Concordia International School Shanghai vs Hiba Academy Nantong

	C Concordia International School Shanghai Shanghai, China	H Hiba Academy Nantong Shanghai, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 243,000 - 320,000	Fees / year RMB 252,494 - 296,640
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), SEN focussed, Bespoke Curriculum, IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme)	Curriculum Chinese National Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,200	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 5
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Mandarin
Opened	Opened 1998	Opened 2022
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Concordia International School Shanghai is located in the Jinqiao (Biyun) neighbourhood of Pudong, Shanghai; the visitor entrance is at 345 Huangyang Road and the school's mailing address is 999 Mingyue Road (postcode 201206). The campus sits in an international residential and commercial area with nearby metro and bus links (Taierzhuang Road / Line 9 is a short walk) and is reachable from both Pudong and Puxi.	Location Hiba Academy Nantong is located at 66 Haide Road in the Su‑Xi‑Tong Science & Technology Industrial Park on the outskirts of Nantong, Jiangsu — a purpose‑built campus in an industrial/technology park area. The city of Nantong is served by high‑speed rail and Nantong Xingdong Airport and is about a 1–1.5 hour drive from parts of the greater Shanghai area via the Sutong crossing, so travel to/from major regional hubs is possible.
Stages	Stages The school serves students aged about 3 to 18 and is organised into Early Childhood, Elementary School, Middle School and High School divisions (Preschool through Grade 12).	Stages The school advertises Early Years, Primary, Junior High and Senior High phases on its site, indicating a continuous programme from nursery through secondary. External listings and the school's materials state it serves roughly ages 3–18.
School type	School type Concordia is a co‑educational day school delivering an American‑style curriculum; it does not offer boarding. The school operates as an international school for students holding foreign passports.	School type Hiba Academy Nantong is co‑educational and described as a bilingual (Chinese–English) school. The campus includes purpose‑built boarding accommodation and the school has published information about boarding provision (boarders and day pupils are both accommodated).
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Concordia runs a Learning Support (LS) programme with LS specialists who work with classroom teachers to design interventions and accommodations. The programme supports a limited number of students with mild to some moderate learning needs through referral, in‑class support, and targeted interventions.	Additional learning support The school's public materials emphasise pastoral care and wellbeing; a senior pastoral lead at Nantong has previous experience as a Head of Learning Support, which suggests access to experienced staff for student wellbeing and additional‑needs support. The site does not publish a detailed SEN policy for Nantong, so parents should contact admissions for specifics about formal SEN assessment, individual learning plans or specialist staffing.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is approved by the Ministry of Education of China and the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission but is not an official national school of another country; it provides an American‑style education for expatriate families.	Country affiliation Hiba Academy Nantong is part of the Hiba/Wellington College Education group in China (the Wellington College Education (China) family), which informs curriculum design and school organisation.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Concordia was founded in the tradition of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and holds related school accreditation; it identifies as a Christian/Lutheran‑affiliated international school.	Religious affiliation The school does not list a religious affiliation in its directory listings and materials; it is presented as a non‑religious bilingual school.
School day structure	School day structure Typical school start times reported are about 8:00 AM for Early Childhood, Elementary and Middle School and about 8:30 AM for High School, with a usual school day finishing in the mid‑afternoon (around 3:20 PM). Specific schedules (for example exam blocks or early‑release days) are published on the school calendar and can vary by week or division.	School day structure The school's public pages do not publish a full day‑by‑day timetable or fixed start/end times for pupils; the school's contact page shows office hours (9:00–17:00) for admissions and enquiries. For exact pupil start/finish times, break and lunch arrangements, ask admissions or request the current term timetable.
Bus service details	Bus service details Concordia offers optional paid bus transportation with morning, afternoon and late/activity routes; routes cover much of Pudong and some areas of Puxi. Families who pay for daily bus service may also use activity buses for no additional charge on participating ECA/athletics days. The bus service is run as a school‑arranged transport option and the fee is separate from tuition.	Bus service details Hiba schools in the group commonly offer campus services such as school buses, but the Nantong site does not publish detailed bus routes or providers online. If you need daily transport (routes, fees, pick‑up points), contact the Nantong admissions office — they can provide current routes, pricing and registration details.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fee - Application fee: RMB 2,500 (non‑refundable). One‑time/new‑student fees - Capital (placement) fee: RMB 25,000 (one‑time, billed on acceptance; non‑refundable). - One‑time ELL support fee (where applicable, K–12): RMB 20,000. - Grade 6–12: families must provide a recent Apple laptop for student use (school specifies minimum model/specs). Tuition (per student) — full year and semester options - Preschool / Pre‑Kindergarten: Full year RMB 243,000 — Semester payment option RMB 124,000 per semester. - Kindergarten – Grade 5: Full year RMB 305,000 — Semester payment option RMB 155,000 per semester. - Grade 6 – Grade 8: Full year RMB 312,500 — Semester payment option RMB 158,750 per semester. - Grade 9 – Grade 12: Full year RMB 320,000 — Semester payment option RMB 162,500 per semester. Other recurring / optional costs - Bus transportation (optional, per student): RMB 22,000 per year. - School lunch (optional): ranges by division — approx. RMB 27–40 per day depending on grade. - Uniforms (K–12): approximate RMB 1,000 per year for Grades 1–12; Preschool/Pre‑K do not require the standard uniform. - Educational travel and some grade‑specific costs: variable and billed separately. Boarding - Not applicable. Concordia operates as a co‑educational day school; no boarding program or boarding fees listed. Billing schedule and payment terms - Two payment options: single full‑year payment (once per year) or two instalments (semester payments). Specific invoice dates and due‑date instructions are issued by the school. Payment in RMB is standard; USD payments use a school set exchange rate updated on the first day of each month. Refunds - No detailed public refund schedule is provided on the school's published tuition/fees pages; one‑time acceptance and capital fees are listed as non‑refundable. For any refund or withdrawal terms, the school's billing/finance office handles individual cases. Accepted payment methods and banking details - Accepted methods: cash, check (U.S. checks accepted for tuition/fees), wire transfer, Alipay, WeChat Pay for some payments. School provides RMB and USD bank account details for transfers. Important: include student name on remittance to ensure correct credit.	Fee details Application fees - Hiba Academy Nantong does not charge an application or admissions fee. Tuition fees (by year group; per term and per year) - Nursery / Kindergarten: RMB 126,247 per semester — RMB 252,494 per year. - Primary (Grades 1–6): RMB 127,308 per semester — RMB 254,616 per year. - Junior High (Grades 7–9): RMB 141,100 per semester — RMB 282,200 per year. - Senior High / Sixth Form (Grades 10–12): RMB 148,320 per semester — RMB 296,640 per year. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school states that the formal fee structure and schedule are subject to local Price Bureau approval and that a full breakdown will be provided once approved. At the time of publication the school had not published an approved, itemised billing calendar. - In practice across the Hiba/Wellington family, fees are typically billed termly/semesterly with option for annual or termly payment; sibling schools publish term payment deadlines and offer standard invoice/fapiao procedures. (This reflects common practice in the group rather than a published Nantong schedule.) Boarding fees (if applicable) - Boarding places are available at Hiba Academy Nantong and the school operates an on‑campus boarding house; however, the school's public pages do not publish a specific boarding fee amount. Other costs and common additional fees - The school advises that additional charges may apply for co‑curricular activities (CCAs), meals, uniforms, school bus and trips. Specific amounts for Nantong are not published; for comparison, fees for meals, uniforms and bus at sister campuses are published by those campuses (example figures are shown on sibling school pages). Refund information - No detailed withdrawal/refund schedule was published on the Nantong pages consulted. Wellington/Hiba schools in China commonly operate formal withdrawal and refund procedures (term cut‑off rules, resource fee handling and requirements to return receipts/fapiao); parents are normally required to submit a written withdrawal form to trigger any refund. Fee payment options - The Nantong site does not publish a full list of accepted payment channels. Wellington/Hiba campuses typically accept RMB bank transfer to a school account and provide official receipts (fapiao); sibling campuses also show bank details on their fee pages. Expect similar bank transfer/online payment arrangements for Nantong. If you require these items presented in a different format for a database, I have included the current publicly available figures and the official school statements above.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school is a co-educational day school; boarding is not offered.	Boarding arrangements Boarding is available at Nantong Hui Li School as part of campus life offerings.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniforms are required for all students from Kindergarten through Grade 12, with PE uniforms for Grades 5-12. Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten students do not wear the uniform; uniforms can be purchased through the school, and size charts and price lists are available.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Food service is provided by Aramark, a global food service company. EC, ES, and MS/HS lunch menus are published for Concordia students.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The Concordia Board governs Concordia International School Shanghai. The Board establishes the mission and sets policies, and entrusts the educational program and business matters to the administration, faculty, and staff.	Governance and ownership The school is a member of the Wellington Education Group and follows its governance framework.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Concordia delivers an American-style continuum from Preschool through Grade 12: the Early Childhood program (Preschool–K) is Reggio Emilia–inspired and integrates literacy, math, science, social-emotional learning and the arts with Mandarin and English-language support. The Elementary School (Grades 1–5) follows U.S. standards—Common Core for math and literacy, NGSS for science, C3 for social studies—and uses resources such as Bridges in Mathematics alongside daily Mandarin and balanced literacy instruction. Middle School (Grades 6–8) follows an American curriculum with an international focus; students study nine subject areas each year: Mathematics, Science, English, Social Studies, Physical Education, World Language, STEM, RSB and the Fine Arts. High School (Grades 9–12) requires a U.S.-style core (English, social studies, science, math, world language, fine arts, health, PE and spirituality) and offers Advanced Placement courses, Applied Learning pathways and Global Online Academy options; students meet defined credit-based graduation requirements to earn a Concordia high school diploma. Across all divisions the school embeds STEM, applied-learning, service, counseling and learning-support programs alongside extracurriculars and specialist arts instruction.	Curriculum details Hiba Academy Nantong runs a bilingual early‑years to secondary programme (nursery, primary, junior and senior) that combines the Chinese national curriculum with imported UK/overseas teaching resources; the nursery explicitly follows the English EYFS framework alongside China's 3–6 guidance. Primary covers Years 1–5 and uses the Chinese national curriculum as the core while employing Chinese and foreign co‑teachers to deliver an immersive bilingual programme. The junior school is Years 6–8 and extends subject depth and academic skills to complete compulsory nine‑year education and prepare students for senior study. The senior school (Grades 9–11, opened in the 2024–25 school year) follows a Pre‑A Level pathway: Year 10 uses IGCSE‑style progression to build foundations for A‑Level courses starting in Year 11, with core subjects (Chinese, English, mathematics, chemistry) and options such as biology, physics, economics, computer science, art, music and physical education. The school also provides a wellbeing/pastoral programme and university‑guidance services and offers a UK‑style boarding provision for senior students.
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 Concordia describes a P–12 counselling and guidance programme that delivers social–emotional learning through classroom, small-group and individual sessions, and trains Student Ambassadors to welcome and support new students. The Early Childhood/Kindergarten guidance programme uses the Second Step curriculum for explicit SEL instruction (skills for learning, empathy, emotion management and problem solving). The high school has also recently revised its advisory programme to emphasise SEL at the grade‑level advisory level. Counselors work with teachers and parents to support transitions and adjustment, and confidentiality is stated as a priority in counselling.	Social & emotional learning Hiba Academy Nantong teaches a compulsory "Wellbeing" (幸福课) subject for every pupil, placing student happiness alongside academic progress. The wellbeing curriculum is described as experience-led, using lessons, workshops and discussions to promote social, personal and emotional development and to build resilience, empathy, self‑awareness and independence. The school states these lessons create regular opportunities for pupils to feel supported, included and challenged. The site also notes that lessons and weekly check‑ins are part of the wellbeing approach used across the Wellington/Hiba family of schools.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Concordia publishes a Learning Support Program (LSP) that is delivered by Learning Support (LS) Specialists who co‑plan with classroom teachers and provide interventions, accommodations and monitoring. The LSP states the school can support a limited number of students with mild and some moderate learning needs and uses a referral process for admission and exit. The school describes collaborative planning between LS Specialists, classroom teachers and parents as the primary model of support. Concordia does not present itself as a specialist SEN institution; its published materials indicate mainstream inclusion with targeted support for qualifying students.	Special educational needs (SEN) A Wellington/Hiba group news item on the school site states the group makes use of special educational needs officers, in‑house counsellors and links with external educational psychologists. The school's public pages do not set out a detailed list of the specific types of learning difficulties or disabilities it can support. Hiba Academy Nantong presents itself as a bilingual 3–18 international school rather than a specialist SEN institution. For individual SEN queries the admissions/contact pages invite families to make a direct enquiry so the school can discuss a child's needs.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Concordia publishes an English Language Learning (ELL) programme that uses WIDA assessment for identification, employs ELL Specialists to provide language scaffolds and co‑teaching, and offers English Language Development (ELD) courses for middle and high school students. The ELL page explains exit criteria (WIDA scores, classroom tasks and academic progress) and emphasises home‑school partnership and ongoing monitoring.	English as an additional language Hiba Academy Nantong operates a bilingual immersion model and describes phase‑appropriate English provision (including tailored English courses in the senior phase) and bilingual lessons across activities and camps. The site notes teachers use flexible, supportive approaches so pupils unfamiliar with bilingual instruction can integrate. However, the school does not publish a named EAL/ESL programme or a detailed EAL policy on its public website. The admissions pages invite families to contact the school for case‑specific information about language support.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Concordia's published support for student mental wellbeing is delivered through its P–12 counselling team, which runs whole‑school, small‑group and individual work and operates a Care and Concern team to monitor social and academic adjustment. The School Health & Safety page notes on‑site registered nurses and explicitly states counselling staff provide support for emotional and stress‑related difficulties. The school has published a Middle School Wellness programme addressing six dimensions of wellness (spiritual, intellectual, occupational, physical, social and emotional).	Mental wellbeing The school states wellbeing is a core subject and part of its curriculum, with materials and approaches drawn from the Wellington group's wellbeing programme to teach skills such as resilience, emotional stability and positive strategies. A school news article on the site says the group employs in‑house counsellors, guidance and welfare staff and maintains links to external mental health counsellors and educational psychologists for additional support. The site also describes regular check‑ins and wellbeing assessments as part of monitoring pupil welfare. For individual support arrangements the school asks families to contact admissions so staff can discuss needs directly.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Concordia's website indicates child safeguarding is part of its counselling and staff training work: the counselling team runs a Care and Concern group and the school has hosted professional events that included sessions on child safeguarding, reporting protocols and staff training. The School Health & Safety page also refers to emotional health and the role of counselling staff in supporting students. However, the school does not publish a standalone child‑protection policy document accessible from its public website pages that we could locate; a formal, dedicated child protection policy is not publicly disclosed on the site.	Safeguarding The school's Student Safety & Protection page states that pupil safety and welfare are a priority and that the school maintains child protection and campus security policies and procedures. It specifies that all staff receive annual child protection training, review and sign the staff code of conduct each year, and that applicants undergo rigorous background checks following international recruitment recommendations. The page frames these measures as the foundation for safeguarding across the Hiba/Wellington community and provides admissions contact details for enquiries.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The Concordia campus is purpose-built and environmentally sustainable, designed to support learning, play, and artistic development. The campus uses geothermal heating and cooling, reducing energy costs and environmental impact, and rooftop space is used for horticultural education. Spaces are available for High School, Middle School, and Elementary School students to use during and after school for training and play. The Phoenix Center houses maker labs, a drama room, and a gym to support hands-on learning and physical development. The Rittmann Center for the Fine Arts includes a 300-seat theater, music rehearsal rooms, studios for 2D/3D art and photography, and a gallery; the center is being redeveloped starting June 2025 to add a swimming pool and other modern spaces. The FIFA-certified soccer pitch on campus supports training and competition.	Facilities overview The campus covers about 80,000 square metres and includes 11 functional buildings, a theatre, a comprehensive building, dormitories, a library, an indoor sports hall, and a swimming pool, with an outdoor football pitch and a rugby pitch. The main entrance is the central axis, with an oval theatre at the centre, nursery and teaching buildings to the west, and the clock tower, sports hall, dining hall, dormitories and playground to the east. The architecture uses red bricks with grey Mansard roofs and clock towers, including Baroque detailing on the clock tower. Two libraries serve nursery and primary/secondary students to support independent learning. A theatre supports performances with advanced AV systems, and the indoor sports hall and swimming pool support physical education; outdoor pitches support night-time sports with lighting. The campus is designed to support holistic learning and safe, engaging student life.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The Phoenix Center includes a gym for indoor physical education and activities. The FIFA-certified soccer pitch on campus provides an international-standard venue for training and matches. Outdoor spaces on campus support training and competition across divisions. Concordia joined the Asia Pacific Activities Conference (APAC) to expand opportunities for regional athletic competition.	Sports facilities Hiba Academy Nantong has an indoor sports hall suitable for professional training and competitions, with electric foldable basketball hoops, volleyball poles, retractable spectator stands, and an LED display for live results. The school also has an independent indoor swimming pool with a children's learning pool and a 25-metre main pool, eight lanes, touch timing, competition starting blocks and diving boards. Outdoor facilities include a standard football pitch and a rugby pitch with professional lighting. Night-time sport is supported by Musco LED lighting on 30-metre poles, providing about 300–350 lux. The indoor and outdoor spaces are designed for safe, flexible use and can be adapted for different activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Maker labs are available in the Phoenix Center for hands-on learning, along with a drama room and a gym. The Rittmann Center for the Fine Arts contains a 300-seat theater, music rehearsal rooms, and multiple art studios and a gallery. The campus provides a STEM room for science, technology, engineering, and math learning, and a culinary art lab to support applied learning. Redevelopment of the Rittmann Center began in June 2025 to add a swimming pool and modern spaces for arts and activities.	Academic facilities The campus houses two libraries: a Nursery Library on the second floor of the Nursery building and a Primary/Junior High Library on the first floor of the Academic building. The spaces include a reading corner, a learning discussion room for group work and ample seating. The libraries hold more than 8,000 English titles and 5,000 Chinese titles, with access to audiobooks, e-books, digital resources and research databases. The libraries are open on weekdays from 07:45 to 16:55. These facilities support independent learning and reading culture across the school.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Concordia's Extracurricular Program includes activities, sports, and clubs that run parallel to the curriculum. Extracurricular activities are organized into Exploration, Fine Arts, Literacy, Service & Leadership, Sports & Movement, and STEM. The program offers 60 EC Extracurriculars for Early Childhood, 250 for Elementary School, 140 for Middle School, and 160 for High School. The Concordia Theatre program provides two high school productions and one middle school production each year, with an elementary musical produced annually. The school also participates in competitions such as the ASDAN International STEM Challenges.	Extra curricular facilities Enrichment at Hiba Academy Nantong is provided through Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) that extend learning beyond the daily schedule. The CCAs cover sports, arts, culture and academics and run throughout the year in addition to normal lessons. All pupils participate in CCAs, which are designed to let each child explore new activities, discover strengths and develop passions. The programme includes Expeditions and Trips, such as outdoor camps and subject-related visits, and participation in activities like the World Scholars' Cup, Model United Nations and the World Leadership Programme. The Wellington College England partnership provides opportunities for visits to the College and its associated schools.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History A group of U.S. individuals—backed by multinational corporations, American expatriates, U.S. foreign-service personnel and the People's Republic of China—began planning the school in 1997. Educators from Hong Kong International School were sent to Pudong and Concordia opened in September 1998. The school began under Head of School Dr. Allan Schmidt with 22 students and 14 staff. Concordia was founded in the tradition of LCMS schools, maintains formal connections with sister schools (Hong Kong International School and Concordia International School Hanoi), and operates independently in China rather than as part of other Concordia groups.	History Hiba Academy Nantong is part of the Wellington (China) Education Group, a network that traces its educational lineage to the original Wellington College in the UK. The Wellington (China) group began opening schools in China from 2011 and later established the Huili/Wellington bilingual pathway and related schools. According to the school's site, Hiba Academy Nantong (South Tong Huili) opened as the group's flagship bilingual boarding school in 2022. The group uses a multi‑tier governance structure (executive board, school advisory boards and specialist committees) to provide strategic oversight for its member schools.
Community	Community Concordia's community is internationally diverse, with families representing more than 30 nationalities. Parents and staff engage through an active Parent Support Organization and regular school communications; typical community occasions organized or supported by parents include Back-to-School events, an International Festival and an annual Christmas Bazaar. The school also highlights student-led service and applied-learning projects—most recently the student social enterprise Xiaohusai, which earned external recognition—showing community engagement extends beyond on-campus events.	Community The school presents an international, bilingual community that regularly stages campus events bringing together students, families and staff. Recent items on the school news feed document large community occasions such as a multi‑hour summer carnival with a cultural market and performances, and tiered sports days for different age groups. The news pages also show arts performances, summer programmes and career‑exploration activities that draw broad participation from the school community.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association All parents of enrolled students are automatically members of Concordia's Parent Support Organization (PSO). The PSO provides leadership opportunities (PSO Board positions) and plans major community events such as the Back-to-School Bash, International Festival and the Christmas Bazaar. It coordinates volunteer-run committees and sales—examples include Used Book Sales, Treat Sales and Used Uniform Sales—that both build community and raise funds. The volunteer-run Phoenix Shop, created by five parents in 2006, operates on campus to sell Concordia spirit wear and is staffed by parent volunteers during lunch and after school. The school runs parent meetings, Parent Connect sessions and parenting workshops (with recent meetings held via Teams), giving parents ways to connect, volunteer and access resources. The PSO also raises funds to support yearly activities and the PSO Program Grant that funds school projects and programs.	Parent teacher association The school's parent‑community organisation, called “Friends of Huili” (FoH), is made up of parents, teachers and other community members and is described on the site as an organising body for education, cultural and social activities. FoH's stated role includes creating opportunities that support student social service, leadership and career‑related experiences, and its structure is designed to allow flexible parent participation. The site characterises FoH as a driving force behind many of the school's annual highlight events. Examples of activities and events that illustrate this community work include the summer carnival (which combined performances, a cultural market and family activities) and school career‑exploration days and productions listed in the school's news archive. Parents are invited to participate in those events in a variety of roles, from volunteering at stalls to supporting performances and school initiatives.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Concordia International School Shanghai uses an American‑style curriculum that blends core subjects with Advanced Placement (AP) courses and Applied Learning experiences. The high school program parallels U.S. standards and includes English, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, World Language, Fine Arts, Health, Physical Education, and Spirituality, with an AP Curriculum and Applied Learning opportunities. The school has a strong STEM program, including a school‑wide robotics initiative and recognition for STEM achievements. English is the primary language of instruction, and Mandarin is taught across grades with daily Mandarin lessons and two pathways in Mandarin study.	Academic & intellectual Hiba Academy Nantong is a fifteen-year, through-grade modern bilingual school that includes kindergarten, primary, middle, and high school. It integrates Huili's values education with Wellington College's educational philosophy and methods to create an immersive bilingual environment that develops students' bilingual abilities for the future. The Chinese-to-foreign-teacher ratio is 1:1, the teacher-student ratio is 1:5, the average teaching experience is 12.2 years, and 75% of Chinese teachers have overseas work or study experience. The academic team comprises both Chinese and foreign leaders and teachers.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Fine Arts offerings include Visual Arts, Music, Choir, and Theatre. Fine Arts are integrated into the curriculum and supported as part of the overall student experience.	Arts & creative The school offers a broad range of on-campus extracurricular activities, including regular clubs and sports, arts, and cultural events. It emphasizes letting students discover and pursue their genuine interests through participation in these activities, fostering new passions and skills that support personal and academic growth. Enrichment activities are integrated into the school day to extend daily learning.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Mandarin is offered from Preschool through Grade 12, with two pathways: Chinese Language & Literature and Mandarin as a Foreign Language. Elementary students have daily Mandarin lessons, with a program that emphasizes language immersion, culture, and literacy. The Mandarin program fosters cultural awareness, identity, and critical thinking through language study.	Cultural & language The bilingual program emphasizes maintaining Chinese traditional history and culture while cultivating an international perspective to prepare students for success on the world stage. The holistic education philosophy anchors the curriculum, with a rigorous framework to maintain high-quality instruction across all subjects. The Happiness Care program provides comprehensive support for students' physical and mental development. The school collaborates with Wellington College (UK) to offer visits and activities; students may visit Wellington College and affiliated schools in the UK and travel within the country. Academic activities such as the World Scholar's Cup, Model United Nations, and Global Leaders programs are part of the curriculum.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Concordia supports a broad range of extracurricular activities across academics, arts, and sports. National History Day (NHD), CISSMUN, and VEX Robotics are among the activities that engage students and build collaborative skills. Students also participate in APAC Championships and other interscholastic competitions.	Social & hobbies Extracurricular activities include a diverse range of on-campus clubs, sports, arts, and cultural activities. Off-campus activities and explorations include domestic and international field trips, camping, and study tours, as well as subject-related excursions. These experiences support personal growth and academic development, and partnerships with overseas institutions expand opportunities for student leadership and global exposure.
Community & service	Community & service Xiaohusai is a student‑run social enterprise that sources fair‑trade tea from Yunnan farmers to fund scholarships and education initiatives. Xiaohusai earned the International School Award 2025 for its community impact. The school emphasizes service via projects such as gifts for migrant children and educational partnerships abroad.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The AP Curriculum is complemented by Applied Learning courses that extend beyond AP content and support leadership and professional skill development. College counseling offers guidance and preparation for university admissions. Student‑led initiatives, including Xiaohusai, provide hands‑on leadership, entrepreneurship, and teamwork opportunities.	Leadership & professional The academic team comprises leading Chinese and international leaders and teachers to ensure high-quality education. Leadership development and professional skills are fostered through programs connected to the curriculum, including opportunities such as Model United Nations and Global Leaders. The Wellington College partnership broadens access to visits and activities, enhancing experiential learning and leadership opportunities for students.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellness is integrated through the Middle School Wellness program, which addresses six dimensions of wellness: spiritual, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and emotional. The curriculum includes Health and Physical Education as core components. Sports, fitness, and mindfulness opportunities are emphasized through the extracurricular and athletic programs.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Holistic education is central to the school's curriculum, with a Happiness Care program that supports students' physical and mental development. An immersive bilingual environment underpins daily learning, contributing to social-emotional well-being. Wellbeing is further promoted through a wide range of on-campus and off-campus activities and experiences.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Mandarin is taught as part of the curriculum through a Mandarin Program. An English Language Learning (ELL) Program provides individualized language support across all divisions to help students access the curriculum. ELL includes English Language Development (ELD) courses in Middle School and High School. The curriculum is an American-style program aligned across Early Childhood through High School.	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The school operates a 15-year integrated program from kindergarten through high school, delivered in a bilingual environment. It integrates Wellington values education and the educational philosophy and methods of Wellington College to create an immersive bilingual learning environment. The bilingual program emphasizes inheriting Chinese history and culture while developing an international perspective and centers on whole-person education with a rigorous curriculum framework.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Immersion is a central feature of the bilingual program. It blends Chinese heritage with an international outlook and supports learning across all subjects through integrated teaching approaches. The program aims to develop cognitive structures, creativity, practical abilities, and emotional adaptability to support lifelong learning.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards (Only items explicitly shown on the school website and awarded to the school or a school division; dates are the dates shown on the site.) • ITEEA STEM School of Excellence, ITEEA 2024–25 — Concordia reports it was named an ITEEA 2024–25 STEM School of Excellence (the only K–12 school in Asia to receive the recognition); this is a program-level recognition from the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association that highlights the school's integrative STEM program work. (Jan 16, 2025). • China International School Innovative Competitiveness Top 50 (KingLead Research) — Concordia reports being ranked No. 2 in the national Top 50 (category: schools for children of foreign personnel) and No. 1 in Shanghai in KingLead's list; this is a national-level innovation competitiveness ranking reported by the school. (Newsroom post dated Mar 4, 2024). • Shortlisted / Top 10 (World's Best Schools Prizes) — the school reports being shortlisted as a Top 10 school in the "Supporting Healthy Lives" category of the World's Best Schools Prizes (T4 Education / World's Best Schools); the site describes this as a Top 10 shortlist for the school's wellness work. (Page referencing shortlist dated Aug 15, 2024). • Education Insights — Top 10 Most Valuable Schools in Asia (2023) — Concordia's website states the school was featured in Education Insights' list of the Top 10 Most Valuable Schools in Asia for 2023 and includes a school media interview reference; this is a third-party recognition noted on the school site. (Listed on the school homepage/newsfeed). • Newsweek / Education Insight coverage (Leading International Schools, 2023) — the school's homepage/newsfeed references being named in Newsweek Education Insight's coverage of leading international schools in 2023; the site presents this as a media recognition included in the school's public recognitions. • KingLead China International Kindergarten Ranking — Early Childhood division ranked 2nd nationwide (KingLead China International Kindergarten Ranking Top 30) — the school reports its Early Childhood division ranked No. 2 in China and No. 1 in Shanghai in the KingLead kindergarten ranking. (Newsroom post dated Jun 21, 2025). Notes: - I excluded awards and recognitions that the school's site attributes specifically to individual students or student groups rather than to the school as an institution (for example the site's item about a student-run social enterprise winning the International School Award names the enterprise/students as the recipient; per your instruction that is not to be included). - All items above were taken from the Concordia International School Shanghai website (English and Chinese pages on the concordiashanghai.org domain). If you'd like, I can expand any entry with the exact site paragraph or provide direct links to the specific news posts or pages cited above.	Awards Awards and formal recognitions published on the school's website in the past five years (2021–2025): - Forbes China International School Annual Selection (listed in 2024) — the school's news item dated 8 July 2024 states that Hiba Academy Nantong was included in Forbes China's 2024 International School Annual Selection (the school was listed among the bilingual schools). This is presented on the school website as a group-wide and school-level recognition. Significance: national-level recognition in a published Forbes China selection that evaluates schools on academic quality, teaching conditions, institutional details and international accreditation. No other school-level awards (awards explicitly awarded to Hiba Academy Nantong rather than to individual pupils or staff) appear on the school's public website for the 2021–2025 period. I limited this check to items and news posted on the school website.
Accreditations	Accreditations • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) — WASC is a US-based regional accrediting agency; the school states it completed its third seven-year WASC accreditation cycle in June 2022 (this confirms an ongoing formal review of school-wide quality and continuous improvement). • National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) — NLSA is the accreditation commission for schools of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod; Concordia notes NLSA accreditation as part of its faith-based school accreditation and continuous-improvement process. • Approved by the People's Republic of China Ministry of Education and the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission — the school's about page states that it is approved by these local authorities to operate as an international school for children of foreign passport holders in Shanghai (this is a regulatory approval required to operate in China).	Accreditations As of December 31, 2025, the Hiba Academy Nantong website does not list independent international school accreditations (for example CIS, IB, NEASC/WASC, etc.); no dedicated "Accreditations" page or statement of external accreditation is shown on the school's public website. - Member of the Wellington College Education (China) family of schools — the site states the school is part of the Wellington/Hiba group, which provides group-level governance and shared academic practice; this is an institutional affiliation rather than an external accreditation. (Governance and group overview on the site.) - Curriculum references to Cambridge/CAIE and IGCSE/A‑level pathways — the Senior High (Grade 10) information explicitly refers to CAIE's additional maths and IGCSE chemistry as part of its curriculum pathway toward A‑levels, indicating use of Cambridge Assessment International Education materials or syllabuses as part of course planning (the site does not explicitly state a Cambridge authorization/certification). - Chinese regulatory/website registrations shown in the site footer — the site displays PRC website registrations (ICP number) and the public security filing number in the footer; these are legal/administrative registrations for the website and school entity, not educational accreditations. Note: I have listed only items explicitly shown or directly implied on the school's website. If you would like, I can contact the admissions office or check published accreditation directories to confirm current formal accreditations (for example Cambridge authorisation or other external quality-assurance bodies).
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Check eligibility and required government documents. Before you begin the online application, confirm your family meets Shanghai Municipal Education Commission (SHMEC) eligibility categories and that you can provide the required government documents (passports, residence permits, work permit/employment verification, birth certificate, etc.). Concordia requires at least one parent to be resident in Shanghai while the child is enrolled; failure to maintain required documents can lead to dismissal and forfeiture of fees, so gather certified/translated copies now. 2. Start the online application (OpenApply) and pay the application fee. Eligible applicants must complete the school's online application portal (concordiashanghai.openapply.cn) and upload initial documents; after submission you will receive a customized checklist in your applicant account. The application fee is paid through that process (the site lists a non-refundable application fee); keep the payment receipt and note the portal account login for future checklist items. 3. Upload supporting academic records, recommendations and any learning-needs documentation. The admissions checklist asks for previous report cards, test results, and teacher recommendations; if your child has diagnosed learning needs or specialized schooling requirements, include full documentation and disclose these up front because admissions decisions are made case-by-case based on available support. Concordia states that failure to disclose a full history of learning needs can result in dismissal, so be thorough and contact Admissions to discuss any supports your child may require. 4. Prepare for interviews and assessments (if required). Depending on grade level and the initial application review, Concordia may request an interview and/or English-language and academic assessments (math, reading comprehension, vocabulary, writing, etc.); Preschool/Pre-K have different language expectations than Kindergarten–Grade 12. If the grade has reached wait-pool status, the school notes that required assessments may be scheduled only when space becomes available, so ask Admissions about timing if you need a prompt assessment. 5. Receive the admissions decision and complete acceptance steps. The admissions committee evaluates academic/behavioral records, English proficiency, support needs and overall fit; the school will notify families of decisions by email. If you receive an offer, a non-refundable Capital Fee (listed on the tuition page) is billed upon acceptance and generally must be paid within the timeline provided in the offer to secure the place. 6. Complete enrollment paperwork, payments and operational arrangements. After acceptance, follow the Enrollment instructions (submit any outstanding SHMEC documents, arrange tuition payment in RMB or USD per the school's payment instructions, and be aware of one-time fees: ELL support fee where applicable, and laptop requirements for Grades 6–12). Also arrange optional services (bus, lunch, uniforms) and confirm start-of-term logistics; if you have questions about billing or currency conversion, contact the Business Office or Admissions directly.	Admissions 1. Attend an information event or book a campus visit. Hiba Academy Nantong asks families to attend an admissions/info session or an open day so you can see the campus, meet staff and get the school's programme details; parents are encouraged to submit the online information-collection form to secure invitations and ask specific questions about the year group you are applying for. Be prepared to confirm which year you want (the site lists places for Nursery and Years 1–11) and bring any basic documents the admissions team requests when you book a visit (child's name, date of birth, current school). 2. Complete and submit an online application via OpenApply. The school uses OpenApply as its admissions management system — you must upload the required supporting documents through that portal and the admissions team will confirm receipt; the website notes there is no application deadline but recommends applying early because many year groups have limited places. Parents should check what documents are requested for your child's age (typically passport/ID, previous school reports and contact details) and keep emailed confirmation of the submission. 3. Attend the age-appropriate admissions assessment arranged by the school. After the application is received, the admissions office arranges an assessment tailored to your child's age; the school says assessments are made to be as relaxed and comfortable as possible and that the admissions team will provide the exact assessment details for each candidate. Parents should confirm format and timing in advance (tests, interviews or practical tasks can vary by year group) and, where relevant, ensure paperwork such as recent school reports is available for the assessors. 4. Admissions committee review and notification. The admissions committee reviews the application and assessment and the school commits to communicating a decision within about one week of the assessment by phone or email; if an offer is made the admissions office will provide next steps about acceptance, payment and enrolment.
Scholarships	Scholarships Concordia's public website does not list a general family-facing scholarship or means-tested financial-aid program for incoming students. The site does show the Concordia Fund (a donor program that supports student/faculty enrichment projects) and describes employee tuition benefits for faculty children under specific employment arrangements, but it does not present an open scholarship application process or standard tuition-remission program for the general applicant pool. If you are seeking fee assistance, sponsored places, or employee-related tuition benefits, contact the Admissions or Human Resources offices directly to ask whether any limited-sponsored places, staff benefits, or special arrangements might apply in your case — contact details are provided on the school's contact page.	Scholarships Hiba Academy Nantong operates a scholarship programme and publishes application details on its website. Eligibility and scope: applicants must first apply to join the school and, according to the school pages, scholarship applications are open to students in Grade 6 and above; scholarship awards are offered as tuition reductions and the published information states awards can vary by assessment result and may be worth up to 100% of tuition (the school also indicates awards are reviewed annually and the granted amount may increase with time at the school). Assessment and process: scholarship candidates sit subject-specific tests (the website lists Chinese, English and maths for Grades 6–8, and maths/English/science for Grade 9 and above), take an English interview, and will complete an online CAT4 cognitive test; sports and arts scholarships include practical assessments in the relevant discipline. How to apply and timing: the school asks interested families to submit the scholarship application form (the scholarship page links to the form) and the admissions office will contact applicants; the site notes scholarship applications open immediately on the published page and that the awards are subject to the scholarship committee's review and annual reassessment. If you are considering a scholarship application, confirm the current application deadlines, the maximum award available for the specific year and whether the award requires ongoing academic/behavioural conditions by contacting admissions (admissions.wccn@hibaacademy.org).
Waitlist	Waitlist Concordia operates a wait pool system rather than an automatic long public waitlist for grades that have reached capacity. The school's Admissions/Requirements pages flag specific grade levels as being at “wait pool” status and state that, when capacity is reached, applicants are placed in the wait pool rather than being immediately assessed or placed. Priority consideration within the wait pool is not an automatic placement; Concordia lists priority factors used when choosing among wait-pool applicants: siblings currently enrolled or applying, returning students in good standing, stronger academic English proficiency, and students with prior attendance at U.S. or American international schools. The site also explicitly notes that if a requested grade is at wait-pool status and an applicant requires an assessment, the assessment will be scheduled only if and when space becomes available — so families on the wait pool should expect possible delays to assessment and placement and should keep Admissions informed of any changes in status.	Waitlist The school's public admissions pages do not describe a formal waitlist or central enrolment pool. The admissions information emphasises that there is no fixed application deadline but that places are limited and families are advised to apply early; if you need a definitive answer about a waiting list for a particular year group, the admissions office asks families to contact them directly (email admissions.wccn@hibaacademy.org or phone 0513‑6807‑8800). In practice, when schools do not publish a waitlist policy, families who are interested are advised to keep an open channel with admissions (confirming your application is complete and asking to be notified of any late vacancies) and to ask whether the school maintains an internal waiting list or admissions reserve.
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