International School of Nanshan Shenzhen vs Shen Wai International School

	I International School of Nanshan Shenzhen Shenzhen, China	S Shen Wai International School Shenzhen, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 209,000 - 249,000	Fees / year RMB 121,400 - 218,500
Age range	Age range 2 - 19 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Canadian Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 750	Pupils 780
Typical class size	Typical class size 24	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2002	Opened 2012
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location ISNS is located in Nanshan District on Longyuan Road in the Taoyuan (Taoyuan Sub‑District) area of Shenzhen; the full address is 11 Longyuan Road, Taoyuan Sub‑District, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055. The campus sits on the south side of Tanglang (Tanglangshan) Mountain and is within reach of major Nanshan neighbourhoods and business areas served by the school's bus routes. Traffic and drop‑off rules are detailed by the school and the campus opens at 7:40 each weekday; parents usually use private drop‑off or the school bus routes for connections to Futian, Shekou, Bao'an and Luohu.	Location Shen Wai International School is on 29 Baishi 3rd Road in Nanshan District, Shenzhen (518053). The campus is in the Shenzhen Bay / Nanshan area and is reachable by city roads and public transport; the school website lists the full address and contact number for directions and visits.
Stages	Stages ISNS is an IB continuum school: Early Years (K2–K5), Primary Years Programme (Grade 1–Grade 5), Middle Years Programme (Grade 6–Grade 10) and the IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12). The website lists these programme groupings and grade ranges.	Stages SWIS is an IB continuum school offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), serving roughly ages 4–18 (Pre‑K/Kindergarten through Grade 12).
School type	School type ISNS is a co‑educational international day school that delivers an English‑based Canadian curriculum within the IB framework (IB PYP, MYP and DP) and issues a New Brunswick (Canada) high‑school diploma alongside IB options. The campus includes a faculty/residence building but the school does not provide student boarding or on‑campus accommodation.	School type Co‑educational day school (no boarding). The school is government‑invested/non‑profit and serves expatriate families as well as residents from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support ISNS operates a Student Support Team (Head of Student Support, learning‑support teachers, EAL team and counsellors) and provides counselling, EAL and differentiated learning support; it uses an Inclusion Policy and individual support plans when appropriate. The school's Learning Support policy states it cannot accommodate students whose needs require significant full‑time one‑to‑one support and admissions for students with exceptionalities are assessed case‑by‑case.	Additional learning support The school provides English language support (EAL) and additional learning / special‑education resources, and has counselling services and access to educational‑psychology support; some specialised services may be provided for a fee—contact Admissions for specifics.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation ISNS has an official affiliation with Canada: it is accredited by the New Brunswick Department of Education and offers a Canadian (New Brunswick) high‑school diploma in addition to the IB Diploma.	Country affiliation The school is not affiliated with a foreign country; it is invested by the Shenzhen municipal government and operates as an international school serving the local expatriate community and Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan residents.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school is secular; there is no religious affiliation listed on the school's official pages.	Religious affiliation SWIS is secular and does not have a religious affiliation.
School day structure	School day structure The campus opens at 7:40 each weekday. Primary students must be in homeroom by 8:10 AM (Grades 1–5); middle and high school students must be in homeroom by 8:00 AM; PYP dismissal is 3:20 PM and MYP/DP dismissal is 3:30 PM, with school buses departing about 3:45 PM (Wednesdays have earlier dismissal times). The Early Years timetable is more flexible (snacks, lunch ~11:45 AM, naps for some groups).	School day structure Published information indicates a typical school day runs approximately from 08:30 to 15:30, with options for supervised before/after care and an After‑School Activities (ASA) programme. Check the school calendar or Admissions for exact daily bell times for each division.
Bus service details	Bus service details ISNS operates an optional school bus service with multiple routes across Shenzhen (the site lists routes serving Futian, Shekou, Nantou, OCT, Shenzhen Bay, Civic Center/Huanggang, Luohu, Science Park, Taikoo City and Bao'an CBD). Buses have a monitor on each vehicle; the school posts bus rules, fee and refund procedures, and runs at least one evacuation drill per semester. Parents can contact the bus coordinator at bus@isnsz.com or phone the school for route and registration details.	Bus service details The school offers a school‑bus service for families; bus availability, routes, pick‑up points and fees are organised through the school and can change each year. Parents relocating from overseas should request the current route map, operating company (if any) and fee schedule from Admissions before arrival.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Registration Fees - Application fee (one‑time, non‑refundable): RMB 2,500. - Registration fee for newly admitted students (one‑time, non‑refundable): RMB 50,000. Sibling discount on registration fee: 50% for siblings of currently enrolled students. Tuition fees (annual) — 2025–2026 academic year - Early Years / Kindergarten (K3–K5): RMB 212,000 per year. - Primary (Grades 1–5): RMB 239,000 per year. - Middle School (Grades 6–10): RMB 259,000 per year. - Senior School / Diploma (Grades 11–12): RMB 264,000 per year. Tuition per term (calculation/inference) - The school states there are two semesters and tuition is paid annually; therefore a single term amount can be calculated as half of the annual tuition. Using that method: - K3–K5 per term: RMB 106,000. - G1–G5 per term: RMB 119,500. - G6–G10 per term: RMB 129,500. - G11–G12 per term: RMB 132,000. (These per‑term figures are derived by dividing the annual tuition by two because tuition is invoiced on an annual basis.) Billing schedule and payment terms - Number of semesters: two per academic year; tuition is invoiced on an annual basis. Late payment penalty: 1% of total fees per week for overdue payments. Payer is responsible for any bank charges. All payments must be made by the due date shown on the individual student payment details. Students may not be guaranteed placement or allowed to attend classes if fees are not paid in full; reports/transcripts may be withheld. Bank / payment details and accepted payment methods - Bank transfer details and the school's Bank of China account information are published by the school for fee remittance. The school requests that bank transfer references include the student number and the student's full English name. Payers should expect to bear bank charges. - Accepted payment methods noted by the school: bank transfer, debit card, or cash. (Bank transfer is the preferred method for families outside Shenzhen.) Credit‑card acceptance is not specified in the published fee information. Deposit / re‑enrolment fee - The school refers to a deposit fee (an annual payment) used to secure placement for current students for the following academic year; this deposit is non‑refundable and, when the remaining tuition is paid, it is included with the tuition invoice. (Exact deposit amounts for 2025–2026 are handled through the school's admissions/finance correspondence.) Optional / other fees and typical additional costs - School bus (optional): RMB 14,000 per year (routes include Futian, Nanshan, Luohu and Bao'an—based on availability). Bus registration and refunds are governed by the school bus policy. - Lunch / cafeteria: Early Years (K3–K5) lunches and snacks are included in tuition. G1–G12 students use a smartcard to pay for cafeteria meals; typical meal cost is around RMB 39 per meal. Families can also provide packed lunches. - Uniforms: All students are required to wear the school uniform; uniforms are purchased through the school's designated vendor/channel. Costs vary by item and must be purchased before the student's first day. - Devices / IT: School‑owned iPads/laptops are provided in early primary grades; the school operates a one‑to‑one MacBook programme from Grade 8–12. Families may purchase devices through the school vendor (discounts may be available) or through outside vendors; device costs vary. - Extra‑curricular activities, trips and course‑specific charges: additional fees may apply for bus, extracurricular clubs, athletics, certain arts/music activities, international trips (EOTC / Week Without Walls) and other optional programmes. Passport/visa requirements apply for international trips. Boarding - ISNS does not provide on‑campus boarding accommodation. Refund policy (high‑level summary) - The school publishes a refund framework that links refund amounts to the date of written withdrawal notice; typical terms include full refunds (less deposit/registration) if withdrawal is notified by an early deadline, reduced refunds during later pre‑start periods, and no refund after the first day of the school year. Specific percentage reductions and date thresholds are set in the school's published refund policy and on fee schedules. (Please note the school's published fee documents include the detailed refund schedule and the required withdrawal notification email address.) Discounts and credits - Sibling discount on the registration fee (50% for siblings of current students) and a loyalty discount (3% for students entering their fifth consecutive year) are specified in the school's fee policy. Scholarship and bursary credits may apply when awarded; scholarships/bursaries are applied as tuition credit for the stated academic year. Notes on figures and calculation - Annual tuition figures above are published for the 2025–2026 academic year by the school and in fee‑compilation sources; the school's fee policy indicates tuition is invoiced annually, so per‑term figures shown here are simple halves of the annual totals (calculated for your convenience).	Fee details Fees overview - Annual tuition by year group (amounts shown in RMB): - Kindergarten (4‑year‑old / K2): [RMB 121,400] per year; per term (approx.): [RMB 40,467] (annual ÷ 3, shown as an approximate per‑term figure). - Kindergarten 3 / Year 0 and Years 1–5 (Early Primary): [RMB 166,980] per year; per term (approx.): [RMB 55,660]. - Years 6–10 (Lower & Upper Secondary): [RMB 182,160] per year; per term (approx.): [RMB 60,720]. - Years 11–12 (IB Diploma / Sixth Form): [RMB 218,500] per year; per term (approx.): [RMB 72,833]. Application / enrolment fees - No explicit, separate application fee or one‑off enrolment/deposit amount was located in the publicly available fee summaries consulted. Public fee summaries present annual tuition figures but do not publish a distinct application charge in the sources reviewed. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school follows an August–June academic year (three‑term school year). Annual tuition figures are published; the sources consulted do not publish a detailed term billing schedule (for example exact term percentages or instalment due dates). Where a per‑term amount is required below, it is shown as an approximate value calculated by dividing the published annual fee by three. Boarding / accommodation fees - Shen Wai International School is listed as a day school (no boarding programme shown in the public profiles consulted). No boarding or residential fees were published in the sources reviewed. Other costs and typical additional charges - Uniform: the school is listed as having a uniform requirement, but no published uniform cost was found in the public fee summaries reviewed. - Transport (school bus): transport is offered according to school profile summaries; no specific bus fees or routes/prices were published in the fee summaries consulted. - Examination, materials, extra‑curricular and assessment fees: the publicly available fee summaries reviewed show annual tuition levels but do not itemise textbook, exam (IB examination) or co‑curricular charges. These kinds of additional charges are commonly billed separately at many schools, but no itemised list or amounts were found in the sources consulted. Refunds and refundable deposits - No explicit refund policy, refundable deposit amount, or step‑by‑step refund procedure for fees was located in the public fee materials that were available to the sources consulted. The published summaries provide annual tuition figures but do not publish a detailed refund/refund‑schedule statement. Accepted payment methods and practical payment notes - The public fee summaries consulted do not list specific accepted payment methods (for example bank transfer, credit card, or local cashiers). Contact details for the school are published and may be used to confirm current payment methods: phone +86 755 8654 1200 and email office@swis.cn. Summary of sources consulted and limitations - Confirmed items above (the published annual tuition figures by grade band) come from recent publicly available school‑profile and fee summary pages. The sources consulted publish annual tuition amounts but do not publish detailed line‑item charges (for example a named application fee, explicit enrolment deposit, exact per‑term billing proportions or formal refund wording) in the materials accessible through those summaries. Consequently, per‑term figures above are shown as approximations (annual fee divided by three) to provide a term‑level view when a per‑term number is required; those per‑term figures are inferences based on the published annual amounts.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement ISNS has a uniform policy for all students. K2 to Grade 2 wear a daily uniform consisting of a maroon polo top and grey uniform shorts, with optional ISNS hoodies, jackets, track suits, and a blazer; coats may be worn outside on cold days. Grades 3 to 12 wear a daily uniform of a formal white shirt or maroon polo, grey plaid skirt or grey pants, and appropriate footwear; an official formal dress uniform is worn on identified occasions, and names must be written on uniforms. Hats and hoods inside buildings are restricted.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options ISNS offers a daily lunch program with Sodexo as the catering provider. Lunches are paid by topping up student ID cards at the Aspretto Café or online, and meals cost about 39 CNY per meal. Early Years lunches are provided in classrooms, while Primary and Secondary students eat in designated cafeterias.	Food options There is a weekly menu for meals; on-site dining options are available.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details ISNS delivers the IB continuum from Early Years (K2–K5, ages 2–5) through the Primary Years Programme (Grade 1–5), Middle Years Programme (Grade 6–10) and the Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12). In Grades 11–12 students may follow the full two‑year IB Diploma Programme or an IB pathway that leads to a New Brunswick (Canada) high‑school diploma; eligible candidates can also earn a bilingual IB diploma. The Early Years and PYP use inquiry‑based, transdisciplinary and play‑based learning, while the MYP and DP follow IB subject‑group frameworks with internal and external assessment and DP core components (TOK, Extended Essay, CAS). ISNS notes it has been an authorized full‑continuum IB World School since July 2016 and requires IB professional development for teachers. The school also operates a New Brunswick accreditation/dual‑diploma arrangement, is identified as a Cambridge Assessment Centre, and provides language pathways with EAL support (primarily Grades 1–5) plus learning‑support services.	Curriculum details Shen Wai International School (SWIS) delivers the full International Baccalaureate continuum—Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The school serves students from Pre‑Kindergarten through Grade 12 and teaches in English while maintaining a structured Mandarin/Chinese language and culture programme. In the middle years (MYP, typically Grades 6–10) SWIS follows the MYP framework and prepares students for MYP certification/e‑assessment at the end of Year 10. Upper secondary (Grades 11–12) follows the IB Diploma: students choose subjects across the DP groups (languages, sciences, mathematics, individuals & societies, the arts) and complete the DP core—Theory of Knowledge, Creativity‑Activity‑Service and the extended essay—along with external DP examinations. SWIS is accredited by international bodies and integrates the IB inquiry‑based approach with co‑curricular arts, STEM and cultural learning.
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 ISNS delivers SEL primarily through its Counselling program and the broader Student Support Team, which provide classroom guidance lessons and individual and small-group counselling for social and emotional needs. The school aligns SEL with the IB Learner Profile and Approaches to Learning, embedding social-emotional development into curriculum planning and classroom practice. Counsellors collaborate with teachers and parents and make referrals to other school support services or external resources when needed.	Social & emotional learning SWIS identifies well‑being as a core school value and states that elements of well‑being are incorporated across units of study from Kindergarten through Diploma; the school highlights areas such as health, self‑management, collaboration, respect and relationships in its community description. Public reporting about SWIS notes the school develops expectations and procedures linked to well‑being and that well‑being is embedded in curriculum planning. The school also reports having medical and counselling staff available to the community. Specific named SEL programmes or a published, standalone SEL curriculum are not detailed on the school's public pages.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) ISNS operates a Learning Support (Inclusion) policy managed by a Student Support Team that includes a Head of Student Support and Learning Support teachers who work with teachers and parents to identify and plan for student exceptionalities. The school states it cannot accommodate students who require significant, intensive support and that admissions decisions for students with known needs are made case-by-case with review of professional reports. Support covers a range of learning and social–emotional difficulties through individualized plans, MTSS reviews, classroom differentiation and, when appropriate, external assessments or recommendations. ISNS is not a specialist SEN institution.	Special educational needs (SEN) Publicly available job adverts and recruitment listings show SWIS has recruited for Learning Support / Secondary Learning Support roles, indicating the school operates an in‑school learning support function. These listings suggest the presence of staff who support learners with additional needs, but the school's public materials do not specify which categories of Special Educational Needs (for example, specific learning disabilities, ASD, sensory impairments, etc.) it will or will not support. SWIS is not described in public sources as a specialist SEN institution. For clarity on individual student needs and specialist provision the school should be contacted directly.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language ISNS runs a published EAL programme: non-native English speakers are assessed at admission (MAP or Cambridge ESOL for Grades 2–10) and minimum proficiency thresholds are set for entry to higher grade levels (for example Grade 9 B1, Grade 10 B2). EAL support is provided mainly in the PYP through collaboration/co‑teaching between EAL and homeroom teachers, and levels of support vary by need. The school notes it can provide basic to moderate EAL support but may not be able to meet intensive EAL or highly specialised language intervention needs; students in Grade 6 and above are expected to function in mainstream classes with limited additional support.	English as an additional language The school does not publicly disclose information regarding EAL. Public pages and summary profiles for SWIS that are available do not include a described EAL/ESL programme, dedicated EAL staff, or explicit EAL entry/support procedures. If you need confirmation of EAL provision or assessment procedures, contact the school directly.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing ISNS states it employs a full‑time counsellor for the PYP and a full‑time counsellor for MYP/DP and provides services aimed at social, emotional and academic support. The PYP counselling programme includes classroom guidance lessons plus individual and small‑group counselling for issues such as friendship, anger management and grief. Counsellors consult and collaborate with parents and teachers and refer students to other school support services or community professionals when required.	Mental wellbeing SWIS publicly frames well‑being as a school priority and reports that medical and counselling staff are available to support the community. External profiles of the school describe wellbeing being elevated to a core value and note the school operates anti‑bullying measures and related pastoral procedures. The school's publicly available material does not publish a detailed mental‑health policy or named, externally run mental‑health programmes on its website; for specifics on school counselling qualifications, caseload, or referral pathways you should request those details from the school.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding ISNS publishes a Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct that applies to all faculty, staff, volunteers and others interacting with children and sets expectations about maintaining physical, emotional and sexual boundaries. The policy states the school's commitment to student safety and details responsibilities for appropriate conduct and awareness of vulnerability when working alone with children.	Safeguarding Public reporting about SWIS states the school maintains child‑protection measures that include safe‑recruiting practices, police and reference checks for staff, an anti‑bullying policy, and on‑site security and medical personnel. These statements appear in external profiles summarising the school's safeguarding and safety procedures. The school is also listed on Shenzhen government education pages as an accredited international school, which indicates it operates within local regulatory frameworks. The school's full written safeguarding/child‑protection policy and implementation details are not published in full on the public pages found; request the school's safeguarding policy directly for complete, current documentation.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The campus consists of a separate early years building, a main school building, and a residence building. All classrooms have wireless connectivity and interactive learning resources. The campus includes a 300-seat auditorium, a VR lab, design workshops, and multiple science laboratories. There are indoor and outdoor sports facilities, two independent libraries, as well as theatre, performance and chorus rehearsal rooms, visual arts classrooms, a photography darkroom and an art gallery for student works. Students in K2 to Grade 3 use iPads in the classroom; students in Grades 4 and 5 have one-to-one MacBooks; students in Grade 6 and 7 are provided with an Apple laptop for use during school and at home.	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The athletics facilities include a 200-meter outdoor track, a soccer field, a fitness center, a spacious indoor gymnasium and a multi-purpose outdoor court. An EY gym is available for early years. The campus map highlights the gymnasium and the fitness room as part of the sports facilities.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The ISNS campus offers a state-of-the-art environment with a 300-seat auditorium, VR room, design workshop spaces, and multiple science laboratories. There are separate libraries for the early years and the main school, theatre and chorus spaces, a photography darkroom, and visual arts classrooms. Classrooms are wireless-enabled with interactive technology resources to support learning across IB programmes.	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities ISNS offers more than 150 after-school activities each semester. The program covers hobbies, social services, financial and business courses, English debate, science, programming, drones, chorus, band, Chinese ensemble, art clubs, yearbook, football, volleyball, rugby, basketball and yoga for children.	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History ISNS was founded in 2002 through a partnership involving the Government of Canada, the Province of New Brunswick and Dr. Francis Pang. The school was established to deliver a Canadian (New Brunswick) curriculum within an international/IB framework and remains affiliated with the New Brunswick Department of Education. ISNS became an IB World School offering the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes in August 2016. The school also notes affiliations with UNESCO and ACAMIS and serves as an authorized exam centre for SAT and Cambridge assessments.	History Shen Wai International School (SWIS) is the international section of Shenzhen Foreign Languages School and operates as a government‑invested, non‑profit institution. The school opened in the early 2010s (sources report 2011 or 2012). It was built to serve children of expatriate workers as well as permanent residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan and was planned with capacity and facilities for roughly 1,080 students. Since opening SWIS has pursued international accreditations and authorization to offer the IB continuum.
Community	Community ISNS describes a deliberately international community that, as noted on the school site, includes students from more than 30 nationalities. The school promotes parent, student and faculty involvement through school-wide events, service opportunities and academic workshops and publishes local news and stories about community life. ISNS has hosted and supported cultural and music events—its site references activities such as the Shenzhen Bay Music Festival alongside regular school festivals and fairs.	Community SWIS's student body is multinational, drawing mainly from expatriate families and residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. The school stages a range of cultural and community events — examples in recent years include a Primary Years Programme (PYP) Chinese Ensemble concert highlighting traditional instruments and a TEDxYouth event held in 2019. SWIS also runs seasonal and schoolwide activities such as art exhibitions, International Children's Day celebrations and winter festivals that bring together students, families and staff.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Every ISNS parent is a member of the Parent Association (PA), and the school notes that PA volunteers organise activities, events and fundraisers throughout the year. The PA's stated goals include supporting students' development, providing channels of communication between parents and the school, offering social and educational activities beyond the classroom, building positive parent–teacher relationships, and assisting new families. Typical PA-supported events listed on the site include Halloween and Christmas decorating, Chinese Culture Week activities and food, the International Fair, support for music and arts events, Children's Day gifts, graduation ceremonies and a teacher appreciation breakfast. The PA raises funds in part by selling ISNS PA merchandise and is organised with a Board of Directors and grade-level parent representatives. Parents are invited to contribute at varying levels of involvement; the school explicitly welcomes both small and larger contributions of time and talent.	Parent teacher association The SWIS Parent and Teacher Association (PTA) coordinates volunteer support, family activities and community health and fundraising initiatives. In May 2018 the PTA organized a “Healthy Living Month,” which included weekly Healthy Snack Giving Days and a range of parent‑led fitness and wellbeing activities. PTA members frequently serve as parent volunteers at performances and school events; parent representatives are documented as speaking and expressing support at occasions such as the PYP Chinese Ensemble concert. The PTA also helps run seasonal gatherings (for example winter celebrations and International Children's Day), supports after‑school activity programs and coordinates fundraising or service projects linked to the school community. Overall, the PTA's work at SWIS appears to be event‑focused and volunteer‑driven, providing logistical coordination, parent outreach and hands‑on support for school activities.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The International School of Nanshan Shenzhen is established in 2002 and is one of Shenzhen's oldest and well-established international schools.	Academic & intellectual The school offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the IB Diploma Programme (DP).
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school offers three language programs: The English Program, The Mandarin Program, and The French Program.	Cultural & language Chinese language content on the site includes translations: 入学申请 → Admissions; 招生流程 → Admissions Process; 校园参观 → Campus Tours. The Chinese text "中文版网站即将上线，敬请期待" translates as "The Chinese version of the website is coming soon. Please stay tuned." The Chinese text "如需浏览中文版招生页面，请点击" translates as "If you wish to view the Chinese admissions page, please click."
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional College counseling is available. Admissions are processed online via OpenApply (swis.openapply.cn). ManageBac is used for student information. The address is 29, Baishi 3rd Road, Nanshan, Shenzhen, China 518053; Tel +86 755 8654 1200.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Athletics and co-curricular activities are offered. Health and safety services are provided, and counseling is available. A weekly menu is provided.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision ISNS is an IB World School delivering the full IB continuum: Early Years (K2–K5), Primary Years Programme (Grade 1–Grade 5), Middle Years Programme (Grade 6–Grade 10), and the Diploma Programme (Grade 11–12). Languages used in the school include English as the language of instruction (with English as an Additional Language, Language A and Language B), Mandarin as the host country language (Language and Literature and Language Acquisition), and French as a Language B option; other languages spoken include Cantonese, Korean, Japanese, Russian, Farsi, Dutch, Hindi, Urdu, Norwegian, Romanian, Italian, German, Malay, and more. ISNS emphasizes language development across all teachers, collects Home Language Survey data at enrollment, supports mother-tongue development, offers EAL support primarily for Grades 1–5, and maintains a multilingual, inclusive environment across the playground, library and social areas. In the Diploma Programme, Grades 11 and 12, ISNS offers the full IB Diploma Programme or the IB Programme with a New Brunswick Diploma, with language requirements including a Language A course and an additional language, and encouragement to study three languages.	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs ISNS emphasizes English immersion with English as the language of instruction. In the Middle Years Programme, English is used as the language of instruction across most classes to provide constant exposure to English, while Mandarin and French are taught as separate languages.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards I searched ISNS's public website for school‑level awards or rankings in the period Jan 1, 2021–Jan 1, 2026 (the past five years). The only school‑level external recognition explicitly posted on the ISNS website during that period is: 1) Forbes China — ISNS named in the 2025 Forbes China International School Rankings (ranked #8 nationwide and #1 in Shenzhen; also noted as Top 10 in Foreign Student Middle School Programs across China). This is a published external ranking reported on ISNS's news section; the school presents it as a recognition of its overall standing in the 2025 Forbes rankings. Summary of search result and scope limitation: ISNS's website contains many news items, event reports and items about student awards and competition results, but those relate to students or to events hosted by the school; they are not presented on the site as awards conferred on the school as an institution. Within the 2021–2026 window and based on the content publicly posted on ISNS's website, I found only the 2025 Forbes China ranking as a school‑level award/recognition. (If you would like, I can broaden the search to external sources beyond the ISNS site to look for other school awards or recognitions not posted to the school website.)	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations Below are the accreditations, authorizations and formal memberships ISNS lists on its website, with a one-line explanation of each and its significance. 1) International Baccalaureate (IB) — Authorization for PYP, MYP and DP: ISNS is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The IB authorization means the school has completed the IB's authorization process and is subject to regular IB evaluation to confirm it meets the IB's programme standards and practices. 2) New Brunswick (Canada) affiliation / New Brunswick high‑school diploma: ISNS states it is accredited by the New Brunswick Department of Education (through Atlantic Education International), which allows ISNS to deliver the New Brunswick curriculum and award a New Brunswick high‑school diploma to students who meet the provincial requirements. This affiliation means the school follows a recognized Canadian provincial curriculum and its graduates may receive a Canadian provincial diploma. 3) Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) — Candidate School status: ISNS's FAQ and other pages say the school holds WASC candidate status. Candidate status indicates the school is in the WASC accreditation process; WASC accreditation (or candidacy) is a multi‑step peer review that validates a school's quality and supports continuous improvement. 4) Council of International Schools (CIS) — membership: ISNS describes itself as a CIS member (the site's homepage references CIS). CIS membership (and, for some schools, CIS accreditation) connects schools to an international membership and, where accreditation is achieved, represents a rigorous school‑wide evaluation against international standards of practice. (ISNS's site describes CIS membership rather than explicitly stating a completed CIS accreditation process.) 5) Cambridge Assessment — exam centre designation (Cambridge Assessment/ Cambridge English/Cambridge International): ISNS identifies itself as a Cambridge Assessment centre (an examining site for Cambridge exams) and an SAT exam site. Being an approved Cambridge exam centre means the school is authorized to administer Cambridge assessments on site; it is not the same as curricular accreditation but does allow students to sit Cambridge/English examinations at the school. Notes on wording and scope: all items above are taken from ISNS's own website; where the site uses terms such as “accredited,” “candidate” or “member,” I have noted whether that indicates full accreditation, candidacy, or membership and provided an authoritative one‑line description of what that status generally means (linked to the relevant issuing organisation).	Accreditations - International Baccalaureate (IB) — Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). SWIS is listed on the IB's official school directory as an IB World School; the IB pages list the authorisation dates for each programme (PYP authorised 30 Mar 2015; MYP authorised 26 Jan 2016; DP authorised 27 Mar 2017). These programme authorisations indicate the school has met IB requirements to deliver each programme and is subject to IB review and quality checks. - Council of International Schools (CIS) — accredited. CIS published a re-accreditation notice for Shen Wai International School dated 13 December 2023. CIS accreditation is an external review process focused on whole‑school quality, governance, student welfare and international-mindedness; it signals the school has met CIS standards and is committed to ongoing improvement. - Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC / ACS WASC) — accredited (as stated in Shenzhen government and other public school directories). WASC accreditation (through ACS WASC) is a regional/international accreditation process that evaluates schoolwide student learning, continuous improvement processes and institutional integrity; many universities and external bodies recognise WASC accreditation as evidence of quality and transferability of secondary-school credentials. Note: the school's WASC accreditation is reported on official local government and reputable school-directory pages, but an ACS WASC directory entry for SWIS was not located in the sources I could fetch during this check; I can verify further with ACS WASC or the school itself if you would like.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Before you start the online form you should prepare electronic copies of required documents: the student's birth certificate, student passport with visa or HK/Macau/Taiwan ID, parents' passports, a recent passport photo, health/vaccination records, and school transcripts/report cards for the last three years (G1–G12). If your child has learning or medical needs, gather any psycho‑educational reports or medical records now, because ISNS requires these at application and will assess support needs on an individual basis. 2. Complete the online application (OpenApply) — All applications must be submitted through ISNS's OpenApply system (isns.openapply.cn); paper applications are not accepted. Upload the files listed above and follow the OpenApply guidance (the school notes admissions files cannot be processed and students cannot be placed on waiting lists until all required materials are uploaded). If you are unsure of the correct year level, use the school's age/year equivalency guidance before submitting. 3. Admissions review — After submission the Admissions Committee reviews the application against ISNS criteria: age, space availability, English proficiency, prior school records, extracurricular/community involvement, and any IB experience. The committee may request confidential references, further documentation, or decide whether the student should proceed to assessment/interview. The review time varies by time of year and class availability; applications received after April 1 are usually considered for the following academic year. 4. Pay the application fee — A non‑refundable application fee of RMB 2,500 is required; payment can usually be made by bank transfer, debit card or cash and is typically paid at the time of assessment/screening (families outside Shenzhen can pay by bank transfer). The school will not proceed with assessments or confirm placement until the fee and required documents are received. Keep the payment confirmation and include the student's full English name and student number on transfer notes. 5. Assessment and interview — Candidates may be invited for an English language assessment (Grades 2–10 must meet minimum score thresholds appropriate to the grade), and ISNS may also administer mathematics and Mandarin assessments for placement. Interviews are scheduled after assessments and usually take place in person with Admissions, the Head of School, Principal, or relevant IB coordinator; assessments/interviews may be conducted online when needed. ISNS treats assessment materials as school property (parents are not entitled to originals or copies), and placement decisions follow the interview/assessment results. 6. Offer and enrolment — If a place is offered, the family will be notified and given a limited period to accept; certain fees (registration/deposit) become payable at acceptance and secure the student's place. ISNS charges a non‑refundable registration fee (one‑time) that secures the seat — the school's published schedule shows the registration fee and the tuition levels by grade. Note that acceptance does not guarantee enrollment beyond the initial year; continued enrollment depends on satisfactory progress, behaviour and space. For any offer-related questions, confirm specifics and payment deadlines directly with Admissions.	Admissions 1. Check eligibility and timing. Shen Wai International School (SWIS) primarily serves children of the expatriate community and residents of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan; at least one parent must normally hold foreign passport/residency and local guardianship rules require students to live in Shenzhen with a parent or an approved guardian. Confirm your child's age against the school's cut-off date (September 1) because grade placement is age-based. See the school's admissions criteria for these restrictions and rolling-entry notes. 2. Prepare required documents. Parents should be ready to provide documentary proof of the items above (passport information page and any relevant residence/visa pages), the child's birth certificate, recent school reports or transcripts, and standard health/immunisation records; if you are using a guardian, bring the appropriate power of attorney/guardianship paperwork. SWIS requires applicants to show they can access an English-language curriculum, so evidence of recent school reports or any English test results can speed placement. If your child has identified special educational needs, discuss these with admissions before applying so the school can confirm whether it can meet those needs. 3. Submit the online application and school tour/ enquiry. Use the school's Apply Online link and the Admissions page to start an application and to arrange a tour or admissions meeting; the official admissions page is the primary entry point for applications and enquiries. Be aware that some international schools charge a non-refundable application fee or require a one-time first-year payment/placement charge — parents should check the specific payment/fee instructions shown on the offer or fee schedule. Keep records of application submission and any reference/application IDs the school provides. 4. Assessment and interview/placement. SWIS expects applicants to demonstrate sufficient English and may use grade-specific assessments or interviews to check academic level and English proficiency; each grade can have a tailored process and placement is based on results and available places. For younger children the school may use age-appropriate observation or interviews, while older children are typically assessed with school reports and subject-specific checks. Ask Admissions in advance what format (in-person or online) the assessment and interview will take for your child's grade. 5. Offer, acceptance and payment. If a place is offered you will usually receive a written Offer Letter or invoice that specifies the deadline to accept and any placement deposit or tuition payment required to secure the place. SWIS's published tuition schedule shows annual tuition bands by year group, and the first-year or placement financial requirements can be higher than the annual tuition shown; read the offer carefully for one‑time fees and payment deadlines. Keep the payment receipt and confirm enrolment steps (medical forms, transport, uniform orders) after the school acknowledges your payment. 6. Visa, guardianship and local compliance. Before your child's first day, confirm that local guardianship, residency/visa paperwork and any health insurance or immunisation records meet Shenzhen and school requirements — SWIS will not accept students who do not meet local guardianship rules. If your family's situation requires a guardian in Shenzhen, arrange the legal documents well before arrival so the school can complete registration. Contact Admissions for any school-specific local-compliance instructions. 7. Start date, orientation and ongoing communication. SWIS operates on a rolling-admissions basis where places are confirmed subject to vacancies; when your child starts expect an orientation (or grade-level entry procedure) and possible short-term monitoring or placement adjustments as teachers confirm appropriate class groupings. Keep in regular contact with the Admissions office and the relevant Head of Division during the first weeks so any academic or pastoral adjustments can be made promptly. If anything in your family situation changes (arrival date, guardian, residency), notify Admissions immediately.
Scholarships	Scholarships ISNS offers scholarships and bursaries for both current students and prospective applicants; selection is by a Scholarship Committee and may include student interviews. The school states it has up to RMB 3,000,000 available across its bursary and scholarship programs; awards are applied as credits to tuition for the stated academic year and are not cash payments. For 2025–2026 ISNS has (a) Primary scholarships (examples listed on the site include Learner Profile, Growth in Approaches to Learning, and Action scholarships — each RMB 10,000), (b) Secondary scholarships, (c) full‑ride scholarships for Grades 9–12 (the site notes internal and external applicants can apply), and (d) bursaries for families demonstrating financial need with supporting documents and interview. The school's site shows the 2025–2026 scholarship and bursary application window as 19 January to 1 March 2026; the full‑ride awards for 2025–2026 were reported as filled, and families are advised to monitor the ISNS website or contact Admissions for the next cycle and for application guides. Applications for scholarships/bursaries are submitted via the OpenApply system; contact admissions@isnsz.com or +86 755 2666 1000 for questions.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist ISNS operates a rolling admissions model and maintains waiting lists when classes are full. Class size limits are stated (K3–K5: 18 students; Grade 1: 20; Grade 2 and above: 24). If a student is accepted but there is no space in the requested class, the child is placed on a waiting list in chronological order by date of completed application; priority on the list is given to returning ISNS students (alumni), siblings of currently enrolled students, and children of ISNS employees. Because placement is both space‑ and timing‑dependent, parents should confirm the student's position with Admissions and keep documentation current.	Waitlist SWIS publicly describes admissions as rolling and that places are offered according to enrolment limits and vacancies; the school's published admissions information does not include a public, detailed waitlist policy. That means: when a grade is full the school typically manages new applications on a vacancy basis (often by holding records of applicants and offering places as they become available), but there is no formal, publicly posted waitlist procedure or guaranteed position published on the website or directory listings. Parents should therefore assume places are offered by vacancy and should keep their application active (and confirm their interest) with Admissions; for a definitive answer about whether SWIS will keep a formal waitlist for a specific grade and how applicants are prioritised, contact the Admissions office directly using the school's admissions contact.
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