The Best International Schools in Shanghai

Shanghai, recognized as an educational hub, hosts a diverse array of international schools, making it a pivotal choice for expatriate families. With over 45 international schools offering an extensive range of curricula including IB, British, American, among others, Shanghai international schools present a global standard of education. The city not only leads in the number of schools but also in the quality of education, with students consistently outperforming their international counterparts.

Opting for the right international school in Shanghai can be daunting given the variety and the high standard of education they promise. This article aims to guide parents through the process, highlighting key aspects such as curriculum diversity, class sizes, and the overall cost of education. It serves as a roadmap for navigating the rich educational landscape of Shanghai, ensuring families make informed decisions in choosing the best environment for their children's learning journey.

Concordia International School Shanghai (CISS)

Concordia International School Shanghai (CISS) stands out among the international schools in Shanghai for its comprehensive American curriculum, catering to students from Preschool 3 to Grade 12.

The school prides itself on nurturing students to become well-rounded individuals, embodying the qualities of Global Citizens, Servant Leaders, Spirited Athletes, Confident Artists, and Passionate Scholars.

With a primary focus on English, CISS ensures a diverse and inclusive environment, supported by Christian values, for students aged 3 to 18. This setting is not just conducive to academic excellence but also to the holistic development of students, making it a cornerstone for family success in Shanghai.

Key Highlights:

• Curriculum: Offers a rigorous American curriculum integrated with fine arts, a culture of making, and authentic learning experiences.
• Community: A diverse student body and faculty, with a friendly campus atmosphere emphasizing safety and inclusivity.
• Academics and Co-curricular Activities: Strong academic programs with a variety of courses, including cutting-edge subjects like social entrepreneurship and aerospace engineering. Extensive co-curricular activities, especially in elementary and middle school, enhance the learning experience.

Despite its high academic standards and STEM orientation, CISS maintains a balance by offering meaningful service learning programs and athletics, albeit with a noted emphasis on the latter sometimes overshadowing fine arts and music due to funding.

The school’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its overall rating of 4.50 out of 5, based on reviews covering various aspects such as facilities, academics, and teaching quality. However, it's important for prospective parents to note the rising tuition fees, a common trend among top-tier international schools in Shanghai.

Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong

Nestled in the vibrant Pudong area, Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong distinguishes itself as a beacon of excellence within the international schools in Shanghai landscape.

Part of the esteemed Dulwich College International network, it offers a dynamic and inclusive educational journey from Toddler (age 2) through to Year 13 (age 18), ensuring a seamless transition for students as they progress through different educational stages.

Curriculum and Programs:

• DUCKS: Toddler to Year 2, focusing on foundational learning with a dual language approach in Mandarin and English.
• Junior School: Year 3 to Year 6, expanding on core subjects with an emphasis on Global Citizens and Wellbeing.
• Senior School: Year 7 to Year 13, offering IGCSE syllabus followed by the IB Diploma Programme, renowned for its rigorous academic challenge and holistic development.

The school's commitment to providing a safe and effective learning environment is evident through its safeguarding policies and the emphasis on student wellbeing.

Co-curricular Activities (CCAs) play a significant role in the holistic education at Dulwich Pudong, with a staggering 94% of students engaged across 10 categories, each reflecting the College's values. This extensive program, which begins from Reception (age 5), is designed to push students out of their comfort zones, fostering leadership, interpersonal skills, and enhancing wellbeing.

The CCAs, led by teachers or students, are revamped each term, ensuring a dynamic and engaging selection that caters to the evolving interests of students.

Accredited by CIS, IBO, and WASC, Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong stands as a testament to academic excellence, offering a comprehensive range of programs including the esteemed IB Diploma Programme.

The school's academic selectivity, enhanced British curriculum, and a robust Mandarin program cater to a diverse international student body, preparing them for successful futures in a global context.

Shanghai American School (SAS)

Moving seamlessly from Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong, Shanghai American School (SAS) presents itself as another exemplary institution among international schools in Shanghai.

With two campuses, Pudong and Puxi, SAS offers a comprehensive educational journey from Early Childhood Education through High School. The Pudong campus, located at 1600 Lingbai Road, and the Puxi campus, situated at 258 Jinfeng Road, both boast state-of-the-art facilities including aquatic and performing arts centers, green screen rooms, and more, fostering an environment conducive to both academic and extracurricular excellence.

Key Features of SAS:

• Facilities: Aquatic center, performing arts center, recording studio, and more across both campuses.
• Programs Offered: Ranges from Early Childhood Education to High School, including Signature Programs like China Alive and Microcampus.
• Athletics and Activities: Over 100 activities available, emphasizing the Eagle Code of Gratitude, Respect, and Engagement, with SAS winning 123 APAC championships.

SAS prides itself on a strong community orientation, catering to students from 44 countries and emphasizing character development alongside academic achievement.

The school's robust offerings in technology, including newly designed spaces for the DREAMS lab and Robotics, alongside its commitment to safety with renovated facilities, underscore its dedication to providing a holistic education.

With tuition rates ranging from PK to grade 12 and a broad international presence, SAS stands as a beacon of educational excellence in Shanghai.

Nord Anglia International School Shanghai Pudong

Transitioning smoothly from Shanghai American School, Nord Anglia International School Shanghai Pudong (NAIS Pudong) emerges as a distinguished member of the Nord Anglia Education family, renowned for its fusion of British and IB curricula.

This prestigious institution, a beacon among international schools in Shanghai, champions English as the primary language of instruction, ensuring a comprehensive, global educational experience.

Key Aspects of NAIS Pudong:

• Curricula: Offers the English National Curriculum, IGCSE, and IBDP, catering to diverse academic needs and aspirations.
• Academic Excellence: Boasts over 20 years of outstanding results, with alumni gracing top universities globally.
• Class Sizes: Emphasizes smaller class sizes for personalized attention, contributing significantly to student wellbeing.

NAIS Pudong's commitment to enriching student life extends beyond academics, with over 140 co-curricular activities fostering leadership and teamwork. The school's collaborations with The Juilliard School, UNICEF, and MIT elevate the learning experience, integrating arts, global citizenship, and innovative thinking.

Facilities like the natural grass football pitch and indoor swimming pool underscore the school's dedication to providing a world-class environment. Moreover, the wellbeing and mindfulness program, deeply embedded in the curriculum, reflects the school's holistic approach to education, emphasizing character development alongside academic achievement.

Western International School of Shanghai (WISS)

Continuing the exploration of international schools in Shanghai, the Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) is a beacon of educational excellence in the city's western suburbs.

Renowned for its comprehensive International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, WISS provides an English-language education that is both enriching and balanced, emphasizing Academic Excellence, Sports, Arts, and Community Service. As an IB Continuum World School, WISS offers:

• IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)
• IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)
• IB Diploma Programme (DP)
• IB Career-Related Programme (CP)

WISS distinguishes itself with a vibrant student body representing over 50 nationalities and nearly 40 languages spoken, fostering a truly international community.

The school's commitment to providing a world-class education is reflected in its tuition fees for the academic year 2023/2024, starting from 元193,000 for the first year of enrollment for a two-year-old child in Nursery 2, inclusive of application and capital fees. The annual fees for subsequent grades vary, highlighting the school's investment in providing top-tier educational facilities and programs.

Situated at 555 Lian Min Road, Xujing Town, Qing Pu District, Shanghai, WISS is accessible for families living in the area. For further inquiries, interested parents can contact the school directly via phone at +86 (21) 69761038/1060, email at [email protected], or visit their website at wiss.cn for more detailed information.

Yew Chung International School Pudong (YCIS Pudong)

Building on the tradition of excellence among international schools in Shanghai, Yew Chung International School Pudong (YCIS Pudong) stands out with its unique blend of British and IB curricula, making it a top choice for families seeking a rich, bilingual education.

Founded in 1993, YCIS Pudong has cultivated a diverse learning environment where over 50 nationalities converge, creating a vibrant international community. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, the school ensures personalized attention, fostering a nurturing atmosphere for students.

Key Highlights:

• Curricula: British and IB, catering to a broad academic spectrum.
• Languages of Instruction: English and Chinese, promoting bilingual proficiency.
• Student-Teacher Ratio: An impressive 7:1, ensuring individualized student attention.

YCIS Pudong's commitment to academic excellence is evident in its 100% pass rate in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).

The school's co-leadership model, featuring Western Co-Principal Mr. Ryan Peet and Chinese Co-Principal Ms. Jane Sun, exemplifies its dedication to merging Eastern and Western educational philosophies. This approach enriches the school's curriculum, blending rigorous academic standards with a deep appreciation for cultural diversity.

With over 200 Co-curricular Activities (CCAs) available, students have ample opportunities to explore interests outside the classroom, from arts and music to sports and charity work, all designed to develop well-rounded, responsible global citizens.

The Best International Schools in Shanghai

Selecting the right international school in Shanghai involves understanding the diverse educational approaches and admission policies. Here's a closer look at some of the top schools:

• The British International School Shanghai, Puxi: Emphasizes a blend of British and IB curricula, with English as the primary language. This school is known for its strong academic focus and comprehensive language instruction.
• Wellington College International Shanghai: Offers British, International Baccalaureate, and international curricula. Wellington is celebrated for its holistic education approach, focusing on both academic and personal development.
• Fudan International School: Provides IB and American curricula with English as the instruction language, catering to students looking for a blend of Eastern and Western education philosophies.

Admission Policies:

• Some schools require a high proficiency in English, while others may have more flexible admission criteria regarding language skills. This variance underscores the importance of researching each school's requirements.

Extensive Options:

• Shanghai's international schools landscape is vast, including institutions like Concordia International School Shanghai, Dulwich College Shanghai, and Shanghai American School, among others. Each offers unique programs, extracurricular activities, and curricular focuses, ensuring a fit for every family's needs.

Parents are encouraged to delve into each school's offerings, considering factors such as curriculum, language of instruction, and admission policies to find the best match for their children's educational journey in Shanghai.