Shanghai Hong Qiao International School vs Western International School of Shanghai

	S Shanghai Hong Qiao International School Shanghai, China	W Western International School of Shanghai Shanghai, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 173,500 - 260,000	Fees / year RMB 161,975 - 261,820
Age range	Age range 1 - 18 years	Age range 2½ - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme)
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 400
Typical class size	Typical class size 8	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 2006
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Located in the Gubei/Changning (Hongqiao) area at 218 Yili Nan Lu (near Lanbaoshi/Golden Street), close to shops and expat neighbourhoods; the campus is within walking distance of nearby metro stations and served by local bus routes.	Location WISS is in the western suburbs of Shanghai (Xujing Town, Qingpu District) at 555 Lian Min Road, Shanghai 201702. The campus is in a suburban residential area and is reachable by car and the school's bus network that covers major housing areas in the city. If you are relocating, note the school is outside central Shanghai so commute times depend on where you live; many families use the school bus or private car transport.
Stages	Stages HQIS describes a full early-years to secondary structure — nursery/early years through upper school — serving roughly ages 18 months up to around 18 years (Nursery to Grade 12).	Stages WISS covers early years through secondary: Lower Elementary (ages ~2.5–5), Elementary (Grades 1–5) and Secondary (Grades 6–12). The school delivers the full International Baccalaureate continuum.
School type	School type Co-educational day international school; the school runs a continuous K–12 model incorporating IB PYP in primary and an American/AP-aligned programme in the upper years.	School type WISS is a co‑educational day school offering the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP and the Career‑related Programme). The school does not advertise boarding facilities; provision is for day students.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school lists English-as-an-Additional-Language (EAL) and targeted English support for students arriving with limited English; school listings also note learning-support provisions (parents should contact Admissions for case-specific details and documentation requirements).	Additional learning support WISS operates a Student Support Services team that creates individualized support pathways (academic and social‑emotional) rather than offering formal diagnoses. Support focuses by division (language/motor/sensory in early years; literacy, numeracy and attention skills in Elementary; and study/organisation skills in Secondary). Parents should discuss specific needs with admissions and the Student Support team to confirm available services for a child.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation HQIS is an international (non-national) school; its programmes combine the IB Primary Years framework in early/primary years with American curriculum standards and AP courses in upper school.	Country affiliation WISS describes itself as an international school and states it is not aligned to any single national curriculum or country. Its programmes are based on the International Baccalaureate framework.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school is listed as a non-religious international school (no religious affiliation is indicated in official/major listings).	Religious affiliation The school does not state any religious affiliation and presents itself as a non‑religious international school.
School day structure	School day structure Typical published school hours are about 08:30 to 15:00 on weekdays; early-years/toddler classes may offer half‑day options while older classes attend full days (breaks and lunch are provided during the school day).	School day structure According to the school's Secondary student handbook (published material), the typical student day is Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m. to 3:20 p.m., with students asked to arrive by about 8:20 a.m.; campus hours are noted as roughly 8:00 a.m.–3:20 p.m. Division‑specific break and lunch times can vary, so confirm current bell times with admissions.
Bus service details	Bus service details HQIS operates a school-bus service for families (third‑party or school-managed routes are offered) and school listings show published bus fees in past information — exact routes, stops and current fees are managed by the school and should be confirmed with Admissions.	Bus service details WISS operates its own branded bus service (fleet of 30+ buses) offering door‑to‑door routes that cover major residential areas; the service is available for children aged about 2.5 years and above. Buses are fitted with safety features (three‑point seatbelts, security cameras, AQI monitoring, emergency exits) and are staffed by trained drivers and on‑board monitors. Families can also drop children by car; contact the school for route availability, stop locations and fees.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and one-time fees - Application fee: RMB 2,000 (one‑time). - Matriculation / refundable deposit: RMB 15,000 (listed as a one‑time refundable deposit / registration amount in public fee listings). Tuition fees (annual amounts by year group) - Nursery (full‑day): RMB 173,500. - Preschool / Pre‑Kindergarten: RMB 185,800. - Kindergarten: RMB 210,000. - Primary (Years 1–5): RMB 257,000 (some public listings report RMB 247,800 for certain primary years; both figures appear in public sources). - Secondary (Years 6–12): RMB 260,000 (some public listings report RMB 247,800 for secondary as well). Billing schedule and payment terms - Public fee listings show tuition quoted as annual amounts. Termly breakdowns or exact term‑dates for instalments were not published in the sources reviewed. - Some listings note one‑time matriculation/registration and miscellaneous charges in the first year in addition to annual tuition. Boarding - No boarding / no boarding programme listed for this school. Other costs and recurring extras - School uniform: public listings indicate an approximate uniform cost (examples show around RMB 1,000 as a typical estimate). - School bus: sample figures cited in public listings include roughly RMB 7,200 (single route) to RMB 9,900 (return), depending on route. - Meals: several sources state lunch is included in published tuition amounts. Refund information - The one‑time deposit is listed as refundable in public fee summaries; full refund policies, timelines, and conditions were not published in the material reviewed. Fee payment options - Publicly accessible listings do not provide a clear definitive list of accepted payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, local payment portal). A dedicated payment portal reference appears in public profiles, but specific accepted methods were not listed in the sources reviewed. Summary of source coverage: application fee, deposit and annual tuition figures by year group are consistently reported across several public listings; however, detailed termly installments, exact payment methods, and full refund policy wording were not publicly available in the documents accessed.	Fee details Application, Placement and Capital Fees - Application fee: RMB 2,500 (non‑refundable). - Placement fee: RMB 20,000 (annual; due within five days of an Offer of Placement; offset against tuition on first day of school; forfeiture rules apply). - Capital fee (new students): RMB 20,000 (one‑time). Tuition fees (per year and per term by programme) - Pre‑Nursery & Nursery (ages 2.5–4): Early annual RMB 161,975; Annual RMB 165,385; Semester RMB 85,250 (each). - Pre‑Kindergarten (age 4–5): Early annual RMB 190,000; Annual RMB 194,000; Semester RMB 100,000 (each). - Kindergarten (age 5–6): Early annual RMB 224,675; Annual RMB 229,405; Semester RMB 118,250 (each). - PYP (Grades 1–5): Early annual RMB 245,575; Annual RMB 250,745; Semester RMB 129,250 (each). - MYP (Grades 6–10): Early annual RMB 258,875; Annual RMB 264,325; Semester RMB 136,250 (each). - DP/CP (Grades 11–12): Early annual RMB 261,820; Annual RMB 267,332; Semester RMB 137,800 (each). Billing schedule and payment terms - Early annual payment deadline (5% discount): April 14. Annual payment deadline (3% discount): May 15. Semester payment deadlines: May 15 (Semester 1) and November 1 (Semester 2). Tuition may be paid annually or by semester. Placement fee is due within five days of offer. Late payment charge: 1.5% per month, compounded. Boarding - Boarding is not offered; WISS operates as a day international school. Other costs and routine inclusions - Transportation (school bus): RMB 21,600 per year (optional; sibling/route discounts may apply). - School meals, a complementary set of uniforms (per semester for Pre‑Nursery to Grade 10), textbooks, classroom supplies, EAL support and many standard items are included in tuition; additional uniform items, external provider co‑curricular activities, trips or BYOD device requirements may incur extra charges. Refund information (key points) - Application fee: non‑refundable. Capital fee refunded only if the student never attends. Placement fee, tuition and bus refunds follow the Student Departure & Refund chart (eligibility and percentages depend on the date the official Departure Notice Form is received; earlier notice gives larger refunds). Examples: departure on or before April 14 = refundable for placement, Semester 1 and Semester 2; later dates incur partial or no refund per the published chart. Payment methods - Bank transfer (RMB account and foreign currency account with SWIFT), in‑person credit/debit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express), online payment portals (contact Finance), and cash at the Finance Office (not recommended). Electronic VAT fapiao available on request.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Shanghai Hong Qiao International School (HQIS) provides an English-medium K–12 programme for students from about 18 months to 18 years, combining an emergent early‑years approach, the IB Primary Years Programme in primary, and an American standards‑based pathway with AP options in secondary. Early childhood (approximately 18 months–3 years) follows an emergent, play‑and‑inquiry based curriculum. From roughly age 3 through Grade 5 (up to about age 12) HQIS delivers the IB PYP as its primary/transdisciplinary programme. For middle and high school (approximately ages 12–18) the school follows American curriculum standards (Common Core alignment) and provides Advanced Placement (AP) course options alongside personalised college and career counselling. Instruction is in English with additional language offerings (including Mandarin and other modern languages), and the broader programme includes enhanced science and mathematics elements, project‑based learning and a range of co‑curricular activities.	Curriculum details Western International School of Shanghai is an IB World School delivering the full IB continuum: Primary Years (PYP), Middle Years (MYP), Diploma (DP) and Career-related (CP) Programmes. Pre‑Nursery through Grade 5 follow the inquiry‑based IB PYP with transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry and integrated English and Chinese language pathways. Grades 6–10 follow the IB MYP framework, alongside a staged Chinese language programme that includes Chinese Language & Literature options at secondary levels. Grades 11–12 offer the IB Diploma Programme and the IB Career‑related Programme as senior‑school qualifications. The academic programme is delivered alongside specialist arts and sports, mandatory afternoon activities for younger students, and community‑service learning, which WISS identifies as four pillars of its curriculum.
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 HQIS describes a “whole‑person” / character‑development approach and lists student societies, service committees and programmes that support student development, which align with social‑emotional aims. However, the school does not appear to publish a named, detailed SEL curriculum or a clear staff structure for an SEL programme on its publicly available pages. Information about pastoral structures or dedicated SEL staff (for example named social‑emotional counsellors or an SEL coordinator) is not publicly detailed in the sources reviewed. Families should contact the school directly for up‑to‑date, specific information about SEL delivery and staffing.	Social & emotional learning WISS states that social‑emotional learning (SEL) is embedded across the curriculum and all IB programmes. It is delivered through Advisory programmes, Life Skills, Social Skills lessons and Personal, Social & Health Education (PSHE), and through explicit Approaches to Learning skills. The Student Support Services Team provides proactive and reactive individual and group interventions that target routines, social‑skills activities, study habits, life skills and personal growth. School counsellors are listed as addressing emotional regulation, decision‑making, healthy relationships, identity and diversity (including affective/sexual education). SEL is also reinforced through after‑school activities that provide leadership, teamwork and empathy opportunities.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) HQIS advertises on public profiles that it provides a Learning Support programme and employs learning‑support staff to assist students with additional needs, and third‑party school listings state there is a Learning Support Coordinator who works with teachers to create classroom modifications. These sources describe the provision as a limited programme for students with mild learning needs rather than a full specialist SEN school. The school is therefore not presented as a specialist SEN institution; instead it offers in‑school learning support and individualised classroom adjustments. For details about which specific needs are supported and assessment or referral processes, the school should be contacted directly.	Special educational needs (SEN) WISS describes a formal Student Support Services framework that provides academic and social‑emotional support through individualized support pathways designed and implemented by faculty. The school explicitly states it does not diagnose or label students and focuses on classroom‑based practices and strategies rather than on formal diagnoses. Support examples given include Lower Elementary work on language development, communication, motor and sensory development; Elementary support for writing, reading, mathematical processing, following instructions and attention; and Secondary support for organisation, study habits and time management. The admissions/application guidance asks families to provide relevant educational or medical evaluations, IEPs or other reports when applicable. WISS does not present itself as a specialist SEN institution; its published material describes in‑school learning support rather than specialist external provision.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Publicly available profiles for HQIS list EAL (English as an Additional Language) provision and describe EAL as an offered/enhanced programme and an extension activity for students still developing English language skills. Several third‑party school summaries explicitly list EAL classes or EAL support among the school's language offerings. The exact structure (levels, timetabling, or named EAL staff) is not fully detailed on the sources reviewed, so parents should request the school's current EAL programme outline for specifics.	English as an additional language WISS includes English as an Additional Language (EAL) support as part of its provision and notes EAL support is included in tuition‑fee inclusions. The Elementary programme states students new to English are supported five days a week through an "English for Beginners" programme, and the school describes translanguaging and honoring students' first languages. The Secondary overview highlights a range of language acquisition options and phases to support language development at older ages. The admissions pages note applicants are evaluated for English speaking, reading and writing ability and that Secondary entrants must have a level of English sufficient to access the curriculum. Overall, the school's public pages describe staged EAL support across Early Years, Primary and Secondary.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing HQIS public summaries mention student societies, service committees and personalised college/career counselling which can contribute to student wellbeing, but those sources do not describe a named whole‑school mental‑health or wellbeing programme or a dedicated mental‑health team. At least one third‑party listing notes there is no on‑site educational psychologist reported in its profile of the school. The school does not publicly disclose detailed information about dedicated mental‑health staffing, counselling processes or wellbeing protocols in the materials reviewed; families seeking specifics (school counsellors, referral pathways, crisis procedures) should ask the school directly.	Mental wellbeing WISS publishes that it operates three on‑site nurse stations and a qualified nursing team to provide first aid, minor‑injury care and emergency response while on campus. The school also says its Student Support Services Team provides counselling services for social, emotional and academic development. The SEL guidance and news material state that school counsellors address emotional regulation, decision‑making, identity, relationships and related wellbeing topics. Parents are asked to disclose health or medical matters so medical action plans can be prepared when needed. WISS describes student wellbeing support as a mix of on‑site health care, counselling and targeted interventions delivered by the Student Support Services Team.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school does not publicly disclose information regarding safeguarding and child protection in the sources reviewed. For authoritative information on HQIS's safeguarding policies, designated safeguarding officers, and child‑protection procedures, please request the school's safeguarding policy or confirmation from the school directly.	Safeguarding WISS states it "fully recognizes its moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children" and refers readers to its Safeguarding Policy for details. The Health & Safety information describes campus security measures (24‑hour licensed security, perimeter fencing, CCTV, visitor registration) and regular emergency drills. The site also documents that Student Support Services contributes to students' welfare through academic and social‑emotional support pathways. Application guidance requests medical and evaluation documents so the school can create appropriate plans for students with health or learning needs. For full details the school directs readers to its publicly posted Safeguarding Policy on the WISS site.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview The school sits on an 18-acre campus in Qingpu District designed by Weimar Architects of the Bauhaus University, purpose-built to meet the school's needs. It features bright, spacious classrooms and flexible learning spaces, modern art studios, and dedicated spaces for the arts, sciences, and technology. There are multiple outdoor playgrounds and green areas across the site. The facilities support a holistic learning environment with spaces for design, robotics, digital learning, and performing arts.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The campus features a professional Astroturf football field and a running track. There are two swimming pools on site. An indoor gymnasium and a gymnastics studio support PE and athletic activities. A professional climbing wall provides vertical challenges for students. Several sizable outdoor playground areas support outdoor activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities The academic facilities include Design & Robotics Labs, MAC & PC Labs, and iPad & Laptop Stations for student use. Fully equipped Science & Technology Laboratories support hands-on learning. Bright, spacious classrooms and flexible learning spaces provide environments for different teaching approaches. The campus provides dedicated facilities for Lower Elementary, Elementary, and Secondary students.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities The WISS Academy provides extension opportunities in sports, arts, and academics. It serves students aged 4–18 and adults. Classes include Football, Badminton, Swimming, Volleyball, Basketball, Music, Visual Art, Musical Theatre, and Dance, as well as STEAM programmes. It operates in a single location with dedicated facilities for these activities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Shanghai Hong Qiao International School began in 1997 as Rainbow Bridge International School, opening with just two preschool classes (about 18 students) and expanding over the following years. The elementary division opened in 2003, and the school gained International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme authorization in 2012. As the student body and programmes grew, the school moved to a new Gubei campus and adopted the Hong Qiao International School name in the mid‑2010s. These milestones are described in historical summaries and local school listings.	History WISS opened on September 6, 2006, initially enrolling 17 students and expanding over the following years into a school serving several hundred learners. The school's own history page describes it as founded by three entrepreneurs who aligned the school with the International Baccalaureate continuum from the start. External listings note the school's initial backing involved a consortium of independent American and Chinese investors and an advisory board of experienced educators. These founding decisions and governance arrangements are cited in school materials and third‑party profiles.
Community	Community HQIS describes a multinational student body (commonly reported as representing roughly 30–35 nationalities) and a programme of co‑curricular opportunities, student societies and service committees that extend learning beyond the classroom. The school runs regular community events that are public-facing—examples in recent years include school Earth Day celebrations and summer camp programmes that welcome families and local participants. Parents are invited to Open Days and other on‑campus events that connect families, staff and students.	Community WISS describes a deliberately international student body, noting more than 50 nationalities and dozens of languages represented in the community. The school runs regular community events that bring families together—examples reported on the school site include an annual Sports Day and family‑facing programmes such as a toddler-and-parent Kickstart playgroup. The school also publishes a WISS Family Calendar and a Parent Portal for event information and sign‑ups.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Public event listings and school profiles show an active parent community and regular parent‑focused activities (for example, Open Days and family events tied to Earth Day and seasonal programmes). These sources document parent engagement at HQIS but do not provide a detailed, publicly posted description of a formal PTA's internal structure, officer list or meeting schedule. For specific information about the school's Parent‑Teacher Association (roles, committees, volunteer opportunities and how to join), the school's admissions office is the usual contact—admissions contact details are listed in the school directory entries. If you'd like, I can draft a short email you can send to admissions asking for the PTA constitution, current officers, and a list of upcoming parent volunteer opportunities.	Parent teacher association The school website does not publish a separate page labelled “PTA,” and instead highlights several parent‑engagement channels: a dedicated Parent Portal (WISS Hub), a published family calendar, and regular parent workshops and open events listed in the school's news and events sections. In Elementary the school explicitly describes a “home‑school partnership” and asks parents to use those communication channels to stay involved and support classroom learning. Parents commonly engage by volunteering or attending organised events such as Sports Day and playgroup sessions; these activities are promoted through the school news feed and calendar rather than through a named, formal PTA page. For details about volunteering structures or an elected parent committee, the school recommends contacting the Admissions or Community Life teams via the Parent Portal or the school office.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual The WISS Academy provides extension opportunities in academics, sports, and the arts, including STEAM programmes. STEAM programmes are offered as part of the Academy. The school emphasizes inquiry-based learning within the IB continuum to support academic enrichment beyond the classroom. The Academy is open to WISS students and to other learners in Shanghai aged 4-18.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative The WISS Academy provides opportunities in music, visual art, musical theatre, and dance. These arts activities form part of the Academy's extension offerings. The programs support creative expression through structured classes and performances. The Academy is accessible to students aged 4-18 and to other learners in Shanghai.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Beginner Spanish is offered as an afternoon activity. Language-learning opportunities are part of the after-school program. The after-school activities run on a six-week block schedule. Lower Elementary students participate on Wednesdays, and Elementary students on Fridays.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Afternoon activities include Dance and Movement; Puzzle Club; Watercolor Painting; Mini Masterchef; Chess Club; Board Games; Cross-stitch, and other options. These activities are teacher-driven and run in six-week blocks, designed to complement IB learning. The schedule allows students to sample multiple activities within the school day.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Community Service is a pillar of WISS's education. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is linked with WISS, providing leadership and service opportunities. The school promotes global citizenship and social responsibility through its programs, encouraging students to engage in community-based projects.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional The Duke of Edinburgh's Award provides leadership development and service opportunities at WISS. WISS collaborates with international partners to broaden student leadership experiences. These activities support personal growth, teamwork, and responsible citizenship.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports are a core part of WISS life; the WISS Academy offers Football (Soccer), Badminton, Swimming, Volleyball, and Basketball. Afternoon activities include Yoga and other wellness-focused options. Active and well-being initiatives are integrated into the daily program.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision English and Chinese are taught as languages. In Elementary, English for Beginners supports learners new to English and Chinese Language classes are offered; translanguaging honors first languages. In Secondary, language acquisition and language and literature classes are offered in English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, German, and French with multiple phases and levels.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching In Elementary, bilingual teaching uses an International & Chinese co-teacher model. English for Beginners supports students new to English, while Chinese Language classes are offered. Translanguaging honors students' first languages, and every teacher acts as a language teacher.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations • IB Continuum / IB World School — WISS is authorised to offer the four International Baccalaureate programmes (PYP, MYP, DP and CP). The IB World School designation means the school has been authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organization to deliver one or more IB programmes and to participate in the IB's quality-assurance and professional-development processes. • Council of International Schools (CIS) — WISS is listed as a CIS member/school in the school's accreditations summary. CIS international accreditation is a peer-review process that benchmark schools against internationally agreed standards for international education and signals a school's commitment to continuous improvement and global-minded education. • Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC / ACS WASC) — WISS identifies itself as accredited by WASC. ACS WASC (the Accrediting Commission for Schools of the Western Association of Schools & Colleges) is a regional/international accreditor for K–12 schools; accreditation through ACS WASC indicates the school has engaged in a structured self-study and external peer review focused on educational quality and continuous improvement.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Check eligibility and timing: Before starting an application, confirm your child's visa/status and the grade level you are applying for — HQIS requires a Shanghai residence permit, diplomatic visa, or an employer letter stating a visa will be obtained for the student and parents, and immunization records are required. Plan for placement testing or interviews for Kindergarten and above; Nursery–Pre-K students have a different interview process. If you need an immediate start (mid‑year entry) note that HQIS accepts students after the academic year begins but spaces may be limited. 2. Complete the online application: Applications are submitted via the school's online system (OpenApply); you must upload a completed application form, digital photos of student and parents, passports (first page and visa page) for student and parents, the student's birth certificate, and immunization records. For Kindergarten and above you must also upload school reports for the current and two previous academic years (certified English translations if the originals are in another language). Keep scanned copies ready in standard formats (PDF/JPEG) so the application can be processed without delay. 3. Pay the non‑refundable application fee and supply any additional documents: Once the online application is complete you will be asked to pay a non‑refundable application fee (listed as RMB 2,000 in the school's OpenApply listing) before the application is processed. Admissions will not schedule assessments/interviews until the fee and required documents are received, so plan bank transfers or online payment accordingly. If your child requires learning support or ESL services, include any relevant assessment or reports at this stage to help the school review placement and resources. 4. Assessment, interview and scheduling: After your application and payment are received, HQIS schedules an interview and (for Kindergarten and above) an admissions test; the school's published timeline indicates interviews are usually scheduled within five working days of a complete application. Nursery to Pre‑K applicants attend with a parent/guardian; Kindergarten and older students come for testing and an interview with parents. Expect the school to assess English ability, basic literacy/numeracy (for school‑age applicants), and social readiness for younger children; bring any current school reports to the interview. 5. Offer letter, invoice and deadlines: If a place is offered you will receive a formal acceptance letter together with the tuition invoice (OpenApply notes an acceptance and invoice are sent — typically within five working days after the interview). Offers normally specify a payment deadline and a deposit to secure the place; published third‑party listings show a refundable deposit amount (commonly reported as RMB 15,000) and additional one‑time charges — confirm the current amounts with admissions. Pay attention to the invoice deadlines; failure to pay by the stated date can result in the offer being withdrawn or the place being given to another family. 6. Tuition, deposits and published fee ranges: Annual tuition figures vary by source and by year — third‑party fee listings for 2025–26 show different published ranges (for example, Finder.school lists Kindergarten and K–12 figures in the CNY 173,500–260,000 range while OpenApply directory pages show other annual amounts), so treat online summaries as estimates. Confirm the current year's tuition schedule, miscellaneous fees, and whether billed amounts are for full‑day/half‑day options directly with admissions before accepting an offer. Also ask whether fees are billed annually or by term, what payment methods are accepted, and whether there are sibling discounts or other adjustments. 7. Enrollment, class visit and transition: The school typically arranges a class visit and transitional information after acceptance to help students settle in; parents should ask for the class visit date and any orientation materials. Make sure vaccination records, passport copies, and proof of residency/visa are ready to hand in at enrollment, and confirm bus, lunch, and uniform arrangements if applicable. If you anticipate a late arrival (after term start), notify admissions early so they can advise on assessments and integration steps. 8. Contact and follow up: If any part of the process or the fee schedule is unclear, contact HQIS admissions directly (admissions email appears on school directory listings) and request written confirmation of deadlines, amounts, and any conditions tied to offers. Keep copies of all submitted documents and payment receipts; if a decision is time‑sensitive, ask admissions for an explicit timeframe in writing. Because fee schedules and policies are updated periodically, always confirm the current policy for the academic year you plan to enroll in.	Admissions 1. Start an online application (OpenApply). Create an account and submit the WISS Online Application Form via the school's "Apply Now" link; this is the formal start of the review process and parents should expect to upload documents and receive an invoice after submission. The site and application portal are the official route for all applications. 2. Prepare and upload required documents. WISS requires a set of personal, academic and supporting documents (examples: student birth certificate, copies of student and parent passports, Shanghai residence permit or visa documentation, ID-style photos, medical and immunisation records), plus school reports and teacher/principal recommendation forms; grade-specific report history is requested (for example: PK–K: current year report; Grades 1–8: current and previous year; Grades 9–10: two previous years; Grades 11–12: records from Grade 9 onward). Certified English translations are required for any reports not in English. Parents should check the document checklist in the online application so nothing delays review. 3. Arrange recommendations and book assessment / interview. After you submit documents, request confidential principal/teacher recommendation forms (Admissions will share the secure link) and then speak with your assigned Admissions Officer to schedule the admissions assessment, an academic interview for the student, and a family introduction meeting; these are all part of the school's evaluation process. For non-native English speakers, expect an English language assessment to confirm placement and support needs. Timing for assessments will be coordinated with Admissions—plan for scheduling delays if you are relocating. 4. Pay the non-refundable Application Fee and await decision paperwork. Once the online application is received you will be invoiced for the Application Fee (listed as RMB 2,500 for the academic year shown on the site); the application will not be considered complete until payment is confirmed. If the school issues an Offer of Placement, new families are required to pay the Placement Fee within five days to confirm the seat; note that the Placement Fee is offset against tuition once the student starts but payment alone does not guarantee placement until all admissions conditions are satisfied. Check the Tuition & Fees / Tuition Policy document for exact amounts, deadlines and refund terms before you pay. 5. Offer, placement and invoicing (acceptance / enrollment). If offered a place you will receive an Offer of Placement and the school will issue invoices (tuition, capital fee, bus if requested, etc.); the Placement Fee secures your place on acceptance but full tuition and any required upfront fees must be paid by the stated deadlines or at least five days before the student's first day if joining mid-year. Students are not permitted to attend classes until required fees are settled. If you expect a company or third party to pay, parents remain ultimately responsible for ensuring fees are paid on time. 6. Mid-year entry and pro‑rata billing; re-enrolment. WISS operates rolling admissions (it accepts applications throughout the year) and tuition for mid-year starts is calculated on a monthly pro‑rata basis and includes the month the student begins; re-enrolling families must follow the re-enrollment instructions and settle the placement/re-enrollment fee during the stated re-enrollment period. Confirm the semester payment deadlines (Semester 1: May 15; Semester 2: November 1) and any early‑payment discount dates if you plan annual vs semester billing. 7. Final steps: school start, practical arrangements and support planning. Before arrival, complete any required transportation or meal forms (if using the bus or school meals), submit medical/immunisation forms, and confirm device (BYOD) requirements by grade (for example: Grades 2–5 iPad; Grades 6–12 laptop/iPad). If the student has learning needs, upload relevant evaluations or IEPs during application so Student Support Services can plan appropriate support. Keep the Admissions Officer's contact details handy for questions and to confirm start logistics.
Scholarships	Scholarships OpenApply's directory entry for HQIS lists “Scholarships Available: Yes,” but the school does not publish a detailed scholarship or financial‑aid policy in the public directory pages found during this search. No authoritative public page with scholarship eligibility criteria, application deadlines, award amounts, or selection criteria was found in the sources searched; that means the scope and rules for any scholarships or fee assistance are not clearly stated online. If you are interested in financial assistance, contact HQIS admissions directly (use the admissions email/phone listed in the school directory) and request: (a) whether scholarships or fee assistance are offered for the year you are applying, (b) the application process and deadlines for any awards, and (c) required documentation (for example, financial statements, essays, or academic records). Because scholarship availability, eligibility rules, and amounts can change year to year and are often limited, ask for written confirmation and any application forms so you have the official policy on record.	Scholarships WISS operates a merit-based scholarship programme covering several categories (Academics, Sports, Arts, Community Service, Entrepreneurship/Innovation) and scholarships can provide full or partial coverage of annual tuition; the programme emphasises both the award and the student's ongoing contribution in their area of strength. The published scholarship application sequence requires families to complete the normal WISS admissions process first (or start at step 2 if the student is already enrolled), then complete the scholarship application form, submit supporting documentary evidence (pdf), submit a student essay, and return the application by the stated deadline; shortlisted candidates are invited to a final interview with the Scholarship Committee. Scholarship recipients must meet ongoing conditions: maintain high academic standards (the site specifies a minimum equivalent of a 6/7 on the IB scale where applicable), uphold standards of academic honesty and character, and the school may withdraw the scholarship for serious violations. Important practical detail: scholarship awardees are still responsible for paying certain fees (the school explicitly states recipients must still pay the Application Fee, Capital Fee, Transportation Fee and fees for after‑school activities and trips). If you are considering applying, download the WISS Scholarship Pack from the school site and contact the Scholarship Committee or Admissions for application deadlines and the current scholarship schedule.
Waitlist	Waitlist According to the school's online directory listing, HQIS does operate a waiting‑list system (OpenApply's school profile marks “Waiting List: Yes”). Publicly available listings do not publish detailed waitlist mechanics (for example, whether placement is strictly by application date, by need/grade priority, or by assessment outcome). In practice, this typically means if a place is not immediately available you may be offered a waitlist position and then moved to an offer if and when a space opens; confirmations and deadlines are generally handled in writing by admissions. Because specific priority rules and typical wait times are not published in the public listings, ask admissions for (1) your child's precise position on the waitlist, (2) any actions that move a child up the list, and (3) how long waitlist offers remain valid so you can plan accordingly.	Waitlist WISS does not publish a separate public "waitlist" or central pool policy on its admissions pages. The school states it operates rolling admissions and uses a Placement Fee to secure an offered place; the published Tuition & Fees / Tuition Policy also notes that payment of the Placement Fee will not, by itself, guarantee a placement unless all admissions and entry requirements have been met. Because there is no formal waitlist text on the public site, families concerned about seat availability should contact Admissions directly (the site provides admissions contact details) and ask whether a place can be held, whether the school is operating an internal waiting list for a specific grade, or what the local practice is for managing oversubscription.
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