The International Montessori School (IMS) in Hong Kong is celebrating a quarter of a century of nurturing curious, independent learners through its Montessori curriculum and experiential learning approach. It’s also holding an open day at the IMS Stanley campus. Find out more about both below.
What does it take to educate little ones so that they’ll thrive in a rapidly changing world? It’s a question many parents are asking, especially with technology, AI and job markets continuing to evolve. While the world moves fast, what it takes to succeed remains unchanged. Marking the 25th anniversary of IMS, co-founders ANNE SAWYER and KARIN ANN highlight what truly matters: “Education must double down on what makes us human – going back to basics to nurture creativity, empathy, problem-solving, self-motivation and hands-on skills.”
25 years of Montessori learning in Hong Kong
The Montessori curriculum is known around the world, inspiring learning in over 22,000 schools. Sparked by a shared vision in 2002, IMS co-founders Anne and Karin brought this transformative approach to Hong Kong, establishing the city’s pioneer and leading bilingual Montessori school. Today, it has grown to nearly 1,000 students – making it one of the largest Montessori programmes globally. It offers a continuous educational journey from age one in toddlerhood through to age 14 in Middle School.
Anne and Karin say that this 14-year Montessori educational journey gives families stress-free educational continuity, allowing students to thrive within a consistent, nurturing philosophy throughout their formative years. To meet growing demand, the IMS Middle School has expanded its capacity, too, welcoming more elementary graduates into its programme.
Setting the foundation for success
Since founding the school in 2002, IMS’s core vision has remained rooted in Montessori’s child-centred approach. The aim is to encourage children to explore their world, nurturing curiosity, independence and essential life skills to truly prepare them for any future.
Karin further explains that while tools and technology evolve, hands-on, experiential learning remains the key to true mastery. “Guided by AMI-trained educators, children engage with concrete, tangible materials in a vibrant, mixed-age community, learning by doing rather than through passive instruction. This proven method ensures that they develop core human capabilities like adaptability, creativity, critical thinking and deep focus – qualities no technological shift can displace.”
Nurturing a love of learning
True preparation goes beyond teaching children what to know today; it means instilling an enduring love of learning for tomorrow. Anne shares a memorable reflection from a 2019 graduate:
“A pleasant surprise was how my freedom at IMS, which allowed me to do the things I wanted – write a lot of stories – now reflects in the things I like to do and the things I’m pretty good at. IMS helped me explore my passions and I’m not sure I would have been able to do that at any other school.”
By honouring each child’s innate curiosity and natural drive, says Anne, IMS ensures that learning never feels like a requirement, but rather a lifelong passion that follows them wherever they go.
From agency in action to future-ready leadership
Student-led learning takes centre stage as IMS celebrates its 25 years. The yearlong festivities kicked off with the unveiling of the official anniversary logo and merchandise, inspired directly by elementary students through a school-wide competition. The school says this creative process showcased the power of student voice at IMS, where young learners are given space to take the lead in real, visible ways.
As students move into Middle School, the curriculum continuously blends academic rigour with real-world, project-based learning. A prime example is the student-led Cosmic Café, a live commercial venture run entirely by Middle School students who take full ownership of market research, financial budgeting, digital ordering systems and daily operations. The school says that this hands-on approach does more than prepare students for the next grade; it actively shapes adaptable, human-centred leaders of tomorrow.
Mark your calendar!
Join the 25th Anniversary Flagship Open Day at the IMS Stanley Campus on Saturday morning, 10 October, to celebrate a quarter of a century of the first through-train bilingual Montessori programme in Hong Kong. Anniversary celebrations will continue throughout the school year, too – look out for the Community Family Fun Day, Alumni Homecoming and fundraising events to celebrate the milestone. Follow IMS on social media for event updates and registration details.
IMS has four campuses across Hong Kong Island, at Stanley, Mid-Levels, South Horizons and Aldrich Bay. The Middle School is at Phase III Ma Hang Estate, Stanley.
2566 7196 | [email protected] | ims.edu.hk
This article on The International Montessori School (IMS) in Hong Kong first featured in the Autumn 2026 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest mag or an annual subscription, or read the digital version for free now.
