International School of Qingdao vs Qingdao No. 1 International School of Shandong Province

	I International School of Qingdao Qingdao, China	Q Qingdao No. 1 International School of Shandong Province Qingdao, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 139,400 - 225,000	Fees / year RMB 113,360 - 157,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 0 - 0 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 2,300	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 14	Typical class size 3
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1996	Opened 1998
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location ISQ is in Qingdao, Shandong Province, at 26 Tianshui Road, Licang District (266041). The campus sits in a residential Bijia community area near the Qingdao Horticultural Expo, with convenient road access and local transport options.	Location QISS is located in the Laoshan District of Qingdao, Shandong Province, China. The campus address is 232 Songling Road, Qingdao 266101. The 48,000 square meter campus sits in the Laoshan area near the Laoshan mountain range.
Stages	Stages ISQ provides Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 (Early Childhood to High School) education in English. The school supports a full K-12 pathway taught in English.	Stages The school provides education from Early Childhood through High School, with divisions for Early Childhood, Lower School, Middle School and High School.
School type	School type ISQ operates as a co-educational private international day school. It is a tuition-based international school without publicly listed boarding facilities.	School type The school operates as an international school licensed by the Laoshan District Board of Education and designated for foreign-resident students. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school runs an English Language Support (ELS) program for non-native English speakers across Elementary and Middle School, using bi-annual WIDA testing and MAP data to tailor learning paths. A team of eight ELS staff provides push-in, pull-out and intensive support, complemented by counseling services for well-being.	Additional learning support The English Language Learner (ELL) program supports students' English language development with scheduled classes, push-in and pull-out services taught by certified ELL teachers, and regular language assessments. An on-site educational psychologist provides wellbeing support.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation There is no formal country affiliation; ISQ participates in the LifePlus international network and holds Cognia accreditation (USA-based).	Country affiliation There is no formal country affiliation stated. The school serves students from many countries and is designated for foreign residents.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation ISQ has no publicly noted religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is stated in official materials.
School day structure	School day structure School days run 8:00–16:00 from Monday to Thursday and 8:00–15:30 on Fridays.	School day structure The day includes start-of-day unstructured play, formal classes, a midday lunch with a post-lunch recess, and a cafeteria offering four daily lunch options.
Bus service details	Bus service details ISQ offers a school bus service with an annual fee of 8,600 RMB. Routes and providers are coordinated through the Admissions office.	Bus service details QISS operates a fleet of 10 school buses to transport students to and from campus, with a bus monitor on each vehicle for safety.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and assessment fees - Registration fee for new students: RMB 10,000. - Re‑enrollment (returning families) fee: RMB 3,000. - Admissions/assessment fee for new students: RMB 600. Tuition fees by year group (amounts in RMB; annual, semester and quarterly options shown) - Early Childhood (half-day): Early‑bird annual RMB 86,000; Annual RMB 90,600; Semester RMB 45,700; Quarterly RMB 23,300. Registration: RMB 10,000 (new) / RMB 3,000 (returning). - Early Childhood (full-day): Early‑bird annual RMB 132,300; Annual RMB 139,400; Semester RMB 70,300; Quarterly RMB 35,800. Registration: RMB 10,000 (new) / RMB 3,000 (returning). - Elementary (Grades 1–5): Early‑bird annual RMB 202,300; Annual RMB 208,600; Semester RMB 107,400; Quarterly RMB 54,800. Registration: RMB 10,000 (new) / RMB 3,000 (returning). - Middle School (Grades 6–8): Early‑bird annual RMB 214,700; Annual RMB 221,400; Semester RMB 114,000; Quarterly RMB 58,100. Registration: RMB 10,000 (new) / RMB 3,000 (returning). - High School (Grades 9–12): Early‑bird annual RMB 218,300; Annual RMB 225,000; Semester RMB 115,900; Quarterly RMB 59,100. Registration: RMB 10,000 (new) / RMB 3,000 (returning). Billing schedule and payment terms - Early‑bird (discounted) and full annual payments are due on the dates set in the school's billing notices; the school uses a payment schedule that includes annual, semester and quarterly deadlines. Semester and quarterly payment due dates are indicated in the school billing notices. - Specific payment timing noted in school materials: re‑enrollment and early‑bird deadlines occur in mid‑May; other tuition payment plans and fees are due in mid‑July; quarterly payments fall on the 15th of July, September, December and March. - Registration fee and tuition must be paid to reserve enrollment according to the billing notice. Payments more than five school days past the due date are subject to a late fee of RMB 50 per school day; students may be excluded from classes if payment is more than ten business days past due. - Late enrollment: annual tuition for late new‑student enrollment is prorated by the enrollment quarter; other payment plan arrangements for late enrollment are made with the Finance Office. Boarding/Residence - Boarding is not offered by this school (the school operates as a day school); there are no boarding fees. Other costs and typical additional fees - Transportation (bus) fee: RMB 8,600 per year. This is charged for the entire year and is payable regardless of the tuition payment plan selected. - Lunch: ECC–Grade 1 meals RMB 28 per meal (annual example noted RMB 5,040); Grades 2–12 meals RMB 33 per meal (annual example noted RMB 5,940). Lunch deposits are managed through the school's PowerSchool account; unused lunch balances are refundable. - Academic special needs support (if required): variable; up to RMB 75,000 depending on the level of additional services. - Devices/technology for secondary students: family‑provided (secondary device policy applies for Grades 6–12). - Uniforms and other personal items: variable cost (typical uniform estimates are indicated in school communications; families are responsible for uniform purchases). - Optional trips and extra‑curricular event costs: variable. School covers 50% of some school‑sponsored activities (for example certain tournaments); non‑sponsored event costs are 100% parent responsibility. Refund information and finance policies - Assessment fee and registration fee are non‑refundable. - Tuition and transportation fees are refundable for remaining full quarters not attended if a student withdraws; unused lunch account balances are refundable. - No portion of tuition is refundable for students dismissed for disciplinary reasons or expelled. - Grade‑12 students who graduate in December are required to pay 60% of the annual tuition for that year. Fee payment options and instructions - Primary methods for tuition payments: bank transfer (domestic RMB account and a US USD account are available). When making a bank transfer, include the student's full name and grade and email proof of payment to the Finance Office to ensure correct crediting. All bank charges for transfers are to be borne by the remitter. - Registration fee and transportation fee: payable by bank transfer or WeChat. - Lunch deposit/top‑up: managed through PowerSchool and can be paid using WeChat Pay as instructed in the school's lunch payment process. Unused lunch balances are refundable. - Finance Office contact for payment confirmation and receipts: finance@isqchina.com (use this contact to send payment proof and to request family‑specific invoices or confirm US account details).	Fee details Application and Registration Fees - New-student registration fee: RMB 30,000. - No routine registration fee is listed for returning students in the published fee summaries. Tuition fees (annual and per-instalment by year group) - Pre‑K / Kindergarten (PreK–K): Annual tuition RMB 113,360. Semester option (x2): RMB 61,680 per semester. Quarterly option (x4): RMB 30,840 per quarter. - Grades 1–5 (Primary): Annual tuition RMB 135,000. Semester option (x2): RMB 72,900 per semester. Quarterly option (x4): RMB 36,450 per quarter. - Grades 6–8 (Lower Secondary): Annual tuition RMB 146,000. Semester option (x2): RMB 78,840 per semester. Quarterly option (x4): RMB 39,420 per quarter. - Grades 9–12 (Upper Secondary / High School): Annual tuition RMB 157,000. Semester option (x2): RMB 84,780 per semester. Quarterly option (x4): RMB 42,390 per quarter. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school offers structured instalment plans: a two‑instalment (semester) plan and a four‑instalment (quarterly) plan with the per‑instalment amounts shown above. Families may select the instalment plan when arranging payment. Total initial costs for new students are presented to include registration plus tuition and other mandatory items. - Published fee summaries indicate that some ancillary charges (insurance, optional services) are included in the total cost calculations for invoicing, and optional services (such as bus and lunch) are added or removed according to family selection. Specific invoice dates and internal payment deadlines are set by the school's billing process and are shown on issued invoices. Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered at Qingdao No. 1 International School of Shandong Province; the school operates as a day school. No annual boarding fee is listed. Other mandatory or optional costs - Bus (school transport): RMB 8,500 per year (optional service). - Lunch (school meals): RMB 5,200 per year (optional service). - Insurance and activity charges: fee summaries indicate insurance and certain activity charges are included in overall invoicing for new or returning students; details are itemised on invoices. - Items commonly charged separately (not included in the core tuition): externally administered standardized test fees, optional international programs, some optional extra‑curricular trips and personal devices or technology purchases. These items are typically invoiced separately when applicable. - Uniforms and one‑off starter costs: no fixed uniform price is published in the publicly available fee summaries; uniform and school‑supply costs are additional and vary by family and supplier. Refund information - Published fee summaries used for the fee breakdown do not present a detailed, itemised public refund policy in the fee summary pages. Refund terms for registration, deposits and tuition (including deadlines and refund percentages) are determined by the school's official financial and enrollment policies and are specified on formal enrollment documentation and invoices. Fee payment options - The school processes applications through an online application portal. Tuition and associated school fees are invoiced and settled according to the billing instructions on those invoices. Publicly available fee summaries and the school's admissions links indicate online application processing and standard invoicing; banks transfers and the school's invoicing system are commonly used for settlement of tuition and ancillary fees. Specific accepted payment methods (for example: domestic bank transfer in RMB, international T/T, online portal card payments, WeChat/Alipay) are detailed on invoices and in the school's finance communications. Families should follow the payment instructions shown on official invoices when paying.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniforms are supplied through Cre8te Uniforms starting in 2025–2026, with polo items included in the standard dress. Orders ship directly to homes, and families access the ISQ uniform store by logging in with the QDISQ account; the order window begins July 21.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options ISQ provides on-site lunch with charges per meal: 28 RMB for ECC–G1; 33 RMB for G2–G12. Lunch deposits are managed via PowerSchool, and a current lunch menu is available for viewing.	Food options The QISS cafeteria offers four daily lunch options: two Chinese-style meals with two meat dishes and two vegetable dishes, an international meal option, and hand-pulled noodles. All food is cooked on site and sourced from reputable local distributors, and meals are prepared according to regulated food safety and sanitation standards.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership ISQ is part of LifePlus, a network of international schools, and Cognia accreditation is held across LifePlus schools. LifePlus operates five international schools in China.	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board works in collaboration with the Qingdao City Construction Investment Group (QCCI) and key stakeholders to provide first-rate western-style international education. Its objectives include strengthening the school's connection to society, improving efficiency, and ensuring stable long-term development.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details ISQ offers Pre-K through 12 education in English with an American college-preparatory program and AP coursework, and is Cognia-accredited. In High School, students take Advanced Placement courses across disciplines, with electives and clubs, and receive university and career planning support, including PSAT/SAT/ACT testing and options for dual enrollment with partners such as Grand Canyon University and LifePlus Online Academy. Middle School emphasizes character development and leadership as part of the LifePlus framework, with a balanced curriculum that integrates arts, Chinese language and culture, and technology through Canvas and Apple-based digital learning. Elementary builds on character development and leadership, with arts and Chinese language and culture as core components, and a focus on social-emotional growth alongside academic learning. ISQ's campus operates as a Cognia-accredited LifePlus international school, emphasizing character, leadership and global citizenship across all levels.	Curriculum details QISS offers Pre-K through 12 education with a US-based Core Curriculum aligned to the Common Core and College Board/AP standards, an on-site AP/SAT testing center, and a College Counseling program. Lower School (Kindergarten–Grade 5) uses four units of inquiry with authentic, performance-based assessments and language development in English and Mandarin. Middle School (grades 6–8) provides a fixed, inquiry-based program with courses in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Chinese, Physical Education, Visual Art, Music, Drama, Information Technology, Health and Communications Skills. High School (grades 9–12) centers on core classes based on US Common Core, College Board, and AP standards, with electives and a menu of AP courses including AP Calculus AB, AP Chinese Language and Culture, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Biology, AP Physics, AP Computer Science, AP Statistics, and more. The English Language Learner (ELL) program provides push-in and pull-out services, with WIDA screening and exit criteria to help students access mainstream classes.
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 ISQ supports social and emotional learning through a holistic wellbeing program and dedicated student wellbeing initiatives; the school has its own counselling team and wellbeing‑focused programs, including Model United Nations and fine arts, and it emphasizes that every child is loved, valued, and capable.	Social & emotional learning QISS implements a whole-school Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program through the Leader in Me framework, which is based on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and emphasizes leadership for every student, a culture of student empowerment, and the development of the whole person; SEL is embedded across daily lessons, routines, and school life and is measured against CASEL competencies and ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors, with related parent workshops and wellbeing-focused activities.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school has a Learning Support Coordinator (Melody Lee) for 2025–2026 who will work part‑time to support students with learning needs across all grades, and she is certified in special education; ISQ does not publicly disclose whether it is a specialist SEN institution or the full list of SEN categories.	Special educational needs (SEN) Public information on specific SEN provision or whether QISS operates as a specialist SEN institution is not disclosed; the school emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion as part of its community culture.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The English Language Support (ELS) department provides additional support to non‑native English speaking students across elementary and middle school to enable participation in the full curriculum.	English as an additional language QISS provides English Language Learners (ELL) support with scheduled classes, push‑in and pull‑out services, and collaboration between ELL and content teachers; the ELL program is taught by certified ELL teachers and uses a WIDA screener at enrollment with annual progress assessments to determine placement and exit criteria.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Counselling services support a range of personal, academic, and social issues in group and individual settings, focusing on healthy relationships, resilience, mental health, and emotional well‑being.	Mental wellbeing Wellbeing is central to learning at QISS, anchored in Leader in Me and aligned with CASEL and ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors, with a school counseling program accessible to all students and staff, workshops for parents and students, and monthly PEP talks to support emotional health and balance.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Child safety is prioritized through a Director of Child Safety, two designated Child Safety Specialists at each school, and policies including a Code of Conduct and LifePlus Safety and Security Code; regular staff and student training and confidential reporting mechanisms are in place.	Safeguarding Safeguarding at QISS follows the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and ITFCP guidance; there are four designated safeguarding officers, annual safeguarding and child protection training for all staff, and thorough background checks (police clearance every two years) for applicants, with formal policies and contact points available for reporting concerns.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview ISQ Qingdao's campus is located in Licang District, near the Bijia community and the Qingdao Horticultural Expo, set in a natural surroundings. The school operates a dedicated Early Childhood Center (ECC) designed to support play-based learning and development for young children. Academic facilities include science and computer labs and an extensive library to support inquiry and independent study. A performance-oriented auditorium hosts school events, while play and sports facilities provide spaces for physical education and teamwork, including outdoor basketball courts and a soccer field, plus a recreation room for fitness and wellbeing. The ECC features an outdoor classroom and regular excursions that connect indoor learning with the outdoors.	Facilities overview QISS sits on a 48,000 square meter campus in the Laoshan district of Qingdao. The facilities include a heated 25-meter, six-lane swimming pool with a lifeguard and a parent lounge, a gymnasium for basketball, volleyball and badminton, and outdoor track and field spaces plus soccer, basketball and tennis courts. The auditorium seats 409 and has professional lighting and sound for assemblies and performances. The campus also features a three-story rock-climbing wall, a six-table ping-pong hall, a dance studio, a weights room, a billiards room, a ceramics room with wheels and a kiln, and a dedicated theatre production space. The academic facilities include two libraries, over 20,000 books in the Library/Media Center, five science labs and four IT labs, plus a technology suite with SmartBoards/SmartTVs and campus-wide Wi‑Fi with a government-approved VPN.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Play and sports facilities include outdoor basketball courts and a soccer field, as shown in campus imagery. The campus also includes a recreation room dedicated to fitness, health and wellbeing.	Sports facilities The pool is a 25-meter, six-lane, heated facility with lifeguard supervision. The gymnasium hosts basketball, volleyball and badminton and is equipped with modern PE equipment. Outdoor facilities include track and field, soccer and basketball courts, and tennis courts. Additional sports facilities include a three-story rock-climbing wall, a six-table ping-pong hall, a dance studio, a weights room, and a billiards room.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The Early Childhood Center provides concrete learning experiences in literacy, numeracy, creativity, and social and physical development, with play-based activities and an outdoor classroom. Science and computer labs support hands-on inquiry and digital learning, and the extensive library serves as a knowledge hub for students and staff. A PowerSchool portal provides digital access to grades, assignments, scores, attendance and announcements.	Academic facilities There are five science labs—physics, chemistry, biology, general science and electronics—with a dedicated science lab assistant. Two professionally staffed libraries serve Upper and Lower School students, collectively housing over 20,000 books. The technology program includes four IT labs: a Lower School IT Lab, an Upper School IT Lab, an iMac Creative Suite, and an auxiliary IT lab, with SmartBoards or SmartTVs in classrooms and campus-wide Wi-Fi supported by a government-approved VPN. The campus also operates an AP/SAT testing center on site.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Auditorium spaces support performances and events. The school emphasizes arts and wellbeing programs, including dedicated fine arts activities, and has a history of programs such as Model United Nations and fine arts festivals in Qingdao. ECC students participate in art, music and drama, with regular Fine Art Galas and China Week celebrations.	Extra curricular facilities Co-curricular offerings include Athletics (swimming, soccer, basketball, volleyball, track and chess) with participation in local and regional tournaments. Fine Arts and performing arts spaces support drama, music and ceramics, including a theatre production space and ceramics room. After School Activities (ASAP) provide additional programs, and student leadership opportunities include Little Sharks, QISSMUN, Student Council, and Service Groups.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History ISQ opened in 1996 as QMIS with eight foreign students. In 2005, it earned its first accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in Qingdao and Shandong, graduated its first class of six students, and became a founding member school of the Association of China and Mongolia International Schools. In 2017, the school moved to the Licang district and established a dedicated Early Childhood Center on its new campus. In 2021, at the end of its 25th anniversary, ISQ exceeded 400 high school graduates and transferred its accreditation to Cognia; ISQ is part of LifePlus Worldwide Learning.	History Qingdao No. 1 International School of Shandong Province (QISS) opened on August 16, 2007 to students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. It was briefly housed in the international wing of Qingdao No. 2 Middle School before becoming the cornerstone of Qingdao City Construction and Investment Group's international education park in Laoshan district. The 2010–2011 academic year marked the move to a new campus with state-of-the-art facilities. The school is overseen by the Qingdao Local Bureau of Education and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and a member of ACAMIS. Approximately 300 students from over 30 countries attend QISS.
Community	Community ISQ provides an English-language PreK–12 education with an American AP curriculum and serves a multinational community (23 nationalities) with class sizes around 14 and a teacher–student ratio of about 1:5. The school hosts a range of community events and cultural activities, often organized or supported by the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), such as the Spring Celebration at a local hotel. Newsletters and event reports show ongoing activities including campus picnics, leadership events, and festive fairs that engage students, families, and staff. These events and communications reflect a lively, close-knit community that values family involvement and student life.	Community QISS enrolls approximately 300 students from more than 30 countries, reflecting a diverse international community. The 48,000-square-meter campus is located in the Laoshan district of Qingdao and serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school supports a range of community programs, including Little Sharks for early learners, Wellbeing initiatives anchored in the Leader in Me framework, and QISSMUN, alongside Student Council and an Alumni network. The school's community infrastructure is visible in the presence of programs such as Little Sharks, QISSMUN, and other student-led activities across its campuses.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association ISQ has a Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) that coordinates parent involvement and community events. The PTO hosted the Spring Celebration at the Shangri-La hotel in March 2023, drawing over 350 attendees including parents, staff, and alumni. High school clubs contributed to the event by selling snacks and raffles to raise funds for student projects. In May 2023 the PTO organized a campus-wide Spring Picnic with games, food, and family activities, and the Christmas Fair in December 2023 featured vendors, a food court and a major raffle, with proceeds supporting TongXing and student service initiatives. PTO volunteers have also supported campus improvements, including playground upgrades and lobby/café renovations, in collaboration with the administration and LifePlus.	Parent teacher association The Parent Teacher Association at QISS is a volunteer organization made up of all parents/guardians and staff. The PTA exists to provide positive support for educational excellence, while celebrating our cultural diversity and fostering a spirit of community. Its purposes include developing a closer connection between school and home, supporting academic and enrichment activities, and providing volunteer and financial support. PTA General Members are all parents/guardians and staff, and they may attend quarterly General Assembly meetings. The inaugural PTA Executive Board is appointed by volunteers, with elections for the Board held annually beginning in May. Funds raised by the PTA come from donations, school events, and sponsoring companies and are used to support enrichment requests, social events (such as the Welcome Social, PTA Gala & Silent Auction, and other activities), refreshments at events, and the QISS Spirit Wear program.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered to provide university-level study. In high school, students can choose electives and participate in clubs such as journalism, Student Council, Model United Nations, National Honors Society, broadcast, internships, and more. A Science Fair is part of the student experience, and the school provides university and career planning guidance through dedicated counselors.	Academic & intellectual QISS provides a Model United Nations program called QISSMUN for students in grades 6–12 to develop public speaking, research, and leadership through structured debate and committee work. The conference themes and committee structure offer opportunities for argumentation, negotiation, and diplomacy. The school also maintains a Student Council that gives students formal leadership roles and helps plan school events. QISS emphasizes inquiry-based learning as a core approach to academic enrichment.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Visual arts, music and drama are central to ISQ's arts program across middle and high school. Students have opportunities to perform on campus during Drama events and Fine Art Galas, and may participate in the annual Fine Arts Festival in Tianjin. The Arts program is supported by qualified teachers and includes exhibitions and performances as part of student life.	Arts & creative Fine Arts is a feature of QISS's co-curricular program. The Fine Arts page describes a focus on visual arts and a virtual art gallery where students create, critique, and display artwork. The program encourages students to express ideas through art and design, with opportunities for community exposure beyond the classroom.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language ISQ provides a Chinese language and culture program across elementary, middle and high school, with classes that differentiate for beginners through native speakers. In addition, electives and clubs introduce international perspectives, including Model United Nations. Excursions and trips deepen cultural understanding and connections with local and broader communities.	Cultural & language QISS offers a Chinese Language & Culture program with tracks for native and non-native speakers, integrating language study with Chinese culture and arts such as calligraphy and traditional crafts. The program includes Chinese literature and AP Chinese Language & Culture, creating pathways for deeper understanding of language and culture. The school also hosts QISSMUN, a Model UN program that fosters international dialogue and cross-cultural exchange.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Elementary after-school activities include Student Council, cooking club, martial arts (taekwondo or jiujitsu), and soccer. Across levels, athletics and a variety of clubs form part of ISQ's student-life offerings to promote social interaction and teamwork. Students also take on leadership roles through Student Council and other clubs.	Social & hobbies The Athletics program includes swimming, soccer, basketball, volleyball, track, and chess, and the school participates in local, regional, and national tournaments. The Shuttle Sharks and GFU Football Academy are part of the school's athletics offerings, providing intramural teams and structured soccer training. The co-curricular program also includes additional after-school activities to support a range of student interests.
Community & service	Community & service Community service plays a key role in ISQ's high school program, with students encouraged to participate in service projects in school and the wider community. LifePlus provides service-learning opportunities and trips around China and beyond. These experiences foster social responsibility and community engagement.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Middle School includes Character Development classes to cultivate worldview, identity and leadership. Elementary also emphasizes leadership through its LifePlus Qualities for Life and character development. High School offers leadership opportunities via electives and clubs, including Student Council, Model United Nations, National Honors Society, journalism and broadcast, along with internship options.	Leadership & professional QISS is a Leader in Me School, applying a program that develops leadership and life skills for all students. The Leader in Me framework emphasizes the seven habits and a culture of student empowerment, with alignment to academics. The school also runs a Student Council with elected officers who lead events and student activities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing ISQ provides facilities that support wellbeing, including an auditorium, play and sports facilities, a recreation room, and an extensive library. The safety and wellbeing program includes on-site counseling, English Language Support, and a Health Office to address students' physical and emotional needs. ISQ also maintains safety policies and trained staff to support the school community.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Mindful Hearts is a school-wide wellbeing program focusing on mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and resilience. The PE and Health program covers sports, nutrition, healthy habits, and mental care as part of forming healthy lifestyles. The campus includes a swimming pool and fitness center to support ongoing health and wellness, and the athletics program provides opportunities for regular physical activity.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision ISQ provides PreK–12 education in English and follows an American curriculum. Chinese language and culture is offered at multiple levels (beginner to native) with small class sizes to differentiate instruction. An English Language Support (ELS) program is available for non-native English speakers, focusing on speaking, reading, writing and listening; it uses bi-annual WIDA assessments and MAP data, with in-class push-in and pull-out supports, and students graduate to mainstream classes as proficiency improves.	Language provision English is the language of instruction; The English Language Learner (ELL) program supports students' English development with scheduled classes, push-in and pull-out services, and a year-long English Development course. Chinese language and culture are taught through a Chinese Language & Culture program with tracks for Native Speakers and Non-Native Speakers, including language, literature, and culture coursework. The program also includes Chinese Literature for US Native Speakers and AP Chinese Language and Culture for High School. For Non-Native Speakers of Chinese, pronunciation, tones, Pinyin, and initial character learning are emphasized to build speaking and daily-life communication skills.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching QISS is an English-medium international school. Chinese language and culture are taught through a comprehensive Chinese program that includes Chinese language and literature and Chinese traditional culture and art. The Chinese program includes tracks for Native Speakers and Non-Native Speakers with emphasis on pronunciation, reading, and cultural learning, and an AP Chinese Language and Culture course is offered for high school. A formal bilingual program is not described in public materials.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards 2025 LifePlus High School Soccer Tournament – Boys' championship title and Girls' Sportsmanship Award (awards won by ISQ's teams competing as the school). 2023 LifePlus Volleyball Tournament – Boys' and Girls' Sportsmanship Awards (team awards earned by ISQ's volleyball teams). 2022 Qingdao International Schools Network Volleyball Tournament – Women's Volleyball Sportsmanship Award (team award to ISQ's girls' team). 2023 Qingdao International Schools Network Ping Pong Tournament – Sportsmanship Awards for both boys' and girls' teams (team awards earned by ISQ).	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations Cognia accreditation (2021–present). Cognia is the world's largest education improvement organization; ISQ's Cognia accreditation superseded its previous WASC accreditation in 2021, providing a global framework for evaluating and improving teaching and learning across LifePlus schools.	Accreditations - Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) — QISS is fully accredited by The Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges. ACS WASC is a world-renowned accrediting association that works closely with the U.S. Office of Overseas Schools; accreditation supports high learning standards and validates transcripts so the diploma is recognized by universities worldwide. - Council of International Schools (CIS) — QISS is a CIS Accredited School. This status indicates compliance with the international standards overseen by the Council of International Schools.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Step 1: Submission. ISQ Qingdao maintains rolling admissions and accepts applications for new students throughout the year. First, you should complete the online application form provided on the admissions page. After you submit, the admissions team will acknowledge your inquiry and begin reviewing your materials. This step sets the stage for the rest of the process and signals that your family is in the queue for consideration. Step 2: Paperwork. The school reviews supporting documents for both the applicant and the child. Typical documents include copies of the applicant's passport and visa or residence permit, the child's immunization record, and previous school records or transcripts. Preparing these documents promptly helps keep the process moving. If additional documents are needed, the admissions team will request them. Step 3: Assessment. An interview with a Teaching + Learning Principal is conducted to get to know the student. If the child's native language is not English, an age-appropriate admissions assessment is also conducted to evaluate language and aptitudes. The admissions office will arrange any tests as needed and share next steps once testing is complete. Step 4: Decision. After completing the application and assessments, ISQ Qingdao will notify you within one week about whether your child is accepted, declined, or placed in the waiting pool. If accepted, you will be asked to pay the enrollment deposit and prepare for the start of the school year. If there is no immediate place, the child may be placed in the waiting pool for a future opening.	Admissions —
Scholarships	Scholarships ISQ Qingdao does not publish a scholarship program within its admissions materials.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist ISQ Qingdao uses a rolling admissions approach, meaning applications are reviewed as they come in throughout the year. If there isn't an available place when a file is reviewed, the child's name may be placed in the waiting pool.	Waitlist —
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