Shekou International School vs Shenzhen Foreign Languages GBA Academy

	S Shekou International School Shenzhen, China	S Shenzhen Foreign Languages GBA Academy Shenzhen, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 182,000 - 316,000	Fees / year RMB 165,200 - 210,000
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 6 - 19 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), French Curriculum, Chinese National Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Chinese National Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,100	Pupils 900
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 7
Instruction language	Instruction language English, French, Mandarin	Instruction language English, Mandarin
Opened	Opened 1988	Opened 2017
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Shekou International School is located in Shekou, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, with three nearby campuses: Jingshan (Early Primary) on Nanhai Boulevard, The Bay (Upper Primary) on Gangwan Avenue, and Net Valley (Secondary) in the Net Valley / industrial-innovation area. The three sites are within walking distance of one another (the Bay and Jingshan are about a 15-minute walk; Net Valley is roughly a further 15–20 minutes). For exact addresses and campus maps see the school's contact and directions pages.	Location Address: No. 30 Xiangtang Road (Xiangtang Lu), Bantian sub-district, Longgang District, Shenzhen. The campus is in the Bantian/Longgang area (city outskirts with road and local-bus connections); parents relocating should check specific transit options and journey times from their housing area.
Stages	Stages SIS serves Nursery through Grade 12 (ages about 2–18) across three campuses: an Early Primary (Nursery–K) campus, an Upper Primary (Grades 1–5) campus, and a Secondary campus (Grades 6–12). The school runs both an International Programme and a French International Programme.	Stages SGA is a 12‑year, continuous school covering primary, middle and high school. It delivers the IB continuum: PYP for primary, MYP for middle years and DP for the final two years.
School type	School type SIS is a private, not-for-profit, co‑educational international school governed/managed by International Schools Services (ISS). The school's published information describes day-school programmes only; no boarding provision is indicated.	School type The school is a co‑educational, government‑run (municipal) school operated by the Shenzhen Foreign Languages School Group; it is a publicly authorised integrated/“multi‑path” school and admits students of different nationalities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school publishes a Student Support (Learning Support Services) programme that provides in-class and small-group interventions, a full-time learning support specialist on each campus, EAL (English as an Additional Language) support using a sheltered-immersion model, and counselling services for social/emotional and academic needs. Campuses also have designated small-group spaces (the FAQs mention a sensory space) and the school asks families to disclose learning needs at application so appropriate services can be considered.	Additional learning support SGA states it provides short‑term English language (EAL) support for students who need it and has school counselling/pastoral services; third‑party listings note a growing learning‑support team (a Learning Support Coordinator and trained staff) and access to external specialists when required. Parents with specific SEN requirements should contact admissions to discuss individual provision and assessment.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation SIS is located in China but is not affiliated with a particular national education authority; it is owned and managed by the international organisation International Schools Services (ISS).	Country affiliation The school is run under the Shenzhen Foreign Languages School (group) and Shenzhen municipal education authorities; it is not affiliated to any other country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is stated on the school website; SIS presents itself as a secular/international day school.	Religious affiliation SGA does not advertise any religious affiliation; its programmes are secular and curriculum‑focused.
School day structure	School day structure Published FAQs state the usual school day runs 8:00–15:00 for Nursery through Grade 5 and 8:30–15:30 for Grades 6–12. The school also offers after‑school activities (ASAs) and an after‑school bus service for students taking activities.	School day structure The school follows age‑appropriate daily timetables for PYP (primary), MYP (middle) and DP (senior) with lessons, a mid‑morning break and a lunchtime, plus after‑school co‑curricular activities. Exact start/end times and break lengths vary by year group and are published to families (contact the school or check the Parent Handbook for the current term schedule).
Bus service details	Bus service details SIS provides paid two‑way bus transportation across Shenzhen; fees cover daily two‑way service and a separate afternoon run is provided for students in after‑school activities. Buses are described as fully licensed, air‑conditioned, fitted with seatbelts, and supervised by two bus attendants; routes are fixed and only registered riders may use them. The school uses a bus‑tracking app and asks parents to be prompt at pick‑up; young children (up to Grade 5) must be met at afternoon drop‑off or will be returned to school and parents contacted. For route details or to register contact sisbus@sis.org.cn or the school admissions office.	Bus service details Public listings indicate SGA operates a school‑bus service for families (routes/availability are adjusted each year and places are typically by application/registration). Many schools in the area contract private bus providers, so parents should confirm current routes, pickup points, safety arrangements and fees with admissions before relocating.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - Application processing fee: RMB 2,000 (non‑refundable; typically applied to tuition upon enrollment). Tuition fees (summary by school phase) - Early years / Preschool: approximately RMB 80,000 – RMB 175,000 per year (typical range reported for pre‑K/kindergarten). - Primary (Upper Primary / Elementary): commonly around RMB 202,000 per year (sources report Primary yearly fees at about this level). - Secondary / High School: reported annual tuition commonly in the RMB 202,000 – RMB 209,000 range; some published summaries place SIS overall annual tuition across grades within a wider band of roughly RMB 182,000 – RMB 316,000. Per‑term detail and billing schedule - The school issues invoices for the full school year; the full year's fees are normally due within four weeks of invoice receipt. Late penalties are applied for overdue payments. An annual re‑registration deposit (reported as RMB 8,000) is requested each March and is applied to the next year's tuition. Boarding fees - Shekou International School operates as a day school; boarding is not listed as an option. No boarding‑fee schedule applies. Other costs (examples commonly charged) - School bus: optional service with a termly/annual charge; routes and fees published for each school year. - Co‑curricular/ASA charges: many after‑school activities are free or nominally charged; some external/community‑led ASAs are charged to parents. - Typical additional items that parents should expect: lunches/cafeteria, excursions and field trips, textbooks/student resources, uniforms, and occasional activity or examination fees. (These items are commonly charged at SIS and peer schools.) Refunds and deposits - The application fee is non‑refundable. The March re‑registration deposit is applied to tuition; standard school policies hold parents responsible for fees and outline late/forfeiture conditions. Fee payment options and currency - Fees are payable in RMB by bank transfer; the school publishes Bank of China account details for RMB and a US$ account. Payment in US$ or other currencies must be arranged with the school's accounting office in advance. Parents are asked to provide transfer slips/identifiers as instructed.	Fee details Application fee - The school's published fee schedule and parent/student handbook do not list a separate application, registration or seat-deposit fee on their public fee pages. Tuition fees (by year group) - Grade 1–5: RMB 165,200 per year. Per term (semester): RMB 82,600. - Grade 6–10: RMB 178,400 per year. Per term (semester): RMB 89,200. - Grade 11–12: RMB 210,000 per year. Per term (semester): RMB 105,000. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school publishes tuition as annual amounts and the academic calendar is split into two semesters (Semester 1 beginning in August and Semester 2 beginning in January). The per-term figures above are the annual tuition divided by two to match the school's two-semester calendar. Snacks for the year must be reserved at the start of each semester and meal charges are calculated by the school calendar. Boarding fees (if applicable) - Boarding (Grades 6–12): RMB 12,000 per year. Per term (semester): RMB 6,000. The boarding fee covers basic dormitory facilities and utilities; personal items, bedding, laundry and meals are not included and are payable separately. Boarding places are by application only. Other costs and recurring charges - Meal charges (charged per meal/day according to age group): - Grades 1–2: snack RMB 10; lunch RMB 20 (breakfast/dinner not listed except for boarders). - Grades 3–5: snack RMB 25. - Grades 6–12: breakfast RMB 10; lunch RMB 25; dinner RMB 25. Meal charges are calculated according to the school calendar and some meals (breakfast/dinner) are provided only to boarders. - Tuition explicitly excludes: school uniform, school bus, off-campus competitions / inter-school activity costs and other additional items (these are charged separately). The boarding fee also excludes personal items, beddings and laundry. - Co-curricular activities, external exam or registration fees for external exams, school trips, and specialist program fees may incur additional charges (not included in the tuition). The school's published fee statement notes those categories as exclusions from tuition. Refund information - The school's public fee statement and the student/parent handbook do not publish a detailed refund or cancellation policy on the fee pages reviewed. No published refund schedule or explicit refund rules were found on the school's public fee and handbook pages. Fee payment options and channels - The school's publicly posted fee pages and handbook do not specify payment channels (for example: bank transfer details, accepted card payments, WeChat/Alipay or international payment instructions). No payment-account or payment-method details were found on the school pages reviewed. Parents should expect standard institutional payment channels (bank transfer or school finance office arrangements) but the school does not publish the exact options on the referenced pages. Brief summary of missing items (from public fee pages reviewed) - The school's official published fee notice provides the annual tuition, boarding fee and meal charges and confirms the two-semester academic calendar, but does not publish (on the pages reviewed): a separate application/registration/seat fee, detailed billing deadlines or installment/late-payment penalties, explicit refund/cancellation rules, nor the school's bank account or accepted payment channels. The tuition, boarding and meal figures above are taken from the school's official fee announcement and the term dates from the school calendar.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements Student dormitories are provided. The dormitories offer two-person rooms; there are separate buildings for male and female students with full facilities. The first-floor lobby includes a laundry room and a medical room, and each floor has a common space. The school has a care system to meet the housing needs of students in Grade 6 and above.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniforms are required for nursery through grade 10; students in grades 11 and 12 may wear either the uniform or business casual attire. Uniform pieces must come from the official uniform collection, and on PE days students wear the PE kit. Uniforms are worn daily on regular school days and for field trips.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The SIS cafeteria services are provided by ISS World, offering healthy fusion meals. Lunch is available with weekly menus for the Jingshan, The Bay, and Net Valley campuses, with sample menus and dietary information published for reference.	Food options Meals are provided on campus with breakfast, a snack, lunch, and dinner. Snacks must be reserved at the start of each semester. Breakfast and dinner are available for boarders only. Meal prices vary by grade: Grades 1–2 breakfast 10 RMB, snack 20 RMB; Grades 3–5 lunch 25 RMB; Grades 6–12 breakfast 10 RMB, snack 25 RMB, lunch 25 RMB, dinner 25 RMB.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership SIS is a private, co-educational, not-for-profit school owned and governed by International Schools Services (ISS). The SIS Board is composed of ISS senior staff together with the Head of School and the SIS Chief Finance and Administration Officer.	Governance and ownership The school was founded in 2017 as Shenzhen Foreign Languages School (Group) Bay Area Campus. It is funded by the Shenzhen Municipal Government, led by the Shenzhen Education Bureau, and managed by Shenzhen Foreign Languages School (Group). The school enrolls students globally, across primary, middle, and high school as a 12-year program with small-class teaching. In August 2023, the school received IB Diploma Programme authorization; the school is also accredited by CIS and is affiliated with WASC and BSA.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Shekou International School follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) in its primary years. The school offers a Chinese Bilingual Programme for Grades 1–5 and provides Mandarin (CSOL) from Kindergarten through Grade 12; it also runs a French international pathway from pre-school through the primary years that can continue into the upper grades. For middle school (typically Grades 6–10) SIS is an IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) candidate and implements the MYP framework across the eight subject groups, including a Personal Project. Senior students (Grades 11–12) follow the IB Diploma Programme (DP), with DP course options that include subjects such as IB Music, IB Visual Arts and IB Film Studies alongside the core DP elements and university preparation. Across all stages the curriculum is delivered through inquiry-based, student-centred approaches with co-curricular offerings in arts, athletics and activities, and the school holds WASC accreditation.	Curriculum details Shenzhen Foreign Languages GBA Academy delivers an IB continuum: Primary Years Programme (Grades 1–5), Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10) integrated with China's national curriculum, and the IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12) for students pursuing the IB Diploma. The MYP fusion curriculum maps national content into eight subject groups (language & literature, language acquisition, individuals & societies, sciences, mathematics, the arts, design, and physical and health education) while using IB assessment criteria. The PYP is delivered through six transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry that weave language, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts and physical education, and includes a second‑language program. In Grades 11–12 students follow the IB DP structure (three Higher Level and three Standard Level subjects plus Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS), with course options listed including Chinese and English Language A and Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches. SGA states it is authorized across PYP, MYP and DP and holds CIS, WASC and BSA accreditations, and describes its curriculum as a three‑pillar fusion of foundation subjects, integrated competencies and career/frontier elements.
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 SIS describes a school‑wide guidance curriculum and advisory programme (middle and high school) that addresses students' personal, social and emotional development and supports global citizenship, communication and collaboration skills. Counsellors deliver classroom lessons, individual and group sessions and work with teachers and parents to reinforce social and emotional learning. The school's Learner Profile and guidance curriculum are cited as resources that promote respect and kindness across the community. SIS also integrates service‑learning (MYP Service as Action / Week Without Walls) as part of developing empathy and responsibility. (Sources: Student Support; Safeguarding; MYP pages).	Social & emotional learning SGA describes social and emotional learning as part of its IB-based curriculum: the PYP explicitly develops social skills and self‑management, and the MYP highlights affective (emotional) skills and the IB Approaches to Learning. The school also embeds teamwork, reflection and identity development through its PE programme and co‑curricular activities (over 200 ASA/club/team options), which are presented as part of the school's student development offer. These curriculum elements and after‑school programmes are described in the Student/Parent Handbook and the school's activities pages. The school website does not list a named SEL team or dedicated pastoral staff in the publicly available handbook text.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) SIS states it admits and accommodates students with additional learning needs "as existing space and resources allow" and that decisions about admission and continuation of services are made case‑by‑case. Each campus has a full‑time learning support specialist who provides individual and small‑group interventions, collaborates with teachers, offers professional development and parent education. The website emphasises support to help students access the regular curriculum rather than offering an alternative course of study. The school does not publicly list specific categories of special educational needs it can support on the Student Support page. SIS presents itself as an inclusive school that provides learning support within its existing resources rather than as a specialist SEN institution.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school's publicly available Student/Parent Handbook and policy pages do not provide specific information about Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision, named learning‑support staff, or which categories of SEN the school can support. The site describes SGA as a “多元融合” (diverse/integrated) school but does not publish a formal SEN policy or details of specialist SEN resources on the pages reviewed. Therefore there is no explicit, verifiable public statement on the school website about specialist SEN provision or whether SGA is a specialist SEN institution. If you would like, I can contact the admissions office (OpenApply) or search third‑party listings for additional information—please confirm.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language SIS states that EAL specialists support non‑native English speakers through referral at admission or by teacher recommendation and that support focuses on social and academic language development. The school uses a Sheltered‑Immersion Model (SIM): EAL teachers work directly in mainstream classrooms (students are not withdrawn) and support reading, writing, speaking and listening within grade‑level curricula. EAL specialists and classroom teachers jointly assess and monitor students' English acquisition and recommend services based on recent assessments and classroom performance. The Student Support page describes these structures but does not publish detailed staffing numbers or placement criteria on the public page.	English as an additional language The Student/Parent Handbook states that English is the main language of instruction and that the school provides short‑term English language learning support for students who require English as an Additional Language (EAL). This is described as temporary language learning support rather than a long‑term, named EAL programme on the publicly available pages. No detailed EAL programme outline or staffing structure is published on the school website pages reviewed.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing SIS describes a comprehensive, developmental counselling programme that addresses students' personal, social, emotional and academic needs and includes individual and group counselling, classroom lessons and parent programmes. Primary counsellors offer lessons and family support for younger students while middle and high school counselling includes advisory and academic/career guidance and four‑year planning in high school. The school runs wellbeing‑focused initiatives and workshops (for example, school‑wide Wellbeing Week, Positive Discipline workshops and parent education events listed in the events calendar). Counsellors also provide materials and resources to support student adjustment and achievement. (Sources: Student Support page and the school events calendar).	Mental wellbeing The school's published curriculum materials state that the PYP and MYP include social, emotional and physical development (PYP) and affective skills (MYP) as part of learning objectives, indicating wellbeing is addressed through the curriculum. Co‑curricular activities and the PE programme emphasise personal growth, teamwork and reflection, and the boarding facilities description notes an on‑site medical room and residential care arrangements for boarding students. The website does not publish a separate mental‑health or counselling policy nor list named counsellor posts in the public handbook text. For specific counselling services or referrals the school uses, parents are advised to contact admissions or the school directly.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding SIS has a published Child Safeguarding Policy (linked on its Safeguarding page) and states the policy is based on international law, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and Chinese law. The school says all staff who work directly with students undergo police clearance and, where applicable, international background checks before employment and that staff receive annual training on recognising and reporting abuse and neglect. SIS also states students receive age‑appropriate lessons on personal safety and where to seek help, and lists the Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy among its key policies. The Policies and Practices section links to the detailed Safeguarding & Child Protection document (hosted via the school's policy/sharepoint links).	Safeguarding There is no child protection or safeguarding policy text published on the pages of the school website reviewed (Student/Parent Handbook and Policy Announcement pages do not contain a public safeguarding statement). The school's public pages describe boarding care facilities and general student welfare through curriculum and boarding arrangements, but a formal, detailed safeguarding/child‑protection policy is not available on the site. Therefore the school does not publicly disclose a standalone safeguarding policy on the pages reviewed; for official safeguarding policy and named safeguarding officers you should contact the school directly.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview SIS operates across three campuses in Shenzhen: Jingshan Campus (Early Primary), The Bay Campus (Upper Primary), and Net Valley Campus (Secondary). Jingshan includes a mountainside library, indoor gymnasia, a swimming pool, a cafeteria, and sporting fields, with additional language spaces for the French International Programme. The Bay Campus features two science labs, a cooking suite, an auditorium, and a multi-story library offering books in English, Chinese, French and German, along with a gym and a basketball court. Net Valley includes a library, a cafeteria, and a theatre, and hosts SIS's Asia Pacific Headquarters in addition to secondary facilities such as a design centre and performance spaces. Mountainside Library, The Bay Library, and Net Valley Library serve Ninety-five percent of the SIS library needs across campuses.	Facilities overview The school operates on a 140,000 square meter campus. The school provides a one-to-one Apple device program for students. It is an IB World School with a teacher-student ratio of 1:7 and a Chinese to foreign teachers ratio of 4:3. Facilities include drone classrooms, spaces for orchestral music, and fencing.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Jingshan Campus has two indoor gyms and basketball courts. The Bay Campus provides a gym, a sports field, and a basketball court. SIS participates in inter-school leagues and events through associations such as ACAMIS, PRC, SDRC, and SISAC, enabling student competition in sports from Grade 4 onward. Secondary-level activities include a range of tournaments and inter-school exchanges.	Sports facilities Sports facilities include spaces for volleyball and fencing. These facilities support regular volleyball matches and fencing practice.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities SIS is an official IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) in the High School. The Middle School is a Candidate School for the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). The Primary Programme uses the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) across the International Programme, the Chinese Bilingual Programme, and the French International Programme. The Bay Campus features two science labs, a cooking suite, an auditorium, and a multi-story library; Net Valley includes a design centre, recording studios, a theatre, flexible learning spaces, and a golf simulator. The Mountainside, Bay, and Net Valley libraries serve Grades Nursery through 12.	Academic facilities The school is an IB World School. The campus includes drone classrooms and spaces for STEM and performing arts. PYPX is featured as part of the primary program.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities SIS offers After School Care and a wide range of After-School Activities (ASAs). The Athletics & Activities program provides opportunities in team and individual sports and co-curricular activities, with events such as Model United Nations, knowledge bowl, and other competitions. SIS is a member of ACAMIS, PRC, SDRC, and SISAC, facilitating regional sports exchanges. From Grade 4 onward, students may participate in sports, and secondary students compete in various leagues across China and Asia.	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular activities include drone classes, orchestral performances, fencing, and guzheng performances. The site shows PYPX as part of the program. There is a House Team system for student activities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Shekou International School was established in January 1988 by a joint-venture group of oil companies. Shortly after opening, the sponsoring companies contracted International Schools Services (ISS), a U.S.-based non-profit educational organisation, to operate the school. In 2004 the founding companies transferred SIS to full ISS ownership and governance. Since then the school has grown beyond its original Jingshan Villa location to add the Net Valley and Bay campuses to serve different grade levels.	History Shenzhen Foreign Languages Greater Bay Area Academy (SGA) was established in 2017 as a government‑initiated, pilot “multi‑modal” school managed by Shenzhen Foreign Languages School (Group). The school was set up with investment and authorization from the Shenzhen municipal government and operates under the supervision of the Shenzhen Education Bureau; it is described on the school site as an education‑reform pilot approved by national authorities. The academy evolved from earlier international teaching activities (its transition campus opened in 2017) and completed a move to its current campus infrastructure in 2020. These points are described in the school's official materials and local education notices.
Community	Community SIS describes its community as a diverse, international network that extends beyond students to include parents, staff and alumni, with an emphasis on care and helping new families settle in. The school and its Parent Support Association run regular community events—examples cited on the site include the International Winter Bazaar and an outdoor community film night (“Movie Under the Stars”)—that bring together families, vendors and volunteers. The school also notes volunteer opportunities and alumni connections as ongoing ways the community stays engaged.	Community SGA presents a mixed, international community of students and staff recruited from mainland China, Hong Kong/Macau and overseas; the school highlights a diverse faculty and an international boarding and day‑school population. The school publishes and promotes regular community‑facing events such as Open Days where parents meet leadership and tour campus facilities, and it runs a programme of cultural and co‑curricular activities (music ensembles, drama in the school theatres, sports and academic competitions) that parents are invited to attend. The site documents student achievements in a range of competitions and lists many specialist facilities used for cultural and sporting events.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The Parent Support Association (PSA) at SIS is an association of parents who voluntarily organise and support activities that benefit children and families; all parents and teachers at SIS are considered members. The PSA provides a social network for families, organises family-oriented events and encourages parent involvement in school life. It administers a grant program open to students and teachers to support initiatives outside the classroom. The PSA communicates with the community via email, Facebook, Twitter and WeChat and is listed as the organiser or primary supporter for events such as the International Winter Bazaar and community celebration nights. The school website explicitly thanks the PSA for its ongoing support and invites parents to approach the PSA with ideas, questions or feedback.	Parent teacher association SGA's public materials emphasise parent engagement through scheduled Open Days, parent briefings and school events that invite family participation; the Open Day page specifically describes opportunities to meet the leadership team, review curriculum plans and join campus tours. However, the school's public website does not publish a dedicated Parent‑Teacher Association (PTA) constitution or a named parents' committee with a detailed calendar of PTA‑run activities as of January 1, 2026. Because a formal PTA structure and its specific programmes (for example class parent groups, volunteer committees, fundraising or regular parent workshops) are not described on the site, the clearest documented parent touchpoints are Open Days, parent meetings and ad hoc community events — for fuller, current details the school's admissions or community relations office can confirm whether a formal PTA or class‑level parent committee exists and what events it runs.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school delivers the IB Primary Years Programme in Primary and the IB Diploma Programme in High School. In the PYP, a weekly class newsletter, a biweekly divisional newsletter, and a Unit of Inquiry overview are provided, and families have ongoing access to their child's digital portfolio on Seesaw. Grades 6–10 currently participate in the Common Ground Collaborative (CGC) as the school plans to transition to the MYP. The Diploma Programme is delivered to grades 11 and 12, and the high school uses a 1:1 laptop program to support learning.	Academic & intellectual Shenzhen Foreign Languages Greater Bay Area Academy (SGA) is a twelve-year school spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels, with small class sizes. The school was founded in 2017, invested by the Shenzhen Municipal Government, and is managed by Shenzhen Foreign Languages School (Group) under the Shenzhen Education Bureau. It admits students globally with no nationality or hukou restrictions.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The Fine Arts Programs include Drama, Music, and Visual Arts. The Music program provides Kindergarten through Grade 12 education, emphasizes music literacy, and offers band, strings, or choir from Grade 6 with IB Music available in Grades 11 and 12. The Visual Arts program is discipline-based and covers drawing, painting, ceramics, digital media and related fields, with IB Visual Arts or IB Film Studies available in Grades 11 and 12. The Drama program is offered to Grades 6–10 with opportunities to write, perform, direct, and design.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language All SIS students begin studying Chinese for CSOL in Kindergarten and continue through the IB Diploma Programme in Grade 12. The French International Programme runs from pre-school to Grade 5 and continues through the IB Diploma Programme in Grade 12, taught by French government certified teachers. French as an Additional Language (FAL) is available for Kindergarten through Grade 5 in the International Programme. In the International Programme, the language of instruction is English; Mandarin is introduced early, with secondary students able to continue Mandarin or study French in later grades.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The Athletics & Activities program engages students in physical and social development, and SIS is a member of ACAMIS, PRC, SDRC, and SISAC, offering sports such as volleyball, basketball, soccer, and other activities. The After-School Activities and Athletics Program provides a wide range of ASAs, typically on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with some activities run by the community and sign-ups via the Schools Buddy platform. Secondary ASAs include Service & Leadership, Creativity, Recreational Sports & Activities, and Academics, plus events like Model United Nations and other contests. Class excursions and experiential learning are integral, with Grade 4 traveling within China to extend classroom research.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service Community Outreach programs involve learning opportunities with longer-term reciprocal relationships with local business groups and education communities, and projects are developed through collaboration with the SIS parent community and the Shenzhen business community. Service learning forms an essential part of shaping character values and dispositions and is embedded within the school curriculum. These connections provide SIS students with varied authentic, real-world experiences beyond the campuses and foster social responsibility, leadership and empathy.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Staff come from more than a dozen nations, and many teachers serve as IB examiners or workshop leaders, reflecting a diverse, experienced faculty. The school supports professional growth through a development allowance for staff and ongoing professional development across all departments. Secondary After-School Activities include Service & Leadership, among other pathways, and students participate in activities such as MUN and other regional competitions.	Leadership & professional SGA offers an international curriculum with global teacher recruitment and a clear pathway for leadership and professional development. The staff composition includes roughly 60% Chinese teachers and 40% expatriate teachers, all with advanced degrees and IB training or experience.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Athletics & Activities program promotes physical and social well-being, and SIS participates in multiple inter-school leagues and organizes a range of tournaments. Primary ASAs include activities from pottery to chess, while secondary ASAs cover sports, drama, arts, and leadership opportunities, with a structured schedule and transportation for regular bus riders. Class excursions, referred to as 'Classroom without Walls,' extend learning beyond the classroom to outdoor and cultural experiences. School hours run 8:00–15:00 for younger students and 8:30–15:30 for older students, with a Shenzhen-wide bus service that can be tracked in real time.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school teaches Chinese for Speakers of Other Languages (CSOL) starting in Kindergarten and continuing through Grade 12, with a literacy-focused option for native/advanced Mandarin speakers. A Mandarin Programme provides three streams—Language A (fluency and literacy), Language B (literacy and communication), and CAL (beginner Mandarin)—with 180 minutes of Mandarin instruction per week and IB-aligned, inquiry-based learning integrated into Primary Years Programme units. In addition, French As an Additional Language (FAL) is offered from Kindergarten through Grade 5 to support French language exposure.	Language provision Languages taught include English and Chinese. The IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme are offered. The Diploma Programme is taught in English; the Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme are taught in English and Chinese.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school has a French International Programme (FIP) from PreK1 to Grade 12, a three-language curriculum, and a bilingual IBDP pathway. French is the primary language of instruction, complemented by English and Chinese, with a LabelFrancEducation accreditation for the French programme. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is offered in Grade 12 through both the French programme and the overall IB framework. The programme is taught by native French, English, or Chinese speakers, supported by a trilingual teaching assistant, and features small class sizes and a fully equipped infrastructure including a pool, theatre, sports facilities, and a multilingual library. Students also have iPads for learning. The school is owned and managed by ISS.	Bilingual teaching Mission: The school aims to cultivate innovative talents with Chinese sentiment and international vision. Values: Global outlook; lifelong learning; pursuit of technological innovation; understanding cultural heritage; restraint and humility. Operating philosophy: Build an ubiquitous large-classroom; promote high-tech, interactive learning; create an international network; integrate Chinese and Western cultures; foster a broad framework of moral education.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards - Duke of Edinburgh's International Award — SIS reports that on 23 April 2025 it launched the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award programme and became an official Award Centre; this is a formal licensing/recognition of the school as an authorised centre for delivering the DofE programme to students. (Awarded to the school/centre.) Notes and exclusions (why the list is short): - The SIS website refers to other recognitions (for example, the school states it has been designated an Apple Distinguished School and notes it was recognised as “School of the Year” by the 21st Century Learning group). those recognitions are mentioned on the site but the pages do not provide specific dates for when they were awarded. because you asked specifically for awards won in the past five years, I have not included recognitions from the school site that lack explicit dates within that five-year window; they are listed here only as undated recognitions on the school website. If you'd like, I can: - try to find dated announcements (on SIS pages or other authoritative sites) for the Apple Distinguished School designation and the “School of the Year” recognition so we can confirm whether they fall inside the past five years; or - produce a short summary separating formal accreditations (WASC, IB authorizations, LabelFrancEducation) from memberships/affiliations and other recognitions with the exact citations from the school site.	Awards On the school website there is limited information presented as school-level recognitions. The site does not provide a dated, itemised list of school awards covering the last five years, so I cannot confirm precise dates for most recognitions. Items the website does present (undated on the site) that are awarded to or describe the school itself are: - Designation as a Shenzhen/Municipal and Ministry of Education pilot demonstration school — the site states SGA was approved as a Shenzhen "先行示范" (pilot demonstration) project and describes SGA as the Greater Bay Area's first such demonstration school. This is an official government designation reported on the school site. (No date is given on the site for when this designation was awarded.) - "First CIS Internationally Accredited Boarding School in Shenzhen" — the school profile states SGA is the first CIS-accredited boarding school in Shenzhen; the website presents this as a distinguishing recognition. (The site does not attach a specific date for this claim.) - School ensemble / team awards described as school-level achievements — the site says the school wind orchestra has repeatedly won provincial and municipal competition awards and that the school's rhythmic gymnastics team has frequently won provincial events. These are presented on the school profile page as awards received by school groups (not individual students). The website does not give dates or a formal award list for these items. If you want a strict, date-confirmed list limited to awards given to the school within the past five calendar years (Jan 1, 2021–Jan 1, 2026), I can search for dated press releases, government notices, CIS/WASC/BSA announcements or news items that specify award dates and confirm whether each event falls inside that period—would you like me to proceed with that broader web search?
Accreditations	Accreditations - Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) — Shekou International School reports continuous full accreditation by WASC since 1992; WASC is a U.S. regional accrediting body whose recognition indicates the school meets widely accepted standards for governance, curriculum and student transfer/graduation recognition. - International Baccalaureate (IB) — SIS is an authorized IB World School for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP); the International Baccalaureate Organization authorizes schools to deliver IB curricula, which are globally recognised frameworks for international education and (for the DP) can support university credit/recognition. The school is also listed on the site as a candidate school for the Middle Years Programme (MYP). - LabelFrancEducation (for the French International Programme) — the SIS French International Programme page states the programme is accredited/recognised under the LabelFrancEducation scheme; this label is awarded under criteria set by the French authorities to certify quality and official recognition of French-language international programmes. Note on memberships/affiliations (listed on the SIS website): the school also lists membership of regional and international professional associations — e.g., Association of China and Mongolia International Schools (ACAMIS), East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS), and the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE). These are professional memberships (not formal accreditations) that indicate the school participates in regional networks for collaboration, events and professional development.	Accreditations Below are the accreditations and official authorizations listed on the school's website, with a one-line explanation for each. - International Baccalaureate (IB) — Shenzhen Foreign Languages GBA Academy is authorized as an IB World School for the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP and DP); the school's website notes the DP authorization was granted in August 2023. This authorization means the school is recognized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to deliver those IB programmes and to assess students under IB standards. - Council of International Schools (CIS) — the website states SGA has full CIS accreditation. CIS accreditation is an internationally recognised school-quality accreditation focused on governance, teaching & learning, and student wellbeing that indicates the school meets CIS standards for international schools. - Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) — the site lists WASC accreditation. WASC is a U.S.-based regional accrediting body whose accreditation can support international recognition of school programmes and qualifications. - Boarding Schools' Association (BSA) — the website indicates SGA has BSA accreditation/recognition. BSA affiliation/recognition relates to boarding provision standards and peer benchmarking for boarding schools. Note: the school's website also describes that the school was established with Shenzhen Municipal Government investment and that it is an education pilot/demonstration project approved by the Ministry of Education (a formal government designation). That is an official recognition rather than an academic accreditation; it is listed on the school profile pages.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Initial enquiry and Open Day: Start by registering for an online Open Day (offered approximately every three weeks). The online Open Day introduces the school's programmes and campuses and families who attend are usually then invited to an in-person tour; you may also begin the formal application at any time. Parents should note the Open Day schedule and register early because tours and application slots can fill quickly. 2. In-person tour and school visit: After the online Open Day you will normally be invited to an in-person campus tour and, where appropriate, a classroom visit or playdate for the child. Use the tour to confirm practical details (which campus your child will attend, transport options, school hours and ASA schedules) and to ask about language support or learning‑support capacity. If you need language assistance, the admissions office includes Mandarin and Cantonese speaking staff; ask for their support when you book the visit. 3. Complete the online application and assemble documents: Submit the school's online application (SIS uses the OpenApply portal) and upload all required documents listed on the application. The Admissions Policy says a complete application must include the application fee and all specified documents (examples commonly required are passport/ID, immunization records, recent school reports, passport photo and teacher recommendation forms); incomplete applications cannot be processed and will be discarded after 30 days. Parents should prepare translated copies where needed and check the specific document list for the grade you are applying to before submitting. 4. Application fee and scheduling of assessment: After the application and the non‑refundable application fee are received the school schedules the child's assessment or playdate as relevant for the age/grade. The admissions FAQ sets out grade‑by‑grade assessment practice (examples: playdates for nursery; school‑designed English and maths tasks for mid‑year Kindergarten to Grade 1; MAP reading and MAP maths for Grades 2–5; MAP + essay for Grades 6–12; WIDA may be used where additional language information is needed). Expect the assessment to be paired with a short interview (student and parent) and plan travel/logistics around the scheduled assessment. 5. Disclosure of learning‑support needs and EAL considerations: If your child has an IEP or learning‑support needs you must supply all relevant documentation at application (recent testing, reports and current support plans). The Admissions Policy explains that SIS admits students with additional needs only where the school has the resources to meet those needs; decisions are made case‑by‑case and additional evaluation may be requested (at the family's expense). If your child will need English language support (EAL), be prepared for screening and for placement decisions that consider both the child's projected rate of language acquisition and available classroom balance. 6. Priority groups, decision categories and notification: Admissions decisions take into account priority categories (for example siblings, certain company‑sponsored families and expatriate passport criteria) as well as English proficiency, academic history and available space. The Director of Admissions will notify families of one of three outcomes: Accepted (place offered if space allows), Wait Pool (applicant meets requirements but the grade is full) or Not Accepted. Parents should check the offer letter carefully for any stated deadlines and the instructions the school supplies about next steps. 7. If placed on the wait pool or offered a place: If your child is placed in the wait pool you will remain on that list for the academic year applied for; the school reviews the pool as places become available and may re‑order consideration according to priority factors. If you receive an offer, the school's offer/acceptance instructions and the current fee schedule (downloadable from the Tuition & Fees page) will outline the required paperwork and payment items; follow those instructions and contact Admissions promptly if you need clarification. For administrative or fee questions, contact admissions directly (the admissions office publishes phone extensions and an email address on the school site). 8. Onboarding and first term arrangements: Once acceptance actions are completed the school will provide information on orientation, timetables, bus registration and other practical arrangements (uniform, lunch accounts, ASA sign‑up). Familiarise yourself with the school's communication platforms (Seesaw for Early Years/Primary; ManageBac for upper levels) so you can receive notices, homework and teacher messages. If your child will use the school bus or ASA programme, check the ASA fee practice and bus tracking options ahead of term start so you can register in time.	Admissions 1. Submit an online application through OpenApply. All applications to SGA must be completed via the school's OpenApply portal (sga.openapply.cn/apply); SGA does not accept paper applications. When you register, choose the correct form for your child's grade (Primary G1–G5, Secondary G6–G8 or G9–G11) and keep your OpenApply login details handy for follow-up requests. 2. Provide the required documents listed in the application checklist. The school's admissions page specifies that an Admission Application Form, a Family Statement and a School Report are minimum required items; the Admissions Office will not start processing until required materials are received. Parents should prepare scanned academic reports (two most recent years if available), any translated or certified documents, the student's passport or ID, and any teacher references the portal requests. 3. Application review and document integrity check. After you submit, the Admissions Office reviews all documents against SGA's admissions policy; the school explicitly reserves the right to withdraw an offer if information is found to be false or misleading. Make sure dates, school names and grades on transcripts match and that school reports are authentic to avoid delays or rescinded offers. 4. Entrance assessment invitation is issued to candidates who clear the document review. SGA's published process says successful applicants will receive an invitation to an Entrance Assessment; the website does not publish a public, detailed breakdown of assessment content or format, so expect the Admissions Office to provide the assessment schedule, format (online or on-campus) and any preparation instructions by email. Parents should confirm time-zone differences for remote assessments, bring the required ID to in-person assessments, and ask Admissions in advance if accommodations are needed. 5. Admissions decision and response window. The school states that a decision is normally sent by email within 10–15 working days after the Entrance Assessment; offers will include instructions and a deadline for confirming the place. Parents should watch the email account used on OpenApply, read the offer letter carefully (it will state any conditions) and meet the confirmation deadline to secure the place. 6. Fees, boarding and other cost information you should check before confirming. SGA publishes its official fee policy (2025–2026 school year) on the school website: Tuition for Grade 1–5 is RMB 165,200; Grade 6–10 RMB 178,400; Grade 11–12 RMB 210,000. Boarding (Grades 6–12) is RMB 12,000 for the year; meal rates are listed per grade band and tuition excludes meals, uniforms, school bus and some extracurricular or trip costs. Parents should read the school's policy page carefully to confirm what is included in tuition, ask about the payment schedule and whether there is an enrollment deposit or refund policy stated in the offer letter.
Scholarships	Scholarships SIS publishes two formal scholarship streams on its admissions pages and accepts applications through the online portal. - French International Programme Scholarship (ISS Global International Language Scholarship): This award supports students joining the French International Programme. It is intended for French speakers or those with appropriate French proficiency, is offered to students entering Grades 1–5, and is awarded for up to three years or until the student completes Grade 5. The application is made online and requires the standard application documents (application fee, passport, immunization record, photos, school reports where applicable, and a completed teacher recommendation form). The school assesses language proficiency (oral test), academic standing, and family interview; awards are limited, vary year to year, and recipients must meet behavioural, attendance and community expectations to retain the scholarship. Note the scholarship is not available to students whose tuition is paid directly or indirectly by an employer. For full eligibility, timelines (applications are typically required by 31 December for the scholarship window) and the list of required documents consult the French International Programme Scholarship page. - SIS Geckcellence Scholarship Competition: SIS also runs a Geckcellence Scholarship Competition; application and detailed information are published through the school's admissions links (application via OpenApply and further program details on the school's internal information pages). The number and value of awards can vary annually and are determined by the school based on available seats and funding. If you are interested in scholarship opportunities beyond these two named programmes, contact Admissions because additional or year‑specific awards and competitions may open in a given year.	Scholarships The school's official pages (admissions, policy and related site sections) do not list scholarships, bursaries or formal fee‑remission programs. SGA's published fee policy gives tuition, boarding and meal rates but does not describe merit or need‑based awards. If you need information about financial assistance, sibling discounts, or any temporary subsidies, ask Admissions directly (OpenApply contact or the school phone listed on the Shenzhen municipal school directory) because any such programs would be administered case-by-case and are not described on the public site. For accuracy when planning, request written confirmation from Admissions about whether any scholarships or fee reductions are available and the eligibility/application process.
Waitlist	Waitlist SIS uses a wait pool (not a strict numbered waitlist): if an applicant meets the school's admission requirements but the requested grade is full the applicant is placed in the grade's wait pool for that academic year. The school's Admissions Policy explains that a student's position in the wait pool can change if a subsequent application has higher priority (for example sibling or defined expatriate/company priority), and that applicants remain in the wait pool only for the academic year applied for. Parents may contact Admissions to roll an application into the next academic year beginning December 1st, but applications do not automatically carry over; if you want to be considered for a later year you must request rollover or reapply with updated documents. Because offers from the pool are made as seats open (and are influenced by priority and balance considerations) movement off the pool is unpredictable; contact Admissions for the current status and any grade‑specific guidance.	Waitlist SGA's public admissions documents and the school's admissions procedure do not describe an explicit waitlist or pool system. The published process shows application review, an entrance assessment, a decision and a confirmation step but does not explain what happens to applicants who are not offered a place. If you are not offered a place, contact the Admissions Office (via OpenApply or the school's admissions contact) to ask whether the school maintains a waiting list, how candidates are ranked, and whether you must reapply for a later intake; the school runs regular Open Days where Admissions staff can address these questions in person.
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