The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod (LCMS) has spent the past years actively working to amicably resolve its serious concerns regarding the governance and direction of HKIS.
Given what the LCMS alleges are multiple, ongoing breaches of contract and Hong Kong law by Hong Kong International School Association Limited (HKISAL), the company that operates HKIS, the LCMS is left with no choice but to take decisive legal action to protect the integrity of the school and the well-being of its students and parents. See further question 4 (about the LCMS’ concerns with HKIS’ governance).
The decision to litigate was not made lightly – it represents an important step in fulfilling the promise the LCMS made to the government and people of Hong Kong when it founded HKIS almost 60 years ago: to provide a world-class, competitive, not-for-profit school that is accessible to all.
We understand that this news may come as unexpected to some families. We are committed to open communication, transparency and support throughout the transition. You can sign up for our mailing list here or reach us at contact@hongkongpacificschool.com.
If you have questions for HKIS or its leadership, please contact HKIS directly.
Please see question 1 (about what HKPS is), question 15 (about how HKPS is not linked to HKIS) and question 16 (about the opening of HKPS).
8. How will you address concerns of HKIS parents?
We understand that the litigation and the possible eviction of HKIS and transition to HKPS may raise differing viewpoints among families. We are committed to open, respectful and transparent communication.
If you have questions or concerns, or would like to share your perspective, we encourage you to reach out to us directly at contact@hongkongpacificschool.com.
We warmly welcome your questions and feedback as we work together to create an environment grounded in excellence, integrity and care.
In addition, we will:
- keep the community informed about the latest developments – please sign up for updates here
- update this website and FAQ to reflect new developments and address common questions
- host information sessions and forums to provide clarity, listen to feedback and engage in meaningful dialogue with families
For questions about HKIS, we encourage you to contact HKIS directly.
9. How do I receive updates about the litigation?
You can stay informed about the latest developments by signing up to receive updates here.
Please also continue to check this website for further updates.
10. Where can I find more information about the dispute concerning Hong Kong International School?
For full details, you can download the following:
11. Who owns Hong Kong International School?
The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod (LCMS) founded Hong Kong International School (HKIS) in 1966 and is the registered owner of the Repulse Bay Campus (No. 6 and 23 South Bay Close, Repulse Bay) currently occupied by the HKIS Lower Primary and Upper Primary sections.
HKIS was founded as part of the LCMS’ global educational mission, which today is educating over 175,000 school-age children worldwide (preK-12) through its leading international schools in Shanghai and Hanoi and the schools of its US member congregations.
The Amended Memorandum of Association of Hong Kong International School Association Limited (HKISAL) (the company appointed by the LCMS to operate HKIS) states that a purpose of that company is to manage the finance and business operations of HKIS “on behalf of its owner, The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod”.
The LCMS holds both foundational and fiduciary responsibility for ensuring that HKIS operates in accordance with its original mission and the terms outlined in the Operating Agreement (OA), the contract under which the LCMS appointed HKISAL to operate HKIS.
12. Who founded Hong Kong International School?
Hong Kong International School (HKIS) was founded in 1966 by The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod (LCMS) in cooperation and partnership with a group of American Christian businessmen in Hong Kong.
As a result of the LCMS’ success, experience and good reputation for establishing schools in Hong Kong, the Government of Hong Kong granted the leases of the Repulse Bay Campus to the LCMS.
The LCMS provided the majority of funding for the establishment of HKIS.
The LCMS has continued to support HKIS over the years by providing financial support, senior leadership and supervision.
Over generations of students, HKIS has stood as a testament to the LCMS’ long-standing commitment to education in Hong Kong and its broader mission to nurture students intellectually, morally and spiritually.
The LCMS appointed a local company, Hong Kong International School Association Limited (HKISAL), to operate HKIS pursuant to a contract referred to as the Operating Agreement (OA).
However, the LCMS believes that in recent years under HKISAL’s management, HKIS has lost its way and no longer resembles the equitable, compassionate, supportive and generous school the LCMS originally established for the Hong Kong community.
The LCMS has serious legal, ethical and governance concerns about HKISAL. Please see further details in question 4 (about the LCMS’ concern with HKIS’ governance) and full details in our Statement of Claim.
Accordingly, the LCMS is taking legal action against HKISAL and is making preparations to establish Hong Kong Pacific School (HKPS), so that the LCMS can keep the promise it made to the government and people of Hong Kong when it founded HKIS almost 60 years ago: to operate a world-class, competitive, not-for-profit school, open to all, for the benefit of Hong Kong.
Please see question 1 (about what HKPS is), question 15 (about how HKPS is not linked to HKIS) and question 16 (about the opening of HKPS).
13. Who are the directors of HKISAL? What are their backgrounds?
The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod (LCMS), as the founder of Hong Kong International School (HKIS) and the registered owner of the Repulse Bay Campus, appointed a company called Hong Kong International School Association Limited (HKISAL) to operate HKIS pursuant to a contract referred to as the Operating Agreement.
Pursuant to the Memorandum and Articles of Association of HKISAL (the Articles), approval from the LCMS is required for appointment of any HKISAL director.
However, the LCMS alleges that HKISAL has not sought approval from the LCMS for any of the recently-appointed HKISAL directors.
Nearly half of the HKISAL board of directors work in private equity, and a majority of them possess finance or legal backgrounds. There are no educators on the HKISAL board.
As a result, the LCMS believes the HKISAL board does not provide adequate leadership for HKIS which is aligned with LCMS values.
Please see full details in our Statement of Claim.
14. What does an eviction mean for HKIS staff at the Repulse Bay Campus?
We recognize that a possible eviction of HKIS from the Repulse Bay Campus may raise concerns, particularly for HKIS teachers and their families living in the 56 staff apartments on that campus.
If HKIS is evicted from the Repulse Bay Campus and The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod (LCMS) establishes Hong Kong Pacific School (HKPS) on that land, the LCMS will prioritize job applications from current HKIS teachers (subject to any contractual restrictions).
HKIS staff are free to choose their employer.
The LCMS is committed to handling this matter with sensitivity and care.
Please see question 1 (about what HKPS is), question 15 (about how HKPS is not linked to HKIS) and question 16 (about the opening of HKPS).
15. Is Hong Kong Pacific School affiliated with or endorsed by Hong Kong International School?
No.
HKPS (whether established or otherwise) is not affiliated with, or licensed, sponsored or endorsed by, HKIS or HKISAL.
Hong Kong International School (HKIS) is operated by Hong Kong International School Association Limited (HKISAL).
Upon opening, Hong Kong Pacific School (HKPS) would be operated by The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod (LCMS).
HKPS (if established) and HKIS are separate schools, notwithstanding that the LCMS:
- founded HKIS and would be the founder of HKPS (if HKPS is established)
- owns the Repulse Bay Campus at which the HKIS Lower Primary and Upper Primary sections currently operate, and at which HKPS may operate
If you are seeking information about HKIS, please contact HKIS directly.
16. When would Hong Kong Pacific School open?
The opening of Hong Kong Pacific School (HKPS) is subject to several factors including:
- the resolution and outcome of the litigation between The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod (LCMS) and Hong Kong International School Association Limited (HKISAL)
- the relocation of Hong Kong International School (HKIS) from the Repulse Bay Campus (owned by the LCMS)
- approval of the Education Bureau (EDB)
The LCMS earnestly hopes that HKISAL makes the necessary changes to operate HKIS in a way so that it is unnecessary for the LCMS to open HKPS.
Nonetheless, to ensure that the LCMS is able to live up to the promise it made to the government and people of Hong Kong when it founded HKIS almost 60 years ago (to operate a world-class, competitive, not-for-profit school, open to all, for the benefit of Hong Kong on the Repulse Bay Campus), the LCMS is taking prudent steps now to prepare for the possible opening of HKPS.
Please visit our website to stay informed with the developments or sign up for updates here.
17. What grades would Hong Kong Pacific School serve?
The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod (LCMS) is preparing for Hong Kong Pacific School (HKPS) to initially serve Upper and Lower Primary students from Reception 1 through Grade 5.
Please refer to the grade placement guide below:
| HKPS | American school system | Hong Kong local school system | Minimum age on or before August 31st of academic year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reception 1 | Pre-K | K2 | 4 |
| Reception 2 | Kindergarten | K3 | 5 |
| Grade 1 | Grade 1 | Primary 1 | 6 |
| Grade 2 | Grade 2 | Primary 2 | 7 |
| Grade 3 | Grade 3 | Primary 3 | 8 |
| Grade 4 | Grade 4 | Primary 4 | 9 |
| Grade 5 | Grade 5 | Primary 5 | 10 |
18. What would the Hong Kong Pacific School curriculum be?
Hong Kong Pacific School (HKPS) is preparing to offer a rigorous and holistic American-style curriculum that reflects the educational philosophy of its founder, The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod (LCMS).
Our curriculum is being designed to nurture intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and moral integrity, while fostering a deep sense of community and purpose.
Through inquiry-based learning and differentiated instruction, the LCMS aims to cultivate well-rounded individuals who are not only academically prepared but also socially responsible and spiritually grounded in the Christian faith.
We expect that the HKPS curriculum and extracurricular activities may be similar to that offered by Hong Kong International School (HKIS) at our Repulse Bay Campus, with an increased focus on community service, leadership and Christian values.
HKPS is not affiliated with, or licensed, sponsored or endorsed by, HKIS or Hong Kong International School Association Limited (HKISAL).
Please see question 1 (about what HKPS is), question 15 (about how HKPS is not linked to HKIS) and question 16 (about the opening of HKPS).
19. What facilities would Hong Kong Pacific School have?
The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod (LCMS), believes that building a strong foundation in a nurturing environment sets the stage for lifelong learning.
Our Repulse Bay Campus (owned by the LCMS and currently occupied by Hong Kong International School) offers world-class facilities for children aged 4 to 11, and would be home to the Hong Kong Pacific School (HKPS) Lower Primary (Reception 1 to Grade 2) and Upper Primary (Grade 3 to 5) section, subject to the Education Bureau’s (EDB) approval and the resolution and outcome of the litigation between the LCMS and Hong Kong International School Association Limited (HKISAL).
Please see question 1 (about what HKPS is), question 15 (about how HKPS is not linked to HKIS) and question 16 (about the opening of HKPS).
20. What would the Hong Kong Pacific School tuition fees be?
Consistent with its Christian, charitable nature and mission to promote educational equity, the pledge of The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod (LCMS) is clear: HKPS would be designed to offer a more affordable and accessible alternative to Hong Kong International School (HKIS).
Despite HKIS’ website stating that the HKIS “sustains its operations through tuition fees”, Hong Kong International School Association Limited (HKISAL), the company that operates HKIS, oversaw a net operating surplus of almost HK$300m (approx. US$37m) in FY24 and cumulative net operating surpluses of almost HK$800m (approx. US$97m) over the five years up to and including FY24.
As of 30 June 2024, according to the audited financial statements of HKISAL, HKISAL had:
- financial reserves of more than HK$2.8 billion (US$360m)
- current assets of more than HK$2.45 billion (approx. US$315m), being:
- HK$1.28 billion (approx. US$ 164m) in cash reserves; and
- HK$1.11 billion (approx. US$ 142m) in investments (including significant investments in private equity)
Notwithstanding these immense financial reserves, the LCMS alleges that HKISAL repeatedly requests donations from parents, increases school fees and sells “priority access” debentures.
The LCMS believes that HKIS no longer resembles an LCMS school, and that only families with the resources, background and connections to gain admission for their children are welcome at HKIS.
At a cost of over HK$1 billion (US$ 128m), HKISAL is currently building a new “Student Activity Center” including two gymnasiums, four tennis courts, a fitness center, an indoor golf simulator, a dance studio, indoor rock-climbing facilities and HKIS’ third indoor swimming pool.
The LCMS believes that:
- schools should not be run as a business
- the true mission of HKIS is to be an inclusive community school
Accordingly, the LCMS pledges that HKPS would:
- charge lower tuition fees than HKIS, without compromising on quality
- not charge any “priority access” debentures, ensuring that admission is not influenced by financial contributions
- offer significantly more scholarships and financial aid, supporting families from all backgrounds to access first-rate education
- be open for all, not only the rich and connected elite
- reinvest any surplus into the school
Our goal is to make a world-class, values-driven education available to all families in Hong Kong, in keeping with the founding vision of the LCMS.
Tuition fees are subject to approval of the Education Bureau (EDB).
Please see question 1 (about what HKPS is), question 15 (about how HKPS is not linked to HKIS) and question 16 (about the opening of HKPS).
21. Would Hong Kong Pacific School be a Christian school?
Yes.
Many leading Hong Kong schools are operated by Christian bodies (St. Paul’s Convent School, Diocesan Girls’ School, Diocesan Boys’ School, St. Joseph’s College, La Salle College, St. Stephen’s Girls’ College, St. Mary’s Canossian College, Marymount Primary School, etc.), as are many other international schools in Hong Kong and globally.
Similarly, if established, Hong Kong Pacific School (HKPS) would be operated by The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod (LCMS), a global Christian charity based in the United States. However, HKPS would not be a school just for Lutherans – it would be a Lutheran school open to students of all faiths and backgrounds.
Indeed, the LCMS currently educates over 175,000 school-age students (preK-12) through its leading international schools in Shanghai and Hanoi and the schools of its US member congregations, and also founded Hong Kong International School (HKIS) in 1966 as a Christian school.
While HKIS remains home to the Church of All Nations (an LCMS church congregation), the LCMS believes that in recent years under management of Hong Kong International School Association Limited (HKISAL), HKIS has lost its way and no longer resembles the equitable, compassionate, supportive and generous school the LCMS originally established for the Hong Kong community.
In making preparations to possibly establish another international school, HKPS, on the Repulse Bay Campus (owned by the LCMS), the LCMS is ensuring it can live up to promise it made to the government and people of Hong Kong when it founded HKIS almost 60 years ago; to operate a world-class, competitive, not-for-profit LCMS school, open to all, for the benefit of Hong Kong.
Please see question 1 (about what HKPS is), question 15 (about how HKPS is not linked to HKIS) and question 16 (about the opening of HKPS).
22. How do I apply for enrolment to Hong Kong Pacific School?
We are not currently accepting applications to Hong Kong Pacific School (HKPS).
The opening of HKPS is subject to several factors – please see question 16 (about the opening of HKPS).
The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod (LCMS) is committed to equal access to education and pledges that if HKPS opens, we will:
- not sell “priority access” debentures or
- not grant priority admission in exchange for any financial contributions
- offer significant scholarships and financial aid to support families in need to access world-class education
- welcome students and families from all backgrounds and faiths (or no faith)
- not give preferential treatment based on religious affiliation (or lack thereof)
- ensure admission to HKPS would be determined through a merit-based, all-rounded evaluation
Please visit our website for regular updates, and you can stay informed about the latest developments by signing up for updates here.
Please see question 1 (about what HKPS is) and question 15 (about how HKPS is not linked to HKIS).
23. Would Christian or Lutheran applicants have priority for admission to HKPS?
No.
Hong Kong Pacific School (HKPS) would not be a school just for Lutherans – it would be a Lutheran school for everyone, open to students of all faiths and backgrounds.
HKPS would not give preferential treatment based on religious affiliation (or lack thereof).
We believe that every child, regardless of faith or background, deserves access to an environment that nurtures intellectual growth, moral development and a sense of purpose.
Please see further questions 1 (about what HKPS is).
24. Would current HKIS students have priority for admission to HKPS?
Yes.
As a global charity with a focus on education and the founder of Hong Kong International School (HKIS), The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod (LCMS) is committed to minimizing disruption to students caused by any eviction of HKIS from the LCMS-owned campus at Repulse Bay.
Accordingly, if HKIS is evicted from the Repulse Bay Campus and HKPS opens on that land, all current HKIS students and their siblings would have guaranteed entry to HKPS.
Please see question 1 (about what HKPS is) and question 15 (about how HKPS is not linked to HKIS).
Important notes
- The potential opening of Hong Kong Pacific School is subject to various factors including the resolution and outcome of litigation between The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod and Hong Kong International School Association Limited and approval of the Education Bureau (EDB). Any fees charged by the potential Hong Kong Pacific School are subject to approval by the EDB.
- Hong Kong Pacific School is not affiliated with, or licensed, sponsored or endorsed by, Hong Kong International School or Hong Kong International School Association Limited.
- This website provides a summary of allegations made by The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod against Hong Kong International School Association Limited and is not a substitute for reading the full details of those claims made in the relevant Statement of Claim and reviewing the Operating Agreement and Articles, each available at www.hongkongpacificschool.com. This website reflects the views and opinions of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod only. As of today, none of the claims herein have been tested in court; they are allegations only based on the beliefs and opinions of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.
- Any reference to “Hong Kong” shall be construed as a reference to “Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China”.