Shen Wai International School vs Shenzhen Foreign Languages GBA Academy

	S Shen Wai International School Shenzhen, China	S Shenzhen Foreign Languages GBA Academy Shenzhen, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 121,400 - 218,500	Fees / year RMB 165,200 - 210,000
Age range	Age range 4 - 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)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Chinese National Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 780	Pupils 900
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 7
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Mandarin
Opened	Opened 2012	Opened 2017
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Shen Wai International School is on 29 Baishi 3rd Road in Nanshan District, Shenzhen (518053). The campus is in the Shenzhen Bay / Nanshan area and is reachable by city roads and public transport; the school website lists the full address and contact number for directions and visits.	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 SWIS is an IB continuum school offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), serving roughly ages 4–18 (Pre‑K/Kindergarten through Grade 12).	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 Co‑educational day school (no boarding). The school is government‑invested/non‑profit and serves expatriate families as well as residents from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.	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 provides English language support (EAL) and additional learning / special‑education resources, and has counselling services and access to educational‑psychology support; some specialised services may be provided for a fee—contact Admissions for specifics.	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 The school is not affiliated with a foreign country; it is invested by the Shenzhen municipal government and operates as an international school serving the local expatriate community and Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan residents.	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 SWIS is secular and does not have a religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation SGA does not advertise any religious affiliation; its programmes are secular and curriculum‑focused.
School day structure	School day structure Published information indicates a typical school day runs approximately from 08:30 to 15:30, with options for supervised before/after care and an After‑School Activities (ASA) programme. Check the school calendar or Admissions for exact daily bell times for each division.	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 The school offers a school‑bus service for families; bus availability, routes, pick‑up points and fees are organised through the school and can change each year. Parents relocating from overseas should request the current route map, operating company (if any) and fee schedule from Admissions before arrival.	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 Fees overview - Annual tuition by year group (amounts shown in RMB): - Kindergarten (4‑year‑old / K2): [RMB 121,400] per year; per term (approx.): [RMB 40,467] (annual ÷ 3, shown as an approximate per‑term figure). - Kindergarten 3 / Year 0 and Years 1–5 (Early Primary): [RMB 166,980] per year; per term (approx.): [RMB 55,660]. - Years 6–10 (Lower & Upper Secondary): [RMB 182,160] per year; per term (approx.): [RMB 60,720]. - Years 11–12 (IB Diploma / Sixth Form): [RMB 218,500] per year; per term (approx.): [RMB 72,833]. Application / enrolment fees - No explicit, separate application fee or one‑off enrolment/deposit amount was located in the publicly available fee summaries consulted. Public fee summaries present annual tuition figures but do not publish a distinct application charge in the sources reviewed. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school follows an August–June academic year (three‑term school year). Annual tuition figures are published; the sources consulted do not publish a detailed term billing schedule (for example exact term percentages or instalment due dates). Where a per‑term amount is required below, it is shown as an approximate value calculated by dividing the published annual fee by three. Boarding / accommodation fees - Shen Wai International School is listed as a day school (no boarding programme shown in the public profiles consulted). No boarding or residential fees were published in the sources reviewed. Other costs and typical additional charges - Uniform: the school is listed as having a uniform requirement, but no published uniform cost was found in the public fee summaries reviewed. - Transport (school bus): transport is offered according to school profile summaries; no specific bus fees or routes/prices were published in the fee summaries consulted. - Examination, materials, extra‑curricular and assessment fees: the publicly available fee summaries reviewed show annual tuition levels but do not itemise textbook, exam (IB examination) or co‑curricular charges. These kinds of additional charges are commonly billed separately at many schools, but no itemised list or amounts were found in the sources consulted. Refunds and refundable deposits - No explicit refund policy, refundable deposit amount, or step‑by‑step refund procedure for fees was located in the public fee materials that were available to the sources consulted. The published summaries provide annual tuition figures but do not publish a detailed refund/refund‑schedule statement. Accepted payment methods and practical payment notes - The public fee summaries consulted do not list specific accepted payment methods (for example bank transfer, credit card, or local cashiers). Contact details for the school are published and may be used to confirm current payment methods: phone +86 755 8654 1200 and email office@swis.cn. Summary of sources consulted and limitations - Confirmed items above (the published annual tuition figures by grade band) come from recent publicly available school‑profile and fee summary pages. The sources consulted publish annual tuition amounts but do not publish detailed line‑item charges (for example a named application fee, explicit enrolment deposit, exact per‑term billing proportions or formal refund wording) in the materials accessible through those summaries. Consequently, per‑term figures above are shown as approximations (annual fee divided by three) to provide a term‑level view when a per‑term number is required; those per‑term figures are inferences based on the published annual amounts.	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 —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options There is a weekly menu for meals; on-site dining options are available.	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 —	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 Shen Wai International School (SWIS) delivers the full International Baccalaureate continuum—Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The school serves students from Pre‑Kindergarten through Grade 12 and teaches in English while maintaining a structured Mandarin/Chinese language and culture programme. In the middle years (MYP, typically Grades 6–10) SWIS follows the MYP framework and prepares students for MYP certification/e‑assessment at the end of Year 10. Upper secondary (Grades 11–12) follows the IB Diploma: students choose subjects across the DP groups (languages, sciences, mathematics, individuals & societies, the arts) and complete the DP core—Theory of Knowledge, Creativity‑Activity‑Service and the extended essay—along with external DP examinations. SWIS is accredited by international bodies and integrates the IB inquiry‑based approach with co‑curricular arts, STEM and cultural learning.	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 SWIS identifies well‑being as a core school value and states that elements of well‑being are incorporated across units of study from Kindergarten through Diploma; the school highlights areas such as health, self‑management, collaboration, respect and relationships in its community description. Public reporting about SWIS notes the school develops expectations and procedures linked to well‑being and that well‑being is embedded in curriculum planning. The school also reports having medical and counselling staff available to the community. Specific named SEL programmes or a published, standalone SEL curriculum are not detailed on the school's public 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) Publicly available job adverts and recruitment listings show SWIS has recruited for Learning Support / Secondary Learning Support roles, indicating the school operates an in‑school learning support function. These listings suggest the presence of staff who support learners with additional needs, but the school's public materials do not specify which categories of Special Educational Needs (for example, specific learning disabilities, ASD, sensory impairments, etc.) it will or will not support. SWIS is not described in public sources as a specialist SEN institution. For clarity on individual student needs and specialist provision the school should be contacted directly.	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 The school does not publicly disclose information regarding EAL. Public pages and summary profiles for SWIS that are available do not include a described EAL/ESL programme, dedicated EAL staff, or explicit EAL entry/support procedures. If you need confirmation of EAL provision or assessment procedures, contact the school directly.	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 SWIS publicly frames well‑being as a school priority and reports that medical and counselling staff are available to support the community. External profiles of the school describe wellbeing being elevated to a core value and note the school operates anti‑bullying measures and related pastoral procedures. The school's publicly available material does not publish a detailed mental‑health policy or named, externally run mental‑health programmes on its website; for specifics on school counselling qualifications, caseload, or referral pathways you should request those details from the school.	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 Public reporting about SWIS states the school maintains child‑protection measures that include safe‑recruiting practices, police and reference checks for staff, an anti‑bullying policy, and on‑site security and medical personnel. These statements appear in external profiles summarising the school's safeguarding and safety procedures. The school is also listed on Shenzhen government education pages as an accredited international school, which indicates it operates within local regulatory frameworks. The school's full written safeguarding/child‑protection policy and implementation details are not published in full on the public pages found; request the school's safeguarding policy directly for complete, current documentation.	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 —	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 —	Sports facilities Sports facilities include spaces for volleyball and fencing. These facilities support regular volleyball matches and fencing practice.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	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 —	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 Shen Wai International School (SWIS) is the international section of Shenzhen Foreign Languages School and operates as a government‑invested, non‑profit institution. The school opened in the early 2010s (sources report 2011 or 2012). It was built to serve children of expatriate workers as well as permanent residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan and was planned with capacity and facilities for roughly 1,080 students. Since opening SWIS has pursued international accreditations and authorization to offer the IB continuum.	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 SWIS's student body is multinational, drawing mainly from expatriate families and residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. The school stages a range of cultural and community events — examples in recent years include a Primary Years Programme (PYP) Chinese Ensemble concert highlighting traditional instruments and a TEDxYouth event held in 2019. SWIS also runs seasonal and schoolwide activities such as art exhibitions, International Children's Day celebrations and winter festivals that bring together students, families and staff.	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 SWIS Parent and Teacher Association (PTA) coordinates volunteer support, family activities and community health and fundraising initiatives. In May 2018 the PTA organized a “Healthy Living Month,” which included weekly Healthy Snack Giving Days and a range of parent‑led fitness and wellbeing activities. PTA members frequently serve as parent volunteers at performances and school events; parent representatives are documented as speaking and expressing support at occasions such as the PYP Chinese Ensemble concert. The PTA also helps run seasonal gatherings (for example winter celebrations and International Children's Day), supports after‑school activity programs and coordinates fundraising or service projects linked to the school community. Overall, the PTA's work at SWIS appears to be event‑focused and volunteer‑driven, providing logistical coordination, parent outreach and hands‑on support for school activities.	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 offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the IB Diploma Programme (DP).	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 —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Chinese language content on the site includes translations: 入学申请 → Admissions; 招生流程 → Admissions Process; 校园参观 → Campus Tours. The Chinese text "中文版网站即将上线，敬请期待" translates as "The Chinese version of the website is coming soon. Please stay tuned." The Chinese text "如需浏览中文版招生页面，请点击" translates as "If you wish to view the Chinese admissions page, please click."	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional College counseling is available. Admissions are processed online via OpenApply (swis.openapply.cn). ManageBac is used for student information. The address is 29, Baishi 3rd Road, Nanshan, Shenzhen, China 518053; Tel +86 755 8654 1200.	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 Athletics and co-curricular activities are offered. Health and safety services are provided, and counseling is available. A weekly menu is provided.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	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 —	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 —	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 - International Baccalaureate (IB) — Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). SWIS is listed on the IB's official school directory as an IB World School; the IB pages list the authorisation dates for each programme (PYP authorised 30 Mar 2015; MYP authorised 26 Jan 2016; DP authorised 27 Mar 2017). These programme authorisations indicate the school has met IB requirements to deliver each programme and is subject to IB review and quality checks. - Council of International Schools (CIS) — accredited. CIS published a re-accreditation notice for Shen Wai International School dated 13 December 2023. CIS accreditation is an external review process focused on whole‑school quality, governance, student welfare and international-mindedness; it signals the school has met CIS standards and is committed to ongoing improvement. - Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC / ACS WASC) — accredited (as stated in Shenzhen government and other public school directories). WASC accreditation (through ACS WASC) is a regional/international accreditation process that evaluates schoolwide student learning, continuous improvement processes and institutional integrity; many universities and external bodies recognise WASC accreditation as evidence of quality and transferability of secondary-school credentials. Note: the school's WASC accreditation is reported on official local government and reputable school-directory pages, but an ACS WASC directory entry for SWIS was not located in the sources I could fetch during this check; I can verify further with ACS WASC or the school itself if you would like.	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. Check eligibility and timing. Shen Wai International School (SWIS) primarily serves children of the expatriate community and residents of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan; at least one parent must normally hold foreign passport/residency and local guardianship rules require students to live in Shenzhen with a parent or an approved guardian. Confirm your child's age against the school's cut-off date (September 1) because grade placement is age-based. See the school's admissions criteria for these restrictions and rolling-entry notes. 2. Prepare required documents. Parents should be ready to provide documentary proof of the items above (passport information page and any relevant residence/visa pages), the child's birth certificate, recent school reports or transcripts, and standard health/immunisation records; if you are using a guardian, bring the appropriate power of attorney/guardianship paperwork. SWIS requires applicants to show they can access an English-language curriculum, so evidence of recent school reports or any English test results can speed placement. If your child has identified special educational needs, discuss these with admissions before applying so the school can confirm whether it can meet those needs. 3. Submit the online application and school tour/ enquiry. Use the school's Apply Online link and the Admissions page to start an application and to arrange a tour or admissions meeting; the official admissions page is the primary entry point for applications and enquiries. Be aware that some international schools charge a non-refundable application fee or require a one-time first-year payment/placement charge — parents should check the specific payment/fee instructions shown on the offer or fee schedule. Keep records of application submission and any reference/application IDs the school provides. 4. Assessment and interview/placement. SWIS expects applicants to demonstrate sufficient English and may use grade-specific assessments or interviews to check academic level and English proficiency; each grade can have a tailored process and placement is based on results and available places. For younger children the school may use age-appropriate observation or interviews, while older children are typically assessed with school reports and subject-specific checks. Ask Admissions in advance what format (in-person or online) the assessment and interview will take for your child's grade. 5. Offer, acceptance and payment. If a place is offered you will usually receive a written Offer Letter or invoice that specifies the deadline to accept and any placement deposit or tuition payment required to secure the place. SWIS's published tuition schedule shows annual tuition bands by year group, and the first-year or placement financial requirements can be higher than the annual tuition shown; read the offer carefully for one‑time fees and payment deadlines. Keep the payment receipt and confirm enrolment steps (medical forms, transport, uniform orders) after the school acknowledges your payment. 6. Visa, guardianship and local compliance. Before your child's first day, confirm that local guardianship, residency/visa paperwork and any health insurance or immunisation records meet Shenzhen and school requirements — SWIS will not accept students who do not meet local guardianship rules. If your family's situation requires a guardian in Shenzhen, arrange the legal documents well before arrival so the school can complete registration. Contact Admissions for any school-specific local-compliance instructions. 7. Start date, orientation and ongoing communication. SWIS operates on a rolling-admissions basis where places are confirmed subject to vacancies; when your child starts expect an orientation (or grade-level entry procedure) and possible short-term monitoring or placement adjustments as teachers confirm appropriate class groupings. Keep in regular contact with the Admissions office and the relevant Head of Division during the first weeks so any academic or pastoral adjustments can be made promptly. If anything in your family situation changes (arrival date, guardian, residency), notify Admissions immediately.	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 —	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 SWIS publicly describes admissions as rolling and that places are offered according to enrolment limits and vacancies; the school's published admissions information does not include a public, detailed waitlist policy. That means: when a grade is full the school typically manages new applications on a vacancy basis (often by holding records of applicants and offering places as they become available), but there is no formal, publicly posted waitlist procedure or guaranteed position published on the website or directory listings. Parents should therefore assume places are offered by vacancy and should keep their application active (and confirm their interest) with Admissions; for a definitive answer about whether SWIS will keep a formal waitlist for a specific grade and how applicants are prioritised, contact the Admissions office directly using the school's admissions contact.	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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