Hiba Academy Shanghai vs Western International School of Shanghai

	H Hiba Academy Shanghai Shanghai, China	W Western International School of Shanghai Shanghai, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 170,000 - 220,000	Fees / year RMB 161,975 - 261,820
Age range	Age range 6 - 18 years	Age range 2½ - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Chinese National Curriculum, British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme)
Pupils	Pupils 1,400	Pupils 400
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language Mandarin, English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2018	Opened 2006
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Hiba Academy Shanghai is at No. 235 Linyao Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai (200126). The school is in Pudong (near the Qiantan / Front Beach international business area) and is reachable via Pudong transport links; the address and location are listed on the school website.	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 The school is organised into Primary, Junior High and High School. The Junior High section is described as covering grades/years 6–9; curriculum pages detail offerings for each level.	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 Hiba Academy Shanghai is a private (民办), Chinese–English bilingual school that operates as a day school; the site describes a mixed Chinese and expatriate teaching team and a ‘nationalised' private high school model. The website does not advertise boarding or residential provision.	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 The school has an Inclusion Team that provides individual and group counselling and learning support; staff work with teachers to develop individualised support plans for pupils with additional needs.	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 Hiba Academy Shanghai is governed within the Wellington College Education (China) group and is linked to Wellington College in England (the governance pages describe WCEC oversight and the Wellington connection).	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 The school website does not list any religious affiliation; its materials and governance information present the school as a secular, bilingual/academic institution.	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 The website describes lesson programmes, wellbeing lessons, breaks and school lunches but does not publish specific daily start and finish times. For exact daily hours (and any year-level differences) the school asks parents to contact admissions.	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 provides a daily school-bus service (available for pupils in Grade 1 and above) and states it cooperates with a professional transport provider to run routes; specific routes, stops and registration are managed through the school's admissions/school services team. For practical details contact admissions at admissions.has@hibaacademy.org or the school phone.	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 fees - Hiba Academy Shanghai does not charge or accept any application or admissions fees. Tuition fees (per semester and per academic year) - Primary (Grades 1–5): Semester I RMB 85,000; Semester II RMB 85,000 — Annual total RMB 170,000. - Junior High (Grades 6–9): Semester I RMB 98,000; Semester II RMB 98,000 — Annual total RMB 196,000. - High School (Grades 10–12): Semester I RMB 110,000; Semester II RMB 110,000 — Annual total RMB 220,000. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is published on a per‑semester basis (Semester I and Semester II) for the 2025–2026 academic year. No specific invoice dates, payment deadlines or detailed late‑payment terms are published on the school's public admissions or parent resources pages. Boarding fees - Hiba Academy Shanghai does not operate a boarding programme; the school provides a daily school bus service for pupils in Grade 1 and above (bus service fees are charged separately). Other costs and typical additional charges - Meal fee: RMB 37.5 per meal (charged on actual consumption). - School bus fee: RMB 10,750 per semester (within 15 km) or RMB 12,250 per semester (over 15 km). - Uniform fee: published per set by grade and gender (examples: Boys G1‑2 RMB 3,575; Girls G1‑2 RMB 4,040). The school operates an online uniform shop and provides an online purchasing guide. - Voluntary extras charged separately by external providers: co‑curricular activities, school trips/events and individual instrumental tuition — these are billed separately and paid directly to providers. Refund information - The school's public admissions and parent resources pages note fee items but do not publish a detailed refund policy or specific refund procedures; the site does state government subsidies (where applicable) are deducted from tuition. No explicit refund schedule or terms are published on those pages. Fee payment options - The school's public admissions and parent resources pages list fees and suppliers (e.g., the online uniform shop) but do not publish a comprehensive list of accepted payment methods (bank transfer, card, Alipay/WeChat, etc.) or payment portal details. For the uniform shop the school links to an external online shop for orders.	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 —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school has a uniform policy. Uniforms promote pride and solidarity among pupils. Pupils and parents are expected to adhere to the policy and ensure uniforms are worn neatly and professionally.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The school uses a world-leading catering service provider. All pupils eat school lunches unless exempt for religious or medical reasons. The school is nut-free; foods containing nuts are not permitted on campus; a healthy mid-morning snack is encouraged.	Food options —
House system	House system The house system mirrors Wellington College's model and operates across England and China. In Grades 6-8, each house is led by a housemaster or housemistress with a team of tutors who oversee academic and pastoral matters; from Grade 9 pupils work with a grade leader while staying in their house groups. In Primary (Grades 1-5) pupils are assigned to one of four houses, participate in inter-house competitions and earn tokens for positive learning and good conduct, helping develop leadership and a sense of belonging.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Hiba Academy Shanghai is governed by Wellington College Education (China) (WCEC). Governance rests with a central WCEC Executive Board and School Affairs Boards (SABs) for each school, supported by four sub-committees: Academic, Facilities and Services, Finance and HR, and Safeguarding and Child Protection. Governors include both executive and non-executive members drawn from Wellington College and WCEC, ensuring transparency and accountability; the governance model has been recognised by COBIS as a Beacon School for its governance practices.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Hiba Academy Shanghai delivers a bilingual, China–international integrated curriculum from primary through senior secondary, combining the Chinese national curriculum with internationally recognised programmes. Primary years use 部编版语文 and Shanghai curriculum standards alongside immersive English, bilingual mathematics, inquiry learning, the arts, physical education and ICT. The junior-high programme (Grades 6–9) continues the bilingual model, follows national curriculum requirements while introducing broader subject depth (e.g., split sciences, geography, history, and expanded arts and PE) to prepare students for international courses. Senior secondary offers Cambridge IGCSE (age 14–16, across a wide subject range) followed by the two‑year International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12; the school is both a Cambridge International School and an IB World School. The high school also provides structured university and career guidance (a “Five Year Roadmap”) to support IGCSE/IB subject choices and tertiary applications.	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 Hiba Academy Shanghai teaches a compulsory “幸福课” (wellbeing/SEL) for all students that covers six areas: self-identity, emotional and spiritual health, social skills, physical wellbeing, global citizenship, and health and safety. The primary programme is team-taught by two homeroom teachers to create a supported classroom environment, and key themes continue and deepen through the secondary years. The school runs workshops and lessons to develop empathy, self-awareness, resilience and independent learning, and integrates these topics into other activities and clubs. The school also operates a peer-psychology/peer-support system (心理同伴辅导员) with monthly training led by the psychology team.	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) The website describes a student support team that provides learning support in individual and group formats, works with teachers to set personalised goals and support plans, and records individual student needs in dedicated files. The school conducts entrance psychological screening and maintains ongoing psychological health records for students identified as needing extra support. The site does not list specific categories of special educational needs (for example, dyslexia, ADHD, or other labelled conditions) nor does it identify the school as a specialist SEN institution. For details beyond the general learning-support provision described on the site, the school does not publicly specify which exact types of SEN it accepts or the full scope of specialist services.	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 presents a bilingual/dual-language educational model and examples of English curriculum activities (e.g. workshops and English department events), but the website does not publish a dedicated EAL programme or explicit EAL provision for learners of English as an additional language. There is no clearly signposted EAL policy, specialist EAL team, or language-entry support described on the public site. Therefore, the school does not publicly disclose specific EAL support details on its website.	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 Hiba Academy Shanghai has a named wellbeing/psychology team and a counselling studio; the site describes daily availability of the counselling space (open five hours per week for drop-ins) and both one-to-one and group counselling options. The school runs classroom-based mental health education using locally approved materials, operates an online counselling channel and provides a dedicated psychology email (xinli.has@hibaacademy.org) for students and parents. The school also runs peer-support counsellor training, carries out routine psychological screening for new entrants, and keeps individual psychological records to guide follow-up support.	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 The school states that child protection and campus safety are priorities, and it operates formal safeguarding policies and procedures that cover campus facilities, security, catering and transport. All staff undertake annual child-protection training and sign the school's safeguarding policy and staff code of conduct each year; recruitment includes background checks in line with International Task Force recommendations. The school cites its commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and describes ongoing policy and training work to maintain safeguarding standards.	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 Hiba Academy Shanghai offers a 12-year education across Primary, Junior High and High School. The curriculum blends Eastern and Western practices within the Chinese national curriculum to give pupils a holistic, internationally minded education. The program emphasises Chinese heritage and culture alongside an international outlook, supported by a wellbeing programme to aid psychological and physical development. The campus provides state-of-the-art sports facilities including a swimming pool, a dance studio, a gymnasium, and outdoor fields and courts. The school operates three libraries (Primary, Junior High, High School) with over 40,000 English- and Chinese-language resources, supported by five full-time librarians. The campus is located at No. 235 Linyao Road, Pudong, Shanghai 200126, China, and on-site services include a healthcare centre, air-quality monitoring, school catering, and a daily bus service for students.	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 Sports facilities are described as state-of-the-art, including a swimming pool, a dance studio, a gymnasium, and outdoor fields and courts. Pupils engage in physical education and sport as a core part of the curriculum, guided by experienced PE teachers and swimming coaches. A 25-metre, six-lane swimming pool with appropriate timing and diving infrastructure has been highlighted as part of the school's swimming program. These facilities support a broad range of activities and competitions, reinforcing lifelong healthy participation in sport.	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 Hiba Academy Shanghai provides a 12-year education across Primary, Junior High and High School, combining the Chinese national curriculum with English-language elements to create a bilingual learning environment. The bilingual model uses Chinese and Western co-teaching to develop fluency in both languages and to deliver multi-subject bilingual learning. English instruction uses native English-speaking teachers, and bilingual approaches are applied to subjects such as Mathematics and Natural Science. The curriculum emphasises cross-curricular links, inquiry-based learning, and a strong wellbeing component to support holistic development. The High School offers university and career guidance, including a Five Year Roadmap for HE applications and pathways to IGCSE/IBDP, with dedicated staff supporting subject choices and progression. The library system supports English- and Chinese-language learning with three libraries and a professional staff, underpinning research and study across all levels.	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 span arts, sports, enrichment, service and adventure, with programmes designed to extend learning beyond daily classes. Pupils participate in expeditions and trips, including outdoor camping and subject-related visits, and engage in activities such as World Scholars' Cup, Model United Nations and World Leadership Programme. Wellington College's partnership provides opportunities for visits to England. The Arts department offers a sequence from visual arts, design technology, music and performing arts through to IGCSE and IBDP study. Sport and wellbeing are integrated with clubs and events, and enrichment activities run throughout the year to broaden interests and skills.	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 Hiba Academy Shanghai (Shanghai Huili School) opened in 2018 as part of the Wellington (China) Education Group's rollout of Huili bilingual schools. The school is a member of the Wellington Education Group, an organization that traces its origins to Wellington College in the UK and has been expanding its network of schools in China and beyond. Wellington (China) established its first China school in 2011 and created the Huili bilingual strand to broaden access to its dual-culture approach; Shanghai Huili was established within that development plan.	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 The school community includes students, families, and faculty who are invited to participate as education partners in school life. Community activities range from cultural celebrations (for example, Spring Festival/New Year cultural programming) to interschool and regional sports competitions and award programs. The campus also participates in group-wide events linked to the Wellington network, and the school publishes regular news items reporting community and extracurricular activities.	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 parent body is organised as “Friends of Huili” (FOH); membership includes parents, staff and students and begins when a family joins the school community. FOH operates via a committee of six parent representatives (one chair and five vice-chairs) chosen by voluntary nomination and vote, and the committee works alongside the head. The group's stated aims are to organise cultural, social and fundraising activities, to create family-focused events and to support student opportunities such as community service and career/leadership activities. Typical events run or supported by FOH include a winter market, a summer carnival and an annual dinner; the committee's structure is intentionally flexible so parents can volunteer in different roles.	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 Hiba Academy Shanghai offers a 12‑year education encompassing Primary School, Junior High and High School. The curriculum blends Eastern and Western approaches within the Chinese national curriculum to support holistic development and an international outlook. The academic programme aims to develop lifelong learning skills through a rigorous, connected approach across subjects.	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 The school provides a broad arts curriculum delivered by specialist teachers, with opportunities for visual arts, design and technology, music and performing arts as part of the core curriculum and co‑curricular activities.	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 Classes are taught in a bilingual English‑Chinese environment. The Primary school uses a blended Chinese and English language model, with English taught by native speakers and an emphasis on bilingual proficiency. Junior High maintains a Chinese‑English learning environment designed to promote high bilingual standards.	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 and enrichment programmes extend learning beyond the classroom, including excursions, clubs and participation in global programmes such as the World Scholars' Cup, Model United Nations and the World Leadership Programme. There is a close partnership with Wellington College in England that provides additional visits and activities.	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 Wellbeing and community programmes encourage social responsibility and service, with a dedicated wellbeing curriculum and inclusion team to support social and emotional development. The school runs a calendar of events and activities that foster community engagement.	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 The High School offers university and career guidance, including a structured timeline for HE applications and subject choices for IGCSE and IB DP, supported by university and career counsellors. A 1–2–1 advisory model and regular workshops help pupils plan their future pathways.	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 Wellbeing is a compulsory part of the curriculum, with a programme that covers self‑identity, mental and emotional health, social development, physical well‑being, global citizenship, and health and safety. Inclusion and counselling support are provided to meet diverse pupil needs.	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 school teaches Chinese and English. Primary delivers a bilingual program with a Chinese curriculum and English instruction, taught by Chinese and international teachers. English instruction follows the English national curriculum blended with Shanghai requirements, with native English-speaking teachers supporting language learning. Junior High continues the Chinese-English bilingual environment, with a curriculum designed to promote bilingualism and English-language development across subjects.	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 Bilingual teaching uses Chinese and English instruction across subjects. Primary uses a Chinese curriculum with English language instruction delivered through co-teaching by Chinese and international teachers. The Chinese and Western co-teaching approach creates an immersive bilingual learning environment, with native English-speaking teachers supporting language learning. Pupils develop bilingual proficiency across languages and disciplines.	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 An immersive bilingual learning environment is provided in Primary and Junior High, with Chinese and international staff co-teaching across subjects to support language development. The curriculum blends the Chinese national curriculum with English-language teaching and Western educational practices to enhance cross-subject learning. The approach emphasises bilingual fluency and international-mindedness through multi-subject learning.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards From the school website (past five years, school‑level recognitions awarded to the institution rather than to individual students): - 2024 “惠立杯” (Hiba Cup) Long‑Yangtze (Yangtze Delta) Youth Swimming Invitational — school group (school team) finished first overall (team / school‑group champion; Shanghai Youth Swimming League & Hiba Cup event), with the school reported as taking the school‑group top score and winning the team trophy on 26 May 2024. This is a competition trophy awarded to the school's team performance rather than an individual student award. No other school‑level awards (that were explicitly described on the Hiba Academy Shanghai website as awards given to the school itself) were found in the site's news and accreditation pages within the past five years. If you would like, I can broaden the search to include external sources (local news, competition organisers or accreditation bodies) to confirm whether the school has additional institutional awards or recognitions beyond what the school website publishes.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations Below are the accreditations and formal memberships Hiba Academy Shanghai lists on its website (each entry includes what the accreditation/membership is and why it matters): - IB World School — The school is authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP); this indicates the school meets the IB Organisation's standards for delivering the two‑year pre‑university Diploma curriculum. - Cambridge International School (Cambridge Assessment) — Hiba states it is a Cambridge International School and offers Cambridge IGCSEs; this shows the school is approved to deliver Cambridge secondary qualifications (IGCSE) that are used by many international schools worldwide. - Council of International Schools (CIS) — the site lists membership of CIS (sometimes described as being a CIS school); CIS is an international membership organization that supports school improvement and runs a school accreditation process (membership indicates engagement with CIS standards and networks). - WASC (ACS WASC / Western Association of Schools and Colleges) — the school's news page reports it received official WASC accreditation in mid‑2025; WASC is a U.S. regional accrediting body whose accreditation confirms a school has met independently assessed standards of institutional quality and continuous improvement. Note: the school's website also shows links and partnerships with other external organisations and examination services (for example DofE, ACT, College Board, GL Assessment) but those appear on the site as programme affiliations or partner links rather than explicitly described on the site as separate accreditations. Where the site explicitly states an accreditation or official authorisation, I have listed it above.	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. Decide eligibility and read the school's published admissions rules. Parents should confirm age and residency criteria (for example, the 2025 brochure specifies primary applicants born between 1 Sep 2018 and 31 Aug 2019 and that the school's招生范围 is Pudong). Confirm whether your child is applying as a local-age candidate, a直升 (internal promotion) candidate, or as an插班/transfer — each category has different documentary requirements. 2. Prepare required documents and proof of eligibility. For local/统招 places the school and district require identity and residency documentation (e.g., household registration or proof of eligibility) and, for some categories, employer contracts or social-insurance evidence (for staff-child categories). Have originals and clear copies ready because the District Education Bureau will verify资格材料. 3. Submit your application through the official municipal systems during the published window. The brochure and admissions page state that parents must register online through“一网通办” or the 上海市义务教育入学报名系统 in the specified dates (example 2025 windows shown in the 招生简章). Do not pay any third‑party intermediaries; the school states it only accepts direct family applications. If you are applying for an插班/transfer (middle or high school entry outside the unified window), the site asks you to complete the school's information/registration form so the admissions team can follow up. 4. Note selection method and verification steps. For standard义务教育招生 the District organizes分类计划 and (where applicable) conducts computer-based random allocation (电脑随机录取) and dossier verification on specified dates — students who fail verification are not admitted. Parents should watch the official schedule and be prepared to provide any additional verification requested by the district on the verification dates. 5. Understand assessments and interviews (where relevant). The school's public materials for the compulsory-education intake state the school will not run advance tests, interviews or academic exercises for those admissions categories (the brochure lists three commitments to this effect). For non-compulsory or transfer admissions, the school's admissions page indicates the office will contact families after you submit the transfer registration form; follow the admissions officer's instructions about any school assessments or meetings. 6. Offer, acceptance and fees. If an offer is made or a place is allocated, parents must follow the school's instructions and the district's timelines to accept the place and complete enrolment paperwork. The school's published tuition and service fees (term-by-term tuition, canteen, bus, uniform rates) and the statement that the school does not charge application or registration fees are on the admissions/fees page — parents should budget for the listed tuition and voluntary activity fees and confirm the current year's final approved rates with the school. 7. Final enrolment steps and practical matters. After acceptance, complete payment, submit any outstanding documents, and make arrangements for transport, uniforms and optional activities. If you expect to request fee adjustments (for example, as a student who qualifies for public subsidy), discuss this with the admissions office because the site notes some public subsidies will reduce billed tuition.	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 The school publishes two named scholarship programmes and guidance on applying: - “叔蘋奖学金”: a high‑level Wellington (China) group scholarship aimed at academically and behaviourally strong students from domestic working‑class households. It is available to students in Year 8 and above; the school states the award level can reach up to 110% of the annual tuition and successful recipients may be able to continue the award to graduation if they meet ongoing conditions. Applicants who receive the scholarship are also offered university‑guidance and career support. Application/selection details are handled by the school; the admissions page describes eligibility and scope. - 惠立奖学金: introduced in 2020 and targeted at students (also from Year 8 and above for 2025–26) who show strong academic, sporting or artistic performance, leadership potential and alignment with 惠立 values. The award can cover up to 50% of annual tuition and is intended to recognise broader contribution to the school community. How to apply and assessment process: applicants are asked to submit a bilingual personal statement (no more than one A4 page) that states the category being applied for and reasons for the application, sent to admissions.has@hibaacademy.org. Successful applicants will be invited to a school scholarship assessment event. The site also refers to additional personalised support programmes — contact admissions for timelines, document templates and current deadlines. Note that scholarship availability, criteria and amounts are published for the 2025–26 cycle on the admissions page; confirm current‑year details with the admissions office before applying.	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 Hiba Academy Shanghai follows the municipal and district procedures for义务教育 allocation rather than operating a conventional school‑run waiting list for its standard intake: the 招生简章 describes classification of plans, district verification and computer random allocation (电脑随机录取) as the official route for admitted students. For internal直升 students there is a separate直升录取 process and published直升结果; for插班/transfer requests the school asks parents to submit an information/registration form and the admissions office will contact families — in practice that creates a contact/interest pool for transfers but the school does not describe a formal, published waitlist mechanism for the unified intake. If you want to be placed on any informal transfer pool or be informed of openings, submit the school's information form and request that the admissions team keep your details on file.	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.
	View full profile →	View full profile →