Shanghai Livingston American School and The SMIC Private School Shanghai are both in Shanghai, about 25 km apart. Both schools offer American and Advanced Placement (AP) programmes, and The SMIC Private School Shanghai also offers Chinese National. Published annual fees are RMB 133,825 - 221,823 at Shanghai Livingston American School and RMB 140,000 - 166,000 at The SMIC Private School Shanghai, which puts Shanghai Livingston American School roughly 16% higher. Shanghai Livingston American School takes pupils from 2 to 17, and The SMIC Private School Shanghai from 3 to 18. The SMIC Private School Shanghai is the larger school, with around 3,000 pupils to Shanghai Livingston American School's 480.
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Shanghai Livingston American School
Shanghai, China
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The SMIC Private School Shanghai
Shanghai, China
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| Snapshot | Snapshot | |
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Fees / year
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Fees / year RMB 133,825 - 221,823 | Fees / year RMB 140,000 - 166,000 |
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Age range
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Age range 2 - 17 years | Age range 3 - 18 years |
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Type
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Type Co-educational | Type Co-educational |
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Curriculum
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Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) | Curriculum American Curriculum, Chinese National Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) |
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Pupils
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Pupils 480 | Pupils 3,000 |
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Typical class size
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Typical class size 15 | Typical class size — |
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Instruction language
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Instruction language English | Instruction language English, Mandarin |
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Opened
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Opened 2003 | Opened 2001 |
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Bus service
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Bus service No | Bus service No |
| Essentials | Essentials | |
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Location
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Location SLAS is in Changning District at 580 Ganxi Road, a central area with many international residents; the campus was chosen for its proximity to expatriate neighbourhoods. Public transport and taxis are commonly used to reach the school; the school provides a door-to-door bus service for students (see Transportation). | Location SMIC Private School is located at No.169 Qingtong (Qing-Tong) Road in the Zhangjiang High‑Tech Park area of Pudong New Area, Shanghai (postal code 201203). The campus sits in a technology-park / suburban part of Pudong that serves many international families and is reachable by road and by the school's shuttle services; local landmark references list the site near Guanglan Road. For exact directions and public‑transport options, the school's address and contact details are on its website. |
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Stages
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Stages The school runs an Early Years program and Primary (elementary) years, plus Middle School and High School (Grades 9–12), with year-group pages and handbooks for each division. Admissions and placement testing determine entry level for newcomers. | Stages The school runs a full K–12 structure: Early Childhood (kindergarten), Elementary, Middle School and High School within both an International Division and a Chinese Track. The website lists separate pages and curricula for EC, ES, MS and HS (including options such as a Chinese Concentration Class at elementary level). |
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School type
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School type SLAS is a co-educational international school following an American-style curriculum and is WASC-accredited. It operates as a day school (no public boarding provision is listed). | School type SMIC is a private, co‑educational K–12 day school that integrates kindergarten through high school on a single campus; it was founded by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) in 2001. The school does not provide student boarding — there is no dormitory on site. |
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Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix — | Pupil nationality mix — |
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Additional learning support
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Additional learning support The school runs English Language Development (ELD/ESL) programmes for students who are acquiring English, with placement testing and regular assessment; primary years also have a Learning Support/Resource class for targeted literacy support. For specifics about support plans or specialist services, contact the Guidance/Learning Support team. | Additional learning support The school provides counselling services, small‑group and individual support, and an Academic Recovery Program for students who are struggling academically; it also offers different Chinese language streams (regular Chinese and Chinese as a Second Language) and a Chinese Concentration Class (CCC) in elementary. The website notes meal or other special arrangements can be made with documentation, but it does not describe a separate dedicated Special Educational Needs department — parents with specific SEN needs are advised to contact Admissions to discuss individual arrangements. |
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Country affiliation
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Country affiliation SLAS operates as an American international school (American curriculum orientation) rather than being affiliated with a national government or church. | Country affiliation The school was established and is supported by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (a Chinese company) and is based in Shanghai's Zhangjiang High‑Tech Park. It therefore has a direct organizational link to SMIC. |
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Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation The school does not state any religious affiliation on its public pages; its mission and core values present a secular international school profile. | Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is stated on the school website; SMIC presents itself as a secular private school integrating Chinese and international curricula. |
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School day structure
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School day structure The website presents division-specific handbooks and calendars but does not publish a single, clearly listed daily start/end time for all students; start and finish times (and break/lunch arrangements) are normally set by division and are provided in student handbooks or on admission. Please check the relevant student handbook or ask Admissions for the exact times for your child's year group. | School day structure According to the school FAQ, elementary hours run from 7:50 a.m. to 3:25 p.m., and middle/high school hours from 7:55 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.; students are expected to arrive between about 7:45–8:00 a.m. The published school calendar also shows regular half‑day events and occasional schedule variations (e.g., study weeks and exam‑related half days). |
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Bus service details
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Bus service details SLAS operates a door-to-door school bus service for students living in Shanghai; the school publishes semester fees (e.g., RMB 9,000 within 15 km; RMB 9,300 over 15 km), a list of numbered routes and the bus office contact. The school notes it is not obliged to offer service outside existing routes, and parents register via the school's bus registration form. For route-specific enquiries contact the Transport office. | Bus service details SMIC operates a fleet of more than 20 shuttle buses serving routes in both Pudong and Puxi; morning pick‑up times depend on the student's home location. Typical afternoon departure times listed by the school are 15:30 for elementary students and 15:30 (or 16:30 for some Pudong high‑school students) for middle/high students; each bus has a chaperone and the General Affairs office arranges routes and seat applications. The school does not provide bus service beyond the outer ring or to very remote areas; contact details for the bus office are published in the admissions/FAQ section. |
| Fees | Fees | |
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Fee details
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Fee details Application fee - Application Fee: RMB 2,200 (non‑refundable). Tuition fees (2025–2026) — annual and per‑term (school year organized in three trimesters) Note: SLAS charges tuition as annual amounts; all fees are payable in advance for each term. The school calendar shows the academic year divided into three trimesters; therefore the per‑term figures below are the annual fee divided by three. Annual and per‑term figures are shown in RMB. - Nursery / Pre‑School / Pre‑Kindergarten - Annual: RMB 133,825 - Per term (133,825 ÷ 3): RMB 44,608.33. - Kindergarten - Annual: RMB 163,350 - Per term (163,350 ÷ 3): RMB 54,450.00. - Elementary School (Grade 1–5) - Annual: RMB 202,860 - Per term (202,860 ÷ 3): RMB 67,620.00. - Middle School (Grade 6–8) - Annual: RMB 214,990 - Per term (214,990 ÷ 3): RMB 71,663.33. - High School (Grade 9–12) - Annual: RMB 221,823 - Per term (221,823 ÷ 3): RMB 73,941.00. Required supplemental and recurring fees - Capital Fee (one‑time, mandatory per child): RMB 8,000. Refund only if written withdrawal is received before the first day of classes; no refund once the semester has begun. - Technology Fee (annual, Grades K–12): RMB 2,000 per child. - School Bus (door‑to‑door) — charged per semester: - Within 15 km: RMB 9,000 per student per semester. - Over 15 km: RMB 9,300 per student per semester. - School Lunch (prepaid daily): RMB 35 per day (covers lunch and snacks as described by the school). - Other miscellaneous charges may apply (examples listed by the school include SAT testing fees, MAP testing fees, uniforms for performances/activities and house T‑shirts). Some miscellaneous items are specifically listed as non‑refundable in the school refund policy. Billing schedule and payment terms - All fees are to be paid in advance for each term. Any new student enrolling mid‑semester must pay in full for the current month upon enrollment. All fees must be paid on or before the first day of term; students may not attend if fees are unpaid. SLAS reserves the right to change fees without prior notice. Boarding fees - Boarding: SLAS operates as a day school; no boarding program or boarding fees are listed. Tuition is presented as "full day" and transportation services are provided by the school. Other costs and uniform - School Uniform: A uniform policy and downloadable uniform catalogue are provided; the school indicates parents are responsible for purchasing required uniform pieces. The website provides a uniform catalogue and dress code but does not list fixed uniform prices on the public page. Uniform items and performance/activity‑specific uniform pieces are referenced. - Additional likely costs (examples identified by the school): extracurricular activity fees, performance uniforms, testing fees (MAP/SAT), textbooks or replacement costs for lost/damaged items, and any charges related to extracurricular trips or house events. Some of these items are explicitly non‑refundable if incurred. Refund information (key points) - Tuition refunds: - Withdrawals made in writing by August 1 (before Fall semester) or December 1 (before Spring semester) are eligible for a 100% tuition refund. - Written notification received after those dates but before the beginning of classes: 90% tuition refund. - No refund for the currently enrolled semester once classes begin, except in limited circumstances (e.g., if the school requests a student to leave for behavior/academic reasons the Committee may approve a prorated refund). The student's issued fapiao for refunded tuition must be returned to the school. - Capital fee refund: only if withdrawal is received in writing before the first day of classes; no refund once the semester begins. - Transportation refund: written notification two (2) weeks prior to the start of the semester is required for a refund; no refund once the semester has begun. Lunch refunds require one (1) week's written notice and will be prorated. Certain fees (Registration Fee, Seat Guarantee Fee, MAPS Testing Fee and similar) are specifically listed as non‑refundable. Outstanding financial obligations are deducted from any refund. Fee payment options and bank details - Accepted payment methods: bank transfer, RMB or USD check, or cash. If paying by bank transfer, forward a copy of the bank remittance with the student's name and grade. If paying in USD, the exchange rate is calculated at the current bank exchange rate used by the school. All fees must be paid on or before the first day of term. - School bank account information (as provided for payments in RMB or USD): - Bank Name: Fubon Bank Shanghai Hong Qiao Sub‑Branch. - RMB Account Number: 50100001100004085. - USD Account Number: 50100001200004087. - SWIFT: FSBCCNSH. - Payment remark: Student's English name and grade level. If you require these figures presented in another currency, or need them formatted differently for a database, the numeric values above are the school's published amounts in RMB for the 2025–2026 school year. | Fee details Application fees - SMIC-I charges a non‑refundable application fee of RMB 1,000 payable as part of the application process. Complete applications include submitting required documents in person and payment of the application fee. Tuition fees (per semester — amounts in RMB) - Early Childhood (EP–EK2): ¥70,000 per semester. - Grade 1–5: ¥75,000 per semester. - Grade 6–8: ¥80,000 per semester. - Grade 9–12: ¥83,000 per semester. These tuition figures are stated on SMIC‑I's tuition page and presented as semester amounts. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is quoted and billed on a per‑semester basis (two semesters per academic year). The school's tuition page lists fees as RMB per semester. - The application fee must be paid to complete the application. Parents are instructed to sign an authorization form and provide a copy of their ID to the Finance Office for payment processing; the site advises not to send the authorization form directly to the bank and provides a Finance contact for arrangements. Specific payment channels (for example, credit card acceptance) are not listed on the tuition page. Boarding / accommodation - SMIC Private School does not provide student housing (no boarding). Other compulsory or additional costs - Book deposit: a RMB 2,000 book deposit is required for every new elementary student (deposit terms are not specified on the tuition page). - Meal fees: charged per meal; listed rates are RMB 23.00 (EP–EK2), RMB 22.00 (G1–2), and RMB 24.00 (G3–12). Enrollment in the lunch plan is required. - School bus: bus service is available for an additional fee; parents must contact the school for routes and fees. - Uniforms: Grade 1–5 formal set ¥455 and summer sport set ¥225; Grade 6–12 formal set ¥470 and summer sport set ¥225. Refund information - The application fee is explicitly stated as non‑refundable. The tuition page requires a book deposit for new elementary students but does not specify refund conditions for that deposit on the published tuition page. Fee payment contact and administration - The Finance Office handles fee authorizations. The tuition page instructs parents to sign the authorization form, provide ID, and contact the Finance Office (contact details and an authorization form link are provided on the school's tuition page). For school bus fees and routes the site provides a separate contact. |
| Diving deeper | Diving deeper | |
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Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements — | Boarding arrangements — |
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Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement A school uniform is required. The dress code uses a white or blue polo as the main garment. Shirts, sweaters, or any apparel not containing the school logo may not cover the polo. Bottoms must be black or blue and include pants, shorts, skirts, or dresses; blue jeans are allowed if there are no holes, tears, or logos. | Uniform requirement — |
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Food options
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Food options Lunch and snacks are provided daily. Early Years receive a warm lunch and two snacks; elementary students receive a warm lunch and one snack. The prepaid daily lunch fee is RMB 35. | Food options The school has an on-campus cafeteria. The cafeteria area is about 1,900 square meters, including a student cafeteria of about 1,000 square meters, and it serves 840 students at the same time. |
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House system
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House system Students are divided into four houses: White Tigers, Black Lions, Red Lynx, and Silver Snow Leopards. Houses participate in events to earn points, supporting the school values and fostering mentorship across grades. | House system — |
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Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership The school is Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredited since 2009, an official ACT testing site, and a SAT test site. It is a member of SISAC and an ACAMIS partner and is approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education and Shanghai Education Commission. | Governance and ownership The school was founded by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) in 2001. |
| Academics | Academics | |
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Curriculum details
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Curriculum details Shanghai Livingston American School follows an American-style curriculum from Early Years through Grade 12 and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The Early Years Program emphasizes inquiry, discovery and social‑emotional foundations, while Primary (Pre‑K–Grade 5) focuses on reading, writing, science and Common Core–aligned mathematics (Go Math/HMH). Middle School (Grades 6–8) continues the four core areas (English language arts, math, science, social studies) and adds electives and interdisciplinary units to prepare students for secondary study. High School (Grades 9–12) is organized as a U.S. college‑preparatory program offering core subjects, world languages, arts, technology and PE, with Advanced Placement (AP) course options (for example AP Calculus, AP Psychology, AP World History) and support for AP/SAT/ACT testing. SLAS issues formal high‑school credentials — the LAS Diploma (27 credits) and an Advanced Studies Diploma (30 credits) — and operates as an official ACT test site; transcripts and AP experience are used for university admission. | Curriculum details SMIC Private School's International Division delivers a US‑based K–12 curriculum aligned to research‑based standards (Common Core, AERO, NGSS, ISTE) across its Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle and High School programs. Early Childhood (K1–K2) covers language arts and math in K1, expands to five core subjects in K2, includes Chinese instruction, weekly art/music/PE/computers, and begins MAP assessment in K2. Elementary (Grades 1–5) offers daily math, science, English language arts, Chinese and social studies with weekly music, art, technology and PE; Grades 1–3 are self‑contained and Grades 4–5 transition to subject rotations. Middle School (Grades 6–8) continues the US standards with a balanced core of English, math, science, social studies and Chinese plus electives, physical education and extracurricular options. High School (Grades 9–12) operates on a semester credit system requiring 23.5 credits for graduation (specific credit totals in English, foreign language, social studies, math, science, PE, arts, technology and life skills), requires 100 community‑service hours, and offers 25+ Advanced Placement courses across a wide range of disciplines. |
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Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio — | Student teacher ratio — |
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Exam results
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Exam results — | Exam results — |
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Higher education progression
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Higher education progression — | Higher education progression — |
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Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented — | Gifted and talented — |
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Academic calendar
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Academic calendar — | Academic calendar — |
| Wellbeing & support | Wellbeing & support | |
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Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning Shanghai Livingston American School publishes a clear set of core values (Proficient Communicator, Confident Individual, Compassionate Citizen of the World, Creative Thinker) that are used explicitly to guide student behaviour and recognition. The school operates a house system (four Houses) that places students and staff into mixed-age communities, awards House Points for demonstrating core values, and runs inter-house activities to build belonging and mentorship. The school's calendar and news show regular community events (for example Spirit Week) and a Community Service programme that reinforce social engagement and character development. These elements together comprise the school's publicly described approach to social and emotional learning. | Social & emotional learning SMIC's Counseling Office states that it provides school-wide social-emotional learning through Life Skills classes, weekly character/“Character Counts” assemblies, small-group and individual counselling, and an Advisory programme in middle school. The counselling team is named on the site (Head of Counseling Office Phil Chu and grade-level counselors) and works with students, families, and faculty to deliver these services. Elementary–middle–high highlights on the Counseling page describe specific initiatives such as a Big Brother/Big Sister mentoring program, character classes, and an Academic Recovery Program for students who need extra academic support. The school describes counseling as aligned with its Expected School-Wide Learning Results (Healthy Individuals, Motivated Learners, Persons of Character, Global Citizens). |
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision on its website. A search of the SLAS site and public pages does not show a dedicated learning‑support or SEN policy or a list of specific needs the school can support. Because detailed SEN provision, staffing, or specialist services are not described online, it is not possible from the school's public materials to state which types of SEN are supported or whether SLAS is a specialist SEN institution. For admissions the site refers to testing and placements in language programmes but not to formal SEN pathways. | Special educational needs (SEN) The school's published Admissions Criteria states that SMIC does not have the personnel and equipment resources to work with students who have specialized schooling requirements and that it does not offer programs for students with special needs. This indicates SMIC is not a specialist SEN institution and does not provide dedicated special-education programmes on its site. The Admissions page gives this directly as the school's position rather than listing categories of SEN it can support. Parents of students with identified or complex special educational needs should therefore treat the school as not offering in-house specialist SEN provision. |
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English as an additional language
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English as an additional language SLAS operates English Language Development (ELD) provision for students acquiring English: new students take placement tests and, based on results, may be placed into standard classes, advanced classes, or ELD courses. The Secondary ELD page explains that ELD students are taught subjects (English, science, history) at levels matched to their English proficiency, and that the ESL Advancement Exam (EAE) is administered twice yearly to assess readiness to move into standard English classes. The admissions information also notes that ESL tests are administered for grades 1–8 and that placement decisions (regular program, system ELD, or recommendation to seek intensive English elsewhere) are based on those results. These are the school's publicly described EAL/ELD arrangements. | English as an additional language SMIC's Admissions Criteria requires that all International Division applicants be proficient in speaking, listening, reading and writing in English and describes specific English assessments for entry by grade. The school's public material does not describe a dedicated EAL/ESL programme for students who need staged English-language support; therefore the school does not publicly disclose specific EAL provision. For applicants and families this means applicants are expected to demonstrate English proficiency at entry and there is no detailed, published EAL pathway on the school website. |
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Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing The school's published staff and administration pages identify a Guidance Department and named guidance staff (including a Head of Guidance and guidance counsellor roles), indicating an organised counselling structure for students. The Health & Safety page notes on‑site nursing and procedures for students who become ill while at school, and the school refers to pastoral measures such as supervised campus activities and emergency plans. SLAS also describes community-building initiatives (houses, community service, events) that the school presents as part of its supportive environment. The website does not publish a detailed mental‑health policy or a publicly available counselling service protocol beyond these staff roles and general statements. | Mental wellbeing The school describes mental health and wellbeing as a school priority and identifies mental health, nutrition, functional fitness, and healthy relationships as major focuses of its holistic health provision. Counseling services include personal one-on-one counselling, small-group work, Life Skills courses, and academic recovery supports; the site also states counselors ensure mental, emotional and physical safety in individual counselling. The Counseling page lists staff roles and describes collaborative work with families and faculty to address students' wellbeing needs. These statements and programmes are presented on the school's published Counseling and main pages. |
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding SLAS's Health & Safety page states concrete measures: students are supervised at all times, visitors must check in and wear passes, students are released only to approved individuals, playground and campus safety measures are in place, and the school runs regular emergency drills and maintains an emergency plan. The school also names a school nurse and describes health/hygiene procedures for sick students awaiting parent pickup. However, the school does not publish a separate, detailed child‑protection or safeguarding policy on its public site that sets out reporting procedures, designated safeguarding leads, or formal child‑protection protocols. The above statements are based on the school's Health & Safety and staff pages. | Safeguarding SMIC's Counseling pages include a Child Protection section stating the school embraces responsibility for child protection, lists types of abuse (neglect, emotional, sexual, physical), and specifies that staff must be vigilant and report concerns immediately to the Child Protection Office (a designated member of the Counseling Office). The page also states students are encouraged to report bullying or abuse and that confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where safety is compromised. These child-protection arrangements and reporting expectations are described on the school's published Counseling information. |
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Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy — |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
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Facilities overview
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Facilities overview The school opened its original campus on August 26, 2003. In January 2005 the school moved to Ganxi Road, in the Changning District. The campus was selected for its location in an area inhabited by international expatriates and has been modernized and upgraded to provide an outstanding and safe setting for expatriates seeking a seamless education program and for American students returning to the United States or other English-speaking countries. The library system includes an extensive library with age-appropriate books in the Primary and Secondary libraries. The school offers bus service to all students living in Shanghai. More than thirty nationalities study at SLAS. | Facilities overview The Shanghai SMIC Private School International Division operates across four campuses: Private Kindergarten, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, and Secondary. Classrooms are air‑conditioned and equipped with ceiling‑mounted LCD projectors and air purifiers, with Upper Elementary classrooms also offering interactive whiteboard projectors. The campus features four auditoriums, multiple science labs, and art and music rooms, along with outdoor basketball and tennis courts, a soccer field, and a running track. The cafeteria covers about 1,900 square meters (including around 1,000 square meters for student dining) and serves 840 students at the same time; there are two libraries with about 45,000 volumes and a fleet of 20 school buses to support student life. |
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Sports facilities
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Sports facilities — | Sports facilities The gym occupies about 1,900 square meters on the second floor and includes a standard-size basketball court with movable volleyball and badminton equipment, serving as a multi‑functional sports venue. Outdoor facilities include a soccer field, a 400‑meter track, basketball courts, and volleyball courts. A dedicated practice room supports athletic training and activities. |
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Academic facilities
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Academic facilities The library comprises an extensive collection in both the Primary and Secondary libraries. A Course Catalog is available for download and outlines offerings across Early Years through High School. The school organizes information resources such as a School Calendar and Student Handbooks for students. The Guidance Department supports student planning and life after school, and the Summer Reading 2025 program is offered. A Summer Enrichment Program is listed in the Information section. | Academic facilities There are seven computer labs, each with 30 PCs, a laser printer, and an LCD projector; color printers and scanners are shared among labs, and two server rooms support IT systems. The science program includes one biology lab, one physics lab, and one chemistry lab, all capable of standard or customized configurations for project-based work; labs are equipped with DIS probes, portable power, and handwashing sinks. There are two libraries located in ES and MHS with about 45,000 volumes, and classrooms are complemented by broadcast and design spaces to support academic learning. |
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Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities Co- and extra-curricular offerings are emphasized across academics, arts, and athletics. The Parents-Teacher Association (PTA) engages parents and plans field trips and community service trips to a rural sister school. Wildcats athletics and other inter-school activities are part of the program, with events such as the ACAMIS Vox Cup noted in latest news. Spirit Week, Halloween Parade, and cultural activities are featured in school news. The school serves a diverse student body with 30+ nationalities and offers a range of clubs and activities through its community and guidance pages. | Extra curricular facilities The Broadcast Room supports distance education, course recordings, and school video productions, with space for special effects to aid student projects. After‑school clubs and activities are offered across divisions, including arts, music, and sports, with student performances such as the ES/EC Winter Concert and poetry projects. Public facilities include an observatory and reading corners, providing spaces for exploration and recreational learning, while AI‑focused design spaces and multi‑purpose rooms support project-based and creative learning outside regular class time. |
| Parent experience | Parent experience | |
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History
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History Shanghai Livingston American School was founded after a January 2001 visit by founder Thomas Sheng and advisor (former U.S. Congressman) Robert Livingston to Beijing seeking permission to open American-style schools; China's Vice Premier Li Lanqing approved the first campus in Shanghai. SLAS was established to implement an American educational system from pre‑school through grade 12, following California public school curriculum and standards. The school's founding leadership recruited an experienced principal and a teaching staff chosen for prior classroom and administrative success. From its early years SLAS emphasized technological literacy, arts and humanities, ESL support for non‑native English speakers, and student safety as central priorities. | History SMIC Private School was established by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) in 2001; SMIC Group invested in the school to serve the families of its Zhangjiang technical campus and the surrounding community. The school expanded quickly and opened enrollment to the public in 2004, graduating its first senior class in 2006. It operates as a privately funded school backed by SMIC and has developed both Chinese-track and international-track programs over time. The school's published materials note ongoing support from SMIC as the founding investor and sponsor. |
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Community
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Community The SLAS community is internationally diverse, with more than thirty nationalities represented among students. School life includes regular curricular and co‑curricular events — examples on the school news feed include Spirit Week and a Halloween parade, seasonal concerts, science and engineering fairs, culinary projects (Wildcats Kitchen) and trips such as visits to the Zotter chocolate factory, and participation in regional competitions like the ACAMIS Vox Cup. The school also runs community service activities and coordinates occasional service trips to a rural sister school as part of its broader community engagement. | Community The school presents a mixed Chinese and international community: its site and news feed highlight students and faculty from many countries and frequent campus events that bring those communities together. School pages and news items show regular performances, grade-level projects and concerts (for example, a Winter Concert and grade-level poetry project featured in the school's “What's Happening” posts). The official overview also emphasizes combining Chinese and Western cultural activities as part of the school's programming. Overall, the community is described in school materials as diverse and active, with parents, teachers and students participating in curricular and extracurricular events. |
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Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association The SLAS Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is structured to gather input from parents, teachers and students and to meet regularly to identify concerns, design improvement plans, and recognize achievements. PTA members help plan experiential programs including a fall and spring overnight field trip and community service trips to a newly selected rural sister school. The PTA page lists an executive board with named officers and community liaisons (for example, Rupali Singh — President; Leah Wang — Secretary; plus Chinese, Japanese and Korean community liaisons). The site provides a contact form for parents to send questions or messages to the PTA. The PTA's stated role focuses on practical coordination of family‑school activities and direct parent involvement in planning those trips and meetings. | Parent teacher association — |
| Extra-curricular | Extra-curricular | |
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Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual The school offers classes for students from age 2 up to Grade 12 (Nursery to Grade 12). | Academic & intellectual Shanghai SMIC Private School International Division provides access to SAT and AP testing and hosts an authorized ACT testing center. AP courses total about 21–23 offerings each year. SMIC graduates have a 100% acceptance rate to top-tier colleges worldwide, and high school graduation requires 100 hours of community service, supported by a full-service college and career counseling program. |
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Arts & creative
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Arts & creative — | Arts & creative Extracurricular activities include International Day, Sports Day, field trips, Model United Nations (MUN), proms, dances, art exhibitions, student plays, and music concerts. |
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Cultural & language
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Cultural & language — | Cultural & language K-12 Chinese language instruction and high school Spanish and French courses provide a four-year language sequence; in high school, Spanish and French are electives with AP Language and Culture options by year three. |
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Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies — | Social & hobbies Cross-age mentorship programs and after-school homework support develop social and leadership skills; vibrant extracurriculars include MUN, field trips, performances, and sports. |
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Community & service
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Community & service — | Community & service High school graduation requires 100 hours of community service. |
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Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional — | Leadership & professional Counseling and college/career advising support student leadership and post-secondary planning; SMIC is an authorized SAT/ACT/AP testing center and offers AP courses; the division employs more than 70 full-time overseas teachers and administrators. Two bilingual kindergartens (Zhangjiang main campus and Tangzhen) serve early childhood education. |
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing — | Lifestyle & wellbeing Health and wellbeing are prioritized through athletics, mental health support, nutrition, and functional fitness; facilities include a gym, a 400m track, soccer fields, multiple labs, two libraries with about 45,000 volumes, and school buses. |
| Language provision | Language provision | |
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Language provision
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Language provision The school follows an American curriculum and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). English language development (ELD) is provided for students acquiring English, with primary and secondary ELD programs. Secondary ELD offers English, science, and history classes for ELD students based on English proficiency. Chinese language classes are available as part-time enrollment. The Summer Enrichment Program includes English and Chinese language learning. | Language provision The language program includes K-12 Chinese and high school Spanish and French courses, forming a language-instruction sequence. The Chinese Department offers two curriculums to tailor the needs of non-native versus native Chinese speakers. Spanish and French are offered as four-year sequences in the high school, with AP Language and Culture options after year three. In the International Division, instruction is conducted in English, with a daily Chinese language class. |
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Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching — | Bilingual teaching Bilingual Kindergarten is offered at two campuses. The Shanghai SMIC Private School International Division conducts classes in English with a daily Chinese language class. |
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Immersion programs
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Immersion programs — | Immersion programs — |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
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Awards
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Awards I searched the school's site (News/Blog and Accreditation pages) for awards given to the school itself during the most recent five-year period (January 1, 2021–December 31, 2025). The school's site does not list any awards presented to the school as an institution in that time span. The site does show (a) a 2024 Hongqiao Friendship Award item, but the award and certificate were presented to the school's legal representative, Mr. Thomas Sheng, not to the school as an institution, and (b) multiple posts describing student or team awards and competition results (for example a 2023 Hackathon where students won a category). Because you asked only for awards awarded to the school (not to individuals or students), there are no qualifying school-level awards listed on the SLAS website in the specified five-year period. If you would like, I can: - double-check other public pages (for example archived newsletters or SLAS magazines linked on the site) for any institute-level recognitions not shown in the News feed, or - contact the school's admissions or communications office for an up-to-date list of any institutional awards (I can draft an email for you to send). | Awards Following the school's own ‘Awards & Recognitions' page, the only school-level recognition listed on the website within the five-year window from January 1, 2021 through January 1, 2026 is: • 2021 — SMIC Kindergarten became the experimental base for the research and promotion of children's literature in Shanghai: the school's site records this designation for the kindergarten; it indicates the kindergarten was selected as an experimental/pilot base for city-level research and promotion work in children's literature. Note: The school's Awards & Recognitions page lists other institutional recognitions (for example WASC accreditation in 2016 and a 2020 “Special Contribution Award”) but those fall outside the Jan 1, 2021–Jan 1, 2026 window. The items above are the only school-level awards/recognitions dated within the requested five-year period that appear on the school website as of January 1, 2026. |
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Accreditations
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Accreditations Below is a concise list of the accreditations, approvals and formal memberships the school displays on its website, with one-line explanations of each item and why it matters. - Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) — SLAS states it has been accredited by WASC since 2009. WASC is a U.S.-based regional accreditor whose review confirms that a school meets recognized standards for curriculum, student achievement and institutional integrity; accreditation helps other schools and universities accept the school's credits and transcripts. - Approval/Accreditation by the Chinese Ministry of Education — the school states it is approved and accredited by the Chinese Ministry of Education, which means it is authorised by national education authorities to operate within China. - Approval/Accreditation by the Shanghai Educational Committee — the school states it is approved and accredited by the Shanghai Education Committee, indicating local municipal-level authorisation and oversight. - Membership in the Association of China and Mongolia International Schools (ACAMIS) — SLAS lists ACAMIS membership; ACAMIS is a regional organisation that facilitates inter-school collaboration, professional development and organised competitions (sports, arts, academics) across China and Mongolia. - Membership in the Shanghai International Schools Association (SISA) — SLAS lists SISA membership; SISA fosters cooperation and inter-school activities among international schools in Shanghai. - Official ACT testing site — SLAS notes it is an authorised ACT test centre, which means the school can administer the ACT to students on campus (useful for college-bound students). | Accreditations • Accrediting Commission for Schools — Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC): The school's website states that SMIC International Division (SMIC‑I) received accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. ACS WASC (often shown on K–12 school pages as ACS WASC) is a U.S.-based accrediting body that conducts a peer-review and ongoing evaluation process for elementary and secondary schools; accreditation indicates the school has met WASC standards for program quality and continuous improvement and supports the integrity of transcripts and credit transfer. |
| Admissions | Admissions | |
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Admissions
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Admissions 1. Check whether your child meets the school's age/grade cut‑off before you apply. SLAS publishes grade cut‑off dates for each school year (for example the Age Requirement table for 2025–2026 lists exact birth‑date ranges for Nursery through Grade 12); use that table to confirm the correct grade and to avoid later re‑placement. If your child has not completed a full year in a grade by the fall entrance date, SLAS may require re‑enrollment in the same grade. 2. Complete the official application form and collect required documents. SLAS requires a completed, signed application form plus a completed medical form and vaccination record, recent academic records (varies by division), a sealed recommendation letter (teacher for elementary; administrator for middle/high), two passport photos, and photocopies of student and parents' passports and visas. The school states incomplete application forms or missing documents will delay or prevent consideration, so assemble everything before submission. 3. Pay the non‑refundable application fee and submit the file. The application fee is RMB 2,200 and must be paid and received before the Admissions Committee will evaluate the application; SLAS will not refund this fee whether or not the student is accepted. The application pages and bank information on the website give instructions for bank transfer and for emailing completed files to the Admissions Office. If you plan to pay by transfer, include the student's English name and grade as the transfer remark to help the office match the payment. 4. Expect assessment or testing where required. SLAS may require admissions testing for any applicant; when campus testing is not possible the family is responsible for arranging impartial testing at the student's present school. ESL/ELD testing is commonly administered for grades 1–8 and will determine placement in the regular program, the school's ELD program, or advise seeking intensive English elsewhere until passing. Tests are not shared in advance and the school controls how results are released. 5. Provide confidential references if requested and keep contact details current. The school may require confidential letters of reference prior to a final decision; it is the family's responsibility to ensure reference forms are returned in a timely and sealed/confidential manner. SLAS will contact families by phone, fax or email for testing or additional information, so make sure the Admissions Office has accurate contact details. 6. Admissions review, priority and rolling decisions. SLAS operates rolling admissions and reviews complete application files throughout the year; however final placements are governed by Board policy that establishes admission priority categories and wait‑list standing (a student's position can change if higher‑priority applicants apply). If a grade is full, qualified applicants may be placed on a wait list or otherwise handled according to the school's priority policy. For status checks or timeline questions contact the Admissions Office directly. 7. If offered a place, follow the written acceptance steps and pay required fees to confirm enrollment. Official acceptance letters include start dates and class assignments; families must complete the enrollment/fee steps by the deadlines in that letter. Required one‑time and annual fees (capital fee, technology fee, annual tuition by grade) are detailed on the Tuition Fees page — note that some fees (for example the capital fee) are refundable only before term start and others are non‑refundable. Keep copies of any payment receipts or fapiao required for refunds. 8. Arrange ancillary services and confirm start‑of‑term logistics. If you need bus service, school lunch, or other services, add them during enrollment — the site lists bus semester costs and the daily lunch charge. SLAS requires that term fees be paid on or before the first day of term and states students may not attend if fees are unpaid. If you need special arrangements (late arrival, testing accommodations), notify Admissions in advance. | Admissions 1. Check eligibility and age rules: Before you begin, confirm that your child meets SMIC-I's nationality/residency eligibility—SMIC International Division admits students holding a valid foreign passport or legal residents of Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan. Note the age cut-offs (for example, EP2 applicants must be 3 years old by September 30 and Grade 1 applicants must be 6 years old by September 30). The school does not generally permit grade-skipping, so plan grade placement accordingly. 2. Review fees and budget for additional costs: Review the published semester tuition levels for the relevant grade band (2025–2026 example: Early Childhood ¥70,000/semester; Grades 1–5 ¥75,000/semester; Grades 6–8 ¥80,000/semester; Grades 9–12 ¥83,000/semester) and factor in additional, non-tuition charges. Additional items listed by the school include a non-refundable application fee (RMB 1,000), an elementary book deposit (RMB 2,000 for new ES students), meal fees per meal, uniform costs, and optional school bus fees — contact the finance or bus office for current amounts and payment instructions. Because some charges (meals, buses, uniforms) vary by semester or student choices, parents should download the authorization form and speak with the Finance Office before committing. 3. Complete the online questionnaire and gather documents: Start by completing SMIC's online questionnaire so the admissions team understands your child's background and needs. The school publishes an "Eligibility Requirements and Documents List" that specifies which documents must be provided (passport/visa/residency documents, academic records, immunizations, etc.); read that list carefully so you prepare originals and copies in the format the school requests. The school requires the required documents to be submitted and verified in person at the SMIC Education Workshop Center (Qing Tong Road #173); an application is not considered complete until documents are delivered and verified. 4. Create an online application account and submit the application: Create an account and fill in the online application via the school's application portal (the Apply link on the admissions page). You can save progress and return later; use a working email or mobile number for account registration and follow the portal's instructions for uploading or declaring documents. The school's stated complete-application requirement includes (a) finishing the online form, (b) verifying required documents in person, and (c) paying the application fee — check the portal confirmation carefully for next-step instructions and local mailing/submission addresses. 5. Pay the application fee, observe deadlines, and schedule assessment(s): Pay the non-refundable application fee (RMB 1,000 as published) and note the application and assessment deadlines shown for the year you are applying—examples posted for Grade 1 (2026 Fall) show a complete-application deadline of 4:00pm on April 2, 2026 and an entrance-assessment date of Saturday, April 18, 2026. Deadlines and assessment dates differ by entry grade and intake (e.g., Early Childhood entrance events and open houses are scheduled monthly and EC assessments for 2026 were indicated for late March), so confirm the exact dates on the current admissions calendar before making travel or other arrangements. The school explicitly states that a "complete application" must include payment of the application fee, document verification, and the online form — missing any of these may disqualify the application from being processed. 6. Prepare for entrance assessments and language placement: SMIC requires English proficiency across listening, speaking, reading, and writing; assessment content varies by grade (Grade 1: English reading, writing and speaking; Grades 2–12: English reading comprehension, writing and an oral interview plus a grade-appropriate math assessment). All new students also take a Chinese assessment (late August placement) and are placed into either Yuwen (native Chinese) or CSL (Chinese as a Second Language) streams depending on ability. If your child has special educational needs, note that the school states it currently does not have resources for specialised special-needs programs — disclose any learning support needs early so the admissions team can advise whether the school can meet them. 7. Offers, enrolment steps and logistics after acceptance: If offered a place, the school will provide acceptance/enrolment instructions (these typically include signing fee/tuition agreements, completing finance authorization forms, and providing ID copies to the Finance Office). The Finance Office asks parents to sign an authorization form (do not send that form to the bank) and provides contact details for tuition enquiries; families should also confirm meal-plan enrolment (lunch plan is mandatory) and bus arrangements if needed. Because some programs (for example the Chinese Concentration Class) have additional academic or residency commitments, read any program-specific acceptance conditions carefully before paying tuition or deposits. |
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Scholarships
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Scholarships SLAS operates a scholarship and financial awards program intended to help bridge the gap between full tuition costs and what a family can pay. The school states it awards scholarships for a range of areas including academic achievement, community service, artistic and musical ability, English language excellence, and athletics, and that decisions consider both the student's abilities and the family's financial need. The Financial Awards page describes a flexible payment plan and an active awards program but does not publish standard award amounts or a public application form; families interested in financial assistance should contact the Admissions or Finance Office to request the application process, deadlines, documentation required (income/need documentation, supporting materials), and timelines. SLAS recommends discussing financial aid options with Admissions so the school can explain available awards and required steps. | Scholarships SMIC's public admissions and tuition pages do not advertise scholarships or a financial-aid program for the International Division. The school's tuition and FAQ pages list tuition, application fees and other charges but do not describe need-based aid, merit scholarships, or fee waivers for SMIC-I; no scholarship program is documented on the official admissions pages. If financial assistance or scholarship options are important to your family, contact Admissions (admissions@smicschool.com) or the Finance Office (julia_sun@smicschool.com) to request the most current information and ask whether any internal or external scholarship/discount options are offered in the current school year. |
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Waitlist
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Waitlist SLAS uses rolling admissions and maintains wait lists governed by the school's Board policy and its priority system. The website states that admission is subject to a priority order set by the Board and that a student's position on wait lists can change if applicants with higher priority apply; SLAS also references seat guarantees (a seat‑guarantee fee is listed as non‑refundable in the refund policy). The school does not publish a public, detailed ranking of priority categories on the site; for specifics (how priority is assigned, whether siblings, staff or returning students receive priority, or how seat guarantees work in practice) the Admissions Office should be contacted directly. If a grade is full, qualified applicants will be placed on the wait list and offered enrollment as spaces become available under the established priority rules. | Waitlist SMIC's official admissions pages do not publish a formal, detailed waitlist procedure. The school's FAQ and admissions information state that transfers and mid-term places are accepted "as long as there are seats available," which indicates seat availability is handled on a case-by-case basis rather than by a publicly described waitlist process. Third-party school directories list SMIC as having a waiting list, but that is not described in detail on the school site; because practices vary year to year, I recommend contacting the SMIC admissions office directly (admissions@smicschool.com or the telephone number on the admissions pages) to ask whether a formal waitlist exists for the grade and intake you seek and how the school manages offers from the wait pool. |
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