Canadian International School Kunshan vs Western International School of Shanghai

	C Canadian International School Kunshan Shanghai, China	W Western International School of Shanghai Shanghai, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 130,000 - 206,000	Fees / year RMB 161,975 - 261,820
Age range	Age range 3 - 19 years	Age range 2½ - 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), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme)
Pupils	Pupils 400	Pupils 400
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2012	Opened 2006
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 WISS is in the western suburbs of Shanghai (Xujing Town, Qingpu District) at 555 Lian Min Road, Shanghai 201702. The campus is in a suburban residential area and is reachable by car and the school's bus network that covers major housing areas in the city. If you are relocating, note the school is outside central Shanghai so commute times depend on where you live; many families use the school bus or private car transport.
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 WISS covers early years through secondary: Lower Elementary (ages ~2.5–5), Elementary (Grades 1–5) and Secondary (Grades 6–12). The school delivers the full International Baccalaureate continuum.
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 WISS is a co‑educational day school offering the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP and the Career‑related Programme). The school does not advertise boarding facilities; provision is for day students.
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 WISS operates a Student Support Services team that creates individualized support pathways (academic and social‑emotional) rather than offering formal diagnoses. Support focuses by division (language/motor/sensory in early years; literacy, numeracy and attention skills in Elementary; and study/organisation skills in Secondary). Parents should discuss specific needs with admissions and the Student Support team to confirm available services for a child.
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 WISS describes itself as an international school and states it is not aligned to any single national curriculum or country. Its programmes are based on the International Baccalaureate framework.
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 The school does not state any religious affiliation and presents itself as a non‑religious international school.
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 According to the school's Secondary student handbook (published material), the typical student day is Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m. to 3:20 p.m., with students asked to arrive by about 8:20 a.m.; campus hours are noted as roughly 8:00 a.m.–3:20 p.m. Division‑specific break and lunch times can vary, so confirm current bell times with admissions.
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 WISS operates its own branded bus service (fleet of 30+ buses) offering door‑to‑door routes that cover major residential areas; the service is available for children aged about 2.5 years and above. Buses are fitted with safety features (three‑point seatbelts, security cameras, AQI monitoring, emergency exits) and are staffed by trained drivers and on‑board monitors. Families can also drop children by car; contact the school for route availability, stop locations and fees.
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 Application, Placement and Capital Fees - Application fee: RMB 2,500 (non‑refundable). - Placement fee: RMB 20,000 (annual; due within five days of an Offer of Placement; offset against tuition on first day of school; forfeiture rules apply). - Capital fee (new students): RMB 20,000 (one‑time). Tuition fees (per year and per term by programme) - Pre‑Nursery & Nursery (ages 2.5–4): Early annual RMB 161,975; Annual RMB 165,385; Semester RMB 85,250 (each). - Pre‑Kindergarten (age 4–5): Early annual RMB 190,000; Annual RMB 194,000; Semester RMB 100,000 (each). - Kindergarten (age 5–6): Early annual RMB 224,675; Annual RMB 229,405; Semester RMB 118,250 (each). - PYP (Grades 1–5): Early annual RMB 245,575; Annual RMB 250,745; Semester RMB 129,250 (each). - MYP (Grades 6–10): Early annual RMB 258,875; Annual RMB 264,325; Semester RMB 136,250 (each). - DP/CP (Grades 11–12): Early annual RMB 261,820; Annual RMB 267,332; Semester RMB 137,800 (each). Billing schedule and payment terms - Early annual payment deadline (5% discount): April 14. Annual payment deadline (3% discount): May 15. Semester payment deadlines: May 15 (Semester 1) and November 1 (Semester 2). Tuition may be paid annually or by semester. Placement fee is due within five days of offer. Late payment charge: 1.5% per month, compounded. Boarding - Boarding is not offered; WISS operates as a day international school. Other costs and routine inclusions - Transportation (school bus): RMB 21,600 per year (optional; sibling/route discounts may apply). - School meals, a complementary set of uniforms (per semester for Pre‑Nursery to Grade 10), textbooks, classroom supplies, EAL support and many standard items are included in tuition; additional uniform items, external provider co‑curricular activities, trips or BYOD device requirements may incur extra charges. Refund information (key points) - Application fee: non‑refundable. Capital fee refunded only if the student never attends. Placement fee, tuition and bus refunds follow the Student Departure & Refund chart (eligibility and percentages depend on the date the official Departure Notice Form is received; earlier notice gives larger refunds). Examples: departure on or before April 14 = refundable for placement, Semester 1 and Semester 2; later dates incur partial or no refund per the published chart. Payment methods - Bank transfer (RMB account and foreign currency account with SWIFT), in‑person credit/debit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express), online payment portals (contact Finance), and cash at the Finance Office (not recommended). Electronic VAT fapiao available on request.
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 —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement All students wear the school uniform. Non-compliance may result in a behavior referral.	Uniform requirement —
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 —
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 —
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 Western International School of Shanghai is an IB World School delivering the full IB continuum: Primary Years (PYP), Middle Years (MYP), Diploma (DP) and Career-related (CP) Programmes. Pre‑Nursery through Grade 5 follow the inquiry‑based IB PYP with transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry and integrated English and Chinese language pathways. Grades 6–10 follow the IB MYP framework, alongside a staged Chinese language programme that includes Chinese Language & Literature options at secondary levels. Grades 11–12 offer the IB Diploma Programme and the IB Career‑related Programme as senior‑school qualifications. The academic programme is delivered alongside specialist arts and sports, mandatory afternoon activities for younger students, and community‑service learning, which WISS identifies as four pillars of its curriculum.
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 WISS states that social‑emotional learning (SEL) is embedded across the curriculum and all IB programmes. It is delivered through Advisory programmes, Life Skills, Social Skills lessons and Personal, Social & Health Education (PSHE), and through explicit Approaches to Learning skills. The Student Support Services Team provides proactive and reactive individual and group interventions that target routines, social‑skills activities, study habits, life skills and personal growth. School counsellors are listed as addressing emotional regulation, decision‑making, healthy relationships, identity and diversity (including affective/sexual education). SEL is also reinforced through after‑school activities that provide leadership, teamwork and empathy opportunities.
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) WISS describes a formal Student Support Services framework that provides academic and social‑emotional support through individualized support pathways designed and implemented by faculty. The school explicitly states it does not diagnose or label students and focuses on classroom‑based practices and strategies rather than on formal diagnoses. Support examples given include Lower Elementary work on language development, communication, motor and sensory development; Elementary support for writing, reading, mathematical processing, following instructions and attention; and Secondary support for organisation, study habits and time management. The admissions/application guidance asks families to provide relevant educational or medical evaluations, IEPs or other reports when applicable. WISS does not present itself as a specialist SEN institution; its published material describes in‑school learning support rather than specialist external provision.
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 WISS includes English as an Additional Language (EAL) support as part of its provision and notes EAL support is included in tuition‑fee inclusions. The Elementary programme states students new to English are supported five days a week through an "English for Beginners" programme, and the school describes translanguaging and honoring students' first languages. The Secondary overview highlights a range of language acquisition options and phases to support language development at older ages. The admissions pages note applicants are evaluated for English speaking, reading and writing ability and that Secondary entrants must have a level of English sufficient to access the curriculum. Overall, the school's public pages describe staged EAL support across Early Years, Primary and Secondary.
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 WISS publishes that it operates three on‑site nurse stations and a qualified nursing team to provide first aid, minor‑injury care and emergency response while on campus. The school also says its Student Support Services Team provides counselling services for social, emotional and academic development. The SEL guidance and news material state that school counsellors address emotional regulation, decision‑making, identity, relationships and related wellbeing topics. Parents are asked to disclose health or medical matters so medical action plans can be prepared when needed. WISS describes student wellbeing support as a mix of on‑site health care, counselling and targeted interventions delivered by the Student Support Services Team.
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 WISS states it "fully recognizes its moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children" and refers readers to its Safeguarding Policy for details. The Health & Safety information describes campus security measures (24‑hour licensed security, perimeter fencing, CCTV, visitor registration) and regular emergency drills. The site also documents that Student Support Services contributes to students' welfare through academic and social‑emotional support pathways. Application guidance requests medical and evaluation documents so the school can create appropriate plans for students with health or learning needs. For full details the school directs readers to its publicly posted Safeguarding Policy on the WISS site.
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 sits on an 18-acre campus in Qingpu District designed by Weimar Architects of the Bauhaus University, purpose-built to meet the school's needs. It features bright, spacious classrooms and flexible learning spaces, modern art studios, and dedicated spaces for the arts, sciences, and technology. There are multiple outdoor playgrounds and green areas across the site. The facilities support a holistic learning environment with spaces for design, robotics, digital learning, and performing arts.
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 campus features a professional Astroturf football field and a running track. There are two swimming pools on site. An indoor gymnasium and a gymnastics studio support PE and athletic activities. A professional climbing wall provides vertical challenges for students. Several sizable outdoor playground areas support outdoor activities.
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 The academic facilities include Design & Robotics Labs, MAC & PC Labs, and iPad & Laptop Stations for student use. Fully equipped Science & Technology Laboratories support hands-on learning. Bright, spacious classrooms and flexible learning spaces provide environments for different teaching approaches. The campus provides dedicated facilities for Lower Elementary, Elementary, and Secondary students.
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 The WISS Academy provides extension opportunities in sports, arts, and academics. It serves students aged 4–18 and adults. Classes include Football, Badminton, Swimming, Volleyball, Basketball, Music, Visual Art, Musical Theatre, and Dance, as well as STEAM programmes. It operates in a single location with dedicated facilities for these activities.
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 WISS opened on September 6, 2006, initially enrolling 17 students and expanding over the following years into a school serving several hundred learners. The school's own history page describes it as founded by three entrepreneurs who aligned the school with the International Baccalaureate continuum from the start. External listings note the school's initial backing involved a consortium of independent American and Chinese investors and an advisory board of experienced educators. These founding decisions and governance arrangements are cited in school materials and third‑party profiles.
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 WISS describes a deliberately international student body, noting more than 50 nationalities and dozens of languages represented in the community. The school runs regular community events that bring families together—examples reported on the school site include an annual Sports Day and family‑facing programmes such as a toddler-and-parent Kickstart playgroup. The school also publishes a WISS Family Calendar and a Parent Portal for event information and sign‑ups.
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 The school website does not publish a separate page labelled “PTA,” and instead highlights several parent‑engagement channels: a dedicated Parent Portal (WISS Hub), a published family calendar, and regular parent workshops and open events listed in the school's news and events sections. In Elementary the school explicitly describes a “home‑school partnership” and asks parents to use those communication channels to stay involved and support classroom learning. Parents commonly engage by volunteering or attending organised events such as Sports Day and playgroup sessions; these activities are promoted through the school news feed and calendar rather than through a named, formal PTA page. For details about volunteering structures or an elected parent committee, the school recommends contacting the Admissions or Community Life teams via the Parent Portal or the school office.
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 The WISS Academy provides extension opportunities in academics, sports, and the arts, including STEAM programmes. STEAM programmes are offered as part of the Academy. The school emphasizes inquiry-based learning within the IB continuum to support academic enrichment beyond the classroom. The Academy is open to WISS students and to other learners in Shanghai aged 4-18.
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 WISS Academy provides opportunities in music, visual art, musical theatre, and dance. These arts activities form part of the Academy's extension offerings. The programs support creative expression through structured classes and performances. The Academy is accessible to students aged 4-18 and to other learners in Shanghai.
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 Beginner Spanish is offered as an afternoon activity. Language-learning opportunities are part of the after-school program. The after-school activities run on a six-week block schedule. Lower Elementary students participate on Wednesdays, and Elementary students on Fridays.
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 Afternoon activities include Dance and Movement; Puzzle Club; Watercolor Painting; Mini Masterchef; Chess Club; Board Games; Cross-stitch, and other options. These activities are teacher-driven and run in six-week blocks, designed to complement IB learning. The schedule allows students to sample multiple activities within the school day.
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 Community Service is a pillar of WISS's education. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is linked with WISS, providing leadership and service opportunities. The school promotes global citizenship and social responsibility through its programs, encouraging students to engage in community-based projects.
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 The Duke of Edinburgh's Award provides leadership development and service opportunities at WISS. WISS collaborates with international partners to broaden student leadership experiences. These activities support personal growth, teamwork, and responsible citizenship.
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 Sports are a core part of WISS life; the WISS Academy offers Football (Soccer), Badminton, Swimming, Volleyball, and Basketball. Afternoon activities include Yoga and other wellness-focused options. Active and well-being initiatives are integrated into the daily program.
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 English and Chinese are taught as languages. In Elementary, English for Beginners supports learners new to English and Chinese Language classes are offered; translanguaging honors first languages. In Secondary, language acquisition and language and literature classes are offered in English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, German, and French with multiple phases and levels.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school encourages bilingual focus among multilingual students. Mandarin and English are core languages of study.	Bilingual teaching In Elementary, bilingual teaching uses an International & Chinese co-teacher model. English for Beginners supports students new to English, while Chinese Language classes are offered. Translanguaging honors students' first languages, and every teacher acts as a language teacher.
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 —
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 • IB Continuum / IB World School — WISS is authorised to offer the four International Baccalaureate programmes (PYP, MYP, DP and CP). The IB World School designation means the school has been authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organization to deliver one or more IB programmes and to participate in the IB's quality-assurance and professional-development processes. • Council of International Schools (CIS) — WISS is listed as a CIS member/school in the school's accreditations summary. CIS international accreditation is a peer-review process that benchmark schools against internationally agreed standards for international education and signals a school's commitment to continuous improvement and global-minded education. • Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC / ACS WASC) — WISS identifies itself as accredited by WASC. ACS WASC (the Accrediting Commission for Schools of the Western Association of Schools & Colleges) is a regional/international accreditor for K–12 schools; accreditation through ACS WASC indicates the school has engaged in a structured self-study and external peer review focused on educational quality and continuous improvement.
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. Start an online application (OpenApply). Create an account and submit the WISS Online Application Form via the school's "Apply Now" link; this is the formal start of the review process and parents should expect to upload documents and receive an invoice after submission. The site and application portal are the official route for all applications. 2. Prepare and upload required documents. WISS requires a set of personal, academic and supporting documents (examples: student birth certificate, copies of student and parent passports, Shanghai residence permit or visa documentation, ID-style photos, medical and immunisation records), plus school reports and teacher/principal recommendation forms; grade-specific report history is requested (for example: PK–K: current year report; Grades 1–8: current and previous year; Grades 9–10: two previous years; Grades 11–12: records from Grade 9 onward). Certified English translations are required for any reports not in English. Parents should check the document checklist in the online application so nothing delays review. 3. Arrange recommendations and book assessment / interview. After you submit documents, request confidential principal/teacher recommendation forms (Admissions will share the secure link) and then speak with your assigned Admissions Officer to schedule the admissions assessment, an academic interview for the student, and a family introduction meeting; these are all part of the school's evaluation process. For non-native English speakers, expect an English language assessment to confirm placement and support needs. Timing for assessments will be coordinated with Admissions—plan for scheduling delays if you are relocating. 4. Pay the non-refundable Application Fee and await decision paperwork. Once the online application is received you will be invoiced for the Application Fee (listed as RMB 2,500 for the academic year shown on the site); the application will not be considered complete until payment is confirmed. If the school issues an Offer of Placement, new families are required to pay the Placement Fee within five days to confirm the seat; note that the Placement Fee is offset against tuition once the student starts but payment alone does not guarantee placement until all admissions conditions are satisfied. Check the Tuition & Fees / Tuition Policy document for exact amounts, deadlines and refund terms before you pay. 5. Offer, placement and invoicing (acceptance / enrollment). If offered a place you will receive an Offer of Placement and the school will issue invoices (tuition, capital fee, bus if requested, etc.); the Placement Fee secures your place on acceptance but full tuition and any required upfront fees must be paid by the stated deadlines or at least five days before the student's first day if joining mid-year. Students are not permitted to attend classes until required fees are settled. If you expect a company or third party to pay, parents remain ultimately responsible for ensuring fees are paid on time. 6. Mid-year entry and pro‑rata billing; re-enrolment. WISS operates rolling admissions (it accepts applications throughout the year) and tuition for mid-year starts is calculated on a monthly pro‑rata basis and includes the month the student begins; re-enrolling families must follow the re-enrollment instructions and settle the placement/re-enrollment fee during the stated re-enrollment period. Confirm the semester payment deadlines (Semester 1: May 15; Semester 2: November 1) and any early‑payment discount dates if you plan annual vs semester billing. 7. Final steps: school start, practical arrangements and support planning. Before arrival, complete any required transportation or meal forms (if using the bus or school meals), submit medical/immunisation forms, and confirm device (BYOD) requirements by grade (for example: Grades 2–5 iPad; Grades 6–12 laptop/iPad). If the student has learning needs, upload relevant evaluations or IEPs during application so Student Support Services can plan appropriate support. Keep the Admissions Officer's contact details handy for questions and to confirm start logistics.
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 WISS operates a merit-based scholarship programme covering several categories (Academics, Sports, Arts, Community Service, Entrepreneurship/Innovation) and scholarships can provide full or partial coverage of annual tuition; the programme emphasises both the award and the student's ongoing contribution in their area of strength. The published scholarship application sequence requires families to complete the normal WISS admissions process first (or start at step 2 if the student is already enrolled), then complete the scholarship application form, submit supporting documentary evidence (pdf), submit a student essay, and return the application by the stated deadline; shortlisted candidates are invited to a final interview with the Scholarship Committee. Scholarship recipients must meet ongoing conditions: maintain high academic standards (the site specifies a minimum equivalent of a 6/7 on the IB scale where applicable), uphold standards of academic honesty and character, and the school may withdraw the scholarship for serious violations. Important practical detail: scholarship awardees are still responsible for paying certain fees (the school explicitly states recipients must still pay the Application Fee, Capital Fee, Transportation Fee and fees for after‑school activities and trips). If you are considering applying, download the WISS Scholarship Pack from the school site and contact the Scholarship Committee or Admissions for application deadlines and the current scholarship schedule.
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 WISS does not publish a separate public "waitlist" or central pool policy on its admissions pages. The school states it operates rolling admissions and uses a Placement Fee to secure an offered place; the published Tuition & Fees / Tuition Policy also notes that payment of the Placement Fee will not, by itself, guarantee a placement unless all admissions and entry requirements have been met. Because there is no formal waitlist text on the public site, families concerned about seat availability should contact Admissions directly (the site provides admissions contact details) and ask whether a place can be held, whether the school is operating an internal waiting list for a specific grade, or what the local practice is for managing oversubscription.
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