Shanghai Â黨ÊÓƵ Schools
There are 40 international schools in Shanghai and the surrounding area, with 17 British schools, 21 IB schools in Shangai and 8 American schools. Most are English speaking and some are bi and multi-lingual.
Shanghai
Situated at the mouth of the China’s longest river, the Yangtze, Shanghai is an ancient settlement with its earliest origins dating back to 5,000 BC. By around 600 AD Shanghai had become one of China’s principal trading ports with population levels continuing rise to a current estimate of around 26 million. Today Shanghai is a thriving, innovative, global financial hub and cultural centre, currently ranked as the third largest city in the world in terms of population density and area. Often nicknamed the Pearl of the Orient or Oriental Paris, Shanghai rivals London, Paris and New York in terms of its modernity and has a unique blend of Eastern and Western culture and architectural styles.
Transport
Shanghai is well served by public transport, consisting of buses, trolley buses, trains, taxis and the metro system, which can all be conveniently paid for using the contactless Shanghai Public Transportation Card. The Shanghai Metro is the longest in the world with an extensive 644 km network of tunnels and tracks radiating beneath the city. Shanghai is also home to the fastest train in the world, the Shanghai Maglev, connecting downtown Shanghai to Pudong Â黨ÊÓƵ Airport.
Entertainment and dining out
Shanghai has a vibrant and colourful gastronomic and entertainment scene with everything from a growing number of Michelin starred restaurants to an abundance of delicious street food, patisseries, hipster cafés, micro breweries, cocktail bars, dive bars, clubs with world renowned guest DJs, live music venues, English language theatre and cinema. There is something for everyone.
Child friendliness
The Chinese love children but not everywhere in Shanghai, including many Metro stations, is easily accessible if you have small children in prams or pushchairs. There are some lovely, big parks in the city with lakes, walking trails, butterfly gardens, amusement parks and play areas for children. Indoor play centres and trampoline parks are becoming popular here too. Children are usually welcomed in restaurants but, besides themed restaurants aimed specifically at children, they are unlikely to have a special children’s menu or to tone down spicy dishes.
Where to live
The Huangpu River divides the city into two areas, the older area of Puxi to the west and the more modern Pudong to the east.
Pudong
Pudong is China’s biggest commercial and financial centre and home to the Lujiazui Financial Zone, the Shanghai Stock Exchange tower and most of Shanghai’s famous buildings, such as the World Financial Center, Jin Mao Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower. Most areas within Pudong feel very suburban and family-oriented like Jinqiao with its villa compounds, high-end apartments and close proximity to Pudong Â黨ÊÓƵ Airport and Kangqiao, further south also with villa compounds, international supermarkets and shopping malls.
Puxi
Within Puxi there are many areas, each with a slightly different feel, that are popular with international families. These areas all have easy access to shopping malls, restaurants, entertainment and nightlife and are well served by public transport. Xuhui, covers most of the former historic, and exclusive, French Concession area with narrow tree lined streets and beautifully renovated villas and lane houses. Changning, close to the city centre with plenty of green spaces and home to Shanghai Zoo, was the original expat location in Shanghai and is still very popular with international families. The area around Zhongshan Park, a lovely family park with a boating lake, is a little quieter but still close to the city centre. Minhang, whilst mostly farming and industrial area, has pockets of residential areas with villas that are popular with expats. Hongqiao, part of the Minghang district and a former industrial zone adjacent to Hongqiao Â黨ÊÓƵ Airport, is now a popular area with international families. It has some large villas with private gardens and plenty of entertainment options including the Paradise Walk complex.
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Before the ranking, check out our Featured Best Schools in Shanghai:
Curriculum
EYFS, English, IGCSE, IB
Curriculum
EYFS, English, IGCSE, IB
Where Shanghai international schools are distributed (view our List of Â黨ÊÓƵ Schools in Shanghai to see a live map):
Best Â黨ÊÓƵ Schools in Shanghai - Rankings
Note: our rankings are based on parent, pupil and teacher reviews. If you think your Shanghai school should be in the top 20, get reviewing - we want to hear from real people with real experiences at schools so parents, teachers and pupils get the real story when they research their next school. You can find your school in the full List of Â黨ÊÓƵ Schools in Shanghai, or search by name here.
Description
Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong was the first in the Dulwich College Â黨ÊÓƵ family of schools, opening in 2003 in the Jinqiao District of Pudong. Since opening its doors with just 23 students, the College now educates approximately 1500 students from age 2 to age 18, with over forty different nationalities represented in our diverse student body.
Our links to Dulwich College, founded in 1619, are strong, and we collaborate closely with the other schools in the network to encourage an international outlook and create an extended community where academic ability is fostered, creativity is valued, and diversity is celebrated. We are proud to share a common heritage with all the schools in the DCI network, and equally value the traditions, unique to our school, that we have created since we opened. In 2016, we welcomed our second campus Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi in the Minhang District of Puxi.
Leading evidence based educational research has enabled us to present our principles of learning that underpin the best educational practices worldwide. Across ten Dulwich College Â黨ÊÓƵ schools these guiding statements are driving effective and innovative pedagogy at each age and stage of a student’s learning journey.
Read Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong reviews
Curriculum
English,Chinese,IB
Description
YK Pao School is a pioneering international Chinese school. The school is a non-profit private institution founded in 2007, in memory of shipping magnate Sir Yue-Kong Pao, the renowned Chinese businessman, statesman and philanthropist.
With over 1200 students from China and overseas, the school offers a unique Year 1-12 educational programme that integrates elements of Shanghai and international curricula, culminating with the IGCSE and IB Diploma programmes, both of which are complemented by core components of the Shanghai curriculum. Pao School’s innovative Chinese-English immersion bilingual programme nurtures the whole person - the entire emotional, social, physical, and intellectual being – and prepares students to become engaged and responsible global citizens of the 21st century.
YK Pao School is divided into Primary, Middle and High School. Primary School (Years 1-5) is a day school located in Shanghai’s city centre, while the Middle School (Years 6-8) and the High School (Years 9-12) are located on the new Hongqiao campus and in Shanghai’s Songjiang District offering UK/US style boarding education as well as catering to day students.
Read YK Pao School reviews
Description
At Shanghai American School (SAS) we choose to believe students can only reach their full potential if they’re engaged, challenged, and inspired not just inside the classroom, but outside as well. We chose to be a not-for-profit, believing students would be better served if we focused on education, not balance sheets. We chose to create a Mission that would not merely be hung on a wall, but would serve as a guiding light to inform our actions every day. And in spite of a history that began 106 years ago, we chose to recognize that while our past can inform, it’s our future that truly inspires. These choices have made our school a wonderful place to learn. I sincerely hope they also make SAS the right choice for you. It seems that no matter what SAS visitors are looking for in the school, they come away with the same conclusion: I wish I would’ve gone to school here when I was a kid. It’s an understandable observation.
Because the educational experience of SAS excels in many ways. Looking for a rigorous academic environment that can prepare your child for some of the world’s most laudable colleges, universities and fine arts programs? You can find that here. Seeking a philosophy that will nurture your child both inside and outside the classroom? Let us tell you about our dozens of clubs, service learning opportunities, and sports teams that range from participatory up to a varsity-level program that has earned 101 APAC championships.
Searching for top facilities? Ours are unmatched in Shanghai, and our not-for-profit status means all revenue that goes into the school stays in the school, continually making the SAS experience even better. All of which has caused more than a few alumni to return to campus, look around, and say, I wish I was still in school here. Whether students are at SAS for a year or from pre-K through graduation, their time here is spent on a well-mapped journey of academic excellence.
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Description
Founded in 2006, the Western Â黨ÊÓƵ School of Shanghai (WISS) is an authentic international school with an international curriculum, taught by international staff, for internationally-minded students representing over 50 nationalities, within a caring and inspirational environment, and on a beautiful, purposely built campus.
WISS is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Dedicated to international education, WISS is the only full continuum IB World School in mainland China with all four programmes of the Â黨ÊÓƵ Baccalaureate offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), and Career-related Programme (CP). Our international curriculum derives from the best teaching practices from around the world.
We have set ourselves apart with our unique programmes and initiatives that help students to explore and further their passions. Our warm and caring staff represent the best, representing approximately 30 nationalities, who inspire and support our students to reach high academic standards as well as develop socially, emotionally, and physically as well-balanced people. With most having earned advanced degrees, we recruit teachers who are experts in their fields.
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Description
Britannica Â黨ÊÓƵ School, Shanghai is the only school in the city to be British owned, with fully-trained teachers from the British Isles, delivering the English National Curriculum to children from age 2 to 18 years, starting at the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) all the way through to IGCSE and A Level qualifications. Our British heritage means that children leave us with the highest level of achievement. You're welcome to view our school in depth through a Virtual Reality Tour.
Students come to Britannica Â黨ÊÓƵ School, Shanghai for our strong British foundation and truly personalised approach to learning, that enables your child to achieve the very best that they are capable of at IGCSE and A Level. Our commitment to always providing a low teacher to student ratio and small class sizes means that we have the time to identify, celebrate and nurture the excellence in your child.
Read Britannica Â黨ÊÓƵ School Shanghai reviews
Description
Shanghai Qibao Dwight High School was founded in February 2014, becoming the first independently-run Chinese-foreign cooperative high school in Shanghai and the first independently-run Chinese-US cooperative high school in China.
Shanghai Qibao Dwight High School has been jointly created by Qibao High School and Dwight school, which has become a new member of the big family.
Read Shanghai Qibao Dwight High School reviews
Description
Shanghai Community Â黨ÊÓƵ School is one of the first international schools in Shanghai to become fully authorized as an Â黨ÊÓƵ Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum World School, a world-class academic program aimed at rigorous critical thinking and global citizenship. This accreditation extends across all SCIS Campuses, including Hongqiao and Pudong, providing a seamless program for students aged 2-18, and comprised of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP).
From nursery and preschool, all the way through grade 12, students at Shanghai Community Â黨ÊÓƵ School are provided with opportunities to explore their passions in a caring, nurturing, and differentiated environment. Students and teachers at SCIS join together in learning to appreciate the differences that both enrich us individually as well as create bonds within our community at large.
Read Shanghai Community Â黨ÊÓƵ School reviews
Description
Nord Anglia Chinese Â黨ÊÓƵ School Shanghai (NACIS) caters to students from age 6 to 18 years. It follows the progressive blend of core elements of the Shanghai National Curriculum with other renowned international teaching methods and philosophy taught through the medium of Mandarin Chinese and English. We draw on the best of Chinese and Western learning styles and the experience of leading educators to provide a distinctive education programme for students.
We promise that your child will experience creative and challenging learning through inspirational teaching. We promise to nurture a sense of pride in both our individual and collective achievements. We promise to instil a culture of respect from all, for all. In addition to the Shanghai National curriculum, Nord Anglia Chinese Â黨ÊÓƵ School Shanghai will expand your child’s horizons with a global perspective. For example, we ensure we choose topics that will engage and enable our students to learn all about the world around them, making sure they benefit fully from their international experience.
Read Nord Anglia Chinese Â黨ÊÓƵ School Shanghai reviews
Curriculum
American,Chinese
Description
SMIC Private School Shanghai is a highly academic international school-style private school. The English Track division offers an American-style curriculum (in English) based on US standards. Among our distinguishing features, we provide a phenomenally successful and diverse AP program (98% of our students score 3 or higher on average) and a unique successful Chinese language program that has fantastic student achievement results.
With over 400 graduates since 2006, 100% of our high school graduates since 2010 have been accepted to international colleges and universities or have gone to compulsory military service in their countries.
Read The SMIC Private School Shanghai reviews
Description
Yew Chung Â黨ÊÓƵ School of Shanghai (YCIS)’s philosophy is the blend of two major cultures, of the East and the West. We believe in the benefits of becoming competently bilingual and believe that the real essence of a culture must not just be understood, but truly valued.
To cultivate this cultural experience for our students, YCIS campuses are led jointly by two Co-Principals, one international and one Chinese. They represent the union of the East and West, working closely as partners to oversee their campuses.
Read Yew Chung Â黨ÊÓƵ School of Shanghai reviews
Curriculum
EYFS, English, IGCSE, IB
Description
The British Â黨ÊÓƵ School Shanghai (BISS) Puxi offers a British style education to the international community of Shanghai, leading to qualifications that are recognized, valued and respected around the world in universities and institutes of further education.
Our campus has first class facilities resourced to the highest level and staffed with dedicated, skilled and committed teachers, ensuring that BISS education is amongst the very best available anywhere in the world. BISS Teachers are typified by their dedication and commitment, and our continuing professional development means that we make the best use of contemporary educational practices.
You will find that The British Â黨ÊÓƵ School Shanghai Puxi is a very welcoming community and new students very quickly feel at home here. The happiness and contentment of our students is of utmost importance to us: the academic success that we have achieved here comes about through rigour, hard work and discipline, but also through a very strong pastoral element that accompanies the emotional development of our students.
Read The British Â黨ÊÓƵ School Shanghai Puxi reviews
Description
At Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi, we believe that every student no matter their age has the right to access the sharpest minds, past and present, in order to receive the very best of teaching and learning. Our curriculum embraces all mediums of communication from around the world, exposing students to global views; thoughts, ideas and knowledge from which they develop their own international mindset. It is our belief that by doing this, our students not only learn about the world around them, but as they develop, they will have a greater ability to transform it in the future.
Our curriculum is academically rigorous. Dulwich students are in the business of learning and there is an expectation that they will rise to this challenge with discipline and good grace. We expect students to have exemplary manners and uphold our College values at all times; Aim High and Work Hard. Be kind and respectful. Make a difference.
We encourage healthy competition. We expect all students to ‘have a go’ and do their best. And we do this whilst always upholding the values of empathy, compassion and kindness. We expect our students to use their privilege for good.
At Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi, the education of the whole child is critical and our curriculum offers daily routines and opportunities to ensure that students of every age are able to develop socially and emotionally well. Whether they are serving each other food during our family-style lunches in the College restaurant, or participating in our student led agencies, like the Student Council. We believe it is our responsibility to nurture and support students’ voices at all ages, as they are the hearts and minds of our College.
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Description
Concordia Â黨ÊÓƵ School Shanghai (CISS) attracts those families seeking rigorous academics, a whole child philosophy and a welcoming environment for themselves and their children. Our comprehensive American curriculum, from Preschool 3 to Grade 12, produces students with their own unique balance of Global Citizen, Servant Leader, Spirited Athlete, Confident Artist, and Passionate Scholar. Concordia is community.
Through a culture of involvement and interaction with students and faculty, our families connect. The unique partnership that results ensures the best outcome for our students. Our diverse community, grounded in Christian values, creates the ideal foundation for the entire family’s success. Amazing educators and big ideas feed Concordia’s ethos of raising the bar in education, co-curricular activities and community. With a focus on excellence in academics and authentic learning, we use curriculum incubators to develop educational experiences to respond to student interests. Our diverse intersection of passion, excellence and strong community elevates the outcomes of all we do.
At Concordia Â黨ÊÓƵ School Shanghai, rigorous American curriculum intersects with inspired fine arts, a culture of making and authentic learning, purpose-built facilities and meaningful service learning programs in a comprehensive way that challenges our students to reach their goals. Whether at Concordia for one year or through to graduation, our students find what they need to pursue life success.
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Curriculum
Singapore,English, CLSP, IGCSE, IB
Description
Shanghai Singapore Â黨ÊÓƵ School (SSIS) was founded in 1996. The founding purpose of the school is to cultivate and educate our next generation with love. Education is the basis of Taisheng. Taisheng upholds the values of symbiosis, sharing, and harmony and adheres to the principles of human concern, environmental friendliness, government support, social effects, and economic benefits.
Its educational concept advocates life-orientation, with recognising, respecting, and caring for life as the purpose of education. Only by practicing universal love can we ensure that the knowledge and skills acquired in learning will be applied in the right way to benefit people and society. We thus arrange for the students to go out of the classroom into the farm, to experience the hard work of farming and the joy of harvest, to understand that people and their environment are a community of shared destiny in the life system, and ultimately to learn to respect and love. In the past 20 years, Shanghai Singapore Â黨ÊÓƵ School has developed from a school with 18 students and 9 teachers to one with more than 1,400 students, hundreds of teachers and supporting staff, and great facilities.
We are very fortunate to have a great team of educators with us over the years and a solid team of operations and administrative staff for the most reliable support.Â
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Description
Shanghai Livingston American School is an Â黨ÊÓƵ school where students from diverse backgrounds are challenged to grow educationally, to get involved, and to have a meaningful school experience. In every way that schools are measured, whether it is academically, in the fine and performing arts, or athletically, Shanghai Livingston American School excels.
Our curriculum, course offerings, co- and extra-curricular offerings are second to none for students in Early Years, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School and High School. We strive to create an environment where each and every student is given the attention necessary to achieve his/her individual success.
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Curriculum
EYFS, English, IGCSE, IB
Description
Nord Anglia Â黨ÊÓƵ School Shanghai Pudong was established in 2002 and is an excellent international school in Shanghai focusing on high achievement for every child and success across all subject areas. We offer the very best of the British education system in China for children aged 12 months to 18 years.
We offer your child a truly global experience, where personal ambitions are nurtured by our inspirational teachers and challenged by exceptional learning opportunities. Your child will be welcomed into an inspiring and internationally diverse community where students learn to make a difference in the world. Your child and your family will love being part of our school.
Read Nord Anglia Â黨ÊÓƵ School Shanghai Pudong reviews
Description
Lycée Français de Shanghai (LFS) is a private school, managed by the Managing Committee of the Parents’ Association, and appointed by the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE, Agence pour l’enseignement français à l’étranger). The teaching programs follow the French curricula, and the decisions about the guidance of students are valid in all French schools, both abroad and in France.
The LFS has two campuses, one in Qingpu and one in Pudong, and welcomes over 1,500 students, from kindergarten to high school (Terminale). Guidance is a continuous and progressive process throughout the school years. The goal is to make the student more independent by guiding him/her to choose what education they will pursue.
In this section, you will find the guidance information program, as well as information on guidance: the different courses, the procedures, the timeline of the post-bac procedures, etc.
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Description
Shanghai Pinghe School (SPS) is a leader in bilingual education, in the vibrant international city of Shanghai, China, the largest city of the world. SPS is a boarding school with full operational and financial independence authorized by its board of directors (Shanghai Jinqiao Group) in Jin Qiao Green Â黨ÊÓƵ Community, in Pudong District. Each year, we educate more than 1850 students in four programs with student-centered education, grounded in a resilient educational philosophy with our mission statement: Competitive World Citizens and Successful Life-long Learners Deeply Rooted in traditional Chinese Culture.
Pinghe encourages creative mindsets and abilities with an aim to pursue high quality teaching in core subjects that enable students to achieve high scores and aptitudes in four programs that are based here with qualified faculty members who work closely with each student to achieve par excellence (from Pudong District Examinations and top TOEFL/SAT scores to outstanding academic performance and high entrance rate) into world’s top colleges and universities. Also, SPS awards more than 500 Diplomas, Certificates and Awards annually.
Outstandingly, the graduation of our grade five and grade nine students stands at one hundred percent (100%) since the school’s inception with a Grade A rated top excellence, in Chinese, Math and English. Successively since 2002, the middle school has led Pudong District in examination marks in every subject and grade levels and, 100% graduation rate and school entrance rate atop Pudong New District.
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Description
Shanghai United Â黨ÊÓƵ School campus is located in the heart of the Gubei international community containing comprehensive teaching buildings, IT facilities, laboratories, a learning resource centre, specialist art music & drama facilities,  parents reception room, indoor gym, outdoor sports areas, medium and large conference rooms and a modern cafeteria. At SUIS, we are committed to providing high-quality multi-cultural and holistic international education by integrating elements of both Eastern and Western education. We prepare our students to become internationally-minded, global citizens and, through a range of educational programmes, prepare the way for entry to the world’s best universities.
We offer a continuous English National Curriculum, IGCSE and Â黨ÊÓƵ Baccalaureate IB Diploma and Certificate. Our pupil numbers continue to rise due to increasing demand. We now have over 900 pupils on roll in the international stream and have a teaching staff of 60 western teachers and 20 Chinese teachers.
Read Shanghai United Â黨ÊÓƵ School reviews
Description
Shanghai High School Â黨ÊÓƵ Division (SHSID) was founded in 1993 and became an Â黨ÊÓƵ Baccalaureate (IB) world school in 1995. In 2003, Shanghai High School became the only United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) associated school in Shanghai.
SHSID is authorized by the College Board to administer AP, SAT and PSAT exams and is an authorized TOEFL exam center. SHSID is approved to be a test center by Cambridge Â黨ÊÓƵ Examinations and is also authorized by the ACT Inc. as an ACT exam center. In 2017, SHSID became the University of Cambridge China Screening Center. SHSID has been awarded accreditation by AdvancED. At present, approximately 2,800 students from over 60 countries and regions are enrolled in the Puxi and Pudong Campuses of the Â黨ÊÓƵ Division. SHSID offers several curricula: the American-based curriculum, the IB Diploma program and AP courses.
SHSID provides students an individualized learning experience with a personal timetable and highly-selective courses. SHSID offers approximately 600 compulsory and optional courses for students in Grade 1 to 12 in the American-based curriculum. The school has also set up different levels for each course, such as standard level and honors levels for each course, to meet the academic requirements of different students.
Read Shanghai High School Â黨ÊÓƵ Division reviews
Other Â黨ÊÓƵ Schools in Shanghai
There are 20 other international schools in Shanghai
that didn't make it into our Top 20, either because they didn't have enough reviews
or its review rating was too low. If your school is one of those and you think it should make the
Top 20, make sure you add your review and tell your story via the school links below.
School |
Curriculum |
Rating |
Adcote School Shanghai |
English |
5.0 / 5
|
Harrow Â黨ÊÓƵ School Shanghai |
English |
5.0 / 5
|
Shanghai Jincai Â黨ÊÓƵ School |
IB |
5.0 / 5
|
Canadian Â黨ÊÓƵ School Kunshan |
IB |
5.0 / 5
|
Yew Wah School of Shanghai Gubei |
English,Chinese |
4.0 / 5
|
The Little Urban Center |
English |
4.0 / 5
|
Deutsche Schule Shanghai - Yangpu |
German |
3.6 / 5
|
Hong Qiao Â黨ÊÓƵ School |
American |
3.0 / 5
|
Wellington College Â黨ÊÓƵ Shanghai |
EYFS curriculum,English,IGCSE,IBDP |
2.9 / 5
|
Deutsche Schule Shanghai - Hongkiao |
German |
2.8 / 5
|
Shanghai Shangde Experimental School |
IB |
2.0 / 5
|
Fudan Â黨ÊÓƵ School |
American,IB |
2.0 / 5
|
Vanke Bilingual School |
IB,Chinese |
1.3 / 5
|
Shanghai Concord Bilingual School |
English,Chinese |
1.0 / 5
|
Shanghai Dreamingtree Academy |
IB,English |
n/a
|
Shanghai HD Bilingual School |
English,Chinese |
n/a
|
Yew Wah School of Shanghai Lingang |
IB,Chinese |
n/a
|
Lucton School Shanghai |
English |
n/a
|
St. Paul American School, Shanghai |
American |
n/a
|
Dehong Chinese Â黨ÊÓƵ School |
Â黨ÊÓƵ, Chinese |
n/a
|
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