History

International Christian School Hong Kong (ICS HK) was founded in 1992 with an initial enrollment of 56 students. Today, ICS HK has 1,200+ students on two campuses and 120+ teachers. It is well known around the region for heartfelt service, rigorous academics, and a proven pipeline to the world’s top universities. 

Background

Tami and I had the privilege of serving at ICS HK from 2019-2022. What were you doing during those three school years? We were navigating protests, the pandemic, a combined total of 42 weeks of online learning, and quarantines on summer break. Despite these experiences, we love Hong Kong. Even though there were challenges while we lived in Hong Kong, God faithfully provided incredible students, iron sharpening friendships, a wonderful community group and church. 

One of the goals when designing our Adventure Year was to spend six weeks visiting friends around the world. We’re grateful that our good friends, Will Schroeder (Middle School Principal) and Dr. Kiel Nation (High School Principal) made it possible for our family to stay on campus. It’s one thing to visit a school for the day, it’s quite another to stay on the top floor! This provided ‘top row’ access to the new initiatives and dynamic educators serving at ICS HK.  

Highlights

One of the most notable highlights from my visit were the branding upgrades. This process started under previous leadership and has helped spaces to be more welcoming, well-lit, and aligned with school branding. The new logo and color scheme are on display throughout the school including on numerous inspirational bible verse murals. 

Like many international schools around the world in recent years, ICS HK has increased its awareness for child safety and security. Their initiatives include improved reporting procedures, identification badges, and entrance turnstiles which have helped to increase the safety of their students and families.  

Head of Schools, Nick Seward has served at ICS HK since 2023 and is leading the school toward classical education. Nick is a highly intelligent and humble leader who is skilled at identifying talented colleagues and positioning them for the benefit of the school. I enjoyed learning from Nick about the merits of classical education, the strengths of his leadership team, and his vision for a flourishing future at ICS HK. In my experience, I know I’m sitting down with a leader worth listening to when they highlight the successes and growth of their team instead of themselves. Nick is a great example in this regard, he trusts and empowers his leadership team to lead wisely according to the school’s strategic initiatives. 

The best part about visiting ICS HK was connecting with our friends. God blessed us with three years at ICS HK full of deep and encouraging relationships. In the coming months I plan to write an article featuring our wonderful educator friends around the world. In the meantime, I will say that it is an honor to have worked with and continue to be connected to such passionate and gifted educators and leaders. I know that no one teacher can ‘make a school’, it takes a whole community, yet I know that without these committed educators this school would not be as successful.  

3 Key Takeaways

• All About The People: Strategically hiring for cultural fit fosters healthy school culture. It sounds simple, but it requires intentional design. When was the last time that you updated your hiring practices to align with your school’s desired culture? 
• Build Up Teachers: Improve teaching quality with scaffolded coaching and peer observation processes. What is your school’s teaching focus for this school year and how does it connect with your strategic plan? 
• Change Requires Character: High character leaders are committed to fostering meaningful change despite inevitable difficulties. How does your character and consistency show through in the way that you lead change? 

Build culture, unlock potential. Visit my Connect Page or send a message on LinkedIn. 

Stay tuned for more international school visits – up next Hong Kong International School!

Peace & Blessings, 

– Josiah