American International School of Guangzhou vs Utahloy International School Guangzhou

	A American International School of Guangzhou Guangzhou, China	U Utahloy International School Guangzhou Guangzhou, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 229,280 - 303,900	Fees / year RMB 132,300 - 290,800
Age range	Age range 3 - 17 years	Age range 6 months - 17 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,079	Pupils 700
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1981	Opened 1998
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location AISG operates two campuses: the Ersha Island campus (Early Years and Lower Elementary, in central Guangzhou's Ersha Island / Yuexiu area) and the Science Park campus (Upper Elementary through Grade 12 in Guangzhou's Science City, Huangpu District). Public transit options and ferry/metro stops serve the Ersha area and the Science Park area is within Guangzhou's technology/Science City district—ask Admissions for typical commute times from your neighbourhood.	Location Utahloy International School Guangzhou is at 800 Sha Tai Bei Road in Baiyun District, Guangzhou — a lakeside campus in the north of the city. The school provides pick-up zones across major districts (Tianhe, Zhujiang New Town, Haizhu, Yuexiu, Liwan, Panyu and Zengcheng) via its bus service, which can be useful if you are relocating from those neighbourhoods. For the exact campus address and to arrange a visit, contact the admissions office.
Stages	Stages AISG covers Pre‑Kindergarten through Grade 12: Early Years (Pre‑K and Kindergarten) and Lower Elementary (Grades 1–3) are at Ersha; Upper Elementary (Grades 4–5), Lower Secondary (Grades 6–8) and Upper Secondary (Grades 9–12) are at Science Park. The school follows the IB continuum across these divisions.	Stages UISG delivers the full IB continuum: Early Years (nursery/early years), Primary (PYP), and Secondary (MYP and IB Diploma). Program pages on the school site outline age-group provision from early childhood through Year 12.
School type	School type AISG is a co‑educational, not‑for‑profit international school operating as an independent institution; tuition is reinvested into the school. The school does not offer boarding — students are expected to live with a parent or guardian in Guangzhou.	School type UISG is a co-educational, secular international day school serving expatriate and eligible Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan families; it does not offer boarding. The school is operated under the Utahloy Education Foundation (UEF) umbrella.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support AISG provides a Student Support structure that includes Counseling (available to all students), an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program (Grades 1–10) and a limited Learning Support (LS) program for students with mild learning differences, using individualized plans and a Student Support Team (SST). The handbooks describe RTI/MTSS frameworks, weekly SST meetings and individualized Student Learning Plans.	Additional learning support The school runs a whole-school English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme (using WIDA frameworks and tiered support) and offers targeted small-group and in-class support. Admissions notes and application forms state that families must provide reports if a child has diagnosed learning needs; UISG aims to support English-language learners and students with mild learning support needs while assessing the school's capacity to meet more significant needs.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation AISG is an independent international school (American in name and offering American/IB pathways) but is not an official representative or arm of any national government; it admits foreign‑passport holders per Chinese regulations.	Country affiliation The school is not affiliated with a single foreign country; it is an international school in China operated by the Utahloy Education Foundation (UEF).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation AISG does not have a religious affiliation; its community and policies emphasize inclusivity and prohibit harassment on the basis of religious belief.	Religious affiliation UISG is secular and does not have a religious affiliation.
School day structure	School day structure Typical start time across divisions is 7:55am (students are generally asked to arrive 7:40–7:50am). Pre‑K runs roughly 7:55–3:00pm while Grades 1–5 are 7:55–3:10pm (Wednesdays are early‑release, ending about 2:00pm); Secondary also follows the same morning start with the regular day ending around 15:10. Recesses, lunch and staggered dismissals for youngest students are described in the divisional handbooks.	School day structure Buses are scheduled to arrive at school between about 7:50–8:15am and regular afternoon buses depart around 3:30–3:40pm; a late bus for after-school activities typically leaves at about 5:15pm. Office hours and admissions availability are listed as Monday–Friday 8:00am–5:00pm; for exact daily bell times, break and lunch schedules for specific year groups, check with Admissions or the division offices.
Bus service details	Bus service details AISG offers an optional contracted bus service (PK–12); the school arranges and invoices the service on behalf of the bus company and parents pay per semester. Costs are published as a guideline (approximately RMB 9,600–19,200 per school year) and specific routes are not publicly posted for child‑protection reasons—contact Admissions to confirm whether your area is served.	Bus service details UISG operates an optional two-way school bus service using licensed, government-authorised yellow school buses with licensed drivers and assistants; parents register during the admissions process or by contacting the Busing Office. Routes cover two main zones (Zone 1: Tianhe, Zhujiang New Town, Haizhu, Baiyun, Yuexiu, Liwan; Zone 2: Panyu, Zengcheng); route management and daily changes are handled through the SchoolsBuddy app and the school provides WeChat groups and QR codes for route communication. If your area is not currently covered the school asks families to contact the transportation team to investigate feasibility.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Enrollment Fees - Non‑refundable application fee: RMB 2,000. - Non‑refundable enrollment (new student) fee: RMB 10,000. - Non‑refundable annual program fee for Grades 11–12: RMB 10,000. Tuition (full detail by year group) - Pre‑Kindergarten: RMB 222,600 per year (approx. RMB 111,300 per semester when semester billing applies). - Elementary School (Kindergarten, Grades 1–5): RMB 247,800 per year (approx. RMB 123,900 per semester). - Lower Secondary (Grades 6–8): RMB 257,250 per year (approx. RMB 128,625 per semester). - Upper Secondary (Grades 9–12): RMB 295,050 per year (approx. RMB 147,525 per semester). Billing schedule and payment terms - Returning students: a non‑refundable deposit of RMB 30,000 per student is required to secure re‑enrolment; the deposit is applied against tuition and has a set due date. Full payment deadlines are specified on the school invoice (full payment examples: May 18 noted as a standard deadline). For new students, full invoice payment is due within 15 calendar days of the invoice date. In case of overdue fees the school may issue a Disenrollment Notice and release the student's place. A fapiao (official receipt) will be issued in the payer's name; fapiao requests are handled via the invoice email. Boarding - Boarding is not offered; AISG operates as a day school across its Ersha and Science Park campuses. Other costs and typical additional fees - Bus transportation (optional, billed per school year or per semester depending on route): RMB 9,600–RMB 19,200 per year. - Extra‑curricular events and trips: RMB 0–RMB 6,500 (varies by event; average cited). - Laptop (Grades 6–12 expected to meet MacBook requirements): RMB 7,000–RMB 8,500 (family cost, not school‑collected). - School lunch (per day): RMB 26–RMB 37. PE uniform pieces: RMB 110–RMB 170. Refund information (fees/refund rules) - Tuition refunds follow the school's published policy: refunds (less the RMB 30,000 re‑enrolment deposit where applicable) are processed if the online Withdrawal Form is received by prescribed cut‑off dates (examples given in the policy for pre‑term and semester withdrawal deadlines). First‑semester tuition is not refundable after the first cut‑off; second‑semester tuition may be refundable if withdrawal is received by the stated November cut‑off. Approved refunds are returned to the original payer. Fee payment options and invoicing - The school issues formal invoices and fapiao; payment instructions and accepted payment methods are provided on each invoice. Parents should follow the invoice details for exact payment channels and remittance information.	Fee details Application fees - Application fee: RMB 2,000. Non-refundable, non-transferable, one-time payment submitted with the application (valid for one school year). Tuition fees (per semester and per year group) - K (Half day): RMB 66,150 per semester; Total RMB 132,300 (2 semesters); Annual payment with 4% discount RMB 127,008. - K (Full day): RMB 94,500 per semester; Total RMB 189,000; Annual payment with 4% discount RMB 181,440. - K1 (Half day): RMB 68,250 per semester; Total RMB 136,500; Annual payment with 4% discount RMB 131,040. - K1 (Full day): RMB 97,500 per semester; Total RMB 195,000; Annual payment with 4% discount RMB 187,200. - K2: RMB 102,500 per semester; Total RMB 205,000; Annual payment with 4% discount RMB 196,800. - K3: RMB 111,000 per semester; Total RMB 222,000; Annual payment with 4% discount RMB 213,120. - G1: RMB 118,400 per semester; Total RMB 236,800; Annual payment with 4% discount RMB 227,328. - G2: RMB 117,400 per semester; Total RMB 234,800; Annual payment with 4% discount RMB 225,408. - G3: RMB 117,400 per semester; Total RMB 234,800; Annual payment with 4% discount RMB 225,408. - G4: RMB 117,400 per semester; Total RMB 234,800; Annual payment with 4% discount RMB 225,408. - G5: RMB 117,400 per semester; Total RMB 234,800; Annual payment with 4% discount RMB 225,408. - G6: RMB 125,900 per semester; Total RMB 251,800; Annual payment with 4% discount RMB 241,728. - G7: RMB 126,400 per semester; Total RMB 252,800; Annual payment with 4% discount RMB 242,688. - G8: RMB 126,400 per semester; Total RMB 252,800; Annual payment with 4% discount RMB 242,688. - G9: RMB 139,900 per semester; Total RMB 279,800; Annual payment with 4% discount RMB 268,608. - G10: RMB 139,900 per semester; Total RMB 279,800; Annual payment with 4% discount RMB 268,608. - G11: RMB 145,400 per semester; Total RMB 290,800; Annual payment with 4% discount RMB 279,168. - G12: RMB 145,400 per semester; Total RMB 290,800; Annual payment with 4% discount RMB 279,168. (Per-semester and annual figures as published by the school.) Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition may be paid by semester or annually; an annual payment attracts the stated 4% discount on tuition. The school issues an enrollment letter and a debit note with payment deadlines required to secure a place. Payments must meet the stipulated due dates to qualify for sibling bursaries and other conditional discounts. Mid-term admissions (after the first two weeks of the school year) are adjusted pro rata, weekly. Boarding fees - UISG is a day school and does not offer boarding facilities; there are no boarding fees at this campus. (A separate Utahloy campus offers boarding.) Other costs and fees - School and P.E. uniforms are compulsory for K to Year 10; uniform items are purchased through the school uniform shop (prices for individual items are listed in the uniform price list). Examination fees for external standard tests (IB, SAT, TOEFL, etc.) are additional and are not covered by tuition. The school notes an LSA fee and optional bus fees; bus fees are optional, partially subsidised by the school, and payable by semester or annually. Canteen/cafeteria meals have been included in the semester and annual fee structure for the published year. Refund information - Application fee: non-refundable. - ECAs and externally run activities: published ECA terms include limited refund rules (e.g., one-week grace period per term, refunds of missed lessons only in specified prolonged closure scenarios). The school's public pages do not publish a single, detailed general tuition refund/withdrawal policy; the enrollment letter/debit note and the school's Admissions Procedures and Policies brochure reference payment deadlines and conditions. For specific withdrawal or refund cases, the school's finance or admissions office provides the governing details. Fee payment options - Application fee: WeChat Pay is presented as the simplest option; bank transfer is available on request and the school requests a copy of remittance to admissions@uisgz.org and finance@uisgz.org. For scheduled tuition and other school fees, the school issues a debit note with payment instructions (finance contact available for bank details and queries). No public page lists credit-card acceptance as a standard method. Notes: the figures above are taken from the school's published 2025–2026 tuition and fees materials. Where the school's public pages give conditional or procedural statements (for example, sibling bursary conditions, bus fees, LSA charges, and ECA refund rules), those statements are reflected above; a general tuition withdrawal/refund schedule was not located on the publicly available pages cited.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements Boarding is launching at UISG with Dragon House for the start of the 2026-27 academic year. The boarding program supports holistic student development with academic support, pastoral care, and independent living in brand-new, purpose-built facilities. A dedicated residential staff provides 24/7 guidance and a safe, inclusive home. UISG is a member of the Australian Boarding Schools Association (ABSA).
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement The UISG uniform is worn by all students from Kindergarten until Grade 10. Senior students in Grades 11 and 12 follow a smart/casual business dress code to prepare for tertiary study.
Food options	Food options A daily school lunch program is available; the price range for lunch is RMB 26–37 per day.	Food options The UISG canteen provides high-quality, nutritious food with a daily menu featuring a mix of Asian and Western cuisines. The kitchen prepares meals daily, and a range of snacks is available in the campus cafe; in-house baking is done on-site.
House system	House system —	House system Dragon House is UISG's boarding community and fosters belonging; it is described as a community to grow, learn, and belong.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a nine-member board of volunteers. The school is a not-for-profit international school in Guangzhou with 100% tuition reinvested.	Governance and ownership UISG is part of the Utahloy International School Guangzhou network and is associated with Utahloy organizations including the Utahloy Education Foundation (UEF), Utahloy Alumni Association (UAA), and Utahloy Parent Teacher Association (UPTA).
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details AISG delivers an inquiry-based program across its divisions and is an IB World Continuum school authorized to offer the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. The Early Years (Pre‑K and K) programme is play‑based and framed by the IB PYP and the Creative Curriculum, while Elementary (K–5) follows the IB PYP and is mapped to AERO, Common Core and NGSS standards. Lower Secondary (Grades 6–8) uses AERO and Common Core standards and its academic classes follow the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). Upper Secondary (Grades 9–12) uses AERO/Common Core in Grades 9–10 and moves to the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12; students may pursue the full IBDP and/or the AISG Upper Secondary Diploma and may mix IBDP and AISG course pathways. Across all stages the curriculum is complemented by arts, athletics, co‑curricular activities, English‑as‑an‑Additional‑Language support and in‑school learning support services.	Curriculum details Utahloy International School Guangzhou delivers the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum across its Early Years, Primary and Secondary stages. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) runs from Early Years through Year/Grade 6 and is an inquiry‑based, transdisciplinary curriculum integrating language (English and Chinese), mathematics, science, social studies, arts, design and specialist PE/music, with a PYP exhibition at the upper primary level. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) covers Grades/Years 6–10; students take eight subject groups (Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals & Societies, Science, Mathematics, The Arts, Physical & Health Education, and Design), complete a Personal Project, and may sit Grade 10 eAssessments leading to an IB MYP certificate. The Diploma Programme (DP) is offered in the final two years (typically Years 11–12) and requires study across six subject groups (three Higher Level, three Standard Level) plus the core components—Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service—culminating in the IB Diploma. Across the school there is whole‑school EAL support, a Mother Tongue programme (Chinese, English, Korean, Japanese, French, German, Spanish), and provision for technology, arts and extensive extracurricular activities.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning AISG's guidance program emphasizes positive relationships and guided social-emotional development; the school says counselors use the International School Counselor Association (ISCA) standards and run individual, group, classroom and advisory lessons across grade levels. Early Years guidance focuses on foundational SEL skills (listening, empathy, reading facial/body cues), while Elementary uses the Second Step curriculum for scheduled SEL lessons. In Lower Secondary SEL is supported through a weekly Advisory program and health classes; Upper Secondary counseling is developmental and includes academic advising alongside personal/social support. Counselors also provide parent-education opportunities and collaborate with faculty, EAL and Learning Support teams.	Social & emotional learning UISG provides confidential individual and group counselling delivered by a Primary Counselor (Sharon Lun) and a Secondary Counselor (Julie Mullen); counsellors work with parents, teachers and leaders to support academic, personal/social and career development. The counselling service lists common areas of support such as adjusting to a new culture, anxiety, friendships, time management and examination stress. The school also runs whole-school programmes that promote belonging and student agency, including a House system, student council, student leadership roles and regular experiential learning (camps and field trips). These leadership and community activities are described as part of classroom and student experience provision.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) AISG states it operates a Learning Support programme across Elementary, Lower and Upper Secondary for students with mild learning differences rather than as a specialist SEN institution. The Learning Support provision combines in-class inclusion, small-group instruction and individual targeted interventions, and each student in the programme has a Student Learning Plan with goals, services and accommodations. The Admissions FAQ asks families to submit existing support plans, IEPs or psych-educational reports so the school can determine if it can meet a child's needs, and it specifies the school's support services are limited. AISG prefers a least-restrictive environment and notes some services (e.g., speech/OT) should be disclosed in advance so placement decisions can be made.	Special educational needs (SEN) UISG describes itself as an inclusive school and states it aims to offer appropriate services for English language learners and students with mild Learning Support needs; the admissions information asks families to provide detailed reports if a child has a diagnosed learning need or has received learning support previously. School communications and newsletters reference Learning Support Assistants and list a Secondary Learning Support Coordinator among staff/vacancy roles, indicating in-school learning support capacity. The website does not publish a detailed list of specific SEN categories it can support, nor does it describe itself as a specialist SEN institution. For specific diagnoses, placement or detailed provision the school requests prior documentation and conducts assessment during admissions.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language AISG publicly describes an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme that provides extra language support in the regular classroom using an inclusion model and is offered across divisions to help students access the curriculum. The Admissions process may include EAL testing for non-native English speakers, and placement in the EAL programme is limited and determined by principals and counselors. AISG notes EAL support is normally provided through in-class support and small-group instruction, with formal EAL places available through qualification and placement procedures. For Grades 11–12 the school expects students to be proficient in English for the DP; placement and availability are handled case-by-case.	English as an additional language UISG runs a whole-school EAL programme that uses the WIDA framework and specific resources (for example Read Write Inc, Comprehension and Fresh Start in Primary) to scaffold students' English development. Primary EAL uses collaborative push-in support and WIDA screening on admission; Secondary offers an “EAL Enhanced” pathway with small-group instruction, push-in/pull-out options and six-week cycles framed by WIDA assessments, with students exiting the programme once they can work independently in mainstream classes. EAL teachers monitor progress, provide standards-referenced feedback to families, and collaborate with classroom teachers and subject departments. Assessment and placement are based on admission data, prior evidence of proficiency and the school's WIDA screener.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing AISG's Student Counseling programme frames wellbeing as integral to academic success and provides counselor-led individual and group meetings, classroom lessons and advisory activities to support students' mental and social health. The school follows ISCA-aligned, evidence-based counselling standards and offers parent-education sessions as part of its preventative approach. AISG runs an anti-bullying No Bully System (Solution Coaches and Solution Teams) and provides age-appropriate anti-bullying education and staff training to reduce harm and build peer support. The school's reporting and school-climate work (e.g., ‘Active in Care' improvements cited by the school) are presented as part of ongoing efforts to monitor and improve student wellbeing.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing support at UISG includes confidential counselling for individual and group needs, with counsellors explicitly addressing anxiety, depression, family or personal crises, and strategies for balanced lifestyles and resilience. The school operates two on-campus clinics staffed by nurses who log clinic visits, attend sporting and school events, and can access doctor support when needed. Wellbeing is further supported through curricular and co-curricular activities (life-skills/PSPE lessons in primary and secondary) and student leadership/house systems that build community and social skills. For medical or severe incidents the nurse will contact parents and, where necessary, accompany students to external medical care.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding AISG's Child Protection statement says the school prioritises prevention and protection in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and PRC laws, and bases definitions on WHO guidance. The school publishes a Child Protection policy with required staff reporting procedures, annual employee training, routine background checks and a Child Protection Committee led by a Child Protection Coordinator. The site names the Child Protection Coordinator and designated officers (for example Jamie Robb; Eileen Rueth; DJ Macpherson; Tania Mansfield) and explains reporting, investigation and record-keeping responsibilities. AISG states failure to report suspected abuse may result in disciplinary action and that the school will communicate confirmed incidents to receiving schools when students transfer.	Safeguarding UISG publishes a Child Protection & Safeguarding policy aligned with PRC law and referencing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and WHO definitions of abuse and neglect. The school lists safeguarding measures including a clear child protection policy, annual child protection training for staff and volunteers, designated Child Protection Officers and a Child Safeguarding Team (named staff), a Staff Code of Conduct, criminal background checks for all staff/regular volunteers, and procedures for reporting and following up suspected abuse. The site states the Child Safeguarding Team trains teachers, parents and students and manages confidential child protection documentation. The school also says it cooperates with relevant authorities as part of its safeguarding procedures.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Ersha Island campus serves Early Years (Pre-K to Grade 3) and Lower Elementary (Grades 1–3). Science Park campus serves Upper Elementary (Grades 4–5) and Secondary (Grades 6–12). The campuses provide dedicated Early Years classrooms, a three-story Elementary building overlooking an outdoor courtyard, and natural daylight classrooms with 1:1 iPads from Grade 1. The central library houses over 20,000 books and a maker-space with 3D printers, drones, and programming tools. For recreation and community life, there are playgrounds for younger and older students, an outdoor basketball court, an air-conditioned gym with a full-size basketball court, and an air-conditioned multi-purpose room for dining, assemblies, concerts, and performances.	Facilities overview The school's campus is lakeside, located along Golden Lake and bordered by forested hillsides. The campus spans nearly a kilometre along the lake, with learning spaces and classrooms offering views of the natural surroundings. Classrooms and learning spaces are modern, comfortable, purposefully designed, and suitably equipped. Cutting-edge technology is integrated into every classroom, and Primary and Secondary buildings include innovation and design spaces where students can develop solutions to real-world problems. An online campus tour is available to glimpse UISG's facilities.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The Ersha Island campus features an air-conditioned gym with a full-size basketball court and a multi-purpose room for extracurricular activities. Early Years have a dedicated playground and Elementary have additional playground structures, plus an outdoor basketball court for outdoor play. An air-conditioned multi-purpose room serves the cafeteria, assemblies, concerts, and performances.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Early Years are housed in a dedicated building, and Elementary is in a three-story building with classrooms overlooking an outdoor courtyard. All classrooms are well-lit with natural daylight and equipped with TVs with touch screens, flexible furniture, and 1:1 iPads from Grade 1. The central library contains over 20,000 books, and a maker-space provides 3D printers, drones, and programming tools.	Academic facilities Classrooms and specialized buildings are modern, comfortable, purposefully designed, and suitably equipped. Cutting-edge technology is a core feature of every classroom environment. Specialized innovation and design classrooms exist in both the Primary and Secondary buildings, enabling students to design solutions to real-world problems.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Facilities support extracurricular activities with an air-conditioned gym for sports, a multi-purpose room for clubs and events, and a maker-space for hands-on projects. The central library and maker-space support student-led clubs and projects, and the multi-purpose room hosts dining, assemblies, concerts, and performances.	Extra curricular facilities The school highlights engaging extracurricular activities as part of the student experience.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Established in 1981, AISG began as an embassy school and is recorded on the school website as the first international school in southern China. What started with seven students from the U.S. Consulate in a room at the Dong Fang Hotel has grown into a Pre‑K–12 school serving more than 1,000 students from dozens of nationalities across two campuses. AISG operates as a non‑profit institution and states that tuition is reinvested into school operations and facilities rather than distributed as profit.	History Utahloy International School Guangzhou (UISG) was established in 1998 by the Utahloy Education Foundation Ltd (UEF); UEF is an education company supported by the Guangzhou Municipal Government and Guangzhou University and created UISG as its first school. The school's Chinese name has changed since its founding (an earlier registered name dates to July 14, 1998). UEF later expanded its network with a second Utahloy campus in Zeng Cheng in 2003.
Community	Community AISG describes its community as a diverse, family‑style network of students, caregivers, faculty, and staff that participates in both schoolwide and cultural events. Signature community events include an annual International Day (caregiver country booths, food, and student performances) and celebrations tied to host‑country culture such as Chinese Culture Day; the school also marks observances like the International Day of Peace and UN Day. Student‑led initiatives and the school's Global Citizenship/E service programs further connect AISG to local and international causes.	Community UISG describes a multinational student body with multiple mother-tongue programmes and a range of student activities that reflect its cultural diversity. The school's news and events pages show recurring cultural and community events such as an International Festival of Light, primary school talent shows, and seasonal athletics and arts activities. The broader Utahloy community includes an alumni association and the Utahloy Education Foundation, which connect current families, graduates and local partners.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The AISG PTA is presented as a volunteer parent body focused on building community and partnering with faculty and families to support student wellbeing and engagement. The PTA runs orientation for new students and parents, organizes teacher appreciation activities, supports Elementary, Lower and Upper Secondary sporting events, and coordinates community social events. One of the PTA's flagship undertakings is organizing the school's International Day—running country booths, food stalls and coordinating student and consulate performances—which the school news coverage highlights as a major annual event. The PTA also supports International Day book sales and partners with student Global Citizenship groups that host booths to raise funds and awareness for their causes. The PTA page lists current PTA leadership and provides a point of contact for parents who want to volunteer or join specific event teams.	Parent teacher association The Utahloy Parent Teacher Association (UPTA) was founded in 2006 and all parents and teachers at UISG are automatically members. UPTA serves as a regular communication channel between parents and the school and represents major language groups within the school community. UPTA plans and coordinates fundraising events where parents meet teachers and other families; funds raised are partly donated to charity and partly used to improve the school environment and support future activities. Meetings are held four times a year (dates appear on the school calendar) and all parents and teachers are welcome to attend. UPTA also supports school-organized workshops intended to help parents better understand the curriculum and school programmes.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual AISG offers the International Baccalaureate Continuum, including the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme. Learning is holistic and personalized, with academic rigor and wellbeing as priorities to prepare students for university and life. The Social Practice Program provides upper secondary students with a minimum one-week, mentor-guided experience to connect classroom learning with real-world impact. Career Pathways & Lifelong Skill Development connects students with mentors and career pathways, including a Career Fair.	Academic & intellectual The Extra Curricular Activities Programme offers over 160 activities annually for Grade 1–12, including sports, performing arts, virtual design, STEAM, academics, and community engagements/initiatives. The programme provides Primary ECAs and Secondary ECAs, with a detailed catalogue released before each session. Secondary ECAs include service opportunities that empower students to impact broader communities positively. The programme is designed to help students pursue interests and contribute to a well-rounded education.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Arts, athletics, and activities are integral to AISG's educational experience. The Arts program offers opportunities to develop creativity and appreciation for the arts. AISG provides a broad range of after-school activities, including the Elementary After School Activities (EASA) program offered by teachers, coaches, and community volunteers.	Arts & creative Arts at UISG are identified as Visual Arts and Performing Arts. Arts education is integrated into the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and is an integral part of the IB Diploma Programme Visual Arts course. Performing Arts offers curricular and extra-curricular opportunities in Music and Theatre, while Visual Arts covers media such as drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and digital art. UISG is a founding member of the International Schools Music Association of Guangzhou (ISMAG) and a member of ACAMIS, linking students to regional arts events.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language AISG has a truly international environment with 50+ nationalities represented among students. The school emphasizes global citizenship and related programs as part of its learning culture. English is the language of instruction, and the admissions process includes English language support testing (EAL) for non-native English speakers.	Cultural & language The Mother Tongue Programme is embedded in the school day. The school's medium of instruction is English, and it promotes bilingualism and strengthening home languages. In Secondary, the Mother Tongue Programme continues through Language and Literature in seven languages: Chinese, English, Korean, Japanese, French, Spanish, and German. In Primary, the Mother Tongue Programme is based on the PYP Language Scope and Sequence and AERO standards. The languages offered include Chinese, English, Korean, Japanese, French, Spanish, and German.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies AISG offers a wide range of clubs and after-school activities across arts, athletics, and academics. The Elementary After School Activities (EASA) program provides opportunities across physical, arts, academics, and community areas in a supervised, low-ratio setting.	Social & hobbies Over 160 ECAs are offered each year for Grades 1–12, spanning sports, performing arts, virtual design, STEAM, academics, and community engagements/initiatives. Primary ECAs emphasize exploration, creativity, and inclusivity in a non-competitive environment, with a detailed catalogue released before each session. Secondary ECAs include a wide range of options, including staff-led, external provider, or student-led activities, with service opportunities designed to empower students to contribute to broader communities. The ECA programme enables students to pursue interests and develop new skills as part of their well-rounded education.
Community & service	Community & service Community service and global citizenship are embedded in AISG's culture, with thousands of student-service hours and programs that address local and global challenges. The Global Citizenship Education program and student-led initiatives empower learners to impact communities.	Community & service The Extra Curricular Activities programme includes community engagements/initiatives and service opportunities for students, enabling positive impact on broader communities. Secondary ECAs provide service opportunities designed to empower students to contribute to local and global communities. The ECA framework supports student-led and staff-led community projects as part of UISG's approach to holistic development.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Student leadership is cultivated from early years, with a focus on agency, innovation, and collaboration. Programs like Social Practice and the Career Fair connect students with mentors and career opportunities. The University Counseling framework supports college pathways and university resources for students.	Leadership & professional UISG hosts Model United Nations conferences, including RAMSMUN 2024 and PACKMUN III (2025), offering student leadership and global awareness experiences. The College Counseling programme provides academic advising, a broad college search, applications assistance, university visits, and fairs, with BridgeU used to guide planning. UISG runs the Life After High School career fair (March 26, 2025) to connect students with universities and industry.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing A culture of belonging is emphasized through student and caregiver engagement, with counseling services available for safeguarding, wellbeing, and post-graduation planning. AISG maintains a No Bully policy and a focus on safe, inclusive community spaces. The campus environment includes dedicated spaces for wellbeing and student support across both Ersha Island and Science Park campuses.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Wolves Athletics Programme offers a wide range of primary, middle, and high school sports, with pathways for development from elementary to varsity levels and a focus on character, discipline, and teamwork. UISG participates in local conferences and leagues (e.g., GISSA, GISES, SDRC) and hosts year-round events and live streaming of competitions. The athletic program supports students' physical well-being and social-emotional development through competitive and recreational sport.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school teaches in English.	Language provision The school provides a Whole School EAL Programme to support English language learners. It offers extensive Mother Tongue Programmes in Korean, Chinese, Japanese, French, German, and Spanish. These language supports complement academic learning across the IB Continuum.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards • China School Award — Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (British Chamber of Commerce in China) — AISG reports that it won this DEI award, which recognizes school-level initiatives that promote inclusivity across an international K–12 community. • GBA School Awards — Judges' Choice Award (21st Century Learning, GBA School Awards 2025) — AISG reports winning the Judges' Choice Award at the Greater Bay Area School Awards; the award is a school-level recognition presented at that regional ceremony. • Forbes China / Hurun Education rankings (2025) — AISG reports external rankings by Forbes China (International School Annual Selection) and Hurun Education that place the school highly nationally and as #1 in Guangdong / South China in their 2025 lists; these are third‑party rankings published about the school on AISG's website.	Awards • Forbes China recognitions (June 2025) — the school's website reports that UISG was named in two categories of Forbes China's 2025 Annual International School Rankings: the “Foreign Passport High Schools” selection and the “German Curriculum International Schools” selection; these are recognitions published by Forbes China and presented on the school site as institutional honours. • National Spelling Bee Team — third place in the National Spelling Bee Team Competition (July 2023) as reported on the school website; the report presents this as a team/institutional result in a national competition.
Accreditations	Accreditations • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) — WASC is a U.S.-based regional accrediting body; AISG's WASC accreditation is a routine external quality-assurance process that validates the school's educational programme and continuous-improvement plans (AISG reports a mid-cycle review and a reaffirmation through the current accreditation cycle). • International Baccalaureate (IB) authorizations — AISG is authorized by the IB to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP) (authorizations in place since 2004) and has recently received authorization for the Middle Years Programme (MYP), making AISG an IB Continuum School; IB authorizations indicate the school meets IB standards to deliver those specific programmes.	Accreditations • International Baccalaureate (IB) — Utahloy International School Guangzhou is an IB World School authorized to deliver the full IB continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP); this indicates the school meets the IB Organisation's authorization standards for those programmes. • Council of International Schools (CIS) — UISG was re‑accredited by CIS in 2025; CIS accreditation is an institutional accreditation that reviews whole‑school quality in international education, governance and student welfare. • Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC) — UISG was awarded full ACS WASC accreditation (stated as valid through June 2029 on the school site); WASC accreditation is an external quality review used by many international schools to signal alignment with recognised standards for academic programmes, leadership and continuous improvement. • UNESCO Hong Kong affiliation — the school's website notes an affiliation with UNESCO Hong Kong as part of its institutional recognitions; such an affiliation indicates a formal link to UNESCO‑related programmes or networks focused on global citizenship and sustainable development.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Prepare: Before you start the online application, review AISG's Grade Placement Guide and the Statement of Community so you understand typical age-based placement and the school's expectations; gather the Required Documents (passports, previous school records, medical records, any IEPs or therapy reports) so the Admissions Office can process your file without delay. Note AISG accepts only foreign passports (students holding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan passports are eligible; PRC passports are not), so check passport eligibility before applying. There is a non‑refundable application processing fee (RMB2,000 / ~USD300) charged per child with each application, so have payment ready when you submit. 2. Apply: Complete and submit the online application form and upload the prepared documents; the Admissions Office will keep in regular contact and update you on each step of the process. Payment of the application fee is required to trigger further steps (for example, the school will confirm assessment dates once the application and fee are received). If your child has received learning or behavioral support in the past, include all learning support plans, IEPs, therapy reports or medical evaluations so AISG can assess whether it can meet your child's needs (the Learning Support program exists but has limited resources). 3. Review (assessments and placement): Once AISG has a complete application, the Admissions Office, the relevant grade‑level principal and counselors will review the file to determine placement; non‑native English speakers are likely to have English as an Additional Language (EAL) screening as part of the review. For applicants residing in Guangzhou, the school typically invites students with complete applications to attend in‑person admissions testing; AISG publishes recommended application timelines and typical group assessment windows by grade (for example, many grade assessments and interviews are scheduled between March and April—see grade‑specific timelines). Spaces for assessments are limited and are scheduled after your application and fee are received, so apply early if you are targeting a particular intake or assessment window. 4. Response and enrollment: After review and any required testing, AISG will inform you of its decision and next steps; AISG begins offering seats (seat assignment) in early April and monitors seat availability throughout the year. For families who accept an offer, note the financial commitments required: a non‑refundable enrollment fee is charged for new students (RMB10,000 for the 2026–2027 school year) and returning students typically pay a non‑refundable deposit (RMB30,000) by the school's specified deadlines; full tuition payment dates and deposit deadlines are listed in the school's Terms and Conditions. If you accept an offered seat, be prepared to follow the invoice/payment timelines to secure enrollment.	Admissions 1. Check eligibility and read placement guidance. Before you start an application, confirm your child is eligible: UISG only admits students holding a valid foreign passport or those from Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan — children with a People's Republic of China passport are not eligible. Review the school's Year Level Placement guide so you apply for the correct year level; applying for the wrong year level can delay review or change placement outcomes. If you are unsure about eligibility or the right year level, contact the Admissions Office first. 2. Prepare required documents. UISG asks that you gather and prepare the Required Documents before submitting an application: these commonly include parents' and student passport copies and any Chinese residency/visa documentation, the student's birth certificate, a passport-sized photo, at least two years of official school reports plus a Certificate of Attendance/Enrollment, an up-to-date vaccination record, and (for Grade 1–12 applicants) a confidential reference requested through the online portal. If your child has a diagnosed learning need or has previously received learning support, you must provide detailed reports and history of support as part of the application. Documents should be in English or provided with an official translation to avoid processing delays. 3. Submit the application through the online portal and pay the application fee. Complete the online application via UISG's OpenApply admissions portal and upload the required supporting documents; the school will not process an application without the application fee. The application fee is RMB 2,000 (non-refundable and non-transferable) — parents are asked to include the student's full name on remittance and may remit via WeChat Pay or bank transfer (contact admissions for bank details). 4. Assessments and interview. Depending on age and prior English-medium schooling, applicants (especially Grades 4–12 without at least three years in an English-language school) may be asked to complete an English assessment or other subject/language assessments; these can be on campus or proctored online. The school requests a student and family interview (usually with the relevant Head of Division); the interview is used to understand the child and family, answer questions, and assess fit rather than to ‘‘test'' the child on the spot. Heads of Division may also request a trial class or additional assessments in some cases; budget time for these steps when planning a mid-year move. 5. Admissions review and decision. Admissions decisions are made after the Admissions Office, Heads of Division, and Head of School review the file, assessment results, references, and interview feedback; the school evaluates both the potential for the student to benefit from UISG and the school's capacity to meet the student's needs. After the process is complete you should receive a formal admissions response: an official enrollment letter (if accepted) plus a debit note listing payment deadlines required to secure the place. UISG aims to issue a decision quickly (the FAQ notes a typical decision within five working days after all steps are complete), though processing can be slower during holidays. If your child is denied, the school will issue a letter explaining the reasons. 6. If accepted — secure the place and note fee/payment policies. To secure an offered place you will be given payment instructions and deadlines; UISG offers an annual-payment 4% discount (shown on the published fee schedule) and applies sibling bursaries for second and subsequent concurrently enrolled children (bursary applies to basic tuition only). The school accepts mid-year enrollments when space is available; note the tuition policy: no basic tuition reduction is given for students admitted during the first two weeks of term, and students admitted after the first two weeks will have tuition adjusted pro rata by week. For transport, bus fees are optional and payable by semester or annually; meals are included in the 2025–26 fee structure. Keep the tuition & fees page and the Admissions Procedures & Policies brochure handy for the detailed financial terms referenced in your debit note.
Scholarships	Scholarships AISG has offered an IB Secondary School Scholarship for the 2026–2027 cohort (announcement on the school website). That scholarship is targeted at new students entering Grade 9 or 10, requires the student to reside in Guangzhou with a caregiver or legal guardian, and is limited to families who are self‑payers or partial self‑payers; applicants must meet standard AISG admissions requirements and hold a foreign passport. The program is described as merit‑and‑need based, competitive, and limited in number (the announcement stated up to five scholarships awarded annually), with a potential up to four‑year renewal based on conditions such as maintaining good academic standing; the announcement also referenced the scholarship value (noted as ¥1.3M+ when counted across the award period) and included an application deadline (the post cited Jan 30 for that cycle). The school's public materials do not present a broad, ongoing general financial‑aid program beyond this named scholarship announcement, so for current availability, application windows, selection criteria, or any other scholarships you should contact AISG Admissions directly.	Scholarships UISG does offer scholarship opportunities and runs specific scholarship programmes with published criteria and application procedures. Recent school announcements (April–May 2025) describe a RMB 1,000,000 scholarship programme for the 2025–26 year that is open to new students (Years 1–12) and existing students (Years 6–12), with awards ranging from full tuition to tiered cash awards; categories include academic, artistic, athletic, creativity, community service, and multilingual/cultural diversity scholarships. The school also runs targeted scholarships for specific year groups (for example Year 10 and Year 12 awards and UEF recognition awards) with stated application criteria and deadlines. Scholarship applications typically require completion of the admissions process first (payment of the non-refundable application fee where applicable), a completed scholarship application form, supporting documents (PDFs), required essays, and submission by the published deadline; for at least some internal scholarships the school asks applicants to email materials to secondaryoffice@uisgz.org. Deadlines and exact award amounts vary by programme and year — consult the UISG Scholarships page and the specific scholarship news posts for the current application windows and instructions, and contact admissions or the Secondary Office for clarifications.
Waitlist	Waitlist AISG operates a waitlist. If your child qualifies for admission but there are no seats available in the desired grade or program, the school will place the student on its waitlist and offer seats to waitlisted students as they become available according to AISG's admissions criteria. You must submit a complete application and your child must meet admissions criteria before AISG will add them to the waitlist; if AISG cannot offer a place for the academic year applied for, families must submit a new application for the following year (with updated documents and payment of the application fee). AISG also monitors seat availability throughout the year and begins offering seats in early April, so applying earlier improves your chances of receiving an offer rather than remaining on the waitlist.	Waitlist UISG operates a wait pool (waitlist) system when a requested year level has reached capacity. If a year level is full at the time of application, the school will notify you that your child has been placed in the wait pool and will contact you if and when an appropriate space becomes available. Offers are generally made on a first-come, first-served basis for available places, and the Admissions Office will follow up with an enrollment timeline and next steps if a space opens. The FAQ and Admissions Procedures both explicitly describe this wait-pool arrangement and advise families to apply early if they need a place at the start of a semester.
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