Kindergarten Curricula Compared: Local, Montessori, Reggio, IB & International

Kindergarten curricula range from local play-based to Montessori, Reggio Emilia, IB PYP and international programmes. This guide compares each approach and who it suits, to help you choose by philosophy.

Last updated: 9 May 2026

Kindergarten curricula can look bewildering, but they mostly come down to a few teaching approaches. Understanding them helps you choose a school that matches your philosophy.

Local curriculum (play-based)

Most Hong Kong kindergartens follow the EDB's Kindergarten Education Curriculum Guide — play-based, developing physical, language, social, emotional and cognitive growth as a whole, and discouraging drilled literacy. Chinese and English (sometimes plus Putonghua) are both emphasised.

Montessori

Emphasises self-directed learning: mixed-age classes, specific materials and a "prepared environment", with children choosing their own work at their own pace, and the teacher as a guide rather than a director.

Reggio Emilia

Interest-led project work, valuing observation and documentation, and treating the environment as the "third teacher". Creative expression and collaboration are central.

IB PYP (Primary Years Programme, used by some kindergartens)

Inquiry-based, built around transdisciplinary themes to develop questioning and thinking. Common at international and some private kindergartens.

International / non-local curricula

Often all-English and exploration- or play-based, serving local and international families, with higher fees. If you're considering progression to an international school, see Applying to international schools.

How to choose

Be clear on what you value: autonomy, inquiry, academics, or all-round development.
Visit in person and observe the classroom atmosphere and interactions.
Mind the transition to primary (language, academic expectations).
Compare by district in all kindergartens, alongside the other factors in How to choose a kindergarten.

A curriculum approach is just one piece — combine it with distance, fees and school culture for a complete decision.

Frequently asked questions

Is a more famous curriculum 'brand' always better?

No. Most local kindergartens in Hong Kong follow the EDB curriculum guide — play-based and developing the whole child. A curriculum approach (Montessori, Reggio, etc.) is a matter of style; whether it fits your child's temperament and your expectations matters more than its reputation.

What's the difference between Montessori and Reggio?

Montessori emphasises self-directed learning, mixed-age classes, specific materials and a 'prepared environment'; Reggio Emilia emphasises interest-led project work, documentation and the environment. Both are child-led, but the methods and materials differ.

If my child attends an international-curriculum kindergarten, must they go to an international school?

Not necessarily, but mind the transition. A child used to all-English, inquiry-based learning may need to adjust to an academically-driven local primary; if you plan a local DSE pathway, think through the language and curriculum continuity.

This guide is for reference only. Policies, points and dates can change each year — always confirm against the latest EDB and individual school announcements.

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