Shanghai Community International School vs Shanghai High School International Division

	S Shanghai Community International School Shanghai, China	S Shanghai High School International Division Shanghai, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 146,000 - 324,500	Fees / year RMB 140,000 - 156,000
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 6 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), IB (DP), Australian Curriculum, Australian Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,800	Pupils 3,500
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 25
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Mandarin
Opened	Opened 1996	Opened 1993
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location The Xuhui (Puxi) campus is located beside Shanghai Botanical Garden at No. 989 Baise Road / 400 Shangzhong Road in the southwest of central Shanghai; the site address is listed on the school website. SHSID operates three additional campuses in Pudong (Zhangjiang, Lingang, Hongkou) and is developing a Fengxian campus; each campus sits in a different neighbourhood with its own local transport links. The main Xuhui/Puxi campus is described as park-like and forested and is the largest high-school campus in Shanghai.
Stages	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.	Stages SHSID runs a continuous Grades 1–12 international programme across its campus network (primary, middle and high school). Individual campuses serve different year ranges (for example Xuhui/Puxi offers G1–12 while Zhangjiang, Lingang and Hongkou serve primarily primary and lower-middle grades). Grade allocations and new campus openings are listed on the school's admissions pages.
School type	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.	School type SHSID is a co-educational international division of Shanghai High School that delivers international curricula (IB, AP, A‑Level) for Grades 1–12. It is primarily a day school, although the school's materials and campus pages note boarding/accommodation arrangements for certain campuses or grade levels (for example the Fengxian campus will include dormitory housing and school rules reference boarding students). For precise boarding availability by year and campus, contact Admissions.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	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.	Additional learning support The school provides medical, counseling and psychological services through its Health & Wellness and clinic services, and describes a ‘smart campus' approach that supports individualized learning. The website highlights counseling/psychological services, on-site clinic facilities and systems for student support, but does not present a publicly detailed special‑education (SEN) policy on the site; parents with students who have identified additional learning needs should contact Admissions or the Student Affairs/Counseling office for current, specific arrangements.
Country affiliation	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.	Country affiliation SHSID is the international division of Shanghai High School (a longstanding Shanghai/China school) and operates under that school structure; it is an international programme serving expatriate and other qualified students. The admissions information describes the school as enrolling qualified children of foreign personnel while remaining part of Shanghai High School.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation SCIS does not have a religious affiliation; its publications describe the school as an international, secular learning community.	Religious affiliation The school materials and mission statements do not identify any religious affiliation; SHSID presents itself as a non‑religious, secular international school.
School day structure	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).	School day structure For the Xuhui (main) campus the published school hours are 08:15–15:50 Monday–Thursday and 08:15–14:10 on Friday, with a lunch break typically 12:10–13:10; shuttle buses depart after school (times published by campus). The academic year is organised in two semesters (first semester ~ Sept–Feb; second semester ~ Feb–Aug) and detailed daily times can vary slightly by campus.
Bus service details	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.	Bus service details The school operates an organised school‑bus service with fixed stops and published route lists for each campus; the current year bus‑stop PDFs and route lists are posted on the School Bus Stops page. Admission guidance includes the straight‑line distance limits used for service eligibility (for example Xuhui within ~13 km, other campuses have shorter ranges) and the site directs parents to the published bus‑stop lists for details. For route, cost and pickup/dropoff questions, contact the School Bus Office or Admissions.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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.	Fee details Application fees - Non-refundable application fee: RMB 1,000 (payable at the school after documentation is approved). Tuition fees (per semester and per academic year) - Primary School (Grades 1–5): RMB 70,000 per semester (RMB 140,000 per year). - Middle School (Grades 6–8): RMB 75,000 per semester (RMB 150,000 per year). - High School (Grades 9–12): RMB 78,000 per semester (RMB 156,000 per year). Other recurring fees - Shuttle bus (where provided): RMB 5,500 per semester for Xuhui, Zhangjiang and Hongkou campuses; Lingang currently not charged; Fengxian currently does not provide school buses. - Miscellaneous fee: RMB 600 per semester. Billing schedule and payment terms - The academic year is divided into two semesters; tuition and semester fees are charged on a per-semester basis. All fees must be paid in one lump sum by the due date stated on the school's invoice. The school requires that fees or a copy of the bank voucher be received before the student reports to school and receives textbooks; unpaid fees may jeopardize the student's place. The tuition fee is explicitly non-refundable. Boarding fees - The International Division operates as a day school; boarding facilities/boarding fees are not applicable. Any other costs - The school's published fee page lists the items above. No separate uniform, textbook or exam fee line-items appear on the school's official fee page; parents should anticipate additional optional costs (uniforms, lunches, optional activities, external exam fees) although these are not itemised in the published semester fee schedule. The published miscellaneous fee is RMB 600 per semester. Refund information - Application fee (RMB 1,000) is non-refundable. The school's fee policy states the tuition fee is non-refundable. Fee payment options - Online payment via ICBC web portal or ICBC mobile app; UnionPay cards accepted for online payment. - Bank transfer (RMB and USD accepted) to the school's ICBC accounts (RMB and USD deposit account numbers and SWIFT code provided by the school). - RMB cash accepted at the appointed ICBC branch (receipt forwarding required for invoice issuance). - When paying by bank transfer, forward a copy of the bank receipt with the student's name to the Finance/Accounting Office for confirmation (email address provided by the school).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements SCIS is a day school; no boarding is offered.	Boarding arrangements Dormitory housing two students per room at the Fengxian Campus; accommodation is available for certain grade levels.
Uniform requirement	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.	Uniform requirement The school uses a uniform policy; uniforms are worn by students. An exhibition of the school uniforms has been held.
Food options	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.	Food options Cafeteria services include multiple cafeterias and restaurants offering a wide variety of meals, including Chinese, Western, and specialty dishes; monthly hygiene inspections are conducted.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	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.	Governance and ownership SHSID is the international division of Shanghai High School.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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.	Curriculum details SHSID delivers an American‑based curriculum across Grades 1–12 with roughly 800 compulsory and optional courses and multiple course levels (standard through honors plus) to match student ability. Primary School (Grades 1–5) follows a US‑based programme covering English, mathematics, Chinese, science, social studies, PE, music, art and IT; each class has a Chinese and a native English homeroom teacher and levelled language instruction. Middle School (Grades 6–8) continues the American programme with more specialized subjects (history, geography, physical and life sciences), creative/innovation courses and a Grade‑8 Service Learning graduation requirement. In High School students choose senior pathways: the IB Diploma Programme (open to Grades 11–12), an AP programme (about 20+ AP courses; open to Grades 10–12 with application windows), and AS/A‑Level options (AQA), alongside the US high‑school curriculum. Students have individualized timetables and access to core, elective, interdisciplinary innovation/practice courses and year‑long projects (PBL/Academy/Senior Projects) across STEM, humanities, arts and languages.
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 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.	Social & emotional learning SHSID runs a range of school-wide programmes and student-led initiatives that support social and emotional learning, including a Character and Moral Education (CME) curriculum and an active Peer Advisor (PA) programme which provides peer lectures, tutorials and wellbeing-focused activities. The Primary School uses two homeroom teachers (one Chinese and one native English speaker) and teaches language courses at multiple levels, which the school frames as part of pastoral and personal growth provision. Student clubs and service-learning groups (for example PA, clubs offering lunchtime activities and stress‑relief events) are regularly used to build students' interpersonal and self-management skills. These provisions and programmes are described in the school's news and curriculum pages.
Special educational needs (SEN)	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.	Special educational needs (SEN) SHSID's website references a published SEN policy (file titled Shanghai_High_School_International_Division_SEN_Policy (2019–2021)) linked from the IBDP/documents area, indicating the school has a formal SEN policy. The downloadable policy appears on the site but requires a download verification step and the school does not publish the full policy text inline on the public pages. The website does not explicitly list, in publicly viewable pages, which specific categories of special educational needs it can support nor the day‑to‑day staffing structure for learning‑support pupils. Because the policy PDF is not readable directly from the site without the download step, the school does not publicly disclose detailed, itemised SEN provision on its web pages.
English as an additional language	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.	English as an additional language In the Primary School SHSID states that language courses are taught at different levels according to students' language abilities and that each class has two homeroom teachers (one native English speaker), which indicates structured language-level provision for younger learners. The school also links a formal Language Policy (Language_Policy 2020–2021) from its curriculum/IBDP documents area. Beyond these references, the public site does not set out a separate, detailed EAL/ESL programme for middle and high school (for example specific pull‑out EAL classes or named EAL staff are not described on the publicly available pages). Therefore, while primary-level differentiated language teaching and a language policy are published, the site does not publicly disclose full details of any dedicated EAL programme for older students.
Mental wellbeing	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.	Mental wellbeing SHSID operates a Mental Health Service Center (Counseling and Psychological Services) that was established in 2005; the centre's description lists a counselling room, activity room, stress‑relief room, and equipment (biofeedback and cognitive training devices) and says the team includes one full‑time psychology teacher and four part‑time certified counsellors. The counselling page gives opening hours for consultations and describes the range of issues covered (adaptation, exam stress, study and relationship issues). School initiatives and professional development (for example the SMART‑H homework/PD activities) and student peer programmes are also described on the site as contributing to students' psychological support. These items are described on the school's Health & Wellness and news pages.
Safeguarding	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 The school's Campus Safety pages set out practical safeguarding measures such as controlled campus entry (ID/face recognition), visitor registration, rules for students leaving campus, prohibited items, and behaviour standards including a prohibition on violence. SHSID also publishes details of its on‑site clinic (locations across campuses, departments, student accident/medical insurance and AED placements) and identifies the clinic as an A‑level internal medical institution, which the site presents as part of health and safety provision. The site's publicly available pages describe these operational safety measures, but there is no separate child‑protection policy text visible in the public content other than the Campus Safety and Medical Services material.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	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.	Facilities overview SHSID offers first-class facilities for daily teaching and extracurricular activities, including a School Information System, modern innovative laboratories, a Media Center and libraries, and athletic and art facilities. It maintains a Digital Learning Environment, with a campus network and the School Information System supporting online learning and self-management, and it actively integrates technologies such as the Cloud, the Internet of Things, tablets and AI to enhance learning. The libraries comprise five sections across campuses and hold about 200,000 books to support study and reading. The on-site facilities enable personal development across academic, artistic and athletic programs.
Sports facilities	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.	Sports facilities SHSID has athletic facilities including a 400-meter standard track and a standard soccer field, seven indoor and outdoor tennis courts, and three five-a-side soccer fields. The campus features a standard indoor swimming pool and an outdoor pool, a multi-functional gymnasium, a badminton center, a laser shooting center, a table tennis hall, a squash court, a basketball gym, and an ice rink. Gymnasiums, gymnastics rooms, and a fitness center support student training and fitness activities. These facilities provide students with diverse options to participate in team and individual sports.
Academic facilities	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.	Academic facilities Modern innovative laboratories include the Molecular and Cell Biology Lab, Environment and Sustainable Development Lab, Super Auto Lab, FabLab, Financial Investments Research Lab, Creative Design Lab, and Social Science Lab used for teaching and research. The Media Center supports education in television production with a studio and control room and digital recording capabilities. The libraries are divided into five sections: middle and primary school, high school, Pudong campus, Lingang campus and Hongkou campus, and total about 200,000 books in English and Chinese. A Digital Learning Environment utilizes the campus network and School Information System to support online learning and self-management, with ongoing introduction of new technologies to enhance development.
Extra curricular facilities	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.	Extra curricular facilities Art facilities include the Arts Center and Art Gallery, equipped with advanced gear to develop artistic talents. The Music and Theatre Center offers nine music classrooms, four dance studios, a professional digital music lab, 22 piano rooms, a band rehearsal hall, a professional drama rehearsal hall, an auditorium and a range of specialized instruments. Athletic facilities support a wide range of sports with a 400-meter track, fields, seven tennis courts, pools, a gymnasium, a badminton center, a table tennis hall, a squash court, a basketball gym, an ice rink, gymnastics rooms and a fitness center. The Media Center and libraries support student projects and performances outside regular class time. On-campus spaces host clubs, exhibitions and performances to enrich extracurricular learning.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	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.	History Shanghai High School International Division (SHSID) was founded in 1993 as the international division of Shanghai High School. Shanghai High School itself dates to 1865; SHSID began with 18 students and has grown into a Grades 1–12 division enrolling roughly 3,500 students from over 60 countries and operating multiple campuses. Over time SHSID has taken on international authorizations and accreditations — it became an IB World School in 1995, introduced AP courses from 2008, added A‑Level authorization in 2014, and has held Cognia accreditation and other memberships. The school is organized as the international division of Shanghai High School and the site describes an expansion plan summarized as “One Body (Xuhui Campus), Four Wings” to include Zhangjiang, Lingang, Hongkou (and future Fengxian) campuses.
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.	Community SHSID runs a regular program of campus-wide events that bring together students, staff and families, including a Multicultural International Expo (MIX Day) that highlights student performances, cultural stalls and exhibitions. The school also stages arts and cultural programs such as campus art festivals and Chinese Culture Week, and it has recently run larger community occasions like an Energy Day paired with an Alumni Reunion. Ongoing club exhibitions and student-led groups (for example the Cultural Moments group and many subject and arts clubs) provide frequent opportunities for intercultural exchange and community service.
Parent teacher association	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.	Parent teacher association The Parent Teacher Student Association (SHSID PTSA) is a voluntary organization set up to strengthen communication between parents and the school and to support social, athletic, arts and academic activities. The PTSA's stated duties include organizing and supervising student activities and events, conveying the school's educational requirements to parents, reporting its work to the school, and holding one or two PTSA meetings each semester. The PTSA page links to a constitution and describes the group as initiative‑driven and ready to contribute to school life as needed. The PTSA members page lists parent representatives by grade and notes that the current (rotating) president is Ms. Qian Chen, serving as the Grade 12 president. In practice the PTSA supports events across the school (lectures, exhibitions, sports and social activities) and coordinates parent involvement through school‑level representatives.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	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.	Academic & intellectual SHSID offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for students in Grades 11–12. The DP is an assessed program for ages 16 to 19, organized around six subject groups and a DP core consisting of Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service). SHSID states that students in the DP develop breadth and depth of knowledge, study at least two languages, and aim to prepare for leading universities; the program uses about 40 courses across the six groups. The school has been an IB World School since 1995.
Arts & creative	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.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	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.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	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.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	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.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	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.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	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.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	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.	Language provision English and Chinese are the languages taught. Language courses are taught at different levels according to students' language abilities. Aside from regular English and Chinese courses, the Chinese and English courses include reading, writing, show and tell. The program aims to improve students' multi-lingual skills.
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.	Bilingual teaching Two homeroom teachers, one Chinese and one native English speaker, share daily administration in each class.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	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).	Awards (Timeframe used: calendar years 2021–2025, inclusive. I included only items posted on the school website that were explicitly awarded to the school or to an official school unit; I did not include awards given to individual students.) - Outstanding Achievement Award; Holistic Education School — United States Academic Decathlon (USAD) recognition, reported Feb 7, 2021. The school page states SHSID was awarded the “Outstanding Achievement Award” and the “Holistic Education School” designation in connection with its USAD team performance; these are recognitions given to the school as an institution. - SHSID Digital Fabrication Workshop — certified member of the Global FabLab Network (MIT FabLab), April 10, 2025. The school reports that its middle/primary-school digital fabrication workshop passed MIT FabLab certification and joined the international FabLab network, a facility‑level certification recorded on the school site. - Outstanding Organization Unit — 5th Shanghai Youth “Carbon” Quest Environmental Innovation Project (Outstanding Organization Award), November 6, 2025. The school's news item records that Shanghai High School International Division was named the Outstanding Organization Unit for this city‑level environmental innovation project; the award is described as given to the school unit. - “Shanghai Brand” certification — Shanghai High School (October 9 / reported Oct 16, 2025). The school site reports that Shanghai High School (the parent institution of SHSID) earned the city's official “Shanghai Brand” certification in October 2025; this certification is presented on the SHSID site as an institutional recognition for Shanghai High School. (Note: the website item refers to Shanghai High School as the recipient; SHSID is the international division within that school system.) If you'd like, I can: (a) produce a one‑page PDF of these items with the original source excerpts, (b) check the school site for any additional institutional recognitions announced after December 31, 2025, or (c) expand each item with the full quoted text from the school news pages. Which would you prefer?
Accreditations	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.	Accreditations - International Baccalaureate (IB). SHSID is an IB World School authorized to offer IB programmes; this indicates the school meets the IB Organization's authorization and curriculum standards. - College Board (AP/SAT/PSAT/ACT administration). SHSID is authorized to deliver College Board programmes/examinations (AP, and administer SAT/PSAT/ACT), showing it meets the College Board's requirements for offering those assessments. - AQA A‑Level (International AS & A‑Level). SHSID is approved to deliver AQA A‑Level courses (International AS & A‑Level), indicating recognition by an international A‑Level examination provider. - Cognia (formerly AdvancED). SHSID holds accreditation from Cognia (noted on the site for cycles in 2018 and 2023); Cognia is an international/US‑based accrediting body that evaluates school quality and continuous improvement processes. - Council of International Schools (CIS) membership. SHSID achieved CIS membership (listed as of 2024 on the school site); CIS membership/accreditation indicates engagement with an international school quality assurance and improvement network.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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.	Admissions 1. Confirm eligibility and start an online application. SHSID's stated enrollment policy is for "qualified children of foreign personnel in Shanghai," explicitly including students from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan; confirm your child's eligibility before you begin. Register in the school's online admissions system (link shown on the Admissions > Application Procedures pages) and keep the registration email/password you create — the system account and the registered email are used for all further notices. 2. Book an on-site appointment and prepare original documents plus photocopies. After online registration you must use the admissions system to choose and print an appointment letter and bring it to the Xuhui campus (parents applying to Lingang or Hongkou are asked to submit documents at Xuhui for initial checks). The school requires original and photocopied versions of identity documents, proof of Shanghai employment or employer documents, proof of Shanghai residence (ownership or lease), birth certificate, marriage certificate (as applicable), two years of previous academic records (except Grade 1), and a school certificate from the student's previous school. 3. Pay the non-refundable application fee after the document check. The admissions pages state the non‑refundable application fee is RMB 1,000 and is paid on site once the documents are approved; the receipt/confirmation from that payment is part of completing the application stage. Keep the payment proof and note that the application fee is valid only for the semester to which you applied. 4. Attend the entrance activity (assessment) on the confirmed date. The school's assessment covers written and oral components in English, Chinese and Mathematics for most grades; applicants to Grade 10 and above also sit Physics and Chemistry. The exam format and level vary by grade, so arrive prepared with the materials and arrival time specified on your appointment confirmation. 5. If offered a place, complete enrolment interview and paperwork at school. The offer/next steps include a meeting with the principal or director (to confirm course level and programme placement), completion of school forms and receipt of an Admission Letter. At that time you will be required to pay tuition, any applicable school bus and miscellaneous fees to secure the seat. 6. Understand fees and payment rules before you commit. SHSID publishes per‑semester tuition (current page dated Sep 1, 2025): Primary (Grades 1–5) RMB 70,000/semester; Middle (Grades 6–8) RMB 75,000/semester; High (Grades 9–12) RMB 78,000/semester. The school lists shuttle bus fees (most campuses RMB 5,500/semester where applicable), a miscellaneous fee (RMB 600/semester), accepted payment channels (ICBC online platform, RMB cash/cards at the Accounting Office, bank transfer — and the finance contact email), and the policy that tuition is generally non‑refundable and that all fees must be paid by the due date to guarantee a seat. 7. Practical notes and follow‑up. Recommendation letters are optional and can be sent directly to the Admissions Office email addresses shown on the website; the admissions system requires a mainland mobile number for SMS notifications, so provide a China phone number if possible. If you have special circumstances (visa timing, late arrival, sibling registration, or questions about campus assignment) contact the admissions office directly — phone and campus‑specific emails are published on the Admissions/Contact pages.
Scholarships	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.	Scholarships SHSID's publicly available Admissions and School pages do not describe routine entrance scholarships or a standard financial‑aid programme for new international‑division students. The website does reference the Shanghai High School Education Development Foundation (the school's development/foundation body), but there is no published scholarship application process, eligibility criteria, or amounts on the international‑division admissions pages. If you are seeking fee support or scholarships, contact two places directly: the Admissions Office (to ask whether any school scholarships or fee concessions are available for the intake you are applying to) and the school foundation/finance office (to ask whether any bursaries, donor‑funded awards or special programmes exist). Use the finance email (finance@shsid.org) and the admissions emails listed on the site for the fastest clarification.
Waitlist	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.	Waitlist SHSID's public admissions pages do not publish a formal, public waitlist or “pool” policy. The website describes the application steps, the entrance activity and the documentation required, and it also cautions that admission is competitive; however, there is no public page that explains an automatic waitlist procedure or the criteria and order by which waiting applicants would be offered places. If you need current, grade‑specific seat availability or to ask whether your child can be placed on an internal waiting list, contact the Admissions Office (the school lists campus phone numbers and specific admissions emails on its Contact page) — that is the only way to get up‑to‑date information about vacancy handling or wait‑list practice.
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