American Curriculum International Schools in Shanghai, China

American-curriculum international schools in Shanghai follow a US-style grade structure with English as the main language of instruction and commonly offer a US high-school diploma plus Advanced Placement (AP) courses; some schools also run dual pathways that include other international credentials. Mandarin is normally taught from the earliest years and most schools provide English-as-an-Additional-Language (EAL/ESL) support for non-native speakers. Tuition is among the highest in the city and typically sits in a broad band that ranges from roughly RMB 150,000 a year at lower-cost providers to well over RMB 300,000 - 400,000 at long-established, full-programme campuses, with extra one-off and annual charges for enrollment, capital levies, meals and transport. Admissions are competitive: families usually need to apply several months ahead, there are common entry assessments and deposits, and many schools give priority to returning students and holders of foreign passports, which affects where relocating families may be eligible to enrol their children.