Exciting changes ahead for Hong Kong Academy

Hong Kong Academy (HKA) is a non-profit, International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum school that emphasises an inclusive, holistic education and strong sense of community. Offering year-round admissions, HKA is known for helping students excel both academically and through extracurriculars. We spoke with the new Head of School, Kasson Bratton, who joined HKA in August 2024, to learn more about his vision for the school.

Can you tell us about your career?

Though I’m from the United States, my career has largely been in international education. I began more than 20 years ago as a teaching assistant for the AmeriCorps “I Have a Dream Foundation” in rural Oregon, where I discovered my passion for teaching. After earning my Master’s degree in education, I embarked on an international journey with my family. We’ve lived in various countries, including Haiti, Scotland, Qatar, China, and now Hong Kong.

What attracted you to HKA?

I first learned about HKA when I moved to Nanjing in 2014. I even attended a conference at HKA around the time the campus opened. Over the years, through professional networks and exchanges, I gained a deeper understanding of the school’s ethos and community. When the opportunity arose to join HKA, it felt like a natural fit. Personally, I was also looking for a school where my son, now in Grade 8, could thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment during his teenage years.

What sets HKA apart from other schools?

HKA’s educational model is centred on belonging and inclusion, fostering academic success as well as holistic development. There is a common misconception that rigorous academics and inclusivity cannot coexist. However, HKA’s value-added proposition is that these elements are deeply interconnected. Our students achieve academic excellence within our IB Continuum programme, and they also excel in sports and extracurricular activities. In today’s world, where students often experience anxiety, the sense of belonging and social connection becomes critical. This focus on inclusion and belonging is not a compromise to academic standards, but rather a key driver for success.

How does HKA implement innovative and inclusive education?

Historically, inclusion in education meant providing access to the curriculum for all students. While that remains important, today we’ve expanded the definition to include identity, equity, and access. Movements like “Black Lives Matter” and “Me Too” have deepened this conversation. HKA was founded to offer a more inclusive approach to international education in Hong Kong, and nearly 25 years later, the school’s mission now revolves around fostering a sense of belonging—a fundamental human need and a vital condition for learning. Students are more successful when they feel like they belong, and this is what excites me as both an educator and a parent.

Have you identified any areas for growth at HKA?

We’ve highlighted several key areas for development, in line with our strategic priorities. These include promoting multilingualism, enhancing access to education through the Universal Design for Learning framework, and maintaining our role as an innovative hub for professional learning. Additionally, we are always looking for new ways to utilise the beautiful natural surroundings of Sai Kung to enrich our educational programmes.

What are your long-term goals?

My long-term vision for HKA is to continue breaking down misconceptions about inclusive education and academic rigour. I want families to understand that these can coexist. I also aim for HKA to remain a leading school in this regard, setting an example not only in Hong Kong but also in the wider region and beyond.

Join the Hong Kong Academy Exploration Day on October 19 to experience their teaching and learning in action, get admissions advice and ask questions. Tour their award-winning sustainable campus with current parents to get a sense of what it’s like to be part of the HKA community and how your child might benefit from an HKA education. All Exploration Day attendees are eligible for application fee waiver for applications submitted by November 4, 2024. Limited spaces available, register here. 

Hong Kong Academy, 33 Wai Man Rd, Sai Kung, 2655 1111