Shanghai American School vs Shanghai Community International School

	S Shanghai American School Shanghai, China	S Shanghai Community International School Shanghai, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 246,000 - 304,100	Fees / year RMB 146,000 - 324,500
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Reggio Emilia Approach, IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 2,900	Pupils 1,800
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1912	Opened 1996
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Two purpose-built campuses: Pudong (1600 Lingbai Road, Pudong) and Puxi (258 Jinfeng Road, Minhang). Both campuses are in residential parts of Shanghai with car- and taxi-access; Pudong campus is inside The Links community and has controlled vehicle access. For precise directions, campus maps and gate procedures see the school's campus access/contact pages.	Location SCIS operates three campuses in Shanghai: two in Hongqiao (Hongqiao Early Childhood Education campus at 2212 Hongqiao Road and the Hongqiao Main Campus at 1161 Hongqiao Road, both in Changning/Gubei) and a Pudong campus in Zhoupu (198 Hengqiao Road). The Hongqiao ECE campus is a short walk from Longxi Road metro (Line 10) and the Hongqiao Main Campus is about a 5‑minute walk from Yili Road metro (Line 10); the Pudong campus is roughly a 10‑minute walk from Fanrong metro (Line 18) and is 20–25 minutes by car from several Pudong business/residential areas.
Stages	Stages SAS is a Pre‑K through Grade 12 school with Early Childhood (Pre‑K), Elementary, Middle and High School divisions. The high school offers pathways including Advanced Placement (AP) and the International Baccalaureate (IB).	Stages SCIS is a full IB continuum school serving Early Childhood through Grade 12. The Hongqiao ECE campus covers Nursery–Grade 1, the Hongqiao Main Campus covers Grades 2–12, and the Pudong campus runs Nursery–Grade 12.
School type	School type Independent, non‑profit, co‑educational day school operating two PreK–12 campuses (no boarding provision listed). The school describes itself as an American‑style international school serving expatriate families.	School type SCIS is a co‑educational, non‑profit international day school governed by a self‑perpetuating board and overseen by the International Schools Foundation; it does not operate boarding facilities. The school is authorized to deliver the IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support SAS provides English language support/EAL and has dedicated Learning Support staff and student‑support roles across divisions; non‑native English speakers may be assessed (WIDA screener) and limited EAL places are available. The school and external reviews note support for mild-to-moderate needs but say admission and provision for severe or complex special educational needs (SEN) are handled case‑by‑case and may be limited. Families with specific SEN requirements are advised to discuss needs with Admissions before applying.	Additional learning support SCIS maintains a systemwide Student Support team that includes qualified learning‑support teachers, EAL specialists, speech and language therapists, learning support assistants, school counselors and an educational psychologist. The school also runs the SCIS Academy for students who need a highly modified programme and collaborates with outside agencies when appropriate.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school follows an American/international curriculum model (AP and American high‑school pathways) but is an independent international school rather than being officially affiliated with a single country's government.	Country affiliation SCIS is an independent international school based in China and is not affiliated with a particular national government or national curriculum; it follows the IB continuum and holds international accreditations.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation SAS is non‑sectarian and does not have a religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation SCIS does not have a religious affiliation; its publications describe the school as an international, secular learning community.
School day structure	School day structure Daily timings vary by division; the school handbook (elementary example) shows campuses open around 7:55 a.m. with student dismissal near 3:00 p.m., and division‑specific start/end times and break/lunch periods are used. Exact start/end times and any staggered schedules are confirmed by the school for each division and year.	School day structure The published/parent information indicates a typical school day runs roughly from about 08:00 to mid‑afternoon (around 15:00), with a mid‑day lunch and recess; specific start/end times vary by division and are published in the school calendar. The school also schedules occasional early‑release days (for example, buses departing around 13:20 on some early‑release days).
Bus service details	Bus service details The school operates an optional student transport system: younger students are escorted by bus monitors to/from classrooms and parents must register for routes and seats. Route coverage, contracted bus providers, fees and pick‑up/drop‑off arrangements are managed by the school and can change year to year, so Admissions or the Transport office should be contacted for current operators, routes and costs.	Bus service details SCIS provides a door‑to‑door school bus service as part of the programme (subject to availability); the transportation office lists separate coordinators for each campus and notes the service covers hundreds of residential compounds across multiple districts. Buses are supervised by trained monitors and the school gives route and pick‑up/drop‑off details to families before term starts; adding new routes can require local regulatory permitting.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and One‑time Entry Fees - Application fee: RMB 2,800 (non‑refundable). - One‑time entry fee for new entrants: Pre‑Kindergarten & Elementary: RMB 28,000; Middle & High School: RMB 33,000. This applies once at first enrollment (re‑entry after two years non‑enrollment normally requires payment again). Enrollment Fee - Non‑refundable Enrollment Fee: RMB 32,000 (applies to secure a place; due by April 1 for returning students; for new entrants due within five working days of invoice). Annual Tuition and Per‑term (installment) Amounts - Pre‑Kindergarten: Annual tuition RMB 246,000 — two equal installments of RMB 123,000 (due June 1 and November 1). Enrollment fee is additional. - Elementary (K–5): Annual tuition RMB 279,400 — two equal installments of RMB 139,700 (due June 1 and November 1). Enrollment fee is additional. - Middle School (6–8): Annual tuition RMB 287,200 — two equal installments of RMB 143,600 (due June 1 and November 1). Enrollment fee is additional. - High School (9–12): Annual tuition RMB 304,100 — two equal installments of RMB 152,050 (due June 1 and November 1). Enrollment fee is additional. - Prepayment discount: 1% discount if tuition installments are prepaid in advance under stated conditions (details apply). Billing Schedule and Payment Terms - Annual tuition billed as two equal installments due June 1 and November 1. Enrollment and entry fees billed according to invoice and timelines described above. All bank charges are the payer's responsibility. Other Fees and Typical Additional Costs - Transportation (optional): RMB 11,400 per semester (payable per semester). - Lunch: hot‑meal program available; cost varies by selection and is billed separately. PE uniforms (Grades 6–10) are purchased from the school shop. External exam fees (AP/IB) and school trip costs are invoiced separately. Students in Grades 6–12 must provide their own MacBook and backup drive (BYOM requirement). Refunds - Application Fee and Enrollment Fee are non‑refundable. Tuition refunds follow a structured schedule tied to written withdrawal dates (specific refund percentages and conditions apply for withdrawals on or before August 1, between August 1 and the first semester start, on or before December 1, and after December 1). Transportation refunds are prorated minus a handling charge. Outstanding obligations may be deducted from refunds. Accepted Payment Methods - By RMB or USD wire transfer to the school bank account; by RMB or USD debit/credit card direct to the school bank account; or by RMB cash deposit to the school bank account. Payments under RMB 5,000 may be paid in RMB cash at the Finance Office. All fees are set in RMB but may be paid in USD by wire using the Bank of China exchange rate on the school's published date. All bank/processing charges are the payer's responsibility.	Fee details Tuition (annual and per-semester by campus & year group) - SCIS Hongqiao Campuses: - Nursery / Pre-school (half-day): RMB 151,250 per year; RMB 80,625 per semester. - Nursery / PS / PK (full-day): RMB 199,000 per year; RMB 104,500 per semester. - Kindergarten – Grade 5: RMB 293,500 per year; RMB 151,750 per semester. - Grade 6 – 12: RMB 324,500 per year; RMB 167,250 per semester. - SCIS Pudong Campus: - Nursery / Pre-school (half-day): RMB 146,000 per year; RMB 78,000 per semester. - Nursery / PS / PK (full-day): RMB 192,000 per year; RMB 101,000 per semester. - Kindergarten – Grade 5: RMB 276,750 per year; RMB 143,375 per semester. - Grade 6 – 12: RMB 308,500 per year; RMB 159,250 per semester. Application and one-time / recurring mandatory fees - Application fee: RMB 2,750 (non-refundable; valid for up to one academic year). - Capital fee: RMB 22,500 one-time on first admission (non-refundable); RMB 5,000 annually for returning students (non-refundable). - Seat guarantee deposit: RMB 20,000 (payable on acceptance; applicable to first semester or annual fee; subject to forfeiture in many withdrawal scenarios). - English as an Additional Language (EAL) fee: RMB 15,000 one-time where EAL placement is required (non-refundable unless assessment shows placement is not required). - Exam costs (external exams such as SAT, ACT, IB) are the parents' responsibility. What the tuition covers / exclusions - All-inclusive tuition covers general class costs, books, library, technology, one set of school uniform, on-campus full-day lunch, school bus (subject to availability), school-sponsored after-school activities, compulsory school trips, and a MacBook for Grades 6–12. Extra uniform sets, daily off-campus meals/snacks, and supplementary student support services are not included. Billing schedule, deadlines, discounts and payment terms - Annual payment deadline: all tuition/fees must be paid in full by June 1. - Semester payment deadlines: first semester due by June 1; second semester due by November 1. - Early-payment discounts on annual tuition: up to 5% (specific deadline dates and discount levels apply). Enrollment is secured only after payment of the annual/semester tuition in full or the seat guarantee deposit. Fees must be paid before the student begins school. Payment methods - Bank transfer (RMB or USD), check (RMB or USD), RMB cash at campus (USD cash not accepted), major credit/debit cards (payer pays transaction fees), and Alipay (with instructions for proof of payment). Wire-transfer recipients and Alipay instructions are provided by the school. Payer is responsible for any bank or card transaction charges. Boarding - SCIS operates as a non‑boarding day school; boarding fees are not applicable. Refund policy highlights - Re-enrollment withdrawal by posted deadlines: full tuition refunded inclusive of seat deposit. - Withdrawal before first semester start (by July 31): tuition refunded excluding the seat guarantee deposit (RMB 20,000); later withdrawals before start may incur forfeiture of double the seat deposit. - No refunds once a semester has begun; entrance and supplementary program fees are non-refundable. Refund processing occurs after last day of attendance and return of school materials.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements SCIS is a day school; no boarding is offered.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniforms are required for all students in Grades 6 to 10 who take Physical Education; PE uniforms (a T-shirt and shorts) are available for purchase at the Eagle Shop.	Uniform requirement Each student receives one start-up uniform at no charge; additional uniforms can be purchased at SCIS shops on each campus. Lower School (Nursery–Grade 5) wear navy trousers/shorts/skirts with a light-blue polo shirt; Upper School (Grades 6–8) wear tan/khaki shorts/trousers/skirts with a navy polo; Upper School (Grades 9–12) wear tan/khaki shorts/skirts/trousers or plaid skirts with a light-blue Oxford shirt. PE days use the PE uniform; SCIS Dragons Team members receive a team uniform, issued for the season; Spirit Days occur occasionally when the uniform is not required.
Food options	Food options A hot lunch program is provided on both campuses, with prices varying based on the items purchased.	Food options Each campus has its own cafeteria and kitchen operated by Basil N Latte (BNL). Fresh meals are prepared onsite with rotating menus reflecting the community's cultural diversity. The weekly menu follows a pattern of 1 day beef, 1 day pork, 1 day seafood, and 2 days chicken, with dietary, vegetarian, and custom options available on request. The BNL Café opens daily on Hongqiao and Pudong campuses; Hongqiao hours are 7:15 AM–4:00 PM and Pudong hours are 7:15 AM–3:30 PM. School lunch is included on campus for full-day students.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Shanghai American School is a not-for-profit, not-owned international school with two campuses.	Governance and ownership SCIS is a non-profit educational day school. It is governed by a self-perpetuating board of directors and overseen by the International Schools Foundation. It does not receive government or private funding and does not participate in fundraising; the SCIS program is funded through student tuition and fees.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Shanghai American School's early childhood program (Pre‑K) follows a play‑based, Reggio Emilia–influenced model with on‑site ateliers for hands‑on exploration. The elementary program (K–5) is an American‑style curriculum emphasizing literacy across the curriculum, a conceptual approach to mathematics, science, social studies, arts, physical education and languages. Middle school (Grades 6–8) uses inquiry‑based and conceptual learning in core subjects while offering exploratory courses (design technology, theater, global languages, etc.) to prepare students for high school. High school (Grades 9–12) culminates in a U.S. high‑school diploma (minimum 24 credits with specified credit requirements by subject) and offers multiple qualification pathways: Advanced Placement (including AP Capstone), the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, or a hybrid combination of AP and IB courses. Detailed grade‑level course lists, graduation requirements, and the IB policy manual are published in the school's course catalogs and resources on the SAS website.	Curriculum details SCIS is an IB Continuum World School delivering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) as a single, seamless pathway for students aged 2–18. Early Childhood (Nursery–Kindergarten) and Lower School (Nursery/Grade 1–5) follow the PYP with a play‑based, inquiry approach and published program guides that set subject expectations. The MYP covers Grades 6–10, emphasizing interdisciplinary, “learning by doing” connections between subjects. In Grades 11–12 most students undertake the IB Diploma Programme (externally assessed by the IBO) and SCIS also awards a High School Diploma on graduation. The full taught curriculum includes English language arts, Mandarin and English as an Additional Language (EAL), mathematics, science, social studies, visual and performing arts, physical education, technology, plus student support, language learning and university counselling resources.
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 SAS describes a schoolwide counseling programme that provides a safe, supportive space for students to develop social‑emotional skills and to navigate transitions (elementary page). School communications and staff lists also highlight dedicated counselors and counselling teams across divisions (middle and high school), indicating counsellors work with students on resilience, voice, and wellbeing. The school uses student‑led initiatives and community supports (student ambassadors, PTSA newcomers committee) to help students settle and build peer connections.	Social & emotional learning SCIS states that social-emotional development is an explicit focus of its student support services and that school counselors work with students, teachers, and parents to create a balanced, supportive school environment. Counselors run transition supports (including a buddy system), team-building activities and classroom lessons that promote health, social and emotional development. The website says counseling is intended as short-term, developmentally appropriate support and that counselors will help families find external services in Shanghai when longer-term help is needed. The Student Support section lists school counselors as part of the system alongside learning support and EAL staff. This information is published on the SCIS Student Support and School Counseling pages.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) SAS publishes staff and stories that include Learning Support teachers and teaching assistants, showing the school has an internal learning‑support provision. The website does not set out a public list of specific types of special educational needs the school will support, nor does it declare on its public pages that it is a specialist SEN institution; detailed eligibility and scope are not described online. Therefore, families seeking exact information about the range or level of SEN provision are advised to contact Admissions or Student Services directly for formal guidance.	Special educational needs (SEN) SCIS publishes a Learning Support section that describes an inclusive approach using Universal Design for Learning and a dedicated SCIS Academy for students who need highly modified curriculum and instruction. The site lists learning-support staff (learning support coordinators/teachers), a speech and language pathologist and a systemwide educational psychologist, and says the school may collaborate with outside agencies when appropriate. The school's materials describe providing accommodations and structured support but do not list a definitive catalogue of specific medical or diagnostic conditions it will or will not accept. SCIS's web pages present these services within a mainstream international school setting rather than describing SCIS as a specialist SEN institution. All of the above is drawn from the school's Learning Support and Student Support pages.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language SAS states that non‑native English‑speaking applicants (Grade 1 and up) may be given a WIDA Screener/WIDA assessment during admissions to determine EAL support needs, and that spaces for such support are limited. The school's staffing pages and news posts also reference EAL teachers and EAL roles within the division teams. Library and learning resources list materials for English‑language learners (e.g., BrainPOP for English Language Learners), suggesting curriculum‑adjacent resources are available.	English as an additional language SCIS publishes an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme that provides instruction in vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, reading and writing and assesses incoming students to determine EAL levels and placement. The site says EAL classes are required for students whose oral and written English are not sufficient to function in academic subjects and that provision can include MYP English Language Acquisition and EAL resource classes. Lower School EAL is aligned with WIDA English Language Development Standards and the PYP; Upper School EAL focuses first on immediate school-language needs then broader academic skills. The school lists its EAL specialists by name and campus on the EAL page. These details are on SCIS's EAL page.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing SAS describes multiple layers of mental‑wellbeing support: a divisional counselling programme, school counsellors in each division, and curricular/extra‑curricular activities that promote student wellbeing. The school also highlights wellness‑focused professional learning and events (for example, wellness themes in conferences and staff development) and lists athletic trainers and nursing staff who operate as part of health and wellbeing provision on campus. For clinical or specialist mental‑health services the website advises families to contact the school directly for specifics and referral processes.	Mental wellbeing SCIS states that the emotional wellbeing of children is vital to learning and that counselors provide short-term support for issues such as peer problems, transitions, study skills, family conflict and crisis/grief response. The school describes an integrated team (counselors, learning-support teachers, psychologists, speech therapists) that identifies and assists students facing academic, social or emotional challenges and says it will help families access longer-term services in Shanghai when needed. A school news article from the Director of Student Support also describes the systemwide approach to inclusion and that SCIS provides short-term counseling, resources and accommodations for students with a range of needs. These statements are published on the School Counseling, Student Support pages and SCIS news.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding SAS publishes a Child Protection Policy framework and states that all faculty and staff undertake annual child‑safeguarding training; the school says it adheres to international standards and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child alongside local law. The site also notes safer‑recruitment practices (background checks and reference checks), a full‑time risk manager, 24/7 campus security, divisional nurses, a dedicated athletic trainer, and medical coverage for school events.	Safeguarding SCIS publishes a Child Safeguarding Policy whose mission is to support and advocate for students' physical, emotional and mental wellbeing through partnership with home, school and community. The safeguarding page sets out belief statements, requires annual child protection training for all adults regularly on campus, and describes safe-recruiting practices including enhanced background checks for staff and substitutes. The site frames safeguarding as an ongoing, proactive responsibility and provides the policy text and links on its Child Safeguarding page. This information is taken directly from the school's published safeguarding pages.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Shanghai American School has two PreK–12 campuses in Shanghai, Pudong and Puxi. The campuses are built with university-level facilities to support collaboration and innovation. Both campuses feature an aquatic center, a performing arts center, green screen rooms, a recording studio, baseball and softball fields, a track, and multiple libraries. There are teaching kitchens, design studios and maker spaces, plus flexible classrooms designed to foster interdisciplinary work. The libraries provide English- and Chinese-language collections for students, parents and teachers.	Facilities overview The school operates three purpose-built campuses in Shanghai with flexible learning spaces: Hongqiao Early Childhood Campus, Hongqiao Main Campus, and Pudong Campus. The Hongqiao Early Childhood Campus offers developmentally appropriate spaces and indoor and outdoor play areas. Hongqiao Main Campus has dedicated learning spaces and well-resourced libraries and learning resources. Pudong Campus provides learning spaces for collaborative and individual study and a multi-purpose indoor performance space. World-class facilities include a centralized state-of-the-art indoor air filtration system across all campuses, 6-lane 25-meter swimming pools, two-story 700-seat auditoriums, a 10,000-square-foot Black Box theatre, an Art Gallery, rock climbing walls, indoor basketball courts, strength and conditioning weight rooms, a full health clinic staffed by nurses from WorldPath clinic, smart boards, dance halls, art studios, all-weather outdoor soccer pitches, outdoor jungle gym playgrounds, an indoor fun center, science and computer labs, and an audio-visual media lab.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The campuses include an aquatic center, baseball field, softball field, track, and extensive playing fields. These facilities support the school's athletics program and physical education for PreK–12 students.	Sports facilities The campuses feature 6-lane, 25-meter swimming pools. Indoor basketball courts are available across campuses. Rock climbing walls are provided. All-weather outdoor soccer pitches are available. Strength and conditioning weight rooms support athletic training. A full health clinic staffed by professional nurses from WorldPath clinic supports student well-being as part of athletic programs.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Maker spaces and 25-meter pools are part of SAS's facilities. Laboratories support science education across divisions. There are middle school game areas. Design studios and other spaces support interdisciplinary learning. The libraries house English- and Chinese-language collections.	Academic facilities Hongqiao Main Campus has well-resourced libraries and a learning resources area. Classrooms across campuses are designed to be flexible and equipped with developmentally appropriate resources and technology. Science and computer labs are available for coursework across campuses. An audio-visual media lab supports digital learning, alongside art studios and other creative facilities. Smart boards and dedicated spaces for performing arts augment academic spaces and collaborative learning.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Shanghai American School offers a broad range of student clubs and after-school activities. The programs include athletic and arts activities in addition to other clubs.	Extra curricular facilities Performing arts spaces include two-story, 700-seat auditoria and a 10,000-square-foot Black Box theatre to support student performances. An Art Gallery, Art Studios, and Dance Halls enable visual and performing arts activities. The Indoor Fun Center and Outdoor Jungle Gym Playgrounds support recreational activities for younger students. Indoor basketball courts, rock climbing walls, and all-weather outdoor soccer pitches enable athletic clubs and activities. Flexible spaces such as science and computer labs and the audio-visual media lab support clubs in robotics, media, and technology.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Shanghai American School opened on September 17, 1912, beginning with 38 day and boarding students in a Victorian residence on North Sichuan Road. Its founding was organized by American missionary and expatriate communities to provide an American-style schooling option in Shanghai. Over the 20th century the school expanded, moved into purpose-built facilities and later evolved into a non-profit institution operating two campuses. The school's website maintains a detailed timeline that traces its growth, closures, relocations and re-openings alongside Shanghai's changing social and political context.	History Shanghai Community International School (SCIS) was established in 1996 as one of the first international schools in Shanghai. It began as a single campus in the Changning district with seven teachers and fewer than 50 students, and has since expanded to three campuses serving more than 1,500 students. The school was founded to provide an internationally minded, community-centered education and has developed incrementally since its opening. SCIS is overseen by a Board of Directors appointed under the bylaws of the school's Deed of Foundation.
Community	Community The SAS community includes students, families, faculty, staff, alumni and parent volunteers who participate in year‑round activities and traditions. Annual gatherings—Friday Night Lights and Community Day, campus Carnivals, and International Fairs—bring together the Pudong and Puxi campuses and attract broad volunteer and sponsorship support. Parent-run Booster Clubs and the PTSA support teams, performances and large events, and the school often uses livestreams and school channels to share activities with the wider community.	Community SCIS describes itself as a diverse, multicultural community — in recent years the school has reported students from more than 65 countries speaking over 45 languages. Community life includes regular, school‑wide and campus events that bring families together, such as the annual Winter Carnival, International Food Fair and campus cultural festivals, plus city‑based learning experiences like guided City Walks. The school also runs many after‑school activities and extended China trips that connect classroom learning with the city and region.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The Parent, Teacher, Student Association (PTSA) is presented on the school site as a central organizing body that helps connect families and coordinate community programming. The PTSA organizes and supports signature events such as the Spring Carnival, International Fair, Winter Carnival, Teacher Appreciation Luncheon, the Chinese New Year Temple Fair and the senior breakfast. It also runs a newcomers committee and parent socials to help newly arrived families settle in and build peer networks. For large campus events, PTSA volunteers collaborate with student performers, parent volunteers and external sponsors to staff booths, manage entertainment and handle fundraising components. Booster Clubs work alongside the PTSA by focusing on game‑day support and cheering for athletic and performing arts teams. Details about PTSA committees, volunteer sign-ups and event calendars are published through the school's family portals and news stories.	Parent teacher association SCIS's parent organization is the Parents and Friends Association (PAFA), founded in May 1996; all SCIS parents are members and are invited to participate. PAFA meets regularly with school leadership to coordinate parent involvement, communicate community needs, raise funds, and support activities that sit outside the regular curriculum. The association organizes and supports major community events — for example, PAFA coordinates the International Food Fair at Hongqiao and has led cultural festivals at the Pudong campus — and maintains a roster of parent clubs (from Mahjong to Hoopers) that provide social and volunteer opportunities. PAFA publishes its mission, vision and goals on the school site and lists campus PAFA contacts and committee members for parents who want to get involved. The association's activities are a primary way families contribute time, resources and cultural programming to the wider SCIS community.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Between the two campuses, there are well over 100 after-school activities and student-led clubs. Options include computer programming, science experiments, Model United Nations, coding, photography, and VEX robotics. Scholarly clubs such as math and poetry are also available, with student-led initiative and mentorship.	Academic & intellectual SCIS is an IB Continuum World School delivering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) in Early Childhood and Lower School, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Upper School, and the Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 11–12. The school serves students from nursery through Grade 12 across three Shanghai campuses. School-wide Learner Outcomes guide student development, including Innovative Thinkers, within the IB framework. SCIS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of ACAMIS and EARCOS; the community is diverse, with students from more than 65 countries and more than 45 languages spoken.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Shanghai American School's performing arts program explores music, theatre, and dance, with opportunities to collaborate internationally and join honor societies such as Tri-M and Thespians. The program supports student performances and creative expression across campuses. APAC-style events also provide avenues for choir, dance, band, theatre, and orchestra participation.	Arts & creative The arts program is robust and well-rounded, with teachers who are passionate about their subjects. It includes Performing Arts (Theatre and Music) and Visual Arts, including Film, where students learn the full creative process from observation through presentation. Theatre education emphasizes collaboration and autonomy as students engage as creators, designers, directors, and performers, while the music program exposes students to diverse musical styles. After-school arts activities are available to extend creative exploration.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Model United Nations is among the clubs, offering opportunities to practice diplomacy and research skills. Cultural immersion activities include traditional Chinese games such as mahjong.	Cultural & language The language of instruction is English, and Mandarin is a core part of the curriculum; mother-tongue instruction is supported through multiple programs. SCIS is a truly international school representing 60+ nationalities and supports mother-tongue language through Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Spanish, and Swedish programs. Language & Literature courses are offered in English, Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, and Spanish. Language Acquisition is offered in English, Mandarin, French, and Spanish, with extra-curricular language acquisition programs including Finnish, Swedish, Danish, German, Italian, and Hindi.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies There is a vibrant club scene with over 140 clubs reflecting student interests, including film, origami, manga, photography, and gaming/e-sports. Clubs are student-led and mentored, with leadership oversight by the Student Council. Students can propose and start new clubs to match their passions.	Social & hobbies SCIS offers more than 80 sports, clubs, and arts options in its expansive after-school program. Starting in Kindergarten, students may choose from academic, artistic, athletic, and leisure activities, with examples including robotics and coding, art labs, orchestra, theatre, football, basketball, chess, cooking, and Mahjong. The program emphasizes teamwork and leadership through after-school activities, supported by faculty and external providers. After-school programs are available across Early Childhood, Lower School, and Upper School.
Community & service	Community & service Service clubs organize volunteering and community service initiatives. One example is clubs that bring sports to the children of migrant workers in China.	Community & service Global Citizenship is a focus, with opportunities to participate in community service projects and school trips to China. Service Learning is an active component of SCIS's program. China Culture is part of the student-life suite. School-wide initiatives include wellbeing, sustainability, and reducing barriers, with ongoing opportunities for community engagement.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Clubs are professionally mentored and student-led, offering leadership development and opportunities to build professional skills. The Student Council oversees clubs and supports charter renewals.	Leadership & professional University Counseling provides individualized guidance to help students plan their university pathways, beginning as early as Grade 9. Counselors offer workshops on essay writing, interview preparation, and admissions strategies, and BridgeU is used as the main online college and career guidance tool. Students participate in university fairs, campus visits, and admissions events to broaden their horizons.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports are a major component of well-being, with 13 sports offered on each campus. The aquatics program includes two 25-meter pools and cross-divisional participation, with SAS competing in APAC events.	Lifestyle & wellbeing SCIS fosters a healthy emotional environment with a supportive school culture. World-class facilities across three campuses include 6-lane 25-meter pools, large multi-use auditoriums, a 10,000 square foot Black Box theatre, an art gallery, rock climbing walls, indoor basketball courts, and strength and conditioning spaces, along with a full health clinic staffed by professional nurses. Wellbeing is a focus through school-wide initiatives and community engagement programs.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Languages taught include Chinese, French, and Spanish. Other languages are available through self-study options.	Language provision The language of instruction is English. Mandarin is offered as an additional language with a daily, leveled program for beginners to experienced learners. Language Acquisition and Language & Literature cover multiple languages, including English, Mandarin, French, Spanish, Korean, Dutch, and Japanese. Mother-tongue instruction is available in Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Spanish, and Swedish.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The language of instruction is English. Mandarin is taught as an additional language across grade levels and is integrated into daily learning. Language Acquisition courses include English, Mandarin, French, and Spanish, while Language & Literature courses are offered in English, Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, and Spanish. Mother-tongue programs exist in Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Spanish, and Swedish.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Cultural immersion in Chinese language begins in Early Childhood Education. Students immerse themselves in the Chinese language from the start, and the Chinese program is more than language, fostering cross-cultural connections.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards Only awards and recognitions explicitly described on the SAS website and awarded to the school itself in the past five years (2021–2025): 1) Named #1 High School in China by Forbes China (published on SAS site Aug 14, 2025) — SAS's story on the site reports that the school's high school program placed first in the 2025 Forbes China International School Rankings; the item is presented as a school-level ranking. 2) Ranked #1 International School in Shanghai by Hurun Education (published on SAS site Sep 2, 2025) — the SAS site reports it was ranked #1 for foreign passport holders in Shanghai in the 2025 Hurun Education Top International Schools in China ranking. The same story also notes SAS earned a place on the HSBC Hurun Education Global High Schools 2025 list. These items are presented on the school site as recognitions received by the school. Note: I included only awards or recognitions that are described on SAS's own website and that are clearly attributed to the school (not to individual students or teams). If you'd like, I can also check other publicly available sources for additional recognitions and provide dates and source links.	Awards Below are awards or formal recognitions reported on the SCIS website from the last five years (2021–2025). Each item is limited to recognitions given to the school or to school teams (not to individual students): 1) Apple Distinguished School (2024–2027) — SCIS was recognized by Apple as an Apple Distinguished School for the 2024–2027 term; this is a school-level designation that recognizes institutions using Apple technology to support schoolwide innovation in teaching and learning. 2) ACAMIS High School Math Olympiad — 1st place (ACAMIS, 2024) — The SCIS Hongqiao teams competed at the ACAMIS High School Math Olympiad in 2024, with one Hongqiao team finishing first overall; this is an inter-school competition result reported as a school achievement on SCIS's site. 3) ACAMIS High School Math Olympiad — 1st place (ACAMIS, 2025) — SCIS Hongqiao again reported a first-place finish at the ACAMIS Central Math Olympiad in 2025; the school's news post frames this as an institutional/team achievement. 4) ACAMIS Volleyball / SISAC results (2023) — SCIS reported multiple team-level achievements during the 2023 season: SCIS Pudong boys' varsity volleyball won their ACAMIS division (reported as a first-place team result), and Hongqiao teams claimed SISAC honours (e.g., Junior Varsity girls won the SISAC Western Division plaque). These are school/team-level athletic awards published by SCIS. 5) ACAMIS Volleyball — double Gold (ACAMIS Green Division Volleyball, 2025) — SCIS reported that both the Hongqiao Girls and Boys D1 volleyball teams won Gold at the ACAMIS Green Division Volleyball Tournament hosted at Hongqiao in October 2025; this is recorded on the school website as a campus/team achievement. Notes and scope: - I included only awards, recognitions or competition results that are explicitly reported on the SCIS website and that are presented there as awards to the school or its teams (not individual student prizes). Each named item above links to the SCIS page that documents it. - The SCIS site also publishes many student-level awards and festival/contest results; per your instruction those are not listed here because they are individual or student-group recognitions rather than awards given to the school itself. Examples (film-festival prizes, individual IB high scores, etc.) appear on SCIS news pages but were excluded for that reason. If you'd like, I can: - Extract the exact SCIS news URLs and list them beside each award, or - Expand the timeline to include earlier years (pre-2021), or - Verify whether any of the athletic conference wins are recorded on the ACAMIS / SISAC websites (external confirmation).
Accreditations	Accreditations 1) Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) — WASC is a U.S.-based regional accrediting body that evaluates K–12 schools against standards for school improvement, governance and student learning; SAS's history page and site footer note WASC accreditation for the school. 2) International Baccalaureate (IB) — SAS is an IB World School authorized to deliver the IB Diploma Programme; IB authorization indicates the school meets the IB Organisation's requirements for curriculum, teacher preparation and assessment practices. (SAS references its IB programme across its academic pages and in site affiliations.)	Accreditations 1) International Baccalaureate (IB) — SCIS is authorized as an IB Continuum World School (PYP, MYP, DP). This means the school is approved by the International Baccalaureate Organisation to deliver the full IB continuum across its divisions; that authorization indicates the school meets IB standards for curriculum, assessment and school-wide IB practice. 2) Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) — SCIS is accredited by WASC. WASC accreditation is a regional-style external review that validates that the school meets internationally recognized standards for institutional quality, continuous improvement and that its secondary diplomas are broadly accepted by universities.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Submit the application online. Create or sign in to an OpenApply account, complete the student and parent sections, and submit the form. The “Grade Applying for” is automatically filled from your child's date of birth; if you want a different grade, use the “Requested Grade Level” field and explain why. After submission you'll receive an automated confirmation email and an Admissions team member will contact you within five business days. 2. Upload required documents and pay the application fee. After applying you'll get a checklist in your OpenApply account showing required documents (school reports, government documents and confidential recommendations) and instructions for how to submit them. The application invoice is usually raised within three to five business days; the non‑refundable application fee is listed on the school's fees page and must be paid before the Admission Committee evaluates the file. The Admissions team will let you know if any documents are missing or don't meet the requirements. 3. Application marked complete once paperwork and fee are received. When all required documents and the application fee are received the school marks the application as complete and the Admissions team will confirm the status and outline next steps. Keep copies of submitted school reports and the confidential recommendation contacts—SAS sends recommendation requests directly to the current school for grades and teachers specified in the checklist. Applications are not considered complete until all eligibility documents (including government/visa paperwork where required) are on file. 4. Interview and academic/English assessments (as required). Selected applicants (and parents) are invited to assessments and/or interviews; the exact format depends on grade level and the candidate's background. For families in Shanghai assessments are on campus and must take place during school hours (sessions can take up to four hours); overseas applicants may be assessed online. Non‑native English speakers (Grade 1 and up) may be given a WIDA screener to assess English proficiency—spaces for language support are limited, so strong English results influence placement. 5. Admissions review and placement in the wait pool. The Admissions Committee reviews applications holistically—considering academic potential, English proficiency, social/emotional development and family alignment with SAS's mission. Qualified applications are placed into a wait pool rather than being offered on a strict first‑come, first‑served basis; qualified applicants are then considered in rounds when seats become available. If the school determines it cannot support a student's individual needs or if the applicant pool is unusually strong relative to seats, the application may be closed. 6. Decision rounds and updates. SAS uses scheduled decision rounds (and rolling/adhoc updates) for each admissions cycle; the Admissions site lists the round dates and when families can expect an update for the 2026–27 cycle. Possible outcomes include an enrollment offer, placement in or continuation in the wait pool, remaining under consideration for further evaluation, or application closure. Because seat availability and applicant volumes vary by grade and campus, timelines can shift; the Admissions team will inform families if processing is delayed. 7. If offered: accept and complete enrollment requirements (deadlines and fees). If you accept an offer you'll be invoiced for the one‑time entry fee (for new entrants), the non‑refundable enrollment fee to secure the place, and the annual tuition per the published Schedule of Fees. Enrollment fees and payment deadlines are specific: returning students' enrollment fee is due by April 1 of the year prior to the school year; for newly admitted students the enrollment fee is due within five working days of the invoice due date. Read the tuition and refund policy carefully (refund rules vary depending on withdrawal date) and follow the stated methods of payment. 8. Campus selection, transfers and practical notes. Families choose Pudong, Puxi, or Two‑Campus consideration on the application; if you request Two‑Campus consideration you may be offered a place at either campus depending on seat availability. If an offered seat is at one campus and you request a campus change after an offer is made, your child may be returned to the wait pool (placement not guaranteed). Once enrolled, students are expected to attend their original campus for two years before a campus transfer is considered, and transfers are not guaranteed—factor commuting, housing and sibling/transport arrangements into your campus choice.	Admissions 1. Review eligibility, age/grade guidelines and admissions checklist. Before you start an application, confirm your child's eligibility under the Shanghai categories (Type A/B/C) and the school's age/grade cut‑offs; SCIS publishes an Age/Grade guideline PDF showing exact birth‑date ranges for each grade and an Admissions Checklist that lists required government documents for each eligibility type. Parents should check whether they can submit some government documents later (for example, residence/work permits may be allowed within 60 days for families arriving from overseas) and note that documents not in English must be translated. 2. Create an account and complete the online application. SCIS requires all applications to be submitted through its online portal (OpenApply); when you complete the online form you will create an account and follow the portal prompts to enter family and student details. Make sure you fill in the student's current school history fully — SCIS asks for recent school reports and (for older students) transcripts — because the Admissions Committee uses these documents in its evaluation. 3. Upload supporting documents required for your application. The school's checklist specifies items such as passport copies for student and parents, birth certificate, immunization records, current and prior school reports (usually the most recent year plus up to three prior years), recommendation letter(s), standardized assessment or English‑proficiency results if available (WIDA or NWEA MAP preferred), and any learning‑support documentation (IEP, psychological report) if applicable. If you are applying from another Shanghai international school, the checklist notes that a certificate of enrollment plus complete academic reports may be accepted in place of a letter of recommendation; also note which government documents are required for your application category. 4. Pay the application fee and complete the application. SCIS marks an application as complete only after the required supporting documents have been uploaded and the application fee has been paid through the portal or as instructed. The website lists an application fee amount (RMB 2,750) and the Admissions Checklist PDF lists RMB 2,500; because those two pages disagree, confirm the current application fee with the admissions office before payment to avoid underpayment. 5. Assessment, interview and Admissions Committee review. Once your application is complete, SCIS's Admissions Committee reviews each file; the process can include age‑appropriate assessments, interviews (virtual or on‑campus), and formal English‑language proficiency testing on arrival if applicable. Decisions are based on a combination of international mindedness, English proficiency, academic history, and the student's social/emotional and behavioral background; if learning support needs are declared, the committee will consider whether SCIS can meet those needs. Parents should prepare original or certified copies of academic reports and any learning‑support records to speed verification if requested. 6. Offer, seat guarantee and payment to secure enrollment. If a place is offered, enrollment is only secure after payment of either the full tuition (annual or semester) or the seat guarantee deposit. For 2025–2026 the published seat guarantee deposit is RMB 20,000; new‑student capital and other one‑time fees (for example a first‑year Capital Fee listed on the site) are payable on admission. Note the school's payment deadlines (annual/semester deadlines and early‑payment discount dates) and the refund/withdrawal rules — e.g., refunds vary depending on when the school is notified in writing and seat guarantee deposits are non‑refundable under specified conditions. Parents should keep proof of wire transfers and follow the school's instructions for emailing remittance receipts. 7. Timing and rounds / rolling admissions. SCIS runs application rounds with posted deadlines and also operates rolling admissions; the Apply page lists specific round deadlines and notes that after the stated rounds decisions move to rolling and capacity‑based offers. Because SCIS reports operating near or at full capacity in many divisions, applying early in a round (and completing the application) improves the chance that the Admissions Committee can consider the application before capacity is reached. If you have timing constraints (arrival dates, visa processing), tell the admissions office when you submit the application.
Scholarships	Scholarships Shanghai American School's public materials (admissions and tuition pages) do not advertise a general student scholarship or means‑tested financial aid program for external applicants. The school's published benefit information does show an internal tuition assistance benefit (Eagle Assistance Tuition Assistance) available to employees (one tuition assistance benefit per employed teacher/administrator as part of staff benefit packages). If you are seeking fee‑reduction, special considerations, or exceptions, SAS advises contacting the Admissions or Finance offices directly—these are handled case‑by‑case and are not described as an open scholarship program on the website. If you'd like, I can draft an email template you can send to admissions or finance to ask about any available assistance or special arrangements.	Scholarships SCIS operates an International Scholars Program (announced in a school news posting) that offers a limited number of merit‑ and need‑based scholarships for prospective students in certain grades. The 2024–25 announcement describes six scholarship streams (for example: IB Diploma Scholarship, Academic Excellence, Leaders of Tomorrow, Renaissance (arts), International‑Mindedness, and Self‑Motivated Learner), available to applicants roughly in Grades 5–11 depending on the specific award. Scholarship awards were described in the announcement as covering between 25% and 75% of annual tuition and could be renewable for up to four years subject to annual review; applicants were instructed to submit a separate SCIS scholarship application and required documents and, if shortlisted, were invited to interview. Because scholarship offerings, quotas, eligibility details and deadlines can change year to year, contact the Admissions office or check the SCIS website for the current scholarship application form, deadlines and selection criteria before applying.
Waitlist	Waitlist Shanghai American School does not operate a simple first‑come, first‑served waitlist; instead it uses a qualitative “wait pool.” Qualified applicants who are not immediately offered a seat are placed into this wait pool and considered alongside other qualified candidates in scheduled decision rounds and on a rolling basis. The Admissions Committee reviews the pool in rounds (round dates and expected update windows are published for each admissions cycle) and issues outcomes that include offers, continued wait‑pool placement, requests for additional evaluation, or application closure. The school notes that priority consideration (not automatic placement) may be given in cases such as U.S. and other foreign citizens, applicants with international schooling backgrounds, stronger English proficiency, siblings already at SAS, and returning students in good standing; admissions also balance multilingual learner needs and cohort diversity when filling seats. For current seat availability and advice about applying outside the main cycle, SAS asks families to contact admissions directly because seats are often very limited.	Waitlist SCIS does not publish a separate, detailed public policy labeled “waitlist” on the admissions pages, but the school explicitly states that offers are made on a rolling and capacity basis and refers to a “wait‑pool” when describing what happens if a seat guarantee is not paid by the due date. The Admissions Checklist and other admissions pages say SCIS operates on a rolling basis and that offers are subject to space availability, and the Tuition & Fees page explains that when a seat guarantee deadline passes the seat may be offered to students in the wait‑pool or new applicants. In practice this means that if space is full your completed application will be held and considered as openings arise; there is no separate public “position number” or published waitlist procedure, so parents who want clarity about their application status should contact admissions directly (admissions@scis-china.org) to ask whether the candidate is in an active wait pool and what documentation or timing would change their status.
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