Canadian International School Kunshan vs Shanghai Community International School

	C Canadian International School Kunshan Shanghai, China	S Shanghai Community International School Shanghai, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 130,000 - 206,000	Fees / year RMB 146,000 - 324,500
Age range	Age range 3 - 19 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 400	Pupils 1,800
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2012	Opened 1996
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Canadian International School Kunshan (CISK) is on 555 Chuanshi Road in Kunshan, Jiangsu province — the campus is described as near Duke Kunshan University and Kunshan High School, with convenient local transport links. The school sits within the city of Kunshan (between Suzhou and Shanghai), so commuting from nearby districts such as Suzhou Industrial Park or Huaqiao is common for families.	Location SCIS operates three campuses in Shanghai: two in Hongqiao (Hongqiao Early Childhood Education campus at 2212 Hongqiao Road and the Hongqiao Main Campus at 1161 Hongqiao Road, both in Changning/Gubei) and a Pudong campus in Zhoupu (198 Hengqiao Road). The Hongqiao ECE campus is a short walk from Longxi Road metro (Line 10) and the Hongqiao Main Campus is about a 5‑minute walk from Yili Road metro (Line 10); the Pudong campus is roughly a 10‑minute walk from Fanrong metro (Line 18) and is 20–25 minutes by car from several Pudong business/residential areas.
Stages	Stages CISK is a K–12 school offering the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), serving students roughly from ages 3 to 18. It is presented as an IB Continuum World School delivering PYP→MYP→DP across the campus.	Stages SCIS is a full IB continuum school serving Early Childhood through Grade 12. The Hongqiao ECE campus covers Nursery–Grade 1, the Hongqiao Main Campus covers Grades 2–12, and the Pudong campus runs Nursery–Grade 12.
School type	School type The school is co-educational and operates both day and boarding options; the boarding provision is described as family-style student apartments on campus. CISK began with an Ontario (Canadian) curriculum background but now operates as an IB continuum school.	School type SCIS is a co‑educational, non‑profit international day school governed by a self‑perpetuating board and overseen by the International Schools Foundation; it does not operate boarding facilities. The school is authorized to deliver the IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support CISK lists a Coordinator of Student Support Services and refers to learning-support/individualised plans and services for students with additional needs. The school also runs an English Learner pathway (Transitional English Program) using WIDA proficiency assessment for placement and regular progress review. Parents are notified of placements and the school references ongoing evaluation and learning-support planning.	Additional learning support SCIS maintains a systemwide Student Support team that includes qualified learning‑support teachers, EAL specialists, speech and language therapists, learning support assistants, school counselors and an educational psychologist. The school also runs the SCIS Academy for students who need a highly modified programme and collaborates with outside agencies when appropriate.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school uses a Canadian identity (Canadian International School) and has historical links to the Ontario curriculum and an affiliation with St. John's Kilmarnock School (Ontario). Its branding and early curriculum origins reflect those Canadian connections.	Country affiliation SCIS is an independent international school based in China and is not affiliated with a particular national government or national curriculum; it follows the IB continuum and holds international accreditations.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is listed on the school's public profile; CISK presents itself as a secular international school.	Religious affiliation SCIS does not have a religious affiliation; its publications describe the school as an international, secular learning community.
School day structure	School day structure For primary visitors, the school's published ‘A Day in CISK' schedule starts with arrival around 8:20am, morning classes from about 8:30–11:35, lunch and break around 11:35–12:30, afternoon lessons from about 12:35 and a typical primary day end at 3:30pm. End times vary by age group (secondary timetables commonly finish later on weekdays and may differ by day), so exact start/finish times depend on the programme and year group.	School day structure The published/parent information indicates a typical school day runs roughly from about 08:00 to mid‑afternoon (around 15:00), with a mid‑day lunch and recess; specific start/end times vary by division and are published in the school calendar. The school also schedules occasional early‑release days (for example, buses departing around 13:20 on some early‑release days).
Bus service details	Bus service details The school operates a school-bus service with multiple routes (the site states seven routes) covering Kunshan and neighbouring areas such as Suzhou and Taicang; each bus is staffed with a senior bus-care teacher. The website posts a bus code of conduct and an application form for families, and route details are published by the school — parents are advised to contact Admissions for current route maps and pickup points.	Bus service details SCIS provides a door‑to‑door school bus service as part of the programme (subject to availability); the transportation office lists separate coordinators for each campus and notes the service covers hundreds of residential compounds across multiple districts. Buses are supervised by trained monitors and the school gives route and pick‑up/drop‑off details to families before term starts; adding new routes can require local regulatory permitting.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Registration Fees - Application Fee (non‑refundable): RMB 2,000. - Registration Deposit (one‑time, refundable): RMB 10,000. This deposit is invoiced and due with tuition fees and is refundable when a student leaves after proper notification and clearance. Tuition fees (by school division) - PYP — Early Years (Nursery / JK / SK): Annual RMB 130,000. Annual amount published by the school. - Per‑term equivalent (annual ÷ 2, shown as an inferred semester figure): RMB 65,000 (inference based on two equal terms). - PYP — Grades 1–5: Annual RMB 150,000. Per‑term equivalent (inferred): RMB 75,000. - MYP — Grades 6–10: Annual RMB 170,000. Per‑term equivalent (inferred): RMB 85,000. - DP — Grades 11–12: Annual RMB 206,000. Per‑term equivalent (inferred): RMB 103,000. (Note: tuition amounts are published as annual payments in the school fee schedule; the per‑term figures above are simple half‑year equivalents inferred from the annual totals because the published schedule lists annual payments.) Billing schedule and payment terms - The registration deposit is invoiced and payable with tuition fees. The school issues a School Payment Notice with the school RMB or USD bank account after receipt of the application form. Bank charges arising from payment methods such as swiping or QR code scanning are borne by the payer. The published fee schedule lists annual payments and does not specify an installment timetable within the document. Boarding (dormitory) fees - Dormitory (5‑days program): RMB 18,500 per school year. Other costs and typical additional charges - Bus transportation: Within downtown Kunshan RMB 9,000 per school year; outside downtown RMB 12,000 per school year. - Tuition does not include school lunches, uniform, transportation, individual music‑instrument tuition, or voluntary trips and events; these are charged separately. Uniforms are required for all students. - Families may incur other variable costs (optional activities, special programs, trips) depending on grade and participation. Refund information - The Application Fee is non‑refundable. The Registration Deposit (RMB 10,000) is refundable when a student leaves, subject to proper notification and clearance procedures. Fee payment options - Payments are made to the Canadian International School Kunshan bank accounts (school provides RMB or USD account details on the School Payment Notice). Payment methods mentioned in the fee schedule include bank transfer and electronic methods that may incur bank charges (swiping / QR code scanning); any bank fees are to be borne by the payer. The school will provide the formal invoice/payment notice with account details after application submission.	Fee details Tuition (annual and per-semester by campus & year group) - SCIS Hongqiao Campuses: - Nursery / Pre-school (half-day): RMB 151,250 per year; RMB 80,625 per semester. - Nursery / PS / PK (full-day): RMB 199,000 per year; RMB 104,500 per semester. - Kindergarten – Grade 5: RMB 293,500 per year; RMB 151,750 per semester. - Grade 6 – 12: RMB 324,500 per year; RMB 167,250 per semester. - SCIS Pudong Campus: - Nursery / Pre-school (half-day): RMB 146,000 per year; RMB 78,000 per semester. - Nursery / PS / PK (full-day): RMB 192,000 per year; RMB 101,000 per semester. - Kindergarten – Grade 5: RMB 276,750 per year; RMB 143,375 per semester. - Grade 6 – 12: RMB 308,500 per year; RMB 159,250 per semester. Application and one-time / recurring mandatory fees - Application fee: RMB 2,750 (non-refundable; valid for up to one academic year). - Capital fee: RMB 22,500 one-time on first admission (non-refundable); RMB 5,000 annually for returning students (non-refundable). - Seat guarantee deposit: RMB 20,000 (payable on acceptance; applicable to first semester or annual fee; subject to forfeiture in many withdrawal scenarios). - English as an Additional Language (EAL) fee: RMB 15,000 one-time where EAL placement is required (non-refundable unless assessment shows placement is not required). - Exam costs (external exams such as SAT, ACT, IB) are the parents' responsibility. What the tuition covers / exclusions - All-inclusive tuition covers general class costs, books, library, technology, one set of school uniform, on-campus full-day lunch, school bus (subject to availability), school-sponsored after-school activities, compulsory school trips, and a MacBook for Grades 6–12. Extra uniform sets, daily off-campus meals/snacks, and supplementary student support services are not included. Billing schedule, deadlines, discounts and payment terms - Annual payment deadline: all tuition/fees must be paid in full by June 1. - Semester payment deadlines: first semester due by June 1; second semester due by November 1. - Early-payment discounts on annual tuition: up to 5% (specific deadline dates and discount levels apply). Enrollment is secured only after payment of the annual/semester tuition in full or the seat guarantee deposit. Fees must be paid before the student begins school. Payment methods - Bank transfer (RMB or USD), check (RMB or USD), RMB cash at campus (USD cash not accepted), major credit/debit cards (payer pays transaction fees), and Alipay (with instructions for proof of payment). Wire-transfer recipients and Alipay instructions are provided by the school. Payer is responsible for any bank or card transaction charges. Boarding - SCIS operates as a non‑boarding day school; boarding fees are not applicable. Refund policy highlights - Re-enrollment withdrawal by posted deadlines: full tuition refunded inclusive of seat deposit. - Withdrawal before first semester start (by July 31): tuition refunded excluding the seat guarantee deposit (RMB 20,000); later withdrawals before start may incur forfeiture of double the seat deposit. - No refunds once a semester has begun; entrance and supplementary program fees are non-refundable. Refund processing occurs after last day of attendance and return of school materials.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school offers a family-style student apartment for boarding. It uses an access-controlled dormitory with life teachers on each floor to support living, learning and socialising with peers in the same apartment. The first floor includes a multi-functional public hall, an extracurricular reading and discussion area, a coffee bar and a laundry service.	Boarding arrangements SCIS is a day school; no boarding is offered.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement All students wear the school uniform. Non-compliance may result in a behavior referral.	Uniform requirement Each student receives one start-up uniform at no charge; additional uniforms can be purchased at SCIS shops on each campus. Lower School (Nursery–Grade 5) wear navy trousers/shorts/skirts with a light-blue polo shirt; Upper School (Grades 6–8) wear tan/khaki shorts/trousers/skirts with a navy polo; Upper School (Grades 9–12) wear tan/khaki shorts/skirts/trousers or plaid skirts with a light-blue Oxford shirt. PE days use the PE uniform; SCIS Dragons Team members receive a team uniform, issued for the season; Spirit Days occur occasionally when the uniform is not required.
Food options	Food options The canteen provides three daily meal sets: Chinese set meal, daily specialties, and noodles. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are prepared and delivered to classrooms; kindergarten and Grade 1 receive lunch boxes on tables. From Grade 2 to Grade 12, students select from three meal packages and may add additional items if they finish their plates.	Food options Each campus has its own cafeteria and kitchen operated by Basil N Latte (BNL). Fresh meals are prepared onsite with rotating menus reflecting the community's cultural diversity. The weekly menu follows a pattern of 1 day beef, 1 day pork, 1 day seafood, and 2 days chicken, with dietary, vegetarian, and custom options available on request. The BNL Café opens daily on Hongqiao and Pudong campuses; Hongqiao hours are 7:15 AM–4:00 PM and Pudong hours are 7:15 AM–3:30 PM. School lunch is included on campus for full-day students.
House system	House system CISK has four houses: Panda, Elephant, Eagle and Leopard. Students are randomly assigned to a house, and each house has a House Captain from grades 11 and 12. Merit points are awarded for good behaviour and academic performance and are tallied weekly; at year-end the house with the most points receives a trophy.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school was founded in 2012 and is licensed by the Jiangsu Provincial Education Bureau, the only international school in Kunshan with this license. It offers an IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) with English as the language of instruction and is located beside Duke Kunshan University. The campus is at 555 Chuanshi Road, Kunshan, Jiangsu Province, China.	Governance and ownership SCIS is a non-profit educational day school. It is governed by a self-perpetuating board of directors and overseen by the International Schools Foundation. It does not receive government or private funding and does not participate in fundraising; the SCIS program is funded through student tuition and fees.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Canadian International School Kunshan (CISK) delivers the International Baccalaureate continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) for students aged about 3–18. Early Years and Primary follow the PYP (play‑based early years; six transdisciplinary themes and English as the language of instruction) alongside a schoolwide Chinese immersion program. The MYP covers the middle‑school years (roughly ages 11–16 / Grades ~6–10) with a concept‑based, interdisciplinary curriculum and Mandarin offered as an additional language; CISK completed MYP authorization in mid‑2023. Years 11–12 follow the IB Diploma Programme, with students taking DP subjects across language, mathematics, sciences, individuals and societies, arts, and core elements (TOK, extended project/EE) leading to the IB Diploma. The school also serves as an Oxford AQA IGCSE/A‑Level test centre and initially operated an Ontario (Canada) curriculum before becoming an IB continuum school.	Curriculum details SCIS is an IB Continuum World School delivering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) as a single, seamless pathway for students aged 2–18. Early Childhood (Nursery–Kindergarten) and Lower School (Nursery/Grade 1–5) follow the PYP with a play‑based, inquiry approach and published program guides that set subject expectations. The MYP covers Grades 6–10, emphasizing interdisciplinary, “learning by doing” connections between subjects. In Grades 11–12 most students undertake the IB Diploma Programme (externally assessed by the IBO) and SCIS also awards a High School Diploma on graduation. The full taught curriculum includes English language arts, Mandarin and English as an Additional Language (EAL), mathematics, science, social studies, visual and performing arts, physical education, technology, plus student support, language learning and university counselling resources.
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 CISK uses whole-school structures such as a House system and an elected Student Council to promote student belonging, peer support and leadership opportunities. The school's online listings show regular house activities and weekly house points that aim to build confidence and cross-year relationships. The website also advertises a Social‑emotional Counselor role and refers to a Guidance Counselling Center and student services department to support students' social and emotional needs. The Primary Years Programme is described using IB key words that include “caring,” indicating SEL is part of the curriculum ethos.	Social & emotional learning SCIS states that social-emotional development is an explicit focus of its student support services and that school counselors work with students, teachers, and parents to create a balanced, supportive school environment. Counselors run transition supports (including a buddy system), team-building activities and classroom lessons that promote health, social and emotional development. The website says counseling is intended as short-term, developmentally appropriate support and that counselors will help families find external services in Shanghai when longer-term help is needed. The Student Support section lists school counselors as part of the system alongside learning support and EAL staff. This information is published on the SCIS Student Support and School Counseling pages.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) CISK publishes an Inclusion Policy which defines students with special educational needs as those who can meet curriculum requirements but require special arrangements, and states the school will work with families to provide appropriate support. The school lists a Coordinator of Student Support Services (Dr Sarah Salazar) with professional background in special education and indicates ongoing meetings, services and learning‑support plans. The Inclusion Policy also notes the school will consider whether a student can succeed with the support and resources available at CISK. The website does not describe specialist clinical provision or list specific medical/therapeutic services on campus, and it does not state that CISK is a specialist SEN institution.	Special educational needs (SEN) SCIS publishes a Learning Support section that describes an inclusive approach using Universal Design for Learning and a dedicated SCIS Academy for students who need highly modified curriculum and instruction. The site lists learning-support staff (learning support coordinators/teachers), a speech and language pathologist and a systemwide educational psychologist, and says the school may collaborate with outside agencies when appropriate. The school's materials describe providing accommodations and structured support but do not list a definitive catalogue of specific medical or diagnostic conditions it will or will not accept. SCIS's web pages present these services within a mainstream international school setting rather than describing SCIS as a specialist SEN institution. All of the above is drawn from the school's Learning Support and Student Support pages.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school states that English is the language of instruction and publishes a Language Policy outlining how it supports acquisition of English alongside Chinese and home languages. The website includes an “English as a Second Language” curriculum entry in its curriculum navigation and names ESL staff (for example, an SDC ESL teacher is listed in staff news). These pages indicate the school provides staffed English-language support, but the public site does not give detailed operational information about levels, assessment procedures or the exact structure of EAL withdrawal/streaming. For full programme details the school asks families to contact Admissions or Student Services.	English as an additional language SCIS publishes an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme that provides instruction in vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, reading and writing and assesses incoming students to determine EAL levels and placement. The site says EAL classes are required for students whose oral and written English are not sufficient to function in academic subjects and that provision can include MYP English Language Acquisition and EAL resource classes. Lower School EAL is aligned with WIDA English Language Development Standards and the PYP; Upper School EAL focuses first on immediate school-language needs then broader academic skills. The school lists its EAL specialists by name and campus on the EAL page. These details are on SCIS's EAL page.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing CISK's public pages show multiple pastoral elements: a Social‑emotional Counselor position is advertised and the careers section states an emphasis on overall wellbeing for the school community. Boarding accommodation pages describe ‘life teachers' on each dorm floor, which the school presents as part of pastoral care for resident students. Whole‑school activities (House events, Student Council) are described as contributing to students' sense of belonging and peer support. The site also publishes a Child Protection and Safeguarding document as part of its welfare framework.	Mental wellbeing SCIS states that the emotional wellbeing of children is vital to learning and that counselors provide short-term support for issues such as peer problems, transitions, study skills, family conflict and crisis/grief response. The school describes an integrated team (counselors, learning-support teachers, psychologists, speech therapists) that identifies and assists students facing academic, social or emotional challenges and says it will help families access longer-term services in Shanghai when needed. A school news article from the Director of Student Support also describes the systemwide approach to inclusion and that SCIS provides short-term counseling, resources and accommodations for students with a range of needs. These statements are published on the School Counseling, Student Support pages and SCIS news.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding CISK publishes a Child Protection and Safeguarding document and states the community implements clear policy and guidelines to address student safety; the page explicitly references children's rights and a duty to protect students. The school's employment pages state it conducts reference and background/criminal checks on all staff as part of employee screening. The website also links to formal policies (Inclusion, Assessment, Complaints) and a Student Guide that together form part of the school's stated safeguarding and welfare framework. For details on reporting procedures or named safeguarding leads, the published Child Protection and Safeguarding document should be consulted or the school contacted directly.	Safeguarding SCIS publishes a Child Safeguarding Policy whose mission is to support and advocate for students' physical, emotional and mental wellbeing through partnership with home, school and community. The safeguarding page sets out belief statements, requires annual child protection training for all adults regularly on campus, and describes safe-recruiting practices including enhanced background checks for staff and substitutes. The site frames safeguarding as an ongoing, proactive responsibility and provides the policy text and links on its Child Safeguarding page. This information is taken directly from the school's published safeguarding pages.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The campus spans 193 mu, with a built-up area of nearly 40,000 square meters. It includes a main academic building and a dedicated kindergarten facility. Student dormitories, a state-of-the-art laboratory, a well-stocked library, and smart classrooms are on campus. An indoor gymnasium, a campus dining hall, an outdoor sports field, and a 400-meter standard running track support daily learning and physical education.	Facilities overview The school operates three purpose-built campuses in Shanghai with flexible learning spaces: Hongqiao Early Childhood Campus, Hongqiao Main Campus, and Pudong Campus. The Hongqiao Early Childhood Campus offers developmentally appropriate spaces and indoor and outdoor play areas. Hongqiao Main Campus has dedicated learning spaces and well-resourced libraries and learning resources. Pudong Campus provides learning spaces for collaborative and individual study and a multi-purpose indoor performance space. World-class facilities include a centralized state-of-the-art indoor air filtration system across all campuses, 6-lane 25-meter swimming pools, two-story 700-seat auditoriums, a 10,000-square-foot Black Box theatre, an Art Gallery, rock climbing walls, indoor basketball courts, strength and conditioning weight rooms, a full health clinic staffed by nurses from WorldPath clinic, smart boards, dance halls, art studios, all-weather outdoor soccer pitches, outdoor jungle gym playgrounds, an indoor fun center, science and computer labs, and an audio-visual media lab.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The campus features an indoor gymnasium and a soccer field for physical education and team sports. Outdoor play areas are available, and a 400-meter standard running track surrounds the outdoor spaces.	Sports facilities The campuses feature 6-lane, 25-meter swimming pools. Indoor basketball courts are available across campuses. Rock climbing walls are provided. All-weather outdoor soccer pitches are available. Strength and conditioning weight rooms support athletic training. A full health clinic staffed by professional nurses from WorldPath clinic supports student well-being as part of athletic programs.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The campus has a total building area of 40,000 square meters. There are two libraries and 20 classrooms, and science laboratories are on site, along with a cafeteria and coffee shop. The main teaching building uses eco-friendly materials and includes PM2.5 air purification, central air conditioning, and rainwater circulation systems, and the campus holds a 2-star Green Building Standard certification.	Academic facilities Hongqiao Main Campus has well-resourced libraries and a learning resources area. Classrooms across campuses are designed to be flexible and equipped with developmentally appropriate resources and technology. Science and computer labs are available for coursework across campuses. An audio-visual media lab supports digital learning, alongside art studios and other creative facilities. Smart boards and dedicated spaces for performing arts augment academic spaces and collaborative learning.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Co-curricular activities are delivered through Extended Courses across arts, sports, languages, music, and STEAM, plus a range of clubs. Sports include football, basketball, Frisbee, street dance, golf, fitness, badminton, karate, and youth fitness. Arts, STEAM, and languages offerings include pottery, flute, guitar, band, graffiti, LEGO, robotics, science experiments, drama, debate, and chess club.	Extra curricular facilities Performing arts spaces include two-story, 700-seat auditoria and a 10,000-square-foot Black Box theatre to support student performances. An Art Gallery, Art Studios, and Dance Halls enable visual and performing arts activities. The Indoor Fun Center and Outdoor Jungle Gym Playgrounds support recreational activities for younger students. Indoor basketball courts, rock climbing walls, and all-weather outdoor soccer pitches enable athletic clubs and activities. Flexible spaces such as science and computer labs and the audio-visual media lab support clubs in robotics, media, and technology.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Canadian International School Kunshan (CISK) was founded in 2012 and initially offered the Ontario (Canada) curriculum before developing into a full IB Continuum school. The school's website records a sequence of developments: HSK test‑center approval in 2013, a campus move in 2016, IB Diploma authorization in 2017, PYP authorization in 2021 and MYP authorization in 2023. CISK is licensed by the Jiangsu provincial Education Bureau and locates itself close to Duke Kunshan University, which the school cites as a source of community partnerships. The school's online timeline summarizes these milestones rather than presenting them as promotional claims.	History Shanghai Community International School (SCIS) was established in 1996 as one of the first international schools in Shanghai. It began as a single campus in the Changning district with seven teachers and fewer than 50 students, and has since expanded to three campuses serving more than 1,500 students. The school was founded to provide an internationally minded, community-centered education and has developed incrementally since its opening. SCIS is overseen by a Board of Directors appointed under the bylaws of the school's Deed of Foundation.
Community	Community CISK describes a multi‑national student body and says its community includes students from two dozen or more countries and active partnerships with nearby higher‑education institutions such as Duke Kunshan University. The school publishes regular events and calendars—examples on the site include Open House sessions, an International Day celebration, seasonal festivals such as a tree‑lighting ceremony, and outreach at regional events (for example, participation at the Suzhou World Cup fair). The school also communicates with families through newsletters and weekly highlights that report on field trips, parent learning activities and school assemblies.	Community SCIS describes itself as a diverse, multicultural community — in recent years the school has reported students from more than 65 countries speaking over 45 languages. Community life includes regular, school‑wide and campus events that bring families together, such as the annual Winter Carnival, International Food Fair and campus cultural festivals, plus city‑based learning experiences like guided City Walks. The school also runs many after‑school activities and extended China trips that connect classroom learning with the city and region.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school's website emphasizes structured parent engagement rather than presenting a clearly labeled, stand‑alone PTA page: CISK runs a Parent Learning Program, schedules Meet‑the‑Principal sessions, offers regular parent seminars and issues frequent parent newsletters and communications. Parent–teacher and three‑way conferences, as well as student‑led conferences, are named in the school's admissions and community information as routine ways parents engage with teaching staff. News posts show parents joining campus events and outings (the Parent Learning Program field trip is one example), and the school records community fundraising activity such as a Terry Fox charity drive. Meeting‑style events (open houses and principal Q&A sessions) and invited parent learning visits are used by the school to build parent–school partnerships rather than a single, publicized PTA document. For details and specific event notices, see the school's news and FAQ pages.	Parent teacher association SCIS's parent organization is the Parents and Friends Association (PAFA), founded in May 1996; all SCIS parents are members and are invited to participate. PAFA meets regularly with school leadership to coordinate parent involvement, communicate community needs, raise funds, and support activities that sit outside the regular curriculum. The association organizes and supports major community events — for example, PAFA coordinates the International Food Fair at Hongqiao and has led cultural festivals at the Pudong campus — and maintains a roster of parent clubs (from Mahjong to Hoopers) that provide social and volunteer opportunities. PAFA publishes its mission, vision and goals on the school site and lists campus PAFA contacts and committee members for parents who want to get involved. The association's activities are a primary way families contribute time, resources and cultural programming to the wider SCIS community.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school is an IB Continuum World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). English is the language of instruction. The International Curriculum Center provides college admissions support to students.	Academic & intellectual SCIS is an IB Continuum World School delivering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) in Early Childhood and Lower School, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Upper School, and the Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 11–12. The school serves students from nursery through Grade 12 across three Shanghai campuses. School-wide Learner Outcomes guide student development, including Innovative Thinkers, within the IB framework. SCIS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of ACAMIS and EARCOS; the community is diverse, with students from more than 65 countries and more than 45 languages spoken.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative A broad range of after-school co-curricular activities (CCA) is offered, including arts, sports, and STEAM. Arts options include pottery, flute, guitar, and band. Extended courses cover drama, languages, and other creative offerings.	Arts & creative The arts program is robust and well-rounded, with teachers who are passionate about their subjects. It includes Performing Arts (Theatre and Music) and Visual Arts, including Film, where students learn the full creative process from observation through presentation. Theatre education emphasizes collaboration and autonomy as students engage as creators, designers, directors, and performers, while the music program exposes students to diverse musical styles. After-school arts activities are available to extend creative exploration.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The Chinese language program emphasizes language development with HSK testing and related cultural activities. Chinese cultural events include Speech and Recitation contests, a Chinese handwriting contest, Drama Festival, and Spring Festival celebrations. Non-English speakers are accepted, with ESL support available. English is the language of instruction.	Cultural & language The language of instruction is English, and Mandarin is a core part of the curriculum; mother-tongue instruction is supported through multiple programs. SCIS is a truly international school representing 60+ nationalities and supports mother-tongue language through Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Spanish, and Swedish programs. Language & Literature courses are offered in English, Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, and Spanish. Language Acquisition is offered in English, Mandarin, French, and Spanish, with extra-curricular language acquisition programs including Finnish, Swedish, Danish, German, Italian, and Hindi.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Co-curricular activities span sports, fine arts, and STEAM, with clubs such as drama and debate. After-school sessions run from 15:40 to 16:30 on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for the full year. The school also hosts athletic events and exchanges, including ties with nearby Duke Kunshan University.	Social & hobbies SCIS offers more than 80 sports, clubs, and arts options in its expansive after-school program. Starting in Kindergarten, students may choose from academic, artistic, athletic, and leisure activities, with examples including robotics and coding, art labs, orchestra, theatre, football, basketball, chess, cooking, and Mahjong. The program emphasizes teamwork and leadership through after-school activities, supported by faculty and external providers. After-school programs are available across Early Childhood, Lower School, and Upper School.
Community & service	Community & service The school runs community service programs and participates in charitable events, including Terry Fox Run activities. It maintains community partnerships and collaborations with local institutions to enrich student life.	Community & service Global Citizenship is a focus, with opportunities to participate in community service projects and school trips to China. Service Learning is an active component of SCIS's program. China Culture is part of the student-life suite. School-wide initiatives include wellbeing, sustainability, and reducing barriers, with ongoing opportunities for community engagement.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Student life includes leadership development and career preparation through the Guidance Counseling Center, which provides college admissions support and other student services. The co-curricular program and advisory services aim to develop leadership, teamwork, and professional skills.	Leadership & professional University Counseling provides individualized guidance to help students plan their university pathways, beginning as early as Grade 9. Counselors offer workshops on essay writing, interview preparation, and admissions strategies, and BridgeU is used as the main online college and career guidance tool. Students participate in university fairs, campus visits, and admissions events to broaden their horizons.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus spans about 40,000 square meters (193 mu) with facilities such as an indoor gymnasium, a soccer field, an outdoor play area, science laboratories, two libraries, and a cafeteria. A 400-meter running track and other athletic facilities support physical well-being. The campus is located beside Duke Kunshan University, facilitating community and athletic collaborations.	Lifestyle & wellbeing SCIS fosters a healthy emotional environment with a supportive school culture. World-class facilities across three campuses include 6-lane 25-meter pools, large multi-use auditoriums, a 10,000 square foot Black Box theatre, an art gallery, rock climbing walls, indoor basketball courts, and strength and conditioning spaces, along with a full health clinic staffed by professional nurses. Wellbeing is a focus through school-wide initiatives and community engagement programs.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The language of instruction is English. Mandarin is a compulsory course and is taught as Mandarin as a Second Language (MSL) and Mandarin as a First Language (MFL), with daily Chinese study for primary and secondary students. ESL programs support English language learners. Mandarin Enrichment Program supports Chinese language development, and language tasters are offered in Japanese, Spanish, Korean and German.	Language provision The language of instruction is English. Mandarin is offered as an additional language with a daily, leveled program for beginners to experienced learners. Language Acquisition and Language & Literature cover multiple languages, including English, Mandarin, French, Spanish, Korean, Dutch, and Japanese. Mother-tongue instruction is available in Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Spanish, and Swedish.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school encourages bilingual focus among multilingual students. Mandarin and English are core languages of study.	Bilingual teaching The language of instruction is English. Mandarin is taught as an additional language across grade levels and is integrated into daily learning. Language Acquisition courses include English, Mandarin, French, and Spanish, while Language & Literature courses are offered in English, Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, and Spanish. Mother-tongue programs exist in Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Spanish, and Swedish.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs The Chinese Program features an immersion language curriculum as its main feature. There are 5 Chinese classes per week, divided into native and non-native tracks, with mother-tongue materials and non-mother-tongue materials such as Easy Steps to Chinese and HSK-related textbooks. The program also uses Hanban-approved HSK testing, with the institution serving as an HSK testing site.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards (Only items explicitly presented on the school website and dated within the five‑year window 2021–2025.) - Forbes China — International Education Outstanding Contribution Award (2023): CISK reports it received the Forbes International Education Outstanding Contribution Award at the 2023 Forbes China International Education Forum. This is presented on the school website as an institutional award recognising the school's contribution to international education. - Forbes China — Top 100 Chinese International Schools ranking (2023): the school's website states CISK was ranked 33rd nationally (and 2nd in Jiangsu, 1st in Kunshan) in Forbes China's 2023 list of Chinese international schools; this appears on the school site as a formal ranking/recognition awarded to the school. - KingLead — China International School Innovation Competitiveness Top 100 (2022): the school's site records that CISK was placed No.26 in KingLead's 2022 “International School Innovation Competitiveness Top 100,” a sector ranking that the school presents as an institutional recognition. - HKPEP ranking — 21st in most educationally competitive international schools for expatriate children in Mainland China (2024): the school's About/Timeline notes CISK secured 21st place in the HKPEP ranking for 2024; the school presents this as a sector ranking/recognition. If you'd like, I can (a) pull the exact school pages into a short PDF or list of links for your records, or (b) check each external awarding organisation's website for independent verification and precise award descriptions.	Awards Below are awards or formal recognitions reported on the SCIS website from the last five years (2021–2025). Each item is limited to recognitions given to the school or to school teams (not to individual students): 1) Apple Distinguished School (2024–2027) — SCIS was recognized by Apple as an Apple Distinguished School for the 2024–2027 term; this is a school-level designation that recognizes institutions using Apple technology to support schoolwide innovation in teaching and learning. 2) ACAMIS High School Math Olympiad — 1st place (ACAMIS, 2024) — The SCIS Hongqiao teams competed at the ACAMIS High School Math Olympiad in 2024, with one Hongqiao team finishing first overall; this is an inter-school competition result reported as a school achievement on SCIS's site. 3) ACAMIS High School Math Olympiad — 1st place (ACAMIS, 2025) — SCIS Hongqiao again reported a first-place finish at the ACAMIS Central Math Olympiad in 2025; the school's news post frames this as an institutional/team achievement. 4) ACAMIS Volleyball / SISAC results (2023) — SCIS reported multiple team-level achievements during the 2023 season: SCIS Pudong boys' varsity volleyball won their ACAMIS division (reported as a first-place team result), and Hongqiao teams claimed SISAC honours (e.g., Junior Varsity girls won the SISAC Western Division plaque). These are school/team-level athletic awards published by SCIS. 5) ACAMIS Volleyball — double Gold (ACAMIS Green Division Volleyball, 2025) — SCIS reported that both the Hongqiao Girls and Boys D1 volleyball teams won Gold at the ACAMIS Green Division Volleyball Tournament hosted at Hongqiao in October 2025; this is recorded on the school website as a campus/team achievement. Notes and scope: - I included only awards, recognitions or competition results that are explicitly reported on the SCIS website and that are presented there as awards to the school or its teams (not individual student prizes). Each named item above links to the SCIS page that documents it. - The SCIS site also publishes many student-level awards and festival/contest results; per your instruction those are not listed here because they are individual or student-group recognitions rather than awards given to the school itself. Examples (film-festival prizes, individual IB high scores, etc.) appear on SCIS news pages but were excluded for that reason. If you'd like, I can: - Extract the exact SCIS news URLs and list them beside each award, or - Expand the timeline to include earlier years (pre-2021), or - Verify whether any of the athletic conference wins are recorded on the ACAMIS / SISAC websites (external confirmation).
Accreditations	Accreditations - International Baccalaureate (IB) World School — authorized to deliver the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). This means the school is recognized by the IB Organisation to deliver those specific, internationally‑developed curricula and assessments. - Licensed as a School for Children of Foreign Nationals by the Jiangsu Provincial Education Bureau — the school is officially permitted by the provincial education authority to operate as an international school for expatriate (and other eligible) students in Jiangsu province. This is the local government licence that governs legal operation and admissions eligibility. - IGCSE & A‑Level test centre authorised by Oxford AQA — the school is an authorised centre for administering A‑Level and IGCSE examinations through the Oxford AQA board, which allows it to register and run those external UK assessments on campus. - Authenticated by Cambridge Assessment International Education — the school reports that it has been authenticated by Cambridge Assessment, indicating an institutional relationship with Cambridge's international examination/qualification frameworks (for example IGCSE/Cambridge programmes or recognition). - HSK test centre approved by the Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban) — the school was approved to administer China's HSK Mandarin proficiency exams, meaning it is an accredited local test centre for the HSK series.	Accreditations 1) International Baccalaureate (IB) — SCIS is authorized as an IB Continuum World School (PYP, MYP, DP). This means the school is approved by the International Baccalaureate Organisation to deliver the full IB continuum across its divisions; that authorization indicates the school meets IB standards for curriculum, assessment and school-wide IB practice. 2) Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) — SCIS is accredited by WASC. WASC accreditation is a regional-style external review that validates that the school meets internationally recognized standards for institutional quality, continuous improvement and that its secondary diplomas are broadly accepted by universities.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Initial enquiry and research (what to prepare). Contact the Admissions Office to request the current enrolment timetable, the year-group vacancy status and the school's document checklist. CISK asks families to submit applications via OpenApply, so you should create an OpenApply account in advance and gather identity documents (child's passport and parents' visas/residence permits), recent school reports and any learning-support records; the Admissions Criteria page lists the specific residency documentation the school requires for eligibility. 2. Complete and submit the online application. Use the school's OpenApply form and upload the documents from the checklist (the How to Apply page explicitly instructs applicants to upload required documents when creating an OpenApply account). Make sure uploaded files are clear and that you include the items the school requests for your child's age/grade (for example prior school reports for primary/secondary applicants). 3. School review and eligibility check. After you submit, the admissions office reviews the application and supporting documents to confirm the child meets the school's legal and programme admission criteria (CISK is licensed to enrol children of foreign nationals and has specific documentation rules for Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan residents, Chinese citizens settled abroad and other eligible categories). Expect the school to contact you for clarification if documentation is missing. 4. Assessment (age-appropriate tests). CISK arranges an age-appropriate assessment after the application is complete. The How to Apply page specifies that kindergarten applicants will be reviewed and attend a family interview; Primary (Grade 1–5) applicants take a school-organised admissions assessment (parents are asked to reserve at least two hours); Secondary (Grades 6–11) applicants take a written test (English and English-language math). Plan travel/online-test timing accordingly and ask whether an English-language support assessment will be provided if your child is not a native English speaker. 5. Family interview and, where applicable, further meetings. The school requires a family interview: kindergarten and primary applicants meet the Head of the Academic Department; secondary applicants' parents join a roughly 30-minute family interview. For scholarship candidates the school will invite shortlisted students to further testing and an interview with leadership. Bring originals of identity/visa documents to the interview as the school may verify them in person. 6. Decision timeline and offer. CISK aims to communicate admissions decisions within three working days (this can extend to five working days during peak admissions season). Successful applicants receive a digital offer letter; the offer will include instructions and any deadlines for accepting the place (for example a deadline to respond and pay a registration/confirmation deposit). If your application is unsuccessful the school closes the file and notes that applicants may reapply after six months. 7. Securing a place and fee steps. To secure a place you will be required to follow the offer instructions (typically accepting the offer in writing and paying whatever deposit or registration fee the offer specifies). The school's tuition-and-fees page explains what tuition covers and what it does not (see the fee schedule for current amounts and the exact deposit/application fees for the academic year). Always confirm whether deposits are refundable and the deadline for the payment directly with Admissions before transferring funds. 8. Final enrolment and orientation. After finance and paperwork are complete the school will confirm enrolment and advise about orientation dates, uniform, lunch plans and transport options. Note that tuition typically excludes lunch, uniforms, transport and optional music lessons or voluntary trips—budget for these separately. Keep a copy of the signed enrolment/fee paperwork for visa/residency or employer-reimbursement needs. 9. If you need help or have special circumstances. If your child requires English language support, has special educational needs, or you need a language service during admissions, contact the admissions team early (the school lists English/Mandarin/Korean admissions support and asks families to notify the office about other language needs).	Admissions 1. Review eligibility, age/grade guidelines and admissions checklist. Before you start an application, confirm your child's eligibility under the Shanghai categories (Type A/B/C) and the school's age/grade cut‑offs; SCIS publishes an Age/Grade guideline PDF showing exact birth‑date ranges for each grade and an Admissions Checklist that lists required government documents for each eligibility type. Parents should check whether they can submit some government documents later (for example, residence/work permits may be allowed within 60 days for families arriving from overseas) and note that documents not in English must be translated. 2. Create an account and complete the online application. SCIS requires all applications to be submitted through its online portal (OpenApply); when you complete the online form you will create an account and follow the portal prompts to enter family and student details. Make sure you fill in the student's current school history fully — SCIS asks for recent school reports and (for older students) transcripts — because the Admissions Committee uses these documents in its evaluation. 3. Upload supporting documents required for your application. The school's checklist specifies items such as passport copies for student and parents, birth certificate, immunization records, current and prior school reports (usually the most recent year plus up to three prior years), recommendation letter(s), standardized assessment or English‑proficiency results if available (WIDA or NWEA MAP preferred), and any learning‑support documentation (IEP, psychological report) if applicable. If you are applying from another Shanghai international school, the checklist notes that a certificate of enrollment plus complete academic reports may be accepted in place of a letter of recommendation; also note which government documents are required for your application category. 4. Pay the application fee and complete the application. SCIS marks an application as complete only after the required supporting documents have been uploaded and the application fee has been paid through the portal or as instructed. The website lists an application fee amount (RMB 2,750) and the Admissions Checklist PDF lists RMB 2,500; because those two pages disagree, confirm the current application fee with the admissions office before payment to avoid underpayment. 5. Assessment, interview and Admissions Committee review. Once your application is complete, SCIS's Admissions Committee reviews each file; the process can include age‑appropriate assessments, interviews (virtual or on‑campus), and formal English‑language proficiency testing on arrival if applicable. Decisions are based on a combination of international mindedness, English proficiency, academic history, and the student's social/emotional and behavioral background; if learning support needs are declared, the committee will consider whether SCIS can meet those needs. Parents should prepare original or certified copies of academic reports and any learning‑support records to speed verification if requested. 6. Offer, seat guarantee and payment to secure enrollment. If a place is offered, enrollment is only secure after payment of either the full tuition (annual or semester) or the seat guarantee deposit. For 2025–2026 the published seat guarantee deposit is RMB 20,000; new‑student capital and other one‑time fees (for example a first‑year Capital Fee listed on the site) are payable on admission. Note the school's payment deadlines (annual/semester deadlines and early‑payment discount dates) and the refund/withdrawal rules — e.g., refunds vary depending on when the school is notified in writing and seat guarantee deposits are non‑refundable under specified conditions. Parents should keep proof of wire transfers and follow the school's instructions for emailing remittance receipts. 7. Timing and rounds / rolling admissions. SCIS runs application rounds with posted deadlines and also operates rolling admissions; the Apply page lists specific round deadlines and notes that after the stated rounds decisions move to rolling and capacity‑based offers. Because SCIS reports operating near or at full capacity in many divisions, applying early in a round (and completing the application) improves the chance that the Admissions Committee can consider the application before capacity is reached. If you have timing constraints (arrival dates, visa processing), tell the admissions office when you submit the application.
Scholarships	Scholarships CISK offers a limited number of full and partial scholarships and describes them as awarded on the basis of academic merit and financial need. The school's Scholarship page sets out the selection stages used in previous cycles: application submission, subject testing (English, Mathematics and Sciences), a cognitive‑ability test, and a final interview with school leadership; top-scoring candidates are invited to interview and the results are announced at the end of the selection period. The Scholarship page references a selection window (for example March–June 2023 for MYP and DP candidates) and says more details will be posted on the page; for the current cycle you should ask Admissions for the application opening date, the exact tests to be used, and whether the scholarship covers tuition fully or partially and any associated conditions (renewal criteria, behavioural/academic expectations). For questions or to request the latest scholarship guidance email admissions@ciskunshan.org.	Scholarships SCIS operates an International Scholars Program (announced in a school news posting) that offers a limited number of merit‑ and need‑based scholarships for prospective students in certain grades. The 2024–25 announcement describes six scholarship streams (for example: IB Diploma Scholarship, Academic Excellence, Leaders of Tomorrow, Renaissance (arts), International‑Mindedness, and Self‑Motivated Learner), available to applicants roughly in Grades 5–11 depending on the specific award. Scholarship awards were described in the announcement as covering between 25% and 75% of annual tuition and could be renewable for up to four years subject to annual review; applicants were instructed to submit a separate SCIS scholarship application and required documents and, if shortlisted, were invited to interview. Because scholarship offerings, quotas, eligibility details and deadlines can change year to year, contact the Admissions office or check the SCIS website for the current scholarship application form, deadlines and selection criteria before applying.
Waitlist	Waitlist CISK's public admissions pages do not publish a formal waiting‑list policy. The site states that “enrolment is subject to class vacancies,” which indicates that admission depends on available places in the requested year group, but it does not set out a published process or ranking for a waitlist or candidate pool. If a grade is full you should contact Admissions directly (phone or email) to ask whether the school maintains a waitlist for that specific year group, how they prioritise candidates, whether there are any deadlines to remain on the list, and what documentation you should keep current—these operational details are not posted on the public admissions pages.	Waitlist SCIS does not publish a separate, detailed public policy labeled “waitlist” on the admissions pages, but the school explicitly states that offers are made on a rolling and capacity basis and refers to a “wait‑pool” when describing what happens if a seat guarantee is not paid by the due date. The Admissions Checklist and other admissions pages say SCIS operates on a rolling basis and that offers are subject to space availability, and the Tuition & Fees page explains that when a seat guarantee deadline passes the seat may be offered to students in the wait‑pool or new applicants. In practice this means that if space is full your completed application will be held and considered as openings arise; there is no separate public “position number” or published waitlist procedure, so parents who want clarity about their application status should contact admissions directly (admissions@scis-china.org) to ask whether the candidate is in an active wait pool and what documentation or timing would change their status.
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