Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a Capital Charge mandatory?
The school's Capital Charges program is designed to position THS as a leader in Hong Kong's educational landscape. Founded in 2007, THS has grown into a respected institution without relying on outside financial support, including any endowment or access to government or commercial lending. By distributing the cost of facilities across all families, we are able to support the development of state-of-the-art, 21st-century facilities that align with our mission. At the same time, we keep charges affordable for a wide range of families and offer a waiver program to ensure that no student is excluded from our community due to financial need.
Does THS return the Capital Charge when my family leaves the school?
Corporate Admissions Rights are held in perpetuity. Green Admissions Rights may be transferred to another community organization (such as an NGO, school, consulate, or club) on mutually agreed terms, subject to school approval and a transfer fee. Family Admissions Rights depreciate annually according to a fixed schedule based on the number of years a child is enrolled at the school and the holder may request redemption at the depreciated value (or donate the remaining value). Family Admissions Rights holders should note that such redemptions are subject to the availability of funds within the school’s capital program and may take several years to process. Capital Levies are non-refundable.
What happens when my oldest child graduates?
If you’ve only bought one Capital Charge, but have more than one child at THS, when your first child graduates the Capital Charge will be automatically transferred to your second child. You will not be charged any transfer fees.
Can I receive a tax deduction?
Buying a Capital Charge will not entitle you to receive a tax deduction. However, when leaving the school, there is an opportunity for those who have bought Capital Charges to contribute to the School’s future fundraising needs. At the end of their time at the School, families will be asked to consider donating the net proceeds of the Capital Charge to the School. This could then be treated as a gift under Hong Kong, US and other tax codes.
Will my employer pay for my Capital Charge?
While salary and benefit packages vary from employer to employer, in many cases employers paying tuition and other school fees will also pay for Capital Charges if they are mandatory.
If my employer pays for an Admissions Right, who owns it?
Whoever pays for the Admissions Right will become the registered holder. The Admissions Right will indicate the name of the student for whom it was purchased. When the student leaves the school, any capital returned will go to the registered holder.
Can my employer transfer my Capital Charge to a new family when mine leaves?
Corporate Admissions Rights and Green Admissions Rights that are not being used may be assigned to a new family. Family Admissions Rights are family specific charges, and may only be used for one family. If a company wishes to change the family covered by a Family Admissions Right, they are required to purchase a new Family Admissions Right (while exchanging the old one).
What if my employer holds my Admissions Right and I change jobs?
You will continue to be covered for the remainder of the current school year after which you'll be required to pay the school's Capital Levy. Your employer will be able to release the Capital Charge it holds.
What if I can't pay for the Family Admissions Right at one time? How does paying over time work?
Families can purchase a Family Admissions Right over time. A 33% down-payment will be required, with the remainder due in two equal payments over the next year. Until the Family Admissions Right is paid in full, the family will still need to pay the capital levy.
If I only buy one admissions right, but have more than one child, what fees do I have to pay?
For each child who is not covered by an Admissions Right, the family will need to pay the capital levy. Families also need to pay other applicable school fees for all children, regardless of how many Admissions Rights are purchased.
How will the Capital Charges be used?
Proceeds from the issuance of these Other Charge instruments will be applied exclusively toward long-term capital investments that strengthen the school’s educational facilities and programs. Specifically, funds will be allocated to: (i) the acquisition, construction, financing, and payment of educational facilities, including major building works and right-of-use assets; (ii) critical emergency repairs and major maintenance works necessary to preserve and extend the useful life of school facilities; (iii) capitalized transaction costs directly attributable to capital projects, including legal, professional, and consultancy services; (vi) the development of proprietary curriculum and educational programming, capitalized as intangible assets to support the school’s academic mission over multiple years; and (vii) a capital contingency reserve to address unforeseen costs related to approved capital projects, emergency repairs, regulatory changes, cost-overruns, or long-term asset preservation. All expenditures are designed to build durable institutional value and ensure the long-term operational, educational, and financial stability of the school.
How does THS raise money from companies?
While individual donations and the sale of Family Admissions Rights provide an important source of funds for the School, we would not have been successful without significant support from our corporate partners. To date, several blue chip companies have purchased Capital Charges as part of their executive employee benefits program. Unlike Family Admissions Rights, Corporate Admissions Rights provide preferential access to school places, similar to that enjoyed today by siblings of current students. Admission will still be subject to approval of the Head of School and the existence of open places and support. Only a strictly limited number of Corporate Admissions Rights will be issued.
As well as enjoying priority placement into the school, Corporate partnerships benefit in less tangible, but also valuable ways, such as providing continuing education for corporate employees, using corporate employees as visiting experts in the school, working together on joint community service projects, etc.
What is the relationship between The Harbour School Foundation (which collects the Capital Charges) and The Harbour School?
The Harbour School Foundation is the parent company and Sponsoring Body of The Harbour School group companies.
What are Green Admissions Rights and how do they differ from Corporate Admissions Rights?
Green Admissions Rights are intended to be held by NGOs, schools, societies, consulates, clubs and chambers. Green Admissions Rights are offered on more favorable terms to these organizations that serve the Hong Kong community.
