QSI International School of Shenzhen vs Shenzhen American International School

	Q QSI International School of Shenzhen Shenzhen, China	S Shenzhen American International School Shenzhen, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 138,300 - 226,800	Fees / year RMB 138,000 - 298,000
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge A Levels, Montessori Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 300
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 5
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2001	Opened 2005
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location The Bao'an campus is in Hangcheng (Hangcheng Street), Bao'an District, Shenzhen — address: No.2, Beiqi Road. The campus is a short drive from central Bao'an and is part of a newly opened SAIS campus complex that includes academic buildings, dormitories and a dining hall. Public metro and bus links serve Bao'an generally, but exact route/times for daily commutes will depend on your neighbourhood and are best checked locally.
Stages	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.	Stages SAIS operates as a K–12 international school overall (preschool through Grade 12), while the Bao'an campus focuses on middle and high school provision. The Bao'an campus offers middle-school foundation (Grades 6–8) and multiple high-school pathways (IBDP, AP, A‑Level, HKDSE).
School type	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.	School type The school is co-educational and provides both day and boarding options; the Bao'an campus includes an on-site boarding programme for Grade 6 and above. There is no indication that the school is operated by a religious organisation.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	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.	Additional learning support SAIS Bao'an states it provides Special Educational Needs (SEN) support and places emphasis on inclusive admissions procedures and counselling. School counsellors run both group and individual sessions and the school asks parents to work collaboratively with staff on support plans; admissions and the Student Development Center are listed contacts for further detail.
Country affiliation	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).	Country affiliation The school is an independent international school operating in Shenzhen; it offers multiple international curricula (including American-style AP, A‑Level, IB and HKDSE pathways) and is not presented as formally affiliated to a single foreign government. The school was established with approval from the Chinese education authorities and the Bao'an campus is run in partnership with Tianli Educational Group.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation QSI Shenzhen is secular and has no religious affiliation; its programme and materials present a non‑religious, international curriculum.	Religious affiliation The school website does not list any religious affiliation and presents SAIS as a secular international school.
School day structure	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).	School day structure The school office hours for the Bao'an campus are Monday–Friday, 08:00–17:00; specific daily timetables (start/end times by grade, lesson blocks, and lunch/break schedules) are not detailed on the public pages and can be confirmed with admissions. Boarding students follow a campus boarding schedule with after‑school activities, enrichment and supervised self-study in the evenings.
Bus service details	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.	Bus service details The Bao'an campus website does not publish a dedicated school-bus schedule; SAIS's Shekou main campus operates a paid school-bus service covering Nanshan, Futian and parts of Bao'an, with fees and routes set by service area — for Bao'an-specific transport you should confirm directly with admissions.
Fees	Fees
Fee 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.	Fee details Application / Enrolment fees - One‑time application/registration fee: RMB 2,000 (approx.). - One‑time capital levy / building fee for new students: RMB 20,000 (approx.). Tuition fees by year group (annual and approximate per‑semester) - Early education / Pre‑K: Annual RMB 168,000 — per semester ≈ RMB 84,000. - Kindergarten: Annual RMB 188,000 — per semester ≈ RMB 94,000. - Grades 1–3: Annual RMB 208,000 — per semester ≈ RMB 104,000. - Grades 4–5: Annual RMB 228,000 — per semester ≈ RMB 114,000. - Grades 6–8: Annual RMB 258,000 — per semester ≈ RMB 129,000. - Grade 9: Annual RMB 278,000 — per semester ≈ RMB 139,000. - Grades 10–12 (A‑Level / AP / IB pathways): Annual RMB 278,000 — per semester ≈ RMB 139,000. (There are alternate DSE fee levels for DSE stream students — see next line.) - Grades 10–12 (DSE pathway): Annual RMB 138,000 (non‑Hong Kong ID) / RMB 98,000 (Hong Kong ID) — per semester ≈ RMB 69,000 / RMB 49,000 respectively. Boarding / boarding fees - Full‑year boarding fee (where available): RMB 80,000 per year (covers supervised boarding, three daily meals and dormitory services during normal teaching days). Other recurring or one‑off costs - School bus: Annual zone rates (examples) — RMB 12,000 (Shekou within 3 km), RMB 13,500 (Nanshan 3–10 km), RMB 15,000 (other 10+ km). Bus fees are charged by semester or year and are non‑refundable. - Lunch and catering: Paid separately through the school lunch program (menu and pricing set by the provider). - Uniforms: Parents order uniform sets via the school's online uniform store; costs vary by size/season. - Technology / device charges, exam fees (AP/IB/Cambridge), optional ASA and field trip costs may apply depending on grade and programme; these are additional to tuition. Billing schedule and payment terms - Enrollment and invoicing: the school requires payment of applicable application/one‑time fees before assessment and requires full payment by the published due date to secure a place after acceptance. Specific invoice due dates and accepted instalment options are set in the school's tuition schedule and enrolment documents. Refunds and withdrawal - The school has a formal Withdrawal & Refund Policy that parents must read and sign as part of admission; some one‑time fees and selected service fees (e.g., certain deposits, bus fees) are non‑refundable as stated in school documents. See the school's Withdrawal & Refund Policy for precise conditions. Fee payment options (typical for Shenzhen international schools / practice noted at similar schools) - Common accepted methods for international schools in Shenzhen include RMB bank transfer (wire), in‑person cash or over‑the‑counter payments; some schools also offer card/online payment channels with processing surcharges. Parents are required to follow the payment instructions shown on invoices. Notes: amounts above reflect published fee schedules and widely reported school fee summaries; one‑time entry charges and optional programme fees should be expected in addition to the annual tuition figures cited.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school is a day school with no boarding facilities.	Boarding arrangements The Bao'an Campus offers a boarding program for Grade 6 and above. Boarding provides dormitory living spaces with comfortable accommodations and nutritious meals, with 24/7 supervision by boarding parents. The program includes student-led after-school activities, enrichment classes, and self-study support to promote holistic development.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
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.	Food options The culinary team includes chefs from star-rated hotels to offer a diverse range of Chinese and Western dishes for students and staff. Meals are nutritionally balanced and reflect an international palate. Staff and students dine in the same canteen to enable interaction and timely feedback on dining needs.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	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.	Governance and ownership The Bao'an campus is governed through a strategic partnership between Shenzhen American International School and Tianli Educational Group (01773.HK). It operates independently from the Shekou campus, with governance strengthened by this partnership to support sustainable educational growth. Tianli Group aims to explore multiple opportunities within the educational sector.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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.	Curriculum details Shenzhen American International School offers a K–12 international programme: IB‑PYP in early years/elementary, a Middle Years/Foundation bridge in middle school, and multiple Grade 10–12 pathways (IBDP, AP, A‑Level (Edexcel/AQA) and HKDSE). Grades 6–8 follow a Middle Year Foundation Program (MYFP) with core subjects in English, Chinese, mathematics, science, individuals & societies, arts, music, ICT, physical health education, Service as Action (SAS) and after‑school activities. Grade 9 is a High School Foundation Year (Pre‑DP) that prepares students for pathway selection (Pre‑DP into IBDP, AP, A‑Levels or HKDSE) and includes TOK and PHE in the programme. The American Placement (AP) pathway (Grades 10–12) lets students choose AP subjects across languages, humanities, sciences and maths and sit external AP exams (students typically take 2–3 exams and may earn university credits). The A‑Level route includes a Grade 10 Pre‑DP year and Pearson Edexcel IAL / AQA Oxford International qualifications in Grades 11–12 (students usually select three specialist subjects alongside mandatory English/Chinese, PHE and ASAs); the HKDSE pathway (Grades 10–12) follows Hong Kong Diploma requirements with compulsory Chinese, English, mathematics and liberal studies plus elective sciences, humanities, Applied Learning options and mathematics extension modules. The IBDP option comprises a Grade 10 Pre‑DP transition and the two‑year Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12) with the six subject groups, Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS; students can follow HL/SL subject choices across languages, individuals & societies, sciences, mathematics and the arts.
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 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.	Social & emotional learning SAIS describes a range of student-led after‑school activities (ASA) that the school says develop teamwork, leadership, resilience and confidence through clubs and sports. The SEN/Student Development information also states school counselors run general, age‑group sessions on mental‑health topics as well as individual counselling. The Student Development Center is led by a named director (Ms Aleezer Li), who is presented as a life mentor involved in student support. The school website frames these elements as part of a broader “holistic education” approach on the main site.
Special educational needs (SEN)	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.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school's SEN page states SAIS offers Special Educational Needs support and says inclusivity and gathering information through the admissions process are part of that provision. The page describes dedicated school counselors providing general and individual counselling tailored to students' needs. The site invites parents to cooperate with the school's SEN work and provides contact emails for further enquiries. The school does not publicly specify on its website which specific categories of SEN it can support, nor does it describe itself as a specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	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.	English as an additional language SAIS states it offers English language support through English as a Second Language (ESL) and English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes and lists TOEFL and IELTS preparatory courses. The Language Programs page also notes additional instruction in Chinese, French and Japanese to enrich language learning. The school says its language teaching team includes native and experienced non‑native English teachers to support students transitioning to an English‑language environment. For more detail (levels, entry criteria or class sizes) the site directs enquiries to admissions email addresses.
Mental wellbeing	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.	Mental wellbeing The school's SEN and Student Development pages state that school counselors provide both group sessions on age‑appropriate mental‑health topics and one‑to‑one counselling for individual needs. The Student Development Center is presented as a focal point for student support and college counselling, led by a named director. The campus description also refers to a “Home Parent” programme and dormitory living spaces intended to create a supportive, home‑like environment for boarders. If you need specifics about counselling qualifications, referral processes or external mental‑health partnerships, the website provides contact emails but does not publish those operational details.
Safeguarding	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 The school does not publicly disclose information regarding safeguarding and child‑protection policies on its website.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	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.	Facilities overview The SAIS Bao'an Campus spans over 20,000 square meters. It is enveloped in lush greenery. The campus features three separate buildings: an academic block, dormitories, and a dining hall. The teaching area is equipped with smart classrooms, specialized function rooms, and a variety of indoor and outdoor sports facilities. The culinary team provides Chinese and Western dishes that are nutritionally balanced, and staff and students dine in the same canteen.
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.	Sports facilities The teaching area is equipped with smart classrooms, specialized function rooms, and a variety of indoor and outdoor sports facilities. Indoor and outdoor sports facilities support physical education and holistic development. These facilities enable a range of sports and recreational activities. The facilities are integrated into the campus design to support the school's holistic education philosophy.
Academic facilities	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.	Academic facilities The campus includes an academic block. The teaching area is equipped with smart classrooms and specialized function rooms. These facilities provide a quiet and comfortable space for learning, working, and living. This setup supports students in achieving well-rounded personal development and academic progress.
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.	Extra curricular facilities Enrichment classes run from 4:30 to 6:00 PM for boarding students. Options include American Football, Table Tennis, Frisbee, Marketer Club, Stage Performance, Music Band, Costume and Makeup Design, Props Design, and Cross Over Art project. The enrichment classes are designed to enhance skills and creativity while promoting physical fitness and collaboration. Participation fosters leadership, creativity, and critical thinking and supports a sense of belonging within the school community.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	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.	History Shenzhen American International School (SAIS) was established in May 2005 with approval from the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China and the Guangdong Provincial Department of Education. The school is accredited by Cognia and has grown to offer programs from preschool through Grade 12. SAIS operates multiple sites, including its Shekou campus and the newer Bao'an campus, and has expanded its high‑school pathways in recent years. The Bao'an campus also includes an on‑site boarding program and is presented by the school as a key milestone in its development.
Community	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.	Community SAIS maintains an active community presence on its website and through on‑campus events, with regular posts highlighting student projects, seasonal performances and cultural activities such as holiday music programs and Thanksgiving events. The school publishes series like “SAISERS” and other news items that mark institutional milestones and student initiatives, and it has hosted visiting speakers — for example, a scheduled talk by former Vermont governor Peter Shumlin in December 2024. These activities are used to engage students, families and staff and to celebrate transitions such as the opening of the Bao'an campus.
Parent teacher association	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.	Parent teacher association The school's PTA is featured as a site category and supports parent‑facing programming and communications. Recent PTA activity includes a parenting workshop titled “Parenting Patterns & Responses in the Screen Age,” held on November 15, 2024, which invited current parents and a small number of outside participants. The PTA also supports Parent‑Teacher Conferences; recent PTCs included grade‑specific assemblies and one‑on‑one meetings, with practical briefings on platforms and reports such as ManageBac, Q1 report summaries, SchoolBuddy and exam/grading procedures. School posts emphasize that these events are intended to strengthen parent–teacher communication and collaboration. Contact and sign‑up details for PTA workshops have been published on the site, and the school indicates plans for additional parent workshops and community sessions going forward.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme for secondary students.	Academic & intellectual SAIS Bao'an offers a high school program mix including the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) for Grades 11–12, Advanced Placement (AP), A‑Level, and the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE). A Grade 10 Pre‑DP Foundation Year prepares students for DP, while Grade 9 offers a Middle Year Foundation. The curriculum includes Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Service as Action (SAS) integrated into courses, and college counseling supports university admissions.
Arts & creative	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.	Arts & creative Enrichment Classes provide Stage Performance, Music Band, Costume and Makeup Design, Props Design, and Cross Over Art projects. After-School Activities include dancing and drama, and student-led clubs contribute to creativity and collaboration. Enrichment and ASA programs extend learning beyond academics into the arts and creative collaboration.
Cultural & language	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.	Cultural & language Language Programs include ESL and EAL support and ongoing Chinese, French, and Japanese language study. A team of native and non-native language teachers supports language development and test preparation for TOEFL and IELTS. Language learning is linked to cultural experiences that broaden students' global perspectives.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The school offers after-school activities and sports programs. The athletic program includes soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton, touch rugby, and cross-country.	Social & hobbies After School Activities (ASA) include badminton, football, dancing, drama, chess, reading, and the magazine/newsletter club. The boarding program offers additional enrichment through stage performances, music, and arts activities in the Enrichment Classes. Student-led activities foster teamwork, leadership, and social connection within the SAIS Bao'an community.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service SAS (Service as Action) is embedded across middle and high school curricula, including Foundation Year pathways and DP/AP/A‑Level programs. Students participate in service and action projects as part of SAS. The school encourages parental involvement in SAS and supports a collaborative approach to student well-being and community engagement. Community-centered experiences are reinforced through the boarding environment and campus life.
Leadership & professional	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.	Leadership & professional The school features an Executive Principal and a Secondary Principal/IBDP Coordinator, with a Director of the Student Development Center leading college counseling and student development initiatives. The Leadership page presents the leaders and key administrators who support admissions, curriculum, and student support. College counseling provides guidance on course selection, standardized tests, and the college application process.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	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.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Bao'an campus includes three buildings: an academic block, dormitories, and a dining hall that support boarding life. Meals are prepared by chefs from star-rated hotels and are served in a shared canteen for staff and students. The Home Parent program and on-campus dormitories foster a home-like environment that supports student well-being. Physical education, ASA, and enrichment activities promote fitness and holistic well-being.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	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.	Language provision English language support is provided through ESL/EAL programs. Chinese, French, and Japanese language learning is available. TOEFL and IELTS preparation courses are offered to support language proficiency for college admissions.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
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.	Immersion programs Language immersion programs are offered as enrichment within the Boarding Program.
Reputation	Reputation
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.	Awards I reviewed the school website for awards listed as having been given to the school itself during the five-year period from January 1, 2021 through January 1, 2026. The site contains news items, program and campus information and references to student scholarships and student awards, but it does not list any institutional awards or prizes granted to the school in that period. (Student-focused scholarships and awards are described on the site, but those are awards to students, not to the institution.)
Accreditations	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.	Accreditations 1) Cognia accreditation — The school states it is accredited by Cognia; Cognia is a U.S.-based nonprofit accreditation and continuous-improvement organization (formerly AdvancED) that evaluates K–12 schools against international standards for teaching, learning and school improvement. 2) Approval by the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China — the site says SAIS received approval from China's Ministry of Education; that indicates the school has the national-level regulatory authorization required to operate as an international school for foreign personnel's children. 3) Approval by the Guangdong Provincial Department of Education — the site also records provincial-level approval from Guangdong's education authorities, which is the provincial counterpart to the national approval and is part of the school's official operating permissions.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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.	Admissions 1. Initial inquiry and information-gathering (Contact & tour). The school's contact page provides a form to request tours and lists school hours and phone/email contacts; families should confirm which campus/program (Bao'an vs. Shekou) they are applying to before proceeding. Visiting or a phone call is useful because the school offers both day and boarding options and bus/meal arrangements differ by campus. 2. Create an OpenApply account and complete the online application. - SAIS uses OpenApply for admissions; parents should register a family account and complete every required section of the online application (personal details, family, previous schools, health/SEN information and fees section) before submitting. The OpenApply form also asks whether you want boarding or day place and which academic year and curriculum stream (IB/AP/A‑Level/DSE) you are applying to; fill those carefully because they affect placement and fee schedules. You can preview the full checklist on the OpenApply portal so you can gather translations, transcripts, and medical records before submission. 3. Prepare and submit required documents and pay the non-refundable application fee. - The application will not be processed until the non-refundable application fee (¥2,000 RMB) is paid and the required documents are received. The school's published application checklist requires a completed application form plus copies of the student's passport, birth certificate (English translation), residence permit or visa (if available), immunization record, two passport photos, the last two years' official school reports (English translation), and any specialist SEN reports. If you do not yet have a Chinese visa/residence permit you may submit passport copies now and email visa/permit copies later. 4. Admission review and any follow-up (selection process). - Once the application fee and documents are received the school's selection/review process begins; the school may request additional information, clarification of records, or follow-up communications with the sending school. The website and application form do not publish a single fixed interview/exam sequence for all applicants, so the school may contact you to arrange placement testing, an interview, or a meeting with staff as appropriate for the student's age and programme; for high‑school entry the school also runs entrance examinations and scholarship-related assessments. Parents should be ready to supply original documents on request and to schedule in-person or online meetings for placement discussions. 5. Offer, acceptance, and payment of the enrollment deposit. - If the school issues an offer, new families must pay the non-refundable enrollment deposit (published as ¥60,000 RMB) within five working days of receiving the admission letter to secure the place; continuing students must meet the seat-reservation deadline (published as March 31). The enrollment deposit is applied toward total fees but is non-refundable; if the deposit is not paid by the deadline the school explicitly reserves the right to offer the place to other applicants. Parents should check the offer letter for exact dates and the finance contact for bank details. 6. Tuition payment schedule, early-bird and payment options. - The school publishes grade-group tuition bands and offers an early-bird rate for payments by March 31; full tuition deadlines and the standard payment schedule show an annual (due by August 10) or semester option (due by August 10 and January 10). For example (published in the SAIS fee policy for 2025–26) annual tuition figures differ by grade and programme (primary, middle, AP/IB high school, A‑Level, HKDSE) and boarding and meal fees are additional. Parents should review the current Fee Policy PDF carefully for the grade-specific tuition amount that applies to their child and confirm whether their employer will pay directly or whether they will pay as family. 7. Additional fees and optional services (boarding, meals, transport, school fund). - The Fee Policy lists boarding fees (annual boarding fee and meal and dormitory amounts), a School Fund / uniform & BYOD one-time fee for new students (published as ¥20,000 RMB), and bus fee zones (published zone rates); meal and transport fees can be optional and non-refundable depending on your selections. Sibling discounts apply to tuition only (with the structure published in the fee document) but do not apply to boarding, meals or uniform/school-fund charges. If you are considering boarding, note the fee structure for dormitory configurations and that meal arrangements differ between the Bao'an and Shekou campuses. 8. Withdrawal, refunds, and arrival preparations. - The school publishes a withdrawal and refund policy with proportional refunds depending on the withdrawal date (e.g., 100% refund before school year begins, scaled refunds through the year) and specific rules for temporary leave, late payments, and documentation release. Parents should also prepare immunization records and any medical documentation in advance; the application form requires immunization and health history and indicates the school will follow emergency procedures if necessary. If a visa/residence permit is required for enrollment, start that process early (the application form asks for residence/visa details).
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships SAIS publishes a school scholarship programme and a scholarship application form for the Bao'an campus. The school's scholarships page and the SAIS Scholarship Application Form list several categories in the 2025 plan, including a High School Entrance Examination Scholarship, Top University Scholarship, Outstanding Student Scholarship, and Talent Scholarship (for arts or sports); the application form describes required items such as a 200–500 word personal statement, two recommendation letters, certified transcripts, and supporting evidence (competition results, portfolios) for talent awards. Deadlines and timelines are published in the scholarship form (examples: application deadlines of December 20 for spring-entry and June 30 for fall-entry; selected applicants notified by January 10 or July 31; successful applicants required to confirm by January 20 or August 5). The scholarship form identifies a Scholarship Coordinator (Ms. Aleezer Li) and gives a contact email and phone number for questions and submission instructions. The scholarships page also includes student testimonial material (example: a 12th‑grade recipient reporting a half scholarship) indicating the school has awarded partial scholarships in practice. If you are considering a scholarship, submit the scholarship form and all supporting documents by the published deadline and follow up with the scholarship coordinator for any programme-specific steps.
Waitlist	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.	Waitlist The school website and published admissions documents do not present a separate, public ‘waitlist' policy or named ‘admissions pool' for general applicants. However, the Fee Policy states that if a new student's enrollment deposit is not paid by the required deadline the school reserves the right to offer the place to other applicants, which indicates places may be reallocated promptly when deposits are not received. Because the site does not describe a formal waitlist process (priority rules, how long students remain on a list, or how waitlisted families are notified), parents who want to know the practical handling of oversubscribed grades should contact admissions directly (admissions@szsaisba.org) to ask whether a waitlist will be created for their child and how offers from that list are managed.
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