Korea International School Shenzhen vs QSI International School of Shenzhen

	K Korea International School Shenzhen Shenzhen, China	Q QSI International School of Shenzhen Shenzhen, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 107,600 - 145,800	Fees / year RMB 138,300 - 226,800
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP)	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 5	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2005	Opened 2001
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location KIS in Shenzhen is located in Nanshan District; the English site lists the address as No. 4357 Dongbin Road, Nanshan Street, Shenzhen. The About page gives simple public-transport directions (walk from Lilin Station Exit A) and a taxi instruction for the address. Office hours for the school office are published as Monday–Friday 08:00–17:00.	Location QSI Shenzhen is located in the Shekou area of Nanshan District, Shenzhen, with campuses clustered near Tai Zi Road / Bitao Center and the Fenghua Theatre (Shekou). The campuses are accessible from nearby metro stations serving the Sea World / Shekou area and are in a mixed residential and commercial neighbourhood popular with expatriate families.
Stages	Stages The school operates a full PreK–Grade 12 programme: Preschool (Pre-K and KG), Elementary (Grade 1–6), Middle (Grade 7–9) and High School (Grade 10–12). Each division has its own curriculum page (Preschool, Elementary, Middle, High) on the school website. The public pages include a grade/age listing used for admissions.	Stages The school operates three campuses divided by age: Preschool & Lower Elementary (ages 2–7), Main Campus / Middle School (ages 8–13), and Secondary Campus (ages 14–18). Each campus has its own facilities and administration.
School type	School type KIS is a private international day school serving children from preschool through Grade 12; the school describes itself as a school for students studying abroad and is an AP-authorized school and SAT test centre. The website lists paid school-bus services but does not describe any boarding provision.	School type QSI Shenzhen is a non-profit, co-educational day school that serves expatriate families; it does not offer boarding. The school follows the QSI / American-based approach and is part of the Quality Schools International group.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The website describes an English Language Learning (ELL) programme in Elementary and Middle School (ELL runs through Grade 8 in middle school) and says teachers cater to mixed-ability classes and tailor activities to reach all students. The school uses MAP Growth testing for ongoing assessment and notes counselling rooms are available in middle school.	Additional learning support The school provides dedicated learning-support staff (including two learning support teachers and paraprofessionals in younger classes), a full‑time counselor on each campus, and an Intensive English (IE) programme for early learners who need extra English instruction. QSI's network also works with regional learning‑support coordinators when additional assessment or planning is required.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school was founded as Korea International School and was established in 2005; it was originally set up to serve Korean expatriate children and the site also notes the student body now includes many nationalities. The Chinese-language site name likewise identifies it as the Korean expatriate children's school in Shenzhen.	Country affiliation The school is an independent international school and part of the QSI group (an international network); it is not affiliated with a particular national government. QSI schools hold international accreditations (QSI Shenzhen is accredited by the Middle States Association).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school website does not state any religious affiliation; material on the About and Academics pages focuses on academic programmes, language support and school mission rather than religious instruction.	Religious affiliation QSI Shenzhen is secular and has no religious affiliation; its programme and materials present a non‑religious, international curriculum.
School day structure	School day structure The school website publishes office hours (Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00) but does not give a detailed daily timetable (start/end times for lessons, break and lunch times) for each division. For exact start/end times and break/lunch arrangements, the admissions office or the school calendar/PDFs available from the school should be contacted.	School day structure Classes generally begin at 8:30 AM. At the Secondary Campus the school follows an alternating block schedule with classes starting at 8:30 AM and ending at about 4:00 PM, with a morning break, an afternoon break and a 45‑minute lunch; younger divisions typically finish earlier (check admissions for exact division times).
Bus service details	Bus service details KIS operates a paid school-bus service with published per‑semester fees for different catchment areas (for example, Shekou/Houhai/Nanyou listed at RMB 5,100 per semester; other zones have different rates). The admissions information notes designated stops must be used, that routes may change slightly each semester depending on demand, and gives a per-area fee table. The website does not name an external bus provider; for route maps, stop locations and current provider details contact Admissions.	Bus service details QSI Shenzhen offers an optional school bus service run in partnership with a local transport company; bus service is not included in tuition and routes are arranged based on demand. Each bus has an English‑speaking QSI bus monitor, seat belts are required, and some routes include a late bus for after‑school activities. Families can contact the school's transportation office for route details and costs.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - No separate application or admissions-test fee is listed on the school's published admissions/tuition page. The page lists required documents and an application form but does not show a standalone application fee amount. Tuition fees (per semester and per year) - Preschool (Pre‑K to K): RMB 53,800 per semester — Annual estimate (2 semesters): RMB 107,600. - Grades 1–6: RMB 63,800 per semester — Annual estimate: RMB 127,600. - Grades 7–9: RMB 69,800 per semester — Annual estimate: RMB 139,600. - Grades 10–12: RMB 72,900 per semester — Annual estimate: RMB 145,800. Entrance / admission fees - Entrance Fee (one‑time for new students): RMB 18,000. School bus / transport fees - Bus fees are charged per semester and vary by route: - Shekou / Houhai / Nanyou: RMB 5,100 per semester. - Kejiyuan / Qianhai / Nantou / Huaqiaocheng: RMB 5,300 per semester. - Baoan / Qiaoxiang / Chegongmiao: RMB 5,700 per semester. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is published on a per‑semester basis; annual tuition equals two semesters (per‑semester amount × 2). The site states payments must be made “by the specified deadline” but does not publish specific payment dates or installment deadlines on the public tuition page. Additional activity or after‑school charges may be billed separately. Boarding fees - No boarding or dormitory fees are listed; the published materials do not indicate a boarding option. Other costs - School uniform: charged only when an individual elects to purchase extra uniform items (no fixed uniform price listed on the tuition page). - Additional fees may be charged for outdoor school activities, after‑school programs and similar items (details noted as attached to the application form). Sibling discounts are published: second child 5% off tuition; third child — 50% discount on entrance fee and tuition (when siblings are concurrently enrolled). Refund information - The public tuition/ admissions page does not specify refund rules or a refund policy for entrance, tuition or other fees. Fee payment options - The school's public admissions/tuition page does not list accepted payment methods (bank transfer, credit card, etc.). Summary of missing details: The published admissions/tuition page provides per‑semester tuition, entrance fee, bus fees, sibling discounts and notes on additional charges and uniforms, but it does not publish a distinct application/test fee, specific billing deadlines, refund policy language, or the accepted payment methods. The school's application form or admissions office holds further billing and payment‑term details.	Fee details Application fees and deposits - One-time, non-refundable registration/application fee: RMB 2,100 per child. - Non-refundable tuition deposit (placement fee) due within 10 working days of an acceptance offer: RMB 25,200; this amount is applied to school fees but is forfeited if the student does not enroll. Tuition fees by year group (published third-party figures) - The school's public pages do not publish a full numeric tuition table. A third‑party fee listing for the 2025/2026 academic year shows example annual tuition totals by grade (given in RMB): Nursery/Kindergarten ages 2–4: RMB 138,300; Kindergarten 3 and Grades 1–12: RMB 226,800 (variations by specific grade noted in the source). These figures are from an independent fees aggregator and are provided here as published by that third party. Billing schedule and payment terms - Discounts are offered for full-term payments made on or before the term due dates, with an additional discount available if the full annual payment is completed on or before 1 October. If first-term payment is missed but the full year is paid by 1 October, a maximum discount may still apply. - Payments must be made on or before the published due dates; students with outstanding fees may be withheld from classes, evaluations, official records, or communications until accounts are settled. Boarding fees - QSI Shenzhen is a non-profit day school (no boarding program); therefore no boarding fees apply. Other costs and recurring charges - Capital Fund Fee: a separate fee to support facilities and school development is charged (purpose described by the school). - Bus/transportation and school lunch programs are optional and billed separately (bus routes/costs managed via the school's transport arrangements). - Uniforms: the school does not require full daily uniforms; a P.E. uniform is provided/required where applicable (uniform policy noted by third-party listings). Refund information - The registration/application fee and the placement deposit are explicitly non-refundable; the deposit is forfeited if the student does not enroll. No other public refund policy for tuition or other fees is published on the school's public pages. Fee payment options - The school lists payment methods as RMB bank transfer or cash. Credit-card payment is not listed on the publicly posted payment instructions. For invoicing, fapiao, and accounting matters the school provides finance office contacts. Note: the school's public pages provide policy and procedural details but do not publish a full, grade-by-grade numeric fee schedule; the numeric tuition figures above are taken from a third‑party aggregator that cites the school's fees for 2025/2026. Where the school states specific fee items or policies, the school's pages are cited.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school provides a school bus service with multiple routes. Bus fees are charged per location per semester (5,100 RMB for Shekou / Houhai / Nanyou; 5,300 RMB for Kejiyuan / Qianhai / Nantou / Huaqiaocheng; 5,700 RMB for Baoan / Qiaoxiang / Chegongmiao). Routes may be adjusted slightly each semester based on boarding applications, and boarding/disembarking at locations not designated by the school bus stops you applied for is not permitted.	Boarding arrangements The school is a day school with no boarding facilities.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school requires a uniform. PreK–Grade 6 wear a Green Polo; PreK–Grade 12 wear a Grey Polo; Grade 7–12 wear a Navy Polo. PE uniforms are available for summer and autumn; Cadigan; Short/Long Shirt; Short/Long Pants; Skirt; Hoodie; TKD. An extra uniform can be purchased for a fee, and there are no exchanges or refunds after receiving.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options Lunch is provided by a licensed canteen with an FDA Grade A central kitchen; students may bring lunch from home or participate in the hot lunch program. Meals include two proteins, two side dishes, one carbohydrate, one soup, and fruit or a dessert, with Western and local options; Korean, Chinese and vegetarian boxed lunches are available, and drinking water is provided and tested monthly.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is led by Chairman JongJin Park. KIS is an AP authorized school and an SAT authorized center.	Governance and ownership The school is a nonprofit, independently owned and operated institution. It is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Korea International School Shenzhen (KIS) provides an English‑medium curriculum from preschool through Grade 12, organised as Preschool (Pre‑K/KG), Elementary, Middle (Grades 7–9) and High School (Grades 10–12). Preschool comprises Pre‑K (age 4) and KG (age 5) with a developmental curriculum in phonics and literacy, mathematics, science, life skills, creative activities, Chinese as a second language, physical education (yoga/taekwondo/swimming), music and arts. Elementary focuses on core subjects taught in English (English reading/writing, math, science, computer, PE, music, art), supplemented by ELL support, second/third languages (Korean, Chinese, Spanish) and after‑school STEM and clubs. Middle school (Grades 7–9) includes English Language Arts, Mathematics (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2), Social Studies, Science, Chinese plus a third‑language option, computer, PE, music, art & design, with ELL support and MAP Growth benchmarking. High school (Grades 10–12) prepares students with subject pathways including AP‑level options (AP Precalculus/Calculus, AP Biology/Chemistry/Physics, AP Economics/Psychology, AP Computer Science and others); KIS is a College Board‑certified AP school and an SAT test centre, and uses MAP Growth data to monitor progress.	Curriculum details QSI Shenzhen delivers an American‑based, mastery‑learning program in English with core classes in reading, writing, mathematics, cultural studies and science, supplemented by specialist courses (art, music, PE, technology, foreign languages) and character “Success Orientations.” Preschool and Lower Elementary (ages 2–7) use research‑based early‑years materials (Splash into Pre‑K for preschool) and a play‑based integrated 5‑year‑old program; 6–7‑year‑olds follow a full program including math, reading/language arts, science, cultural studies, art, music, computers and PE. The Main Campus (ages 8–13) aligns many courses with U.S. Common Core standards, provides an Intensive English program for learners of English, and offers technology, PE, art/music and foreign language instruction (Chinese and introductory Spanish). The Secondary Campus (ages 14–18) is a college‑preparatory program offering a QSI Academic Diploma, an Academic Diploma with Honors (which requires at least two AP courses), and the option to pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in Sec III–IV; students can earn the IB Diploma in addition to the QSI diploma. Advanced study options include year‑long, a‑la‑carte Advanced Placement (AP) courses across humanities, math, science, languages and arts (with external exams in May), which are offered for qualified students (encouraged in Secondary I–II) and can complement IB preparation.
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 KIS describes a programme of student leadership, clubs and regular school events that contribute to students' social and emotional development; middle and high school students take part in student council activities and school-wide events. The middle-school page also says the curriculum explicitly aims to foster "social maturity," and that counseling rooms are available to assist students. Weekly electives and after-school clubs (sports, music, debate, etc.) are listed as part of school life and opportunities for social development. The school website does not set out a separate, detailed SEL curriculum document or a named SEL team.	Social & emotional learning QSI Shenzhen teaches character education through its Success Orientations (e.g., Trustworthiness, Responsibility, Concern for Others) and states this is introduced throughout classrooms and the school. The school also says it has a full-time school counselor at each campus who provides character education, friendship groups, and social & emotional support. These elements are presented as part of the school's whole-child approach to learning. Specific curricula, lesson plans, or measurable SEL outcomes are not published on the school website.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school states that teachers cater to mixed-ability classes and that staff tailor activities and learning environments to reach all students. Beyond this statement about mixed-ability teaching, KIS's public pages do not describe specific Special Educational Needs provision, the types of needs supported, specialist staff, or whether the school is a specialist SEN institution. Therefore the school does not publicly disclose detailed information about SEN provision or specialist status.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school's website states it employs two learning support teachers, a regional learning support coordinator, and paraprofessionals in early years classes to support individual student needs. QSI Shenzhen presents these staff as providing additional support to students but does not list a catalogue of specific diagnoses or types of special educational needs it can support. The website does not describe the school as a specialist SEN institution; it presents these roles within a mainstream international school model. Detailed policies, formal referral pathways, or scope/limits of SEN provision are not published on the site.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language KIS operates English Language Learning (ELL) programmes: ELL is described for elementary students and the middle-school page states an ELL programme runs up to Grade 8, with restricted participation in some regular subjects for ELL students. The school uses MAP Growth testing (twice per semester) to assess English and maths achievement and to inform ELL placement. The website therefore documents an organised ELL/ELL assessment approach but does not publish a separate, detailed EAL policy or staffing list.	English as an additional language QSI Shenzhen publishes an Intensive English (IE) Program for students beginning in the 6-year-old class, with students in the IE Program attending IE classes during daily Reading/Writing time. The school also states many teachers hold additional certifications to teach English Language Learners and that the overall program is an English-immersion, American-based curriculum. The website does not provide detailed EAL entry-level criteria, individual withdrawal or push-in/pull-out models, or numbers of EAL staff.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The site notes the availability of counseling rooms in middle school and lists a range of extracurricular activities, physical education and taekwondo aimed at physical and social development. These facilities and activities are presented as part of the school's pastoral and co-curricular provision rather than as a named mental-health programme. The dedicated "Consultation" page is a contact form for enquiries but does not describe a formal mental-health team or clinical services on the public site. KIS does not publicly publish details of any dedicated mental-health staff, external counselling providers or a mental-health programme.	Mental wellbeing The school states that each campus has a full-time counselor who provides social and emotional support, friendship groups, and character education, and secondary counselors also provide college counselling. QSI Shenzhen's materials present these counseling services as part of student support but do not publish a detailed mental-health policy, clinical referral procedures, or descriptions of in-school therapy services. The site also highlights community and parent involvement (e.g., Parent Support Group) as part of student well‑being activities.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding KIS lists contact details and an address on its public pages and, in its Chinese "About" chronology, records a 2024 partnership with Shekou People's Hospital, indicating a formal medical partnership. However, the website does not publish a standalone child-protection or safeguarding policy, nor does it publicly detail safeguarding procedures or named child-protection officers. Therefore the school does not publicly disclose a full child-protection/safeguarding policy on its site.	Safeguarding QSI Shenzhen publishes a Safeguarding and Child Protection statement that names child protection as a school priority and says the school implements school-based safeguarding policies, regular onsite training, and safe recruitment practices. The statement also says the school educates students and adults on safeguarding and works with international agencies to review and apply best-practice standards. The website provides this formal commitment but does not publish a full safeguarding policy document or detailed reporting procedures on the public pages linked.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview KIS Shenzhen has a campus in Shenzhen's Nanshan District. It was founded in 2005 in Shenzhen, China, and serves a diverse student body from 28 countries. The campus address is No.4357, Dongbin Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00–17:00. The school is AP authorized and an SAT authorized center.	Facilities overview QSI Shenzhen operates three campuses: PLE for ages 2-7, Main Campus for ages 8-13, and Secondary Campus for ages 14-18. The school is a non-profit, co-educational day school established in 2001. The PLE Campus features 22 classrooms, a library, a computer lab, a music room, a cafeteria, an art room, a rooftop covered gym, a small covered playground, and a large outdoor playground, with 24-hour security and a full-time nurse. The Main Campus has an indoor gym and full access to outdoor facilities, an extensive library, and technology-enabled spaces; DragonTV and yearbook/film animation projects are part of its program. The Secondary Campus is located at Building B Fenghua Theater, No. 49 Gongyuan Rd, Shekou, and includes 31 classrooms, an art studio, a library, three computer labs, a drama room, a music room, five science labs, a full-size double gym, a fitness room, and a full-size track and a soccer pitch; the library is open until 6:00 PM and there is 24-hour security. All campuses provide English-language instruction; Intensive English supports students (PLE) and the Main Campus; the curriculum is viewable and AP/IB options exist in the secondary program. The Intensive English program is offered at PLE. The Main Campus provides an Intensive English program. Curriculum is available for review at curriculum.qsi.org. AP and IB options are offered in the secondary program.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The PLE Campus has a rooftop covered gym. The Main Campus has an indoor gym and full access to outdoor facilities. The Secondary Campus has a full-size double gym, a fitness room, and a full-size track and soccer pitch. The Secondary Campus participates in athletics through the Pearl River Delta Conference and ACAMIS; sports include badminton, cross-country running, golf, soccer, table tennis, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities AP courses are offered and the school is AP authorized and an SAT authorized center.	Academic facilities PLE Campus includes a library and a computer lab; over 22 full-time English-speaking teachers, including a librarian. PLE class sizes range from 16 to 20 students for 3- to 7-year-olds, with the 2-year-old class capped at 16. Main Campus has an extensive library and a technology-focused environment; Intensive English supports reading and writing; mainstream literacy courses are aligned with CCSS. Secondary Campus features 31 classrooms, an art studio, a library, three computer labs, a drama room, a music room, and five science labs; facilities include a dedicated arts and athletics space and secure hours for the library. AP and IB options are available in the secondary program, with pathways including the Academic Diploma, Academic Diploma with Honors, and the IB Diploma Programme. The curriculum is aligned with CCSS for core subjects and is viewable online.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities After-school activities are offered twice a week after school by professional providers. Main Campus includes DragonTV and yearbook production and film animation projects as part of its technology program. Extracurricular activities include drama, Model United Nations, debate, DragonTV, National Junior Honor Society, Math Olympiads, and more. ACAMIS Arts and Cultural Events occur across China, and ACE events provide additional opportunities for competitions and festivals.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Korea International School in Shenzhen was founded in 2005 and established under the founding philosophy of "Knowledge, Integrity, Service." The school's public materials list a sequence of school leaders and governance figures (multiple principals inaugurated over the years and a named chairman), indicating an institutional leadership structure overseen by a school chair. Its timeline on the school website records milestones such as the start of a Korean weekend school in 2009, the first enrollment of multinational students in 2014, and other program developments through 2024. These details are presented on the school's official About/History pages.	History QSI International School of Shenzhen was established in 2001 as a non-profit, co-educational day school serving students from early childhood through secondary graduation. It operates as an independently owned and operated school within the Quality Schools International (QSI) organization; QSI's origins trace to Sanaa International School founded in 1971. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges and serves largely expatriate families in the Shenzhen area. Leadership is provided by a campus director and senior staff who oversee the three campuses and academic programs.
Community	Community KIS presents itself as a multicultural community with students from multiple nationalities and a regular schedule of school-wide events posted in its news and calendar sections. Recent and archived items on the school news pages include an International Culture Festival, Winter Festival concerts, Halloween activities, Model UN, math challenges and university/career fairs, plus moving-up and graduation ceremonies. The site also posts open days and curriculum information sessions, and highlights community partnerships (for example, a cooperation agreement mentioned in recent timeline entries). These news and calendar entries are the primary public record of community life on the school website.	Community The QSI Shenzhen community is made up of a multinational expatriate parent body, teaching staff recruited from English-speaking countries, and students across three campuses. The school posts an events calendar and runs regular school activities and cultural programs (for example, Dragon TV and student exchange information sessions are listed on the school events pages). After-school activities and language-support programs are part of the weekly routine, and the school promotes character-oriented Success Orientations across classes.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school website does not publish a distinct Parent Teacher Association (PTA) page or constitution; however, parent engagement is referenced in the school's welcome message, which thanks parents and emphasizes ongoing communication and collaboration. Parents are visibly invited into community activities through events listed in the news and notices—examples include International Culture Festival, Winter Festival concerts, open days, curriculum information sessions, moving-up/graduation ceremonies and other school celebrations where parental attendance or support is implied. The site's event notices and community news pages are the best available sources for how parents participate publicly, though they do not specify formal PTA committees, elected steering groups, or fundraising roles. For up-to-date information about any formal PTA structure, volunteer groups, or how to get involved, the school lists a contact email (info@kis.org.cn) on its site and that would be the recommended channel to request current PTA details.	Parent teacher association QSI Shenzhen's Parent Support Group (PSG) is the school's parent-teacher association; all faculty, administration and parents of enrolled students are automatically members. The PSG is run by volunteer coordinators and a coordinating team that organizes campus and language coordinators to help communicate across the school's multiple campuses. Typical PSG activities include fundraising for non-curricular student programs, organizing community events, and providing volunteer opportunities across campuses. PSG meetings are open to all parents and are usually held after the monthly “Coffee with the Director” sessions; the PSG also maintains bulletin boards on each campus and distributes updates through the school e-newsletter. Parents can contact the PSG or volunteer via the school office or the PSG contact email listed on the school site.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school teaches in English as the primary language of instruction; all subjects are taught in English, with exceptions for taekwondo and language courses. An ELL (English Language Learner) program supports students needing language development through middle school. The MAP Growth Test is administered twice per semester to track English and Mathematics achievement. The school is an official AP School certified by the College Board and hosts an SAT Test Center, enabling AP courses and SAT testing on campus.	Academic & intellectual The school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme for secondary students.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Weekly electives and clubs include Music Band, Jazz Dance, Broadcasting, Drone, Debate, and Orchestra, alongside Art & Design as part of the curriculum. Visual and performing arts opportunities are integrated through concerts and talent shows. Students have opportunities to develop their creative talents across the middle and high school levels.	Arts & creative The school provides Art, Music, and Physical Education as specialist courses and electives. The secondary campus has dedicated spaces for art and drama including an art studio, drama room, and music room, along with a library. The curriculum includes Art, Music, Physical Education, Computer Technology, and foreign languages.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Second foreign language offerings include Chinese, with a third foreign language option of Korean or Spanish. Korean and Spanish are listed as third-language options, and Korean/Chinese/Spanish language study is part of the program at different levels. The school emphasizes multilingual communication through second and third language study.	Cultural & language The school uses English Language Immersion with an American-based curriculum. An Intensive English (IE) program is available for students starting in the 6 year-old class, with IE classes integrated into Reading and Writing time daily. The school offers a range of foreign languages.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies There are weekly elective and club activities such as Badminton, Football, Volleyball, Music Band, Jazz Dance, Broadcasting, Drone, Debate, and Orchestra. Students participate in events like Field Trips, Contests, Sports Day, and Talent Show. The social and extracurricular program supports broad participation and personal interests across middle and high school.	Social & hobbies The school offers after-school activities and sports programs. The athletic program includes soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton, touch rugby, and cross-country.
Community & service	Community & service Volunteer activities and social responsibility initiatives are part of student life, with opportunities beyond middle school. The school provides various volunteer activities and social engagement experiences as part of its programs. The curriculum and activities support community involvement and service.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The high school offers college admissions guidance with 1:1 counseling to assist students in planning their university paths. The admissions office provides support and information for college applications. Career development activities include company visits and professional talks to prepare students for postsecondary opportunities.	Leadership & professional The school maintains a full-time school counselor at each campus who provides character education, friendship groups, and social-emotional support; the secondary campus counselor also provides college counseling.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Physical Education is a core subject and students participate in team sports and fitness activities. Extracurricular clubs and athletics support physical well-being and active lifestyles, including sports such as badminton, football, and volleyball. The school integrates wellness through its PE curriculum and ongoing athletic programs.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school uses the Mastery Learning model to support student achievement and personal growth, guided by the 'Success for All' ethos. The athletic program and campus facilities support physical activity and wellbeing, with regular after-school activities and sports. The school day runs from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM with breaks and a 45-minute lunch.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language of instruction for most core subjects. English Language Learning (ELL) is provided to support learners. The school offers second- and third-language options including Chinese, Korean, and Spanish; Chinese is taught as a second language, while Korean and Spanish are offered as third languages in middle and high school. These language offerings are available across elementary, middle, and high school.	Language provision The school uses English as the language of instruction. The Secondary Campus offers an English-language based, college-preparatory program with AP and IB options. Foreign language offerings include Chinese (Mandarin) and Spanish; Mandarin is taught as a foreign language. Intensive English supports non-native speakers to achieve academic English proficiency.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs English Language Immersion – American Based Curriculum accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges. Intensive English (IE) program provides targeted English language support for students starting in the 6-year-old class, with IE classes during Reading and Writing time daily. The staff recruited from native-English-speaking countries hold certifications in their core content areas.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards No school-level awards listed on the QSI International School of Shenzhen website for the five-year period from January 1, 2021 through January 1, 2026. I searched the school's public site (menus, About pages and news/events areas) and did not find any entries that identify awards given to the school (as opposed to awards or achievements by individual students). If you'd like, I can broaden the search beyond the school website (news, local press, QSI network pages) to look for any externally reported awards.
Accreditations	Accreditations • AP authorized school (College Board) — The site states KIS is an AP-authorized school, meaning it offers College Board Advanced Placement courses and prepares students to sit AP exams; this is an academic program authorization rather than an institutional accreditation. • Official SAT Test Center (College Board) — The school is presented on the website as a designated SAT test center, which means it can administer College Board SAT tests on campus; the site also records the school being designated as an SAT center in 2022. • "Designated School for Academic Placement Courses" (2021) — The school's history page records that in 2021 KIS was selected as a ‘Designated School for Academic Placement Courses'; the website does not specify which external body made that designation. • Adoption of MAP Growth (NWEA) assessments — The website documents that KIS introduced MAP Growth testing (NWEA) for student progress monitoring (not an accreditation, but a formally stated assessment partnership/adoption on the site).	Accreditations Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) — QSI International School of Shenzhen is accredited by the Middle States Association; the school's website states it has held MSA accreditation since 2006. MSA accreditation is an external, U.S.-based school-accreditation process that indicates a school meets a set of internationally recognized standards for governance, curriculum, student services and continuous improvement; QSI Shenzhen also notes that Quality Schools International is working toward system‑wide accreditation through MSA, which would align improvement planning across all QSI schools.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Parents should confirm which academic year the form covers (the site lists details for 2025/26) and ask whether any deadlines or intake windows apply for that year. Note that the school posts notices and calendar items on its website, so check those before you apply. 2. Submit application and required documents — Complete and submit the Admission Application Form together with the required documents: the applicant's passport and visa, parent passports and visas, vaccination records, transcripts from the past year, a certificate of enrollment, and a recommendation letter if available. The school states that submitted documents become the property of KIS Shenzhen and will not be returned, so provide copies and keep originals safe. Parents should ensure document dates and translations (if needed) meet the school's expectations before submission. 3. Schedule a visit and meet school leadership — After applying, schedule a school visit and a meeting with the principal or head of the relevant school section (Preschool, Elementary, Middle, High). During this meeting you can confirm curriculum fit, ask about class size, and discuss any special educational or medical needs your child has; bring originals of key documents to the meeting if requested. Visiting also helps families confirm bus routes and campus logistics listed by the school. 4. Admission assessment — Applicants are required to take an admission test; the school's admissions sequence lists “take the admission test” as a formal step. Ask the admissions office what subjects and formats are used for your child's grade (e.g., English literacy, math, or age-appropriate assessments) and whether there is an interview component. If your child needs accommodations for testing, request them in advance from the admissions office. 5. Receive confirmation of admission — If a seat is available and the child meets the admissions requirements, the school will issue an admission confirmation. If no seat is available at the time of application, the website states the student will be added to the waiting list (see waitlist section below). Parents should confirm the timeline for receiving the written confirmation and what information (start date, class assignment) it will include. 6. Payment and enrolment finalisation — Once admitted, make payments by the specified deadline to secure the place. The site lists an entrance fee (RMB 18,000) and per-semester tuition rates for 2025/26 (Preschool RMB 53,800; G1–G6 RMB 63,800; G7–G9 RMB 69,800; G10–G12 RMB 72,900) and notes additional charges may apply for outdoor activities and after-school programmes. Ask the school for an itemised invoice, the accepted payment methods, the deadline for each fee, and whether bus fees (vary by route) or uniform purchases are billed separately.	Admissions 1. Start the online application. Begin by completing the school's online application through the parent portal (portal.qsishenzhen.cn). After you submit the online form the Admissions Office will contact you to schedule an in-person Admissions appointment for document drop-off and testing; parents should book any campus tours in advance to ensure staff availability. 2. Prepare and bring required documents to the Admissions appointment. The school requires proof of the child's and parents' passports/visas, two years of school records (if applicable), immunization records, and two passport photos for each parent and the child; school records not in English must be officially translated. Failure to bring all items on the application checklist will delay processing, so download and follow the Application Checklist before your appointment. 3. Pay the application/registration fee at the appointment. A non-refundable application/registration fee (stated on the site as RMB 2,100) is due at the time of the Admissions appointment and is typically required in cash; keep the receipt as it is part of your application record. The Admissions Office will not proceed with document processing or testing until this fee is paid. 4. Admissions testing and initial placement. Students age 5+ will take the NWEA MAP computerized adaptive tests in Reading, Math, and Language Usage (all in English); students age 8+ also complete a written essay. MAP results are used for placement but are not the sole determinant—previous records and the Director of Instruction's evaluation also factor into final grade placement. 5. Interview with the Director of Instruction. After testing and document review you will be scheduled for an interview with the campus Director of Instruction; the Director makes the admission decision and places students (age and previously completed grade are primary considerations). Expect the school to place students according to age first, with some exceptions decided by the Director; secondary (high‑school) applicants must demonstrate the English level needed for success in the secondary program. 6. Decision timeline and deposit to hold a space. The Admissions Office aims to return a decision (accepted, denied, or waiting list) by email within one to two days after the interview if all documents were submitted. If accepted, parents must pay a non‑refundable tuition deposit (listed on the site as RMB 25,200) within 10 working days to secure the place; this deposit is applied to fees but forfeited if the student does not enroll. 7. Final invoicing, payments and start. Tuition invoices are issued after the child begins school; the school publishes a Capital Fund Fee and describes a discount policy for timely full‑term/annual payments. Payments are accepted by RMB bank transfer or cash; students may be restricted from class, and records withheld, if fees are not current—so confirm payment deadlines and invoicing procedures with the Finance Office.
Scholarships	Scholarships The Korea International School Shenzhen admissions and tuition pages do not list any scholarships or a financial-aid programme; the site instead notes sibling discounts (second child: 5% off tuition; third child: 50% off admission fee and tuition) and itemises tuition, entrance fee, and bus fees for 2025/26. If you are specifically looking for need- or merit-based scholarships, the Shenzhen site gives no details, so contact the school's admissions office (WeChat: szkis2005 or info@kis.org.cn) to ask whether any discretionary awards, donor-funded scholarships, or external sponsorships are available. For context, other KIS campuses (for example, the Korean International School in Hong Kong) publish scholarship programmes on their own sites, but those programmes apply to their respective campuses and do not imply a scholarship programme in Shenzhen.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist The school webpage explicitly states that students who apply for grades where no seats are available will be added to a waiting list. The site does not provide a public, detailed description of the waiting-list order, typical wait times, or whether offers from the waitlist are communicated by date of application, assessment results, or other criteria. Because the site's published information is limited, parents should confirm directly with the admissions office how the waitlist is managed (priority rules, whether deposits are required to hold a waitlist place, and how often the school offers places from the list).	Waitlist QSI Shenzhen states that the Admissions outcome may be “accepted,” “denied,” or “waiting list,” and families are informed by email shortly after the Director of Instruction's interview. The website does not publish detailed rules for how the waiting list is ordered (for example, whether it is strictly by application date, placement testing results, or other criteria), so parents should ask Admissions directly about their child's position and expected timeline if a waiting‑list offer is issued. For up‑to‑date information about availability at a specific campus or age level, contact admissions@shenzhen.qsi.org or the Admissions Office phone numbers listed on the site.
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