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Expat Exchange - Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Shanghai 2024
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Shanghai, China


Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Shanghai

By Betsy Burlingame

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Summary: If you're moving to Shanghai with kids, choosing a school if often your first decisions and impacts where you'll live. Here are some popular bilingual and international schools in Shanghai

Shanghai, is a bustling metropolis that is home to a diverse expatriate community, and as such, it boasts a wide array of international and bilingual schools catering to the needs of expat children. Among the most popular are the Shanghai American School and the British International School Shanghai, which are known for their high-quality education and international curricula. With a variety of options available, parents can choose from schools offering different educational systems such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), American, British, and other national curricula. Here is a list of some of the top international and bilingual schools in and around Shanghai.

Shanghai American School (SAS)

Grades: Pre-K through Grade 12
Location(s): Puxi and Pudong campuses
Website: www.saschina.org

Shanghai American School is one of the largest international schools in Shanghai, offering an American-based curriculum with the option of an IB Diploma in the upper grades. The school has two campuses, one in Puxi and the other in Pudong, both equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. SAS provides a wide range of extracurricular activities and boasts a diverse student body representing over 40 nationalities.

British International School Shanghai (BISS)

Grades: Early Years through Year 13
Location(s): Puxi and Pudong campuses
Website: www.nordangliaeducation.com/our-schools/shanghai

The British International School Shanghai offers a British-style education and follows the English National Curriculum leading to IGCSEs and the IB Diploma Programme. With campuses in both Puxi and Pudong, BISS is known for its strong academic record, extensive extracurricular programs, and a commitment to community service.

Concordia International School Shanghai

Grades: Pre-K through Grade 12
Location(s): Pudong
Website: www.concordiashanghai.org

Concordia International School Shanghai is a private, co-educational day school with a Christian ethos. It offers an American curriculum and a wide array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The school's facilities are impressive, including modern classrooms, sports fields, and arts spaces. Concordia is known for its supportive community and commitment to holistic education.

Shanghai Community International School (SCIS)

Grates: Nursery through Grade 12
Location(s): Hongqiao, Pudong, and Hangzhou campuses
Website: www.scis-china.org

SCIS offers an international curriculum with the IB Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes. With a focus on fostering a multicultural environment, SCIS has a diverse student body and provides a wide range of extracurricular activities. The school's facilities are designed to support both academic and personal growth.

Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong

Grades: Toddler through Year 13
Location(s): Pudong
Website: shanghai-pudong.dulwich.org

Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong is part of the Dulwich College International family of schools. It offers a British-style education with a strong emphasis on student achievement. The school is known for its excellent academic results, robust arts and sports programs, and a commitment to community service.

Yew Chung International School of Shanghai (YCIS)

Grades: Kindergarten through Year 13
Location(s): Puxi and Pudong campuses
Website: www.ycis-sh.com

YCIS Shanghai provides a bilingual education in English and Mandarin. The school follows the IB curriculum and is recognized for its unique co-teaching model. YCIS emphasizes a global education with a respect for Chinese culture and has excellent facilities to support a well-rounded education.

Western International School of Shanghai (WISS)

Grades: Nursery through Grade 12
Location(s): Qingpu District
Website: www.wiss.cn

WISS is an IB World School that offers the full IB continuum. It is the only school in Shanghai to offer the IB Career-related Programme, catering to students with a passion for careers in professional industries. The school's international community and focus on innovation make it a popular choice for expat families.

Shanghai French School (Lycée Français de Shanghai)

Grades: Maternelle (Preschool) through Terminale (Grade 12)
Location(s): Qingpu and Pudong campuses
Website: www.lyceeshanghai.com

As a member of the AEFE network, the Shanghai French School offers a curriculum based on the French education system. It caters to French-speaking expatriates and those seeking a French education for their children. The school boasts a vibrant community and provides a range of cultural and extracurricular activities.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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Shanghai, China

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