Early Years

The school opened in January 1988 with 5 students, all of whom were enrolled in the kindergarten. Yet, within a few months the demand from concerned parents  for more grade levels resulted in the decision to expand to a full primary school for the academic year 1988- 1989.

By the end of the 1989-1990 school year the original premises in the Seng Vo building, were filled to capacity. The demand for new enrolments however, continued to rise. It was decided to acquire additional property on the fourth floor of the Lei San building as an interim measure while a more permanent solution was sought. This purchase was made with the assistance of a grant from the Education Department, individual patrons and bank loans. These premises were occupied for the school year 1990-1991 allowing the school to enroll approximately 200 students (a 100% increase over the preceding year). A 35% increase for the academic year 1991-1992 and a 29% increase for 1992-1993 brought the School of the Nations to a critical condition of overcrowding. To accommodate the influx of new students, in 1994 the school began to lease commercial properties and convert them to classrooms.

In 1997 all of Asia experienced a severe economic downturn. This also affected enrollment in the school. The decision was made to return all leased property, reduce overhead and limit enrollment to the number of students that could be accommodated in the properties belonging to the school.  From that period on the school has maintained a steady population of about 260 students. Unfortunately this has forced the school to turn away applicants at all levels.

Current Status

About 70% of the student population is from Macau while the other 30% represents approximately 35 different countries. The expatriate families represent the worldwide search and recruitment of specialists and experts needed by the private and public sectors of Macau for their continued expansion and development. For this reason the School of the Nations has received the full cooperation of the Education Department, the Economics Department and the Department of Immigration.

At the moment, due to Macau's special circumstances the school is located in three different residential buildings. The primary and secondary sections occupy the 4th floor of the Lei San building with a total area of 1600m². Physical education and other outdoor activities are carried out in the nearby facilities of a government school as well as public facilities where the School has access to basketball and mini-soccer courts and swimming pools. The pre-school section occupies the 1st floor of the Seng Vo Building with a total area of 500 m^2.