Compare IB Curriculum International Schools in Shenzhen, China

International School of Nanshan Shenzhen

Instructs in English

Ages 2 - 19 years

Fees RMB 209,000 - 249,000

Pupils 750

Type Co-educational

The International School of Nanshan Shenzhen (ISNS) was established in 2002 and is located at 11 Longyuan Road in Nanshan District; the school moved to its current campus on the south side of Tanglang Mountain in 2016 (campus area ~15,000 sqm). ISNS offers the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP and DP) and also operates under New Brunswick (Canada) accreditation so students in senior years may earn a New Brunswick diploma alongside IB options. The early years programme covers ages 2–5 and the Diploma Programme is described for students aged 16–19. The campus lists indoor and outdoor sports facilities, art studios and two libraries, and the school publishes its annual tuition schedule (K3–K5 to G11–G12) on the website. ISNS runs an optional school-bus service with multiple routes across Shenzhen.

Location

ISNS is located in Nanshan District on Longyuan Road in the Taoyuan (Taoyuan Sub‑District) area of Shenzhen; the full address is 11 Longyuan Road, Taoyuan Sub‑District, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055. The campus sits on the south side of Tanglang (Tanglangshan) Mountain and is within reach of major Nanshan neighbourhoods and business areas served by the school's bus routes. Traffic and drop‑off rules are detailed by the school and the campus opens at 7:40 each weekday; parents usually use private drop‑off or the school bus routes for connections to Futian, Shekou, Bao'an and Luohu.

Stages

ISNS is an IB continuum school: Early Years (K2–K5), Primary Years Programme (Grade 1–Grade 5), Middle Years Programme (Grade 6–Grade 10) and the IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12). The website lists these programme groupings and grade ranges.

Type

ISNS is a co‑educational international day school that delivers an English‑based Canadian curriculum within the IB framework (IB PYP, MYP and DP) and issues a New Brunswick (Canada) high‑school diploma alongside IB options. The campus includes a faculty/residence building but the school does not provide student boarding or on‑campus accommodation.

Additional learning support

ISNS operates a Student Support Team (Head of Student Support, learning‑support teachers, EAL team and counsellors) and provides counselling, EAL and differentiated learning support; it uses an Inclusion Policy and individual support plans when appropriate. The school's Learning Support policy states it cannot accommodate students whose needs require significant full‑time one‑to‑one support and admissions for students with exceptionalities are assessed case‑by‑case.

Country affiliation

ISNS has an official affiliation with Canada: it is accredited by the New Brunswick Department of Education and offers a Canadian (New Brunswick) high‑school diploma in addition to the IB Diploma.

Religious affiliation

The school is secular; there is no religious affiliation listed on the school's official pages.

School day structure

The campus opens at 7:40 each weekday. Primary students must be in homeroom by 8:10 AM (Grades 1–5); middle and high school students must be in homeroom by 8:00 AM; PYP dismissal is 3:20 PM and MYP/DP dismissal is 3:30 PM, with school buses departing about 3:45 PM (Wednesdays have earlier dismissal times). The Early Years timetable is more flexible (snacks, lunch ~11:45 AM, naps for some groups).

Bus service

ISNS operates an optional school bus service with multiple routes across Shenzhen (the site lists routes serving Futian, Shekou, Nantou, OCT, Shenzhen Bay, Civic Center/Huanggang, Luohu, Science Park, Taikoo City and Bao'an CBD). Buses have a monitor on each vehicle; the school posts bus rules, fee and refund procedures, and runs at least one evacuation drill per semester. Parents can contact the bus coordinator at bus@isnsz.com or phone the school for route and registration details.

Application and Registration Fees

- Application fee (one‑time, non‑refundable): RMB 2,500.
- Registration fee for newly admitted students (one‑time, non‑refundable): RMB 50,000. Sibling discount on registration fee: 50% for siblings of currently enrolled students.

Tuition fees (annual) — 2025–2026 academic year

- Early Years / Kindergarten (K3–K5): RMB 212,000 per year.
- Primary (Grades 1–5): RMB 239,000 per year.
- Middle School (Grades 6–10): RMB 259,000 per year.
- Senior School / Diploma (Grades 11–12): RMB 264,000 per year.

Tuition per term (calculation/inference)

- The school states there are two semesters and tuition is paid annually; therefore a single term amount can be calculated as half of the annual tuition. Using that method:
- K3–K5 per term: RMB 106,000.
- G1–G5 per term: RMB 119,500.
- G6–G10 per term: RMB 129,500.
- G11–G12 per term: RMB 132,000.
(These per‑term figures are derived by dividing the annual tuition by two because tuition is invoiced on an annual basis.)

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Number of semesters: two per academic year; tuition is invoiced on an annual basis. Late payment penalty: 1% of total fees per week for overdue payments. Payer is responsible for any bank charges. All payments must be made by the due date shown on the individual student payment details. Students may not be guaranteed placement or allowed to attend classes if fees are not paid in full; reports/transcripts may be withheld.

Bank / payment details and accepted payment methods

- Bank transfer details and the school's Bank of China account information are published by the school for fee remittance. The school requests that bank transfer references include the student number and the student's full English name. Payers should expect to bear bank charges.
- Accepted payment methods noted by the school: bank transfer, debit card, or cash. (Bank transfer is the preferred method for families outside Shenzhen.) Credit‑card acceptance is not specified in the published fee information.

Deposit / re‑enrolment fee

- The school refers to a deposit fee (an annual payment) used to secure placement for current students for the following academic year; this deposit is non‑refundable and, when the remaining tuition is paid, it is included with the tuition invoice. (Exact deposit amounts for 2025–2026 are handled through the school's admissions/finance correspondence.)

Optional / other fees and typical additional costs

- School bus (optional): RMB 14,000 per year (routes include Futian, Nanshan, Luohu and Bao'an—based on availability). Bus registration and refunds are governed by the school bus policy.
- Lunch / cafeteria: Early Years (K3–K5) lunches and snacks are included in tuition. G1–G12 students use a smartcard to pay for cafeteria meals; typical meal cost is around RMB 39 per meal. Families can also provide packed lunches.
- Uniforms: All students are required to wear the school uniform; uniforms are purchased through the school's designated vendor/channel. Costs vary by item and must be purchased before the student's first day.
- Devices / IT: School‑owned iPads/laptops are provided in early primary grades; the school operates a one‑to‑one MacBook programme from Grade 8–12. Families may purchase devices through the school vendor (discounts may be available) or through outside vendors; device costs vary.
- Extra‑curricular activities, trips and course‑specific charges: additional fees may apply for bus, extracurricular clubs, athletics, certain arts/music activities, international trips (EOTC / Week Without Walls) and other optional programmes. Passport/visa requirements apply for international trips.

Boarding

- ISNS does not provide on‑campus boarding accommodation.

Refund policy (high‑level summary)

- The school publishes a refund framework that links refund amounts to the date of written withdrawal notice; typical terms include full refunds (less deposit/registration) if withdrawal is notified by an early deadline, reduced refunds during later pre‑start periods, and no refund after the first day of the school year. Specific percentage reductions and date thresholds are set in the school's published refund policy and on fee schedules. (Please note the school's published fee documents include the detailed refund schedule and the required withdrawal notification email address.)

Discounts and credits

- Sibling discount on the registration fee (50% for siblings of current students) and a loyalty discount (3% for students entering their fifth consecutive year) are specified in the school's fee policy. Scholarship and bursary credits may apply when awarded; scholarships/bursaries are applied as tuition credit for the stated academic year.

Notes on figures and calculation

- Annual tuition figures above are published for the 2025–2026 academic year by the school and in fee‑compilation sources; the school's fee policy indicates tuition is invoiced annually, so per‑term figures shown here are simple halves of the annual totals (calculated for your convenience).

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

ISNS delivers SEL primarily through its Counselling program and the broader Student Support Team, which provide classroom guidance lessons and individual and small-group counselling for social and emotional needs. The school aligns SEL with the IB Learner Profile and Approaches to Learning, embedding social-emotional development into curriculum planning and classroom practice. Counsellors collaborate with teachers and parents and make referrals to other school support services or external resources when needed.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

ISNS operates a Learning Support (Inclusion) policy managed by a Student Support Team that includes a Head of Student Support and Learning Support teachers who work with teachers and parents to identify and plan for student exceptionalities. The school states it cannot accommodate students who require significant, intensive support and that admissions decisions for students with known needs are made case-by-case with review of professional reports. Support covers a range of learning and social–emotional difficulties through individualized plans, MTSS reviews, classroom differentiation and, when appropriate, external assessments or recommendations. ISNS is not a specialist SEN institution.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

ISNS runs a published EAL programme: non-native English speakers are assessed at admission (MAP or Cambridge ESOL for Grades 2–10) and minimum proficiency thresholds are set for entry to higher grade levels (for example Grade 9 B1, Grade 10 B2). EAL support is provided mainly in the PYP through collaboration/co‑teaching between EAL and homeroom teachers, and levels of support vary by need. The school notes it can provide basic to moderate EAL support but may not be able to meet intensive EAL or highly specialised language intervention needs; students in Grade 6 and above are expected to function in mainstream classes with limited additional support.

Mental Wellbeing

ISNS states it employs a full‑time counsellor for the PYP and a full‑time counsellor for MYP/DP and provides services aimed at social, emotional and academic support. The PYP counselling programme includes classroom guidance lessons plus individual and small‑group counselling for issues such as friendship, anger management and grief. Counsellors consult and collaborate with parents and teachers and refer students to other school support services or community professionals when required.

Safeguarding

ISNS publishes a Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct that applies to all faculty, staff, volunteers and others interacting with children and sets expectations about maintaining physical, emotional and sexual boundaries. The policy states the school's commitment to student safety and details responsibilities for appropriate conduct and awareness of vulnerability when working alone with children.

Admissions

1. Before you start the online form you should prepare electronic copies of required documents: the student's birth certificate, student passport with visa or HK/Macau/Taiwan ID, parents' passports, a recent passport photo, health/vaccination records, and school transcripts/report cards for the last three years (G1–G12). If your child has learning or medical needs, gather any psycho‑educational reports or medical records now, because ISNS requires these at application and will assess support needs on an individual basis.

2. Complete the online application (OpenApply) — All applications must be submitted through ISNS's OpenApply system (isns.openapply.cn); paper applications are not accepted. Upload the files listed above and follow the OpenApply guidance (the school notes admissions files cannot be processed and students cannot be placed on waiting lists until all required materials are uploaded). If you are unsure of the correct year level, use the school's age/year equivalency guidance before submitting.

3. Admissions review — After submission the Admissions Committee reviews the application against ISNS criteria: age, space availability, English proficiency, prior school records, extracurricular/community involvement, and any IB experience. The committee may request confidential references, further documentation, or decide whether the student should proceed to assessment/interview. The review time varies by time of year and class availability; applications received after April 1 are usually considered for the following academic year.

4. Pay the application fee — A non‑refundable application fee of RMB 2,500 is required; payment can usually be made by bank transfer, debit card or cash and is typically paid at the time of assessment/screening (families outside Shenzhen can pay by bank transfer). The school will not proceed with assessments or confirm placement until the fee and required documents are received. Keep the payment confirmation and include the student's full English name and student number on transfer notes.

5. Assessment and interview — Candidates may be invited for an English language assessment (Grades 2–10 must meet minimum score thresholds appropriate to the grade), and ISNS may also administer mathematics and Mandarin assessments for placement. Interviews are scheduled after assessments and usually take place in person with Admissions, the Head of School, Principal, or relevant IB coordinator; assessments/interviews may be conducted online when needed. ISNS treats assessment materials as school property (parents are not entitled to originals or copies), and placement decisions follow the interview/assessment results.

6. Offer and enrolment — If a place is offered, the family will be notified and given a limited period to accept; certain fees (registration/deposit) become payable at acceptance and secure the student's place. ISNS charges a non‑refundable registration fee (one‑time) that secures the seat — the school's published schedule shows the registration fee and the tuition levels by grade. Note that acceptance does not guarantee enrollment beyond the initial year; continued enrollment depends on satisfactory progress, behaviour and space. For any offer-related questions, confirm specifics and payment deadlines directly with Admissions.

Scholarships

ISNS offers scholarships and bursaries for both current students and prospective applicants; selection is by a Scholarship Committee and may include student interviews. The school states it has up to RMB 3,000,000 available across its bursary and scholarship programs; awards are applied as credits to tuition for the stated academic year and are not cash payments. For 2025–2026 ISNS has (a) Primary scholarships (examples listed on the site include Learner Profile, Growth in Approaches to Learning, and Action scholarships — each RMB 10,000), (b) Secondary scholarships, (c) full‑ride scholarships for Grades 9–12 (the site notes internal and external applicants can apply), and (d) bursaries for families demonstrating financial need with supporting documents and interview. The school's site shows the 2025–2026 scholarship and bursary application window as 19 January to 1 March 2026; the full‑ride awards for 2025–2026 were reported as filled, and families are advised to monitor the ISNS website or contact Admissions for the next cycle and for application guides. Applications for scholarships/bursaries are submitted via the OpenApply system; contact admissions@isnsz.com or +86 755 2666 1000 for questions.

Waitlist

ISNS operates a rolling admissions model and maintains waiting lists when classes are full. Class size limits are stated (K3–K5: 18 students; Grade 1: 20; Grade 2 and above: 24). If a student is accepted but there is no space in the requested class, the child is placed on a waiting list in chronological order by date of completed application; priority on the list is given to returning ISNS students (alumni), siblings of currently enrolled students, and children of ISNS employees. Because placement is both space‑ and timing‑dependent, parents should confirm the student's position with Admissions and keep documentation current.

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QSI International School of Shenzhen

Instructs in English

Ages 2 - 18 years

Fees RMB 138,300 - 226,800

Type Co-educational

QSI International School of Shenzhen was established in 2001 as a non-profit, English-medium day school and serves expatriate families in Shenzhen across three nearby campuses. The school operates a Preschool & Lower Elementary campus (ages 2–7), a Main campus for middle grades (ages 8–13), and a Secondary campus for ages 14–18; AP courses and the IB Diploma are offered at the secondary level. QSI uses a Mastery Learning approach and explicitly teaches its Success Orientations (e.g., Trustworthiness, Responsibility, Kindness) across grades. Preschool and lower-elementary class sizes are given as 16 for 2-year-olds and about 18–20 for 3–7 year-old classes. Facilities described on campus pages include libraries, science labs, music and art spaces, indoor gym space and outdoor play areas. An optional, local school-bus service (with English-speaking bus monitors) is available; routes and fees are handled separately by the school.

Location

QSI Shenzhen is located in the Shekou area of Nanshan District, Shenzhen, with campuses clustered near Tai Zi Road / Bitao Center and the Fenghua Theatre (Shekou). The campuses are accessible from nearby metro stations serving the Sea World / Shekou area and are in a mixed residential and commercial neighbourhood popular with expatriate families.

Stages

The school operates three campuses divided by age: Preschool & Lower Elementary (ages 2–7), Main Campus / Middle School (ages 8–13), and Secondary Campus (ages 14–18). Each campus has its own facilities and administration.

Type

QSI Shenzhen is a non-profit, co-educational day school that serves expatriate families; it does not offer boarding. The school follows the QSI / American-based approach and is part of the Quality Schools International group.

Additional learning support

The school provides dedicated learning-support staff (including two learning support teachers and paraprofessionals in younger classes), a full‑time counselor on each campus, and an Intensive English (IE) programme for early learners who need extra English instruction. QSI's network also works with regional learning‑support coordinators when additional assessment or planning is required.

Country affiliation

The school is an independent international school and part of the QSI group (an international network); it is not affiliated with a particular national government. QSI schools hold international accreditations (QSI Shenzhen is accredited by the Middle States Association).

Religious affiliation

QSI Shenzhen is secular and has no religious affiliation; its programme and materials present a non‑religious, international curriculum.

School day structure

Classes generally begin at 8:30 AM. At the Secondary Campus the school follows an alternating block schedule with classes starting at 8:30 AM and ending at about 4:00 PM, with a morning break, an afternoon break and a 45‑minute lunch; younger divisions typically finish earlier (check admissions for exact division times).

Bus service

QSI Shenzhen offers an optional school bus service run in partnership with a local transport company; bus service is not included in tuition and routes are arranged based on demand. Each bus has an English‑speaking QSI bus monitor, seat belts are required, and some routes include a late bus for after‑school activities. Families can contact the school's transportation office for route details and costs.

Application fees and deposits
- One-time, non-refundable registration/application fee: RMB 2,100 per child.
- Non-refundable tuition deposit (placement fee) due within 10 working days of an acceptance offer: RMB 25,200; this amount is applied to school fees but is forfeited if the student does not enroll.

Tuition fees by year group (published third-party figures)
- The school's public pages do not publish a full numeric tuition table. A third‑party fee listing for the 2025/2026 academic year shows example annual tuition totals by grade (given in RMB): Nursery/Kindergarten ages 2–4: RMB 138,300; Kindergarten 3 and Grades 1–12: RMB 226,800 (variations by specific grade noted in the source). These figures are from an independent fees aggregator and are provided here as published by that third party.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Discounts are offered for full-term payments made on or before the term due dates, with an additional discount available if the full annual payment is completed on or before 1 October. If first-term payment is missed but the full year is paid by 1 October, a maximum discount may still apply.
- Payments must be made on or before the published due dates; students with outstanding fees may be withheld from classes, evaluations, official records, or communications until accounts are settled.

Boarding fees
- QSI Shenzhen is a non-profit day school (no boarding program); therefore no boarding fees apply.

Other costs and recurring charges
- Capital Fund Fee: a separate fee to support facilities and school development is charged (purpose described by the school).
- Bus/transportation and school lunch programs are optional and billed separately (bus routes/costs managed via the school's transport arrangements).
- Uniforms: the school does not require full daily uniforms; a P.E. uniform is provided/required where applicable (uniform policy noted by third-party listings).

Refund information
- The registration/application fee and the placement deposit are explicitly non-refundable; the deposit is forfeited if the student does not enroll. No other public refund policy for tuition or other fees is published on the school's public pages.

Fee payment options
- The school lists payment methods as RMB bank transfer or cash. Credit-card payment is not listed on the publicly posted payment instructions. For invoicing, fapiao, and accounting matters the school provides finance office contacts.

Note: the school's public pages provide policy and procedural details but do not publish a full, grade-by-grade numeric fee schedule; the numeric tuition figures above are taken from a third‑party aggregator that cites the school's fees for 2025/2026. Where the school states specific fee items or policies, the school's pages are cited.

Boarding Arrangements

The school is a day school with no boarding facilities.

Food Options

Lunch is provided by a licensed canteen with an FDA Grade A central kitchen; students may bring lunch from home or participate in the hot lunch program. Meals include two proteins, two side dishes, one carbohydrate, one soup, and fruit or a dessert, with Western and local options; Korean, Chinese and vegetarian boxed lunches are available, and drinking water is provided and tested monthly.

Governance and Ownership

The school is a nonprofit, independently owned and operated institution. It is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges.

Curriculum

QSI Shenzhen delivers an American‑based, mastery‑learning program in English with core classes in reading, writing, mathematics, cultural studies and science, supplemented by specialist courses (art, music, PE, technology, foreign languages) and character “Success Orientations.” Preschool and Lower Elementary (ages 2–7) use research‑based early‑years materials (Splash into Pre‑K for preschool) and a play‑based integrated 5‑year‑old program; 6–7‑year‑olds follow a full program including math, reading/language arts, science, cultural studies, art, music, computers and PE. The Main Campus (ages 8–13) aligns many courses with U.S. Common Core standards, provides an Intensive English program for learners of English, and offers technology, PE, art/music and foreign language instruction (Chinese and introductory Spanish). The Secondary Campus (ages 14–18) is a college‑preparatory program offering a QSI Academic Diploma, an Academic Diploma with Honors (which requires at least two AP courses), and the option to pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in Sec III–IV; students can earn the IB Diploma in addition to the QSI diploma. Advanced study options include year‑long, a‑la‑carte Advanced Placement (AP) courses across humanities, math, science, languages and arts (with external exams in May), which are offered for qualified students (encouraged in Secondary I–II) and can complement IB preparation.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

QSI Shenzhen teaches character education through its Success Orientations (e.g., Trustworthiness, Responsibility, Concern for Others) and states this is introduced throughout classrooms and the school. The school also says it has a full-time school counselor at each campus who provides character education, friendship groups, and social & emotional support. These elements are presented as part of the school's whole-child approach to learning. Specific curricula, lesson plans, or measurable SEL outcomes are not published on the school website.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school's website states it employs two learning support teachers, a regional learning support coordinator, and paraprofessionals in early years classes to support individual student needs. QSI Shenzhen presents these staff as providing additional support to students but does not list a catalogue of specific diagnoses or types of special educational needs it can support. The website does not describe the school as a specialist SEN institution; it presents these roles within a mainstream international school model. Detailed policies, formal referral pathways, or scope/limits of SEN provision are not published on the site.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

QSI Shenzhen publishes an Intensive English (IE) Program for students beginning in the 6-year-old class, with students in the IE Program attending IE classes during daily Reading/Writing time. The school also states many teachers hold additional certifications to teach English Language Learners and that the overall program is an English-immersion, American-based curriculum. The website does not provide detailed EAL entry-level criteria, individual withdrawal or push-in/pull-out models, or numbers of EAL staff.

Mental Wellbeing

The school states that each campus has a full-time counselor who provides social and emotional support, friendship groups, and character education, and secondary counselors also provide college counselling. QSI Shenzhen's materials present these counseling services as part of student support but do not publish a detailed mental-health policy, clinical referral procedures, or descriptions of in-school therapy services. The site also highlights community and parent involvement (e.g., Parent Support Group) as part of student well‑being activities.

Safeguarding

QSI Shenzhen publishes a Safeguarding and Child Protection statement that names child protection as a school priority and says the school implements school-based safeguarding policies, regular onsite training, and safe recruitment practices. The statement also says the school educates students and adults on safeguarding and works with international agencies to review and apply best-practice standards. The website provides this formal commitment but does not publish a full safeguarding policy document or detailed reporting procedures on the public pages linked.

Admissions

1. Start the online application. Begin by completing the school's online application through the parent portal (portal.qsishenzhen.cn). After you submit the online form the Admissions Office will contact you to schedule an in-person Admissions appointment for document drop-off and testing; parents should book any campus tours in advance to ensure staff availability.

2. Prepare and bring required documents to the Admissions appointment. The school requires proof of the child's and parents' passports/visas, two years of school records (if applicable), immunization records, and two passport photos for each parent and the child; school records not in English must be officially translated. Failure to bring all items on the application checklist will delay processing, so download and follow the Application Checklist before your appointment.

3. Pay the application/registration fee at the appointment. A non-refundable application/registration fee (stated on the site as RMB 2,100) is due at the time of the Admissions appointment and is typically required in cash; keep the receipt as it is part of your application record. The Admissions Office will not proceed with document processing or testing until this fee is paid.

4. Admissions testing and initial placement. Students age 5+ will take the NWEA MAP computerized adaptive tests in Reading, Math, and Language Usage (all in English); students age 8+ also complete a written essay. MAP results are used for placement but are not the sole determinant—previous records and the Director of Instruction's evaluation also factor into final grade placement.

5. Interview with the Director of Instruction. After testing and document review you will be scheduled for an interview with the campus Director of Instruction; the Director makes the admission decision and places students (age and previously completed grade are primary considerations). Expect the school to place students according to age first, with some exceptions decided by the Director; secondary (high‑school) applicants must demonstrate the English level needed for success in the secondary program.

6. Decision timeline and deposit to hold a space. The Admissions Office aims to return a decision (accepted, denied, or waiting list) by email within one to two days after the interview if all documents were submitted. If accepted, parents must pay a non‑refundable tuition deposit (listed on the site as RMB 25,200) within 10 working days to secure the place; this deposit is applied to fees but forfeited if the student does not enroll.

7. Final invoicing, payments and start. Tuition invoices are issued after the child begins school; the school publishes a Capital Fund Fee and describes a discount policy for timely full‑term/annual payments. Payments are accepted by RMB bank transfer or cash; students may be restricted from class, and records withheld, if fees are not current—so confirm payment deadlines and invoicing procedures with the Finance Office.

Waitlist

QSI Shenzhen states that the Admissions outcome may be “accepted,” “denied,” or “waiting list,” and families are informed by email shortly after the Director of Instruction's interview. The website does not publish detailed rules for how the waiting list is ordered (for example, whether it is strictly by application date, placement testing results, or other criteria), so parents should ask Admissions directly about their child's position and expected timeline if a waiting‑list offer is issued. For up‑to‑date information about availability at a specific campus or age level, contact admissions@shenzhen.qsi.org or the Admissions Office phone numbers listed on the site.

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Shekou International School

Instructs in English, French, Mandarin

Ages 2 - 18 years

Fees RMB 182,000 - 316,000

Pupils 1100

Type Co-educational

Shekou International School (SIS) was established in January 1988 and operates across three Shekou campuses (Jingshan, The Bay, and Net Valley). The school serves Nursery to Grade 12, with more than 1,100 students from over 40 countries, and the Bay campus houses the upper-primary grades and the main office. SIS is an authorized IB World School delivering the IB Diploma Programme and has implemented the PYP; the school is also progressing through MYP authorization. SIS runs language-specialist pathways including a long‑running French International Programme and recent Chinese bilingual offerings. The school publishes a bus service for Shenzhen families (daily two-way routes with licensed, air‑conditioned buses). The facts above are taken from the SIS website (History; About Us; Our Future; Map & Directions; Bus Info).

Location

Shekou International School is located in Shekou, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, with three nearby campuses: Jingshan (Early Primary) on Nanhai Boulevard, The Bay (Upper Primary) on Gangwan Avenue, and Net Valley (Secondary) in the Net Valley / industrial-innovation area. The three sites are within walking distance of one another (the Bay and Jingshan are about a 15-minute walk; Net Valley is roughly a further 15–20 minutes). For exact addresses and campus maps see the school's contact and directions pages.

Stages

SIS serves Nursery through Grade 12 (ages about 2–18) across three campuses: an Early Primary (Nursery–K) campus, an Upper Primary (Grades 1–5) campus, and a Secondary campus (Grades 6–12). The school runs both an International Programme and a French International Programme.

Type

SIS is a private, not-for-profit, co‑educational international school governed/managed by International Schools Services (ISS). The school's published information describes day-school programmes only; no boarding provision is indicated.

Additional learning support

The school publishes a Student Support (Learning Support Services) programme that provides in-class and small-group interventions, a full-time learning support specialist on each campus, EAL (English as an Additional Language) support using a sheltered-immersion model, and counselling services for social/emotional and academic needs. Campuses also have designated small-group spaces (the FAQs mention a sensory space) and the school asks families to disclose learning needs at application so appropriate services can be considered.

Country affiliation

SIS is located in China but is not affiliated with a particular national education authority; it is owned and managed by the international organisation International Schools Services (ISS).

Religious affiliation

No religious affiliation is stated on the school website; SIS presents itself as a secular/international day school.

School day structure

Published FAQs state the usual school day runs 8:00–15:00 for Nursery through Grade 5 and 8:30–15:30 for Grades 6–12. The school also offers after‑school activities (ASAs) and an after‑school bus service for students taking activities.

Bus service

SIS provides paid two‑way bus transportation across Shenzhen; fees cover daily two‑way service and a separate afternoon run is provided for students in after‑school activities. Buses are described as fully licensed, air‑conditioned, fitted with seatbelts, and supervised by two bus attendants; routes are fixed and only registered riders may use them. The school uses a bus‑tracking app and asks parents to be prompt at pick‑up; young children (up to Grade 5) must be met at afternoon drop‑off or will be returned to school and parents contacted. For route details or to register contact sisbus@sis.org.cn or the school admissions office.

Application fees
- Application processing fee: RMB 2,000 (non‑refundable; typically applied to tuition upon enrollment).

Tuition fees (summary by school phase)
- Early years / Preschool: approximately RMB 80,000 – RMB 175,000 per year (typical range reported for pre‑K/kindergarten).
- Primary (Upper Primary / Elementary): commonly around RMB 202,000 per year (sources report Primary yearly fees at about this level).
- Secondary / High School: reported annual tuition commonly in the RMB 202,000 – RMB 209,000 range; some published summaries place SIS overall annual tuition across grades within a wider band of roughly RMB 182,000 – RMB 316,000.

Per‑term detail and billing schedule
- The school issues invoices for the full school year; the full year's fees are normally due within four weeks of invoice receipt. Late penalties are applied for overdue payments. An annual re‑registration deposit (reported as RMB 8,000) is requested each March and is applied to the next year's tuition.

Boarding fees
- Shekou International School operates as a day school; boarding is not listed as an option. No boarding‑fee schedule applies.

Other costs (examples commonly charged)
- School bus: optional service with a termly/annual charge; routes and fees published for each school year.
- Co‑curricular/ASA charges: many after‑school activities are free or nominally charged; some external/community‑led ASAs are charged to parents.
- Typical additional items that parents should expect: lunches/cafeteria, excursions and field trips, textbooks/student resources, uniforms, and occasional activity or examination fees. (These items are commonly charged at SIS and peer schools.)

Refunds and deposits
- The application fee is non‑refundable. The March re‑registration deposit is applied to tuition; standard school policies hold parents responsible for fees and outline late/forfeiture conditions.

Fee payment options and currency
- Fees are payable in RMB by bank transfer; the school publishes Bank of China account details for RMB and a US$ account. Payment in US$ or other currencies must be arranged with the school's accounting office in advance. Parents are asked to provide transfer slips/identifiers as instructed.

Uniform Requirement

Uniforms are required for nursery through grade 10; students in grades 11 and 12 may wear either the uniform or business casual attire. Uniform pieces must come from the official uniform collection, and on PE days students wear the PE kit. Uniforms are worn daily on regular school days and for field trips.

Food Options

The SIS cafeteria services are provided by ISS World, offering healthy fusion meals. Lunch is available with weekly menus for the Jingshan, The Bay, and Net Valley campuses, with sample menus and dietary information published for reference.

Governance and Ownership

SIS is a private, co-educational, not-for-profit school owned and governed by International Schools Services (ISS). The SIS Board is composed of ISS senior staff together with the Head of School and the SIS Chief Finance and Administration Officer.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

SIS describes a school‑wide guidance curriculum and advisory programme (middle and high school) that addresses students' personal, social and emotional development and supports global citizenship, communication and collaboration skills. Counsellors deliver classroom lessons, individual and group sessions and work with teachers and parents to reinforce social and emotional learning. The school's Learner Profile and guidance curriculum are cited as resources that promote respect and kindness across the community. SIS also integrates service‑learning (MYP Service as Action / Week Without Walls) as part of developing empathy and responsibility. (Sources: Student Support; Safeguarding; MYP pages).

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

SIS states it admits and accommodates students with additional learning needs "as existing space and resources allow" and that decisions about admission and continuation of services are made case‑by‑case. Each campus has a full‑time learning support specialist who provides individual and small‑group interventions, collaborates with teachers, offers professional development and parent education. The website emphasises support to help students access the regular curriculum rather than offering an alternative course of study. The school does not publicly list specific categories of special educational needs it can support on the Student Support page. SIS presents itself as an inclusive school that provides learning support within its existing resources rather than as a specialist SEN institution.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

SIS states that EAL specialists support non‑native English speakers through referral at admission or by teacher recommendation and that support focuses on social and academic language development. The school uses a Sheltered‑Immersion Model (SIM): EAL teachers work directly in mainstream classrooms (students are not withdrawn) and support reading, writing, speaking and listening within grade‑level curricula. EAL specialists and classroom teachers jointly assess and monitor students' English acquisition and recommend services based on recent assessments and classroom performance. The Student Support page describes these structures but does not publish detailed staffing numbers or placement criteria on the public page.

Mental Wellbeing

SIS describes a comprehensive, developmental counselling programme that addresses students' personal, social, emotional and academic needs and includes individual and group counselling, classroom lessons and parent programmes. Primary counsellors offer lessons and family support for younger students while middle and high school counselling includes advisory and academic/career guidance and four‑year planning in high school. The school runs wellbeing‑focused initiatives and workshops (for example, school‑wide Wellbeing Week, Positive Discipline workshops and parent education events listed in the events calendar). Counsellors also provide materials and resources to support student adjustment and achievement. (Sources: Student Support page and the school events calendar).

Safeguarding

SIS has a published Child Safeguarding Policy (linked on its Safeguarding page) and states the policy is based on international law, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and Chinese law. The school says all staff who work directly with students undergo police clearance and, where applicable, international background checks before employment and that staff receive annual training on recognising and reporting abuse and neglect. SIS also states students receive age‑appropriate lessons on personal safety and where to seek help, and lists the Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy among its key policies. The Policies and Practices section links to the detailed Safeguarding & Child Protection document (hosted via the school's policy/sharepoint links).

Admissions

1. Initial enquiry and Open Day: Start by registering for an online Open Day (offered approximately every three weeks). The online Open Day introduces the school's programmes and campuses and families who attend are usually then invited to an in-person tour; you may also begin the formal application at any time. Parents should note the Open Day schedule and register early because tours and application slots can fill quickly.

2. In-person tour and school visit: After the online Open Day you will normally be invited to an in-person campus tour and, where appropriate, a classroom visit or playdate for the child. Use the tour to confirm practical details (which campus your child will attend, transport options, school hours and ASA schedules) and to ask about language support or learning‑support capacity. If you need language assistance, the admissions office includes Mandarin and Cantonese speaking staff; ask for their support when you book the visit.

3. Complete the online application and assemble documents: Submit the school's online application (SIS uses the OpenApply portal) and upload all required documents listed on the application. The Admissions Policy says a complete application must include the application fee and all specified documents (examples commonly required are passport/ID, immunization records, recent school reports, passport photo and teacher recommendation forms); incomplete applications cannot be processed and will be discarded after 30 days. Parents should prepare translated copies where needed and check the specific document list for the grade you are applying to before submitting.

4. Application fee and scheduling of assessment: After the application and the non‑refundable application fee are received the school schedules the child's assessment or playdate as relevant for the age/grade. The admissions FAQ sets out grade‑by‑grade assessment practice (examples: playdates for nursery; school‑designed English and maths tasks for mid‑year Kindergarten to Grade 1; MAP reading and MAP maths for Grades 2–5; MAP + essay for Grades 6–12; WIDA may be used where additional language information is needed). Expect the assessment to be paired with a short interview (student and parent) and plan travel/logistics around the scheduled assessment.

5. Disclosure of learning‑support needs and EAL considerations: If your child has an IEP or learning‑support needs you must supply all relevant documentation at application (recent testing, reports and current support plans). The Admissions Policy explains that SIS admits students with additional needs only where the school has the resources to meet those needs; decisions are made case‑by‑case and additional evaluation may be requested (at the family's expense). If your child will need English language support (EAL), be prepared for screening and for placement decisions that consider both the child's projected rate of language acquisition and available classroom balance.

6. Priority groups, decision categories and notification: Admissions decisions take into account priority categories (for example siblings, certain company‑sponsored families and expatriate passport criteria) as well as English proficiency, academic history and available space. The Director of Admissions will notify families of one of three outcomes: Accepted (place offered if space allows), Wait Pool (applicant meets requirements but the grade is full) or Not Accepted. Parents should check the offer letter carefully for any stated deadlines and the instructions the school supplies about next steps.

7. If placed on the wait pool or offered a place: If your child is placed in the wait pool you will remain on that list for the academic year applied for; the school reviews the pool as places become available and may re‑order consideration according to priority factors. If you receive an offer, the school's offer/acceptance instructions and the current fee schedule (downloadable from the Tuition & Fees page) will outline the required paperwork and payment items; follow those instructions and contact Admissions promptly if you need clarification. For administrative or fee questions, contact admissions directly (the admissions office publishes phone extensions and an email address on the school site).

8. Onboarding and first term arrangements: Once acceptance actions are completed the school will provide information on orientation, timetables, bus registration and other practical arrangements (uniform, lunch accounts, ASA sign‑up). Familiarise yourself with the school's communication platforms (Seesaw for Early Years/Primary; ManageBac for upper levels) so you can receive notices, homework and teacher messages. If your child will use the school bus or ASA programme, check the ASA fee practice and bus tracking options ahead of term start so you can register in time.

Scholarships

SIS publishes two formal scholarship streams on its admissions pages and accepts applications through the online portal.

- French International Programme Scholarship (ISS Global International Language Scholarship): This award supports students joining the French International Programme. It is intended for French speakers or those with appropriate French proficiency, is offered to students entering Grades 1–5, and is awarded for up to three years or until the student completes Grade 5. The application is made online and requires the standard application documents (application fee, passport, immunization record, photos, school reports where applicable, and a completed teacher recommendation form). The school assesses language proficiency (oral test), academic standing, and family interview; awards are limited, vary year to year, and recipients must meet behavioural, attendance and community expectations to retain the scholarship. Note the scholarship is not available to students whose tuition is paid directly or indirectly by an employer. For full eligibility, timelines (applications are typically required by 31 December for the scholarship window) and the list of required documents consult the French International Programme Scholarship page.

- SIS Geckcellence Scholarship Competition: SIS also runs a Geckcellence Scholarship Competition; application and detailed information are published through the school's admissions links (application via OpenApply and further program details on the school's internal information pages). The number and value of awards can vary annually and are determined by the school based on available seats and funding. If you are interested in scholarship opportunities beyond these two named programmes, contact Admissions because additional or year‑specific awards and competitions may open in a given year.

Waitlist

SIS uses a wait pool (not a strict numbered waitlist): if an applicant meets the school's admission requirements but the requested grade is full the applicant is placed in the grade's wait pool for that academic year. The school's Admissions Policy explains that a student's position in the wait pool can change if a subsequent application has higher priority (for example sibling or defined expatriate/company priority), and that applicants remain in the wait pool only for the academic year applied for. Parents may contact Admissions to roll an application into the next academic year beginning December 1st, but applications do not automatically carry over; if you want to be considered for a later year you must request rollover or reapply with updated documents. Because offers from the pool are made as seats open (and are influenced by priority and balance considerations) movement off the pool is unpredictable; contact Admissions for the current status and any grade‑specific guidance.

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Shen Wai International School

Instructs in English

Ages 4 - 18 years

Fees RMB 121,400 - 218,500

Pupils 780

Type Co-educational

Shen Wai International School (SWIS) is the international section of Shenzhen Foreign Languages School, located at 29 Baishi 3rd Road in Nanshan, Shenzhen. The school's English-language site lists its three IB programmes (Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme) and menu sections for Athletics, Co‑Curricular Activities and Admissions, indicating an enrolment pathway from early years through to the diploma level. Contact details (telephone and map links) are provided on the site. The school publishes downloadable documents and pages for Admissions and Learning (PYP, MYP, DP) but the publicly accessible English pages do not show a published fee schedule, student roll, specific age entry ranges, class sizes, or the name of the head/principal. Where items are not present on the school site I have left them blank rather than use third‑party sources. (All facts above are taken from the SWIS website.)

Location

Shen Wai International School is on 29 Baishi 3rd Road in Nanshan District, Shenzhen (518053). The campus is in the Shenzhen Bay / Nanshan area and is reachable by city roads and public transport; the school website lists the full address and contact number for directions and visits.

Stages

SWIS is an IB continuum school offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), serving roughly ages 4–18 (Pre‑K/Kindergarten through Grade 12).

Type

Co‑educational day school (no boarding). The school is government‑invested/non‑profit and serves expatriate families as well as residents from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

Additional learning support

The school provides English language support (EAL) and additional learning / special‑education resources, and has counselling services and access to educational‑psychology support; some specialised services may be provided for a fee—contact Admissions for specifics.

Country affiliation

The school is not affiliated with a foreign country; it is invested by the Shenzhen municipal government and operates as an international school serving the local expatriate community and Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan residents.

Religious affiliation

SWIS is secular and does not have a religious affiliation.

School day structure

Published information indicates a typical school day runs approximately from 08:30 to 15:30, with options for supervised before/after care and an After‑School Activities (ASA) programme. Check the school calendar or Admissions for exact daily bell times for each division.

Bus service

The school offers a school‑bus service for families; bus availability, routes, pick‑up points and fees are organised through the school and can change each year. Parents relocating from overseas should request the current route map, operating company (if any) and fee schedule from Admissions before arrival.

Fees overview

- Annual tuition by year group (amounts shown in RMB):
- Kindergarten (4‑year‑old / K2): [RMB 121,400] per year; per term (approx.): [RMB 40,467] (annual ÷ 3, shown as an approximate per‑term figure).
- Kindergarten 3 / Year 0 and Years 1–5 (Early Primary): [RMB 166,980] per year; per term (approx.): [RMB 55,660].
- Years 6–10 (Lower & Upper Secondary): [RMB 182,160] per year; per term (approx.): [RMB 60,720].
- Years 11–12 (IB Diploma / Sixth Form): [RMB 218,500] per year; per term (approx.): [RMB 72,833].

Application / enrolment fees

- No explicit, separate application fee or one‑off enrolment/deposit amount was located in the publicly available fee summaries consulted. Public fee summaries present annual tuition figures but do not publish a distinct application charge in the sources reviewed.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The school follows an August–June academic year (three‑term school year). Annual tuition figures are published; the sources consulted do not publish a detailed term billing schedule (for example exact term percentages or instalment due dates). Where a per‑term amount is required below, it is shown as an approximate value calculated by dividing the published annual fee by three.

Boarding / accommodation fees

- Shen Wai International School is listed as a day school (no boarding programme shown in the public profiles consulted). No boarding or residential fees were published in the sources reviewed.

Other costs and typical additional charges

- Uniform: the school is listed as having a uniform requirement, but no published uniform cost was found in the public fee summaries reviewed.
- Transport (school bus): transport is offered according to school profile summaries; no specific bus fees or routes/prices were published in the fee summaries consulted.
- Examination, materials, extra‑curricular and assessment fees: the publicly available fee summaries reviewed show annual tuition levels but do not itemise textbook, exam (IB examination) or co‑curricular charges. These kinds of additional charges are commonly billed separately at many schools, but no itemised list or amounts were found in the sources consulted.

Refunds and refundable deposits

- No explicit refund policy, refundable deposit amount, or step‑by‑step refund procedure for fees was located in the public fee materials that were available to the sources consulted. The published summaries provide annual tuition figures but do not publish a detailed refund/refund‑schedule statement.

Accepted payment methods and practical payment notes

- The public fee summaries consulted do not list specific accepted payment methods (for example bank transfer, credit card, or local cashiers). Contact details for the school are published and may be used to confirm current payment methods: phone +86 755 8654 1200 and email office@swis.cn.

Summary of sources consulted and limitations

- Confirmed items above (the published annual tuition figures by grade band) come from recent publicly available school‑profile and fee summary pages. The sources consulted publish annual tuition amounts but do not publish detailed line‑item charges (for example a named application fee, explicit enrolment deposit, exact per‑term billing proportions or formal refund wording) in the materials accessible through those summaries. Consequently, per‑term figures above are shown as approximations (annual fee divided by three) to provide a term‑level view when a per‑term number is required; those per‑term figures are inferences based on the published annual amounts.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

SWIS identifies well‑being as a core school value and states that elements of well‑being are incorporated across units of study from Kindergarten through Diploma; the school highlights areas such as health, self‑management, collaboration, respect and relationships in its community description. Public reporting about SWIS notes the school develops expectations and procedures linked to well‑being and that well‑being is embedded in curriculum planning. The school also reports having medical and counselling staff available to the community. Specific named SEL programmes or a published, standalone SEL curriculum are not detailed on the school's public pages.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Publicly available job adverts and recruitment listings show SWIS has recruited for Learning Support / Secondary Learning Support roles, indicating the school operates an in‑school learning support function. These listings suggest the presence of staff who support learners with additional needs, but the school's public materials do not specify which categories of Special Educational Needs (for example, specific learning disabilities, ASD, sensory impairments, etc.) it will or will not support. SWIS is not described in public sources as a specialist SEN institution. For clarity on individual student needs and specialist provision the school should be contacted directly.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school does not publicly disclose information regarding EAL. Public pages and summary profiles for SWIS that are available do not include a described EAL/ESL programme, dedicated EAL staff, or explicit EAL entry/support procedures. If you need confirmation of EAL provision or assessment procedures, contact the school directly.

Mental Wellbeing

SWIS publicly frames well‑being as a school priority and reports that medical and counselling staff are available to support the community. External profiles of the school describe wellbeing being elevated to a core value and note the school operates anti‑bullying measures and related pastoral procedures. The school's publicly available material does not publish a detailed mental‑health policy or named, externally run mental‑health programmes on its website; for specifics on school counselling qualifications, caseload, or referral pathways you should request those details from the school.

Safeguarding

Public reporting about SWIS states the school maintains child‑protection measures that include safe‑recruiting practices, police and reference checks for staff, an anti‑bullying policy, and on‑site security and medical personnel. These statements appear in external profiles summarising the school's safeguarding and safety procedures. The school is also listed on Shenzhen government education pages as an accredited international school, which indicates it operates within local regulatory frameworks. The school's full written safeguarding/child‑protection policy and implementation details are not published in full on the public pages found; request the school's safeguarding policy directly for complete, current documentation.

Admissions

1. Check eligibility and timing. Shen Wai International School (SWIS) primarily serves children of the expatriate community and residents of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan; at least one parent must normally hold foreign passport/residency and local guardianship rules require students to live in Shenzhen with a parent or an approved guardian. Confirm your child's age against the school's cut-off date (September 1) because grade placement is age-based. See the school's admissions criteria for these restrictions and rolling-entry notes.

2. Prepare required documents. Parents should be ready to provide documentary proof of the items above (passport information page and any relevant residence/visa pages), the child's birth certificate, recent school reports or transcripts, and standard health/immunisation records; if you are using a guardian, bring the appropriate power of attorney/guardianship paperwork. SWIS requires applicants to show they can access an English-language curriculum, so evidence of recent school reports or any English test results can speed placement. If your child has identified special educational needs, discuss these with admissions before applying so the school can confirm whether it can meet those needs.

3. Submit the online application and school tour/ enquiry. Use the school's Apply Online link and the Admissions page to start an application and to arrange a tour or admissions meeting; the official admissions page is the primary entry point for applications and enquiries. Be aware that some international schools charge a non-refundable application fee or require a one-time first-year payment/placement charge — parents should check the specific payment/fee instructions shown on the offer or fee schedule. Keep records of application submission and any reference/application IDs the school provides.

4. Assessment and interview/placement. SWIS expects applicants to demonstrate sufficient English and may use grade-specific assessments or interviews to check academic level and English proficiency; each grade can have a tailored process and placement is based on results and available places. For younger children the school may use age-appropriate observation or interviews, while older children are typically assessed with school reports and subject-specific checks. Ask Admissions in advance what format (in-person or online) the assessment and interview will take for your child's grade.

5. Offer, acceptance and payment. If a place is offered you will usually receive a written Offer Letter or invoice that specifies the deadline to accept and any placement deposit or tuition payment required to secure the place. SWIS's published tuition schedule shows annual tuition bands by year group, and the first-year or placement financial requirements can be higher than the annual tuition shown; read the offer carefully for one‑time fees and payment deadlines. Keep the payment receipt and confirm enrolment steps (medical forms, transport, uniform orders) after the school acknowledges your payment.

6. Visa, guardianship and local compliance. Before your child's first day, confirm that local guardianship, residency/visa paperwork and any health insurance or immunisation records meet Shenzhen and school requirements — SWIS will not accept students who do not meet local guardianship rules. If your family's situation requires a guardian in Shenzhen, arrange the legal documents well before arrival so the school can complete registration. Contact Admissions for any school-specific local-compliance instructions.

7. Start date, orientation and ongoing communication. SWIS operates on a rolling-admissions basis where places are confirmed subject to vacancies; when your child starts expect an orientation (or grade-level entry procedure) and possible short-term monitoring or placement adjustments as teachers confirm appropriate class groupings. Keep in regular contact with the Admissions office and the relevant Head of Division during the first weeks so any academic or pastoral adjustments can be made promptly. If anything in your family situation changes (arrival date, guardian, residency), notify Admissions immediately.

Waitlist

SWIS publicly describes admissions as rolling and that places are offered according to enrolment limits and vacancies; the school's published admissions information does not include a public, detailed waitlist policy. That means: when a grade is full the school typically manages new applications on a vacancy basis (often by holding records of applicants and offering places as they become available), but there is no formal, publicly posted waitlist procedure or guaranteed position published on the website or directory listings. Parents should therefore assume places are offered by vacancy and should keep their application active (and confirm their interest) with Admissions; for a definitive answer about whether SWIS will keep a formal waitlist for a specific grade and how applicants are prioritised, contact the Admissions office directly using the school's admissions contact.

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Shenzhen American International School

Instructs in English

Ages 3 - 18 years

Fees RMB 138,000 - 298,000

Pupils 300

Type Co-educational (boarding)

Shenzhen American International School (SAIS) — Bao'an Campus serves students from preschool through Grade 12 and was established with approval in May 2005. The Bao'an campus is located in the Hangcheng area of Bao'an District and occupies over 20,000 square metres with three main buildings: an academic block, dormitories and a dining hall. The campus offers multiple upper‑secondary pathways (IB DP, AP, Cambridge A‑Level and HKDSE) and preschool programs (including IB‑PYP and Montessori approaches on SAIS pages). The school provides an on‑site boarding programme for students, campus dining (meals for boarders included in boarding fee), SEN support, ESL/EAL support, college counselling, after‑school activities and school bus services for day students. Annual tuition (2025–26 fee policy) ranges from RMB 138,000 to RMB 298,000; other published fees include an application fee, an enrollment deposit and boarding/meals charges. (All items above are taken from SAIS Bao'an pages and the SAIS Bao'an 2025–26 fee policy published on the school site.)

Location

The Bao'an campus is in Hangcheng (Hangcheng Street), Bao'an District, Shenzhen — address: No.2, Beiqi Road. The campus is a short drive from central Bao'an and is part of a newly opened SAIS campus complex that includes academic buildings, dormitories and a dining hall. Public metro and bus links serve Bao'an generally, but exact route/times for daily commutes will depend on your neighbourhood and are best checked locally.

Stages

SAIS operates as a K–12 international school overall (preschool through Grade 12), while the Bao'an campus focuses on middle and high school provision. The Bao'an campus offers middle-school foundation (Grades 6–8) and multiple high-school pathways (IBDP, AP, A‑Level, HKDSE).

Type

The school is co-educational and provides both day and boarding options; the Bao'an campus includes an on-site boarding programme for Grade 6 and above. There is no indication that the school is operated by a religious organisation.

Additional learning support

SAIS Bao'an states it provides Special Educational Needs (SEN) support and places emphasis on inclusive admissions procedures and counselling. School counsellors run both group and individual sessions and the school asks parents to work collaboratively with staff on support plans; admissions and the Student Development Center are listed contacts for further detail.

Country affiliation

The school is an independent international school operating in Shenzhen; it offers multiple international curricula (including American-style AP, A‑Level, IB and HKDSE pathways) and is not presented as formally affiliated to a single foreign government. The school was established with approval from the Chinese education authorities and the Bao'an campus is run in partnership with Tianli Educational Group.

Religious affiliation

The school website does not list any religious affiliation and presents SAIS as a secular international school.

School day structure

The school office hours for the Bao'an campus are Monday–Friday, 08:00–17:00; specific daily timetables (start/end times by grade, lesson blocks, and lunch/break schedules) are not detailed on the public pages and can be confirmed with admissions. Boarding students follow a campus boarding schedule with after‑school activities, enrichment and supervised self-study in the evenings.

Bus service

The Bao'an campus website does not publish a dedicated school-bus schedule; SAIS's Shekou main campus operates a paid school-bus service covering Nanshan, Futian and parts of Bao'an, with fees and routes set by service area — for Bao'an-specific transport you should confirm directly with admissions.

Application / Enrolment fees
- One‑time application/registration fee: RMB 2,000 (approx.).
- One‑time capital levy / building fee for new students: RMB 20,000 (approx.).

Tuition fees by year group (annual and approximate per‑semester)
- Early education / Pre‑K: Annual RMB 168,000 — per semester ≈ RMB 84,000.
- Kindergarten: Annual RMB 188,000 — per semester ≈ RMB 94,000.
- Grades 1–3: Annual RMB 208,000 — per semester ≈ RMB 104,000.
- Grades 4–5: Annual RMB 228,000 — per semester ≈ RMB 114,000.
- Grades 6–8: Annual RMB 258,000 — per semester ≈ RMB 129,000.
- Grade 9: Annual RMB 278,000 — per semester ≈ RMB 139,000.
- Grades 10–12 (A‑Level / AP / IB pathways): Annual RMB 278,000 — per semester ≈ RMB 139,000. (There are alternate DSE fee levels for DSE stream students — see next line.)
- Grades 10–12 (DSE pathway): Annual RMB 138,000 (non‑Hong Kong ID) / RMB 98,000 (Hong Kong ID) — per semester ≈ RMB 69,000 / RMB 49,000 respectively.

Boarding / boarding fees
- Full‑year boarding fee (where available): RMB 80,000 per year (covers supervised boarding, three daily meals and dormitory services during normal teaching days).

Other recurring or one‑off costs
- School bus: Annual zone rates (examples) — RMB 12,000 (Shekou within 3 km), RMB 13,500 (Nanshan 3–10 km), RMB 15,000 (other 10+ km). Bus fees are charged by semester or year and are non‑refundable.
- Lunch and catering: Paid separately through the school lunch program (menu and pricing set by the provider).
- Uniforms: Parents order uniform sets via the school's online uniform store; costs vary by size/season.
- Technology / device charges, exam fees (AP/IB/Cambridge), optional ASA and field trip costs may apply depending on grade and programme; these are additional to tuition.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Enrollment and invoicing: the school requires payment of applicable application/one‑time fees before assessment and requires full payment by the published due date to secure a place after acceptance. Specific invoice due dates and accepted instalment options are set in the school's tuition schedule and enrolment documents.

Refunds and withdrawal
- The school has a formal Withdrawal & Refund Policy that parents must read and sign as part of admission; some one‑time fees and selected service fees (e.g., certain deposits, bus fees) are non‑refundable as stated in school documents. See the school's Withdrawal & Refund Policy for precise conditions.

Fee payment options (typical for Shenzhen international schools / practice noted at similar schools)
- Common accepted methods for international schools in Shenzhen include RMB bank transfer (wire), in‑person cash or over‑the‑counter payments; some schools also offer card/online payment channels with processing surcharges. Parents are required to follow the payment instructions shown on invoices.

Notes: amounts above reflect published fee schedules and widely reported school fee summaries; one‑time entry charges and optional programme fees should be expected in addition to the annual tuition figures cited.

Boarding Arrangements

The Bao'an Campus offers a boarding program for Grade 6 and above. Boarding provides dormitory living spaces with comfortable accommodations and nutritious meals, with 24/7 supervision by boarding parents. The program includes student-led after-school activities, enrichment classes, and self-study support to promote holistic development.

Food Options

The culinary team includes chefs from star-rated hotels to offer a diverse range of Chinese and Western dishes for students and staff. Meals are nutritionally balanced and reflect an international palate. Staff and students dine in the same canteen to enable interaction and timely feedback on dining needs.

Governance and Ownership

The Bao'an campus is governed through a strategic partnership between Shenzhen American International School and Tianli Educational Group (01773.HK). It operates independently from the Shekou campus, with governance strengthened by this partnership to support sustainable educational growth. Tianli Group aims to explore multiple opportunities within the educational sector.

Curriculum

Shenzhen American International School offers a K–12 international programme: IB‑PYP in early years/elementary, a Middle Years/Foundation bridge in middle school, and multiple Grade 10–12 pathways (IBDP, AP, A‑Level (Edexcel/AQA) and HKDSE).
Grades 6–8 follow a Middle Year Foundation Program (MYFP) with core subjects in English, Chinese, mathematics, science, individuals & societies, arts, music, ICT, physical health education, Service as Action (SAS) and after‑school activities.
Grade 9 is a High School Foundation Year (Pre‑DP) that prepares students for pathway selection (Pre‑DP into IBDP, AP, A‑Levels or HKDSE) and includes TOK and PHE in the programme.
The American Placement (AP) pathway (Grades 10–12) lets students choose AP subjects across languages, humanities, sciences and maths and sit external AP exams (students typically take 2–3 exams and may earn university credits).
The A‑Level route includes a Grade 10 Pre‑DP year and Pearson Edexcel IAL / AQA Oxford International qualifications in Grades 11–12 (students usually select three specialist subjects alongside mandatory English/Chinese, PHE and ASAs); the HKDSE pathway (Grades 10–12) follows Hong Kong Diploma requirements with compulsory Chinese, English, mathematics and liberal studies plus elective sciences, humanities, Applied Learning options and mathematics extension modules.
The IBDP option comprises a Grade 10 Pre‑DP transition and the two‑year Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12) with the six subject groups, Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS; students can follow HL/SL subject choices across languages, individuals & societies, sciences, mathematics and the arts.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

SAIS describes a range of student-led after‑school activities (ASA) that the school says develop teamwork, leadership, resilience and confidence through clubs and sports. The SEN/Student Development information also states school counselors run general, age‑group sessions on mental‑health topics as well as individual counselling. The Student Development Center is led by a named director (Ms Aleezer Li), who is presented as a life mentor involved in student support. The school website frames these elements as part of a broader “holistic education” approach on the main site.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school's SEN page states SAIS offers Special Educational Needs support and says inclusivity and gathering information through the admissions process are part of that provision. The page describes dedicated school counselors providing general and individual counselling tailored to students' needs. The site invites parents to cooperate with the school's SEN work and provides contact emails for further enquiries. The school does not publicly specify on its website which specific categories of SEN it can support, nor does it describe itself as a specialist SEN institution.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

SAIS states it offers English language support through English as a Second Language (ESL) and English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes and lists TOEFL and IELTS preparatory courses. The Language Programs page also notes additional instruction in Chinese, French and Japanese to enrich language learning. The school says its language teaching team includes native and experienced non‑native English teachers to support students transitioning to an English‑language environment. For more detail (levels, entry criteria or class sizes) the site directs enquiries to admissions email addresses.

Mental Wellbeing

The school's SEN and Student Development pages state that school counselors provide both group sessions on age‑appropriate mental‑health topics and one‑to‑one counselling for individual needs. The Student Development Center is presented as a focal point for student support and college counselling, led by a named director. The campus description also refers to a “Home Parent” programme and dormitory living spaces intended to create a supportive, home‑like environment for boarders. If you need specifics about counselling qualifications, referral processes or external mental‑health partnerships, the website provides contact emails but does not publish those operational details.

Safeguarding

The school does not publicly disclose information regarding safeguarding and child‑protection policies on its website.

Admissions

1. Initial inquiry and information-gathering (Contact & tour). The school's contact page provides a form to request tours and lists school hours and phone/email contacts; families should confirm which campus/program (Bao'an vs. Shekou) they are applying to before proceeding. Visiting or a phone call is useful because the school offers both day and boarding options and bus/meal arrangements differ by campus.

2. Create an OpenApply account and complete the online application.
- SAIS uses OpenApply for admissions; parents should register a family account and complete every required section of the online application (personal details, family, previous schools, health/SEN information and fees section) before submitting. The OpenApply form also asks whether you want boarding or day place and which academic year and curriculum stream (IB/AP/A‑Level/DSE) you are applying to; fill those carefully because they affect placement and fee schedules. You can preview the full checklist on the OpenApply portal so you can gather translations, transcripts, and medical records before submission.

3. Prepare and submit required documents and pay the non-refundable application fee.
- The application will not be processed until the non-refundable application fee (¥2,000 RMB) is paid and the required documents are received. The school's published application checklist requires a completed application form plus copies of the student's passport, birth certificate (English translation), residence permit or visa (if available), immunization record, two passport photos, the last two years' official school reports (English translation), and any specialist SEN reports. If you do not yet have a Chinese visa/residence permit you may submit passport copies now and email visa/permit copies later.

4. Admission review and any follow-up (selection process).
- Once the application fee and documents are received the school's selection/review process begins; the school may request additional information, clarification of records, or follow-up communications with the sending school. The website and application form do not publish a single fixed interview/exam sequence for all applicants, so the school may contact you to arrange placement testing, an interview, or a meeting with staff as appropriate for the student's age and programme; for high‑school entry the school also runs entrance examinations and scholarship-related assessments. Parents should be ready to supply original documents on request and to schedule in-person or online meetings for placement discussions.

5. Offer, acceptance, and payment of the enrollment deposit.
- If the school issues an offer, new families must pay the non-refundable enrollment deposit (published as ¥60,000 RMB) within five working days of receiving the admission letter to secure the place; continuing students must meet the seat-reservation deadline (published as March 31). The enrollment deposit is applied toward total fees but is non-refundable; if the deposit is not paid by the deadline the school explicitly reserves the right to offer the place to other applicants. Parents should check the offer letter for exact dates and the finance contact for bank details.

6. Tuition payment schedule, early-bird and payment options.
- The school publishes grade-group tuition bands and offers an early-bird rate for payments by March 31; full tuition deadlines and the standard payment schedule show an annual (due by August 10) or semester option (due by August 10 and January 10). For example (published in the SAIS fee policy for 2025–26) annual tuition figures differ by grade and programme (primary, middle, AP/IB high school, A‑Level, HKDSE) and boarding and meal fees are additional. Parents should review the current Fee Policy PDF carefully for the grade-specific tuition amount that applies to their child and confirm whether their employer will pay directly or whether they will pay as family.

7. Additional fees and optional services (boarding, meals, transport, school fund).
- The Fee Policy lists boarding fees (annual boarding fee and meal and dormitory amounts), a School Fund / uniform & BYOD one-time fee for new students (published as ¥20,000 RMB), and bus fee zones (published zone rates); meal and transport fees can be optional and non-refundable depending on your selections. Sibling discounts apply to tuition only (with the structure published in the fee document) but do not apply to boarding, meals or uniform/school-fund charges. If you are considering boarding, note the fee structure for dormitory configurations and that meal arrangements differ between the Bao'an and Shekou campuses.

8. Withdrawal, refunds, and arrival preparations.
- The school publishes a withdrawal and refund policy with proportional refunds depending on the withdrawal date (e.g., 100% refund before school year begins, scaled refunds through the year) and specific rules for temporary leave, late payments, and documentation release. Parents should also prepare immunization records and any medical documentation in advance; the application form requires immunization and health history and indicates the school will follow emergency procedures if necessary. If a visa/residence permit is required for enrollment, start that process early (the application form asks for residence/visa details).

Scholarships

SAIS publishes a school scholarship programme and a scholarship application form for the Bao'an campus. The school's scholarships page and the SAIS Scholarship Application Form list several categories in the 2025 plan, including a High School Entrance Examination Scholarship, Top University Scholarship, Outstanding Student Scholarship, and Talent Scholarship (for arts or sports); the application form describes required items such as a 200–500 word personal statement, two recommendation letters, certified transcripts, and supporting evidence (competition results, portfolios) for talent awards. Deadlines and timelines are published in the scholarship form (examples: application deadlines of December 20 for spring-entry and June 30 for fall-entry; selected applicants notified by January 10 or July 31; successful applicants required to confirm by January 20 or August 5). The scholarship form identifies a Scholarship Coordinator (Ms. Aleezer Li) and gives a contact email and phone number for questions and submission instructions. The scholarships page also includes student testimonial material (example: a 12th‑grade recipient reporting a half scholarship) indicating the school has awarded partial scholarships in practice. If you are considering a scholarship, submit the scholarship form and all supporting documents by the published deadline and follow up with the scholarship coordinator for any programme-specific steps.

Waitlist

The school website and published admissions documents do not present a separate, public ‘waitlist' policy or named ‘admissions pool' for general applicants. However, the Fee Policy states that if a new student's enrollment deposit is not paid by the required deadline the school reserves the right to offer the place to other applicants, which indicates places may be reallocated promptly when deposits are not received. Because the site does not describe a formal waitlist process (priority rules, how long students remain on a list, or how waitlisted families are notified), parents who want to know the practical handling of oversubscribed grades should contact admissions directly (admissions@szsaisba.org) to ask whether a waitlist will be created for their child and how offers from that list are managed.

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Shenzhen Foreign Languages GBA Academy

Instructs in English, Mandarin

Ages 6 - 19 years

Fees RMB 165,200 - 210,000

Pupils 900

Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)

Shenzhen Foreign Languages Greater Bay Area Academy (SGA) opened in 2017 and is established and managed under the Shenzhen Municipal government and Shenzhen Foreign Languages School group. The school delivers a blended curriculum that integrates the Chinese National Curriculum with the International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP and DP) and teaches in English as the primary language of instruction while maintaining Chinese language studies. The campus is described on the website as covering about 140,000 m² and the school publishes a teacher:student ratio of 1:7 and a Chinese/foreign teacher ratio of 4:3. Boarding is provided for middle and senior students (dorms are two-person rooms; boarding fee is published on the site). SGA also reports more than 200 after-school activities, Student-Led Clubs and School Teams, and lists notable STEM, music and arts achievements by students. (All points above are taken from the school website.)

Location

Address: No. 30 Xiangtang Road (Xiangtang Lu), Bantian sub-district, Longgang District, Shenzhen. The campus is in the Bantian/Longgang area (city outskirts with road and local-bus connections); parents relocating should check specific transit options and journey times from their housing area.

Stages

SGA is a 12‑year, continuous school covering primary, middle and high school. It delivers the IB continuum: PYP for primary, MYP for middle years and DP for the final two years.

Type

The school is a co‑educational, government‑run (municipal) school operated by the Shenzhen Foreign Languages School Group; it is a publicly authorised integrated/“multi‑path” school and admits students of different nationalities.

Additional learning support

SGA states it provides short‑term English language (EAL) support for students who need it and has school counselling/pastoral services; third‑party listings note a growing learning‑support team (a Learning Support Coordinator and trained staff) and access to external specialists when required. Parents with specific SEN requirements should contact admissions to discuss individual provision and assessment.

Country affiliation

The school is run under the Shenzhen Foreign Languages School (group) and Shenzhen municipal education authorities; it is not affiliated to any other country.

Religious affiliation

SGA does not advertise any religious affiliation; its programmes are secular and curriculum‑focused.

School day structure

The school follows age‑appropriate daily timetables for PYP (primary), MYP (middle) and DP (senior) with lessons, a mid‑morning break and a lunchtime, plus after‑school co‑curricular activities. Exact start/end times and break lengths vary by year group and are published to families (contact the school or check the Parent Handbook for the current term schedule).

Bus service

Public listings indicate SGA operates a school‑bus service for families (routes/availability are adjusted each year and places are typically by application/registration). Many schools in the area contract private bus providers, so parents should confirm current routes, pickup points, safety arrangements and fees with admissions before relocating.

Application fee
- The school's published fee schedule and parent/student handbook do not list a separate application, registration or seat-deposit fee on their public fee pages.

Tuition fees (by year group)
- Grade 1–5: RMB 165,200 per year. Per term (semester): RMB 82,600.
- Grade 6–10: RMB 178,400 per year. Per term (semester): RMB 89,200.
- Grade 11–12: RMB 210,000 per year. Per term (semester): RMB 105,000.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- The school publishes tuition as annual amounts and the academic calendar is split into two semesters (Semester 1 beginning in August and Semester 2 beginning in January). The per-term figures above are the annual tuition divided by two to match the school's two-semester calendar. Snacks for the year must be reserved at the start of each semester and meal charges are calculated by the school calendar.

Boarding fees (if applicable)
- Boarding (Grades 6–12): RMB 12,000 per year. Per term (semester): RMB 6,000. The boarding fee covers basic dormitory facilities and utilities; personal items, bedding, laundry and meals are not included and are payable separately. Boarding places are by application only.

Other costs and recurring charges
- Meal charges (charged per meal/day according to age group):
- Grades 1–2: snack RMB 10; lunch RMB 20 (breakfast/dinner not listed except for boarders).
- Grades 3–5: snack RMB 25.
- Grades 6–12: breakfast RMB 10; lunch RMB 25; dinner RMB 25. Meal charges are calculated according to the school calendar and some meals (breakfast/dinner) are provided only to boarders.
- Tuition explicitly excludes: school uniform, school bus, off-campus competitions / inter-school activity costs and other additional items (these are charged separately). The boarding fee also excludes personal items, beddings and laundry.
- Co-curricular activities, external exam or registration fees for external exams, school trips, and specialist program fees may incur additional charges (not included in the tuition). The school's published fee statement notes those categories as exclusions from tuition.

Refund information
- The school's public fee statement and the student/parent handbook do not publish a detailed refund or cancellation policy on the fee pages reviewed. No published refund schedule or explicit refund rules were found on the school's public fee and handbook pages.

Fee payment options and channels
- The school's publicly posted fee pages and handbook do not specify payment channels (for example: bank transfer details, accepted card payments, WeChat/Alipay or international payment instructions). No payment-account or payment-method details were found on the school pages reviewed. Parents should expect standard institutional payment channels (bank transfer or school finance office arrangements) but the school does not publish the exact options on the referenced pages.

Brief summary of missing items (from public fee pages reviewed)
- The school's official published fee notice provides the annual tuition, boarding fee and meal charges and confirms the two-semester academic calendar, but does not publish (on the pages reviewed): a separate application/registration/seat fee, detailed billing deadlines or installment/late-payment penalties, explicit refund/cancellation rules, nor the school's bank account or accepted payment channels. The tuition, boarding and meal figures above are taken from the school's official fee announcement and the term dates from the school calendar.

Boarding Arrangements

Student dormitories are provided. The dormitories offer two-person rooms; there are separate buildings for male and female students with full facilities. The first-floor lobby includes a laundry room and a medical room, and each floor has a common space. The school has a care system to meet the housing needs of students in Grade 6 and above.

Food Options

Meals are provided on campus with breakfast, a snack, lunch, and dinner. Snacks must be reserved at the start of each semester. Breakfast and dinner are available for boarders only. Meal prices vary by grade: Grades 1–2 breakfast 10 RMB, snack 20 RMB; Grades 3–5 lunch 25 RMB; Grades 6–12 breakfast 10 RMB, snack 25 RMB, lunch 25 RMB, dinner 25 RMB.

Governance and Ownership

The school was founded in 2017 as Shenzhen Foreign Languages School (Group) Bay Area Campus. It is funded by the Shenzhen Municipal Government, led by the Shenzhen Education Bureau, and managed by Shenzhen Foreign Languages School (Group). The school enrolls students globally, across primary, middle, and high school as a 12-year program with small-class teaching. In August 2023, the school received IB Diploma Programme authorization; the school is also accredited by CIS and is affiliated with WASC and BSA.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

SGA describes social and emotional learning as part of its IB-based curriculum: the PYP explicitly develops social skills and self‑management, and the MYP highlights affective (emotional) skills and the IB Approaches to Learning. The school also embeds teamwork, reflection and identity development through its PE programme and co‑curricular activities (over 200 ASA/club/team options), which are presented as part of the school's student development offer. These curriculum elements and after‑school programmes are described in the Student/Parent Handbook and the school's activities pages. The school website does not list a named SEL team or dedicated pastoral staff in the publicly available handbook text.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school's publicly available Student/Parent Handbook and policy pages do not provide specific information about Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision, named learning‑support staff, or which categories of SEN the school can support. The site describes SGA as a “多元融合” (diverse/integrated) school but does not publish a formal SEN policy or details of specialist SEN resources on the pages reviewed. Therefore there is no explicit, verifiable public statement on the school website about specialist SEN provision or whether SGA is a specialist SEN institution. If you would like, I can contact the admissions office (OpenApply) or search third‑party listings for additional information—please confirm.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The Student/Parent Handbook states that English is the main language of instruction and that the school provides short‑term English language learning support for students who require English as an Additional Language (EAL). This is described as temporary language learning support rather than a long‑term, named EAL programme on the publicly available pages. No detailed EAL programme outline or staffing structure is published on the school website pages reviewed.

Mental Wellbeing

The school's published curriculum materials state that the PYP and MYP include social, emotional and physical development (PYP) and affective skills (MYP) as part of learning objectives, indicating wellbeing is addressed through the curriculum. Co‑curricular activities and the PE programme emphasise personal growth, teamwork and reflection, and the boarding facilities description notes an on‑site medical room and residential care arrangements for boarding students. The website does not publish a separate mental‑health or counselling policy nor list named counsellor posts in the public handbook text. For specific counselling services or referrals the school uses, parents are advised to contact admissions or the school directly.

Safeguarding

There is no child protection or safeguarding policy text published on the pages of the school website reviewed (Student/Parent Handbook and Policy Announcement pages do not contain a public safeguarding statement). The school's public pages describe boarding care facilities and general student welfare through curriculum and boarding arrangements, but a formal, detailed safeguarding/child‑protection policy is not available on the site. Therefore the school does not publicly disclose a standalone safeguarding policy on the pages reviewed; for official safeguarding policy and named safeguarding officers you should contact the school directly.

Admissions

1. Submit an online application through OpenApply. All applications to SGA must be completed via the school's OpenApply portal (sga.openapply.cn/apply); SGA does not accept paper applications. When you register, choose the correct form for your child's grade (Primary G1–G5, Secondary G6–G8 or G9–G11) and keep your OpenApply login details handy for follow-up requests.

2. Provide the required documents listed in the application checklist. The school's admissions page specifies that an Admission Application Form, a Family Statement and a School Report are minimum required items; the Admissions Office will not start processing until required materials are received. Parents should prepare scanned academic reports (two most recent years if available), any translated or certified documents, the student's passport or ID, and any teacher references the portal requests.

3. Application review and document integrity check. After you submit, the Admissions Office reviews all documents against SGA's admissions policy; the school explicitly reserves the right to withdraw an offer if information is found to be false or misleading. Make sure dates, school names and grades on transcripts match and that school reports are authentic to avoid delays or rescinded offers.

4. Entrance assessment invitation is issued to candidates who clear the document review. SGA's published process says successful applicants will receive an invitation to an Entrance Assessment; the website does not publish a public, detailed breakdown of assessment content or format, so expect the Admissions Office to provide the assessment schedule, format (online or on-campus) and any preparation instructions by email. Parents should confirm time-zone differences for remote assessments, bring the required ID to in-person assessments, and ask Admissions in advance if accommodations are needed.

5. Admissions decision and response window. The school states that a decision is normally sent by email within 10–15 working days after the Entrance Assessment; offers will include instructions and a deadline for confirming the place. Parents should watch the email account used on OpenApply, read the offer letter carefully (it will state any conditions) and meet the confirmation deadline to secure the place.

6. Fees, boarding and other cost information you should check before confirming. SGA publishes its official fee policy (2025–2026 school year) on the school website: Tuition for Grade 1–5 is RMB 165,200; Grade 6–10 RMB 178,400; Grade 11–12 RMB 210,000. Boarding (Grades 6–12) is RMB 12,000 for the year; meal rates are listed per grade band and tuition excludes meals, uniforms, school bus and some extracurricular or trip costs. Parents should read the school's policy page carefully to confirm what is included in tuition, ask about the payment schedule and whether there is an enrollment deposit or refund policy stated in the offer letter.

Scholarships

The school's official pages (admissions, policy and related site sections) do not list scholarships, bursaries or formal fee‑remission programs. SGA's published fee policy gives tuition, boarding and meal rates but does not describe merit or need‑based awards. If you need information about financial assistance, sibling discounts, or any temporary subsidies, ask Admissions directly (OpenApply contact or the school phone listed on the Shenzhen municipal school directory) because any such programs would be administered case-by-case and are not described on the public site. For accuracy when planning, request written confirmation from Admissions about whether any scholarships or fee reductions are available and the eligibility/application process.

Waitlist

SGA's public admissions documents and the school's admissions procedure do not describe an explicit waitlist or pool system. The published process shows application review, an entrance assessment, a decision and a confirmation step but does not explain what happens to applicants who are not offered a place. If you are not offered a place, contact the Admissions Office (via OpenApply or the school's admissions contact) to ask whether the school maintains a waiting list, how candidates are ranked, and whether you must reapply for a later intake; the school runs regular Open Days where Admissions staff can address these questions in person.

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Harrow Hong Kong Children School Shenzhen Qianhai

Instructs in English, Mandarin, Cantonese

Ages 2 - 18 years

Fees RMB 185,400 - 252,700

Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)

Harrow Hong Kong Children School Shenzhen Qianhai opened in September 2023 as AISL's fourth Harrow-branded campus in the Greater Bay Area. The school blends Hong Kong education with Harrow's heritage, offering dual pathways that include the Hong Kong curriculum and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The campus serves learners aged 2 to 18, with a boarding provision for students from Grade 4 upwards. The 25,334 square metre site accommodates about 1,400 students across 72 classrooms, plus extensive specialist facilities. Core facilities include 11 science laboratories, 6 computer rooms, a Flight Simulator Cabin and an Innovation Centre for STEAM learning, 7 music rooms and 18 music practice rooms, 3 dance rooms and 5 visual arts rooms, plus a Grand Auditorium of 1,350 square metres. A 1,280 square metre multi-purpose sports hall, an outdoor grass pitch with a 250-metre track, and indoor swimming pool support a holistic, activity-rich education for learners.

Location

Harrow Hong Kong Children School Shenzhen Qianhai is located at No.1 KeChuang Road 6, Nanshan District, Shenzhen City. It is in the Shenzhen Qianhai area within the Greater Bay Area.

Stages

Kindergarten (Pre-K to K3); Primary School (Grade 1-6); Secondary School (Grade 7-12). The school provides for students from age 2 to 18.

Type

Boarding

Additional learning support

English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme providing tailored English language support.

School day structure

Boarders follow a structured and fixed daily schedule with dedicated evening prep time and guided study.

Assessment fee

- A non-refundable, non-transferable assessment fee of RMB 3,000 is required for each application.

Facility deposit

- A facility deposit of RMB 25,000 is required. The school reserves the right to offset any amounts owed by parents against this deposit; the refund of the deposit is subject to the school's Terms and Conditions.

Tuition and boarding fees (2025/26) — amounts in RMB

- Tuition fees are billed per academic year and are payable in two instalments as shown below. Parents complete payment of Tuition and Boarding Fees in two instalments directly to the school.

- Pre-K: Yearly tuition RMB 185,400 — First instalment RMB 92,700; Second instalment RMB 92,700.
- K1: Yearly tuition RMB 185,400 — First instalment RMB 92,700; Second instalment RMB 92,700.
- K2: Yearly tuition RMB 185,400 — First instalment RMB 92,700; Second instalment RMB 92,700.
- K3: Yearly tuition RMB 185,400 — First instalment RMB 92,700; Second instalment RMB 92,700.
- Grade 1: Yearly tuition RMB 185,400 — First instalment RMB 92,700; Second instalment RMB 92,700.
- Grade 2: Yearly tuition RMB 185,400 — First instalment RMB 92,700; Second instalment RMB 92,700.
- Grade 3: Yearly tuition RMB 185,400 — First instalment RMB 92,700; Second instalment RMB 92,700.
- Grade 4: Yearly tuition RMB 185,400 — First instalment RMB 92,700; Second instalment RMB 92,700.
- Grade 5: Yearly tuition RMB 185,400 — First instalment RMB 92,700; Second instalment RMB 92,700.
- Grade 6: Yearly tuition RMB 185,400 — First instalment RMB 92,700; Second instalment RMB 92,700.
- Grade 7: Yearly tuition RMB 219,100 — First instalment RMB 109,550; Second instalment RMB 109,550.
- Grade 8: Yearly tuition RMB 219,100 — First instalment RMB 109,550; Second instalment RMB 109,550.
- Grade 9: Yearly tuition RMB 219,100 — First instalment RMB 109,550; Second instalment RMB 109,550.
- Grade 10: Yearly tuition RMB 252,700 — First instalment RMB 126,350; Second instalment RMB 126,350.
- Grade 11: Yearly tuition RMB 252,700 — First instalment RMB 126,350; Second instalment RMB 126,350.
- Grade 12: Yearly tuition RMB 252,700 — First instalment RMB 126,350; Second instalment RMB 126,350.

Boarding fees

- Boarding fee for an academic year is RMB 102,000 — First instalment RMB 51,000; Second instalment RMB 51,000. Boarding fees are paid according to the school billing schedule.

Sibling discount

- Discounts for siblings attending concurrently:
- Second child: no discount.
- Third child: 5%.
- Fourth child: 10%.
- Fifth child and subsequent children: 15%.

Other costs and fees

- School uniform: Uniforms are designed by the school and parents purchase uniforms directly from appointed manufacturers; parents pay uniform costs themselves.
- School bus: School bus fee is RMB 19,000 per school year (including tax). The bus fee payment cycle and method follow the school tuition fee cycle; a school bus agreement must be signed before using the service.
- Catering: Catering is charged on a consumption basis by contracted vendors; parents pay catering charges as consumed.
- Textbooks and learning materials: Some textbooks and supplementary exercise books published in Hong Kong are purchased directly from the contracted textbook company and must be paid for by parents.
- Other possible charges: When applicable, parents may be invoiced separately for examination fees, certain extracurricular activities, expeditions, trips, and additional materials.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition and boarding fees are payable in two instalments; the amounts for each grade are split into equal first and second instalments as listed above. Parents complete payment of these instalments directly to the school. For the school's fee ledger and billing dates, parents must follow the invoices issued by the school.

Withdrawal and refund information

- A full Term's Notice must be given in writing when withdrawing a student. If a full Term's Notice is not provided, a Term's Fees in lieu will be due and payable at the rate applicable on the invoice date even if the place is subsequently filled.
- The assessment fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. The facility deposit refund is handled in accordance with the Terms and Conditions signed by parents and the school.

Fee payment options and enquiries

- Specific payment methods (for example, bank transfer or credit card) are not detailed in the published fee summary; payment is completed directly to the school following the invoicing instructions provided by the school. For fee- or payment-method enquiries contact the Admissions team at admissions@harrowhkcsshenzhen.cn or by telephone:
- Ms Feng (PreK–Grade 3): +86 135 3820 2405
- Ms Wu (Grade 4–8): +86 135 3820 3405
- Ms Chen (Grade 9 and above): +86 138 2351 3946.

Boarding Arrangements

Boarding mirrors Harrow School in the UK. The Boarding House provides a home-away-from-home environment with a House Master or Mistress and designated House Parents; dedicated academic tutors are available in the evenings, and a structured schedule with a fixed routine and an electronic device policy supports focused study. Boarders benefit from progress tracking across academic, social, physical, emotional and psychological development, and from leadership opportunities such as mentoring younger peers. The language environment is immersive, with English, Cantonese and Putonghua used for daily communication, and an EAL Programme provides tailored English support. Boarders have full access to the school's facilities and can participate in a wide range of co-curricular activities. Boarding options include Single, Double and Triple rooms, with rooms randomly allocated and opportunities to switch rooms during the year.

Uniform Requirement

The school has a Uniform Policy. All students must wear the school uniform when attending school or representing the School. Formal uniform is worn on Tuesday and Thursday; PE uniform is worn on Monday and Wednesday for morning activities, with a requirement to switch to PE attire for physical activity on other PE days. Uniform items vary by year group, with Pre-K to K3 using summer and winter sets (including boater, polo shirt, shorts or winter trousers, etc.), and G1–G12 wearing blazer, shirt, tie (elastic for G1–3, knot for G4–6 and above) with appropriate bottoms; black leather shoes are required and uniforms must be neat, tucked in and ironed with top buttons secured. Optional items include items such as a woolen jumper, and items like a school bag and apron are used for specific activities.

House System

The House System is a core feature of Harrow's campus life. Each student is admitted to a House, which has a distinctive name, colours, flags and costumes, creating a personalised learning environment and a sense of honour and belonging. House Masters and tutors know every student, supporting them academically, socially and personally; the system fosters cross-year bonds and community. House activities include inter-house events and broader college activities such as sports days, charity events, dance and music competitions, and athletics. Both day and boarding students belong to a House, providing a small, connected community within the larger school.

Governance and Ownership

The school is owned and operated by Asia International School Limited (AISL) and is part of the AISL Harrow Schools network. AISL owns and operates Harrow-branded schools and kindergartens in Asia, and HHKCS Shenzhen Qianhai has AISL governors on its board. The AISL governance structure is reflected in the Harrow Hong Kong Children School Shenzhen Qianhai's leadership and board membership.

Curriculum

Kindergarten children benefit from a multi-faceted AISL Harrow designed curriculum tailored for our youngest learners. Students in Grade 1 to Grade 9 follow the Hong Kong curriculum, fully integrating the culture of the Greater Bay Area. In Grades 10 to 12, students can opt for either the DSE or IBDP curriculum. The Harrow Values—Courage, Honour, Fellowship and Humility—are embedded throughout the education experience and guide students to act with integrity, embrace challenges, and build strong relationships. The six Harrow leadership attributes are woven into the fabric of the curriculum: contributing positively to the community; applying knowledge with compassion; solving problems collaboratively; solving problems creatively; making fair and just choices; facing challenges with determination.

Higher Education Progression

Graduates go on to top universities worldwide. The school supports dual-path routes through DSE or IB Diploma Programme to prepare students for admission to leading higher education institutions.

Gifted and Talented

A Super-curriculum supplements the regular curriculum with clubs, guest speakers, debates, public speaking and competitions to challenge students beyond examinations. There is a strong STEAM focus with facilities and activities designed to develop critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving skills.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Pastoral Care provides personalised support and guidance. Small class sizes and the House system help ensure every student is known by name and understood in terms of strengths and areas for improvement. The home room in the Lower School and the House in the Upper School anchor student wellbeing, including attention to life outside school and celebration of successes, with staff prepared to support students through difficulties and life's challenges.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Bi-literate and Trilingual: Mandarin, English and Cantonese proficiency. The teaching faculty includes Native English Teachers (NETs) who have a thorough working knowledge of HKEDB's English Language Curriculum or England's Early Years Foundation Stage. In Kindergarten, the approach strengthens the mother tongue while learning the second and third languages; primary learning languages are Traditional Chinese characters and English, with reading and early literacy emphasized; in secondary, students are guided to apply bi-literate and trilingual skills in more complex work.

Mental Wellbeing

Pastoral Care underpins safe, academically successful and fulfilled students. The school provides personalised support and a sense of community through small class sizes and the House system, with ongoing attention to students' wellbeing and collaboration with parents to support each child on their journey.

Safeguarding

The school is committed to the safety and protection of children. All staff and visitors comply with safeguarding policies and procedures; safeguarding is central to the Harrow ethos; robust procedures ensure that at‑risk children receive effective support, protection and justice. The school aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and requires comprehensive safeguarding training for all staff, with regular audits by International Child Protection Advisors (ICPA).

Admissions

1. APPLICATION. Applications have limited openings for each academic year, so early submission is encouraged. Applications will be considered only if seats are available; contact the admissions team to understand vacancies. Citizenship/residency categories determine priority, including children of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents (priority to those who work and live in the Qianhai Cooperation Zone); children with foreign passports (priority to those with a parent holding a foreign passport and living in Qianhai); children of Returning Overseas Talents (priority to those in the Qianhai Cooperation Zone); and children of Overseas Chinese (priority to those who work and live in the Qianhai Cooperation Zone). Special considerations for Hong Kong residents include two categories: Category 1 where one parent and the child are Hong Kong Permanent Residents, and Category 2 where the child is a Hong Kong Permanent Resident born in Hong Kong with both parents residing on the mainland. The successful applicant must demonstrate sufficient Chinese and English to access the curriculum. Parents of students with Special Educational Needs should consult with the admissions office before applying, as Harrow Hong Kong Children School Shenzhen Qianhai does not have facilities or staff to educate children with severe learning needs. The admission process varies by age; families should contact the admissions office for detailed information regarding the application process.

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