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Chengdu International School

China, Chengdu

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees RMB 160,000 - 239,000
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 244
Type Co-educational
Opened 1997
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages Mandarin
Typical class size 20
Strengths STEM, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Social and Hobbies, Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative
Stages Secondary School, Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary
Introduction

Chengdu International School is an English-medium Pre K–12 school in Chengdu, China, offering an American curriculum with AP courses. It is Cognia-accredited and part of LifePlus. The campus is described as a modern, purpose-built facility in the heart of the city, located on Shuinianhe Nanlu in Jinjiang District.

60 Shuinianhe S Rd, Jinjiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China, 610021

The Essentials

Chengdu International School has 244 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location
CDIS is located at 60 Shuinianhe Nanlu, Jinjiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China. The campus sits in central Chengdu and is described as being in the heart of the city. The current campus on Shuinianhe Nanlu was established in 2018 after earlier relocations.

Stages
Pre-K through 12. Early Childhood (KG1–KG2), Elementary (Grades 1–5), and Secondary (Grades 6–12).

Type
Co-educational day school.

Additional learning support
CDIS provides on-site counseling, a health office, and dedicated support specialists. It is Cognia-accredited and a SENIA member school, indicating a formal commitment to inclusive education and support for students with special needs.

Country affiliation
No formal country affiliation is stated. The school offers an American curriculum and is Cognia-accredited.

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is publicly stated.

School day structure
School days run 8:00–16:30 Monday–Thursday and 8:00–15:30 on Fridays when in session; during holidays, hours may differ (9:00–16:00).

Bus service
Bus service details are not published on the school's official materials; families should contact the school for transport options.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Cafeteria offers both international and Chinese menus prepared by professional chefs; lunch costs 35 RMB per day and is not included in tuition.

Governance and Ownership
LifePlus International School; Cognia-accredited; SENIA member.
Fees

Annual tuition at Chengdu International School ranges from RMB 160,000 to RMB 239,000 for 2026/27.

Application / Enrollment fees
- New student enrollment processing fee: RMB 20,000.
- Returning student re-enrollment processing fee: RMB 10,000

Tuition fees (by year group)
- ECC Foundations, Junior KG, KG: Annual tuition RMB 160,000. Per semester: RMB 80,000. Per quarter: RMB 40,000.
- Elementary (Grades 1–5): Annual tuition RMB 226,000. Per semester: RMB 113,000. Per quarter: RMB 56,500.
- Middle School (Grades 6–8): Annual tuition RMB 234,000. Per semester: RMB 117,000. Per quarter: RMB 58,500.
- High School (Grades 9–12): Annual tuition RMB 239,000. Per semester: RMB 119,500. Per quarter: RMB 59,750.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition is assessed on an annual basis and is payable in accordance with an approved payment plan; the school issues an invoice that shows the payment schedule via the school's parent portal (PowerSchool). Late fees apply when payments are overdue.
- Late payment charges: payments more than five business days past due incur a RMB 50 late fee per business day; payments more than 30 days past due continue to incur RMB 50 per business day and the student may be excluded from classes until payment is made. School records and transcripts will be withheld for outstanding balances.
- Partial-year attendance: full-quarter charges apply if a student starts prior to the midpoint of a quarter; half-quarter charges apply if a student starts after the midpoint of a quarter; students who graduate at the end of the first semester are required to pay 75% of the annual tuition.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable; no boarding fees are listed or charged as part of the school's fee schedule.

Other costs and typical additional charges
- Lunch: not included in tuition. Current lunch charge indicated as RMB 35 per day; lunch payments may be made through the school WeChat account or in cash to the school cashier.
- Textbooks, digital learning platforms, classroom resources, library and health services, transportation (daily bussing), counselling, learning support and English language services are included in tuition. Any items not explicitly listed (for example, personal school supplies, optional excursions, external exam fees, or uniform purchases) are potential additional costs; the published fee schedule does not list separate uniform or extracurricular fee lines.

Fee payment options
- Tuition invoices are issued via the school's PowerSchool parent portal and state the payment schedule. Lunch payments may be paid through the school WeChat account or in cash to the school cashier. The published fee information does not list specific bank-account details, credit-card acceptance, or other payment channels in the public fee text.
Academics

Chengdu International School teaches American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Chengdu International School provides Pre-K through 12 education in English, follows an American AP curriculum, and is Cognia-accredited, with an average class size around 20. Early Childhood (ages 3–6) includes Foundations, Junior-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten with developmentally appropriate literacy, numeracy, creativity, and social and physical development; classes are small and include a lead teacher and a co-teacher, with Kindergarten students also receiving daily Mandarin lessons. Elementary (grades 1–5) emphasizes a student-centered, project-based approach across language arts, social studies, science, and math, and includes a character education program. Secondary (high school) offers an extensive AP program with 14 AP courses (Biology, Calculus AB/BC, Chemistry, Chinese Language and Culture, English Language and Composition, English Literature, Physics, Psychology, Seminar, Studio Art: Drawing, Research, World History) plus AP Capstone, and PSAT/NMSQT in grades 10–11 with SAT/ACT guidance. Yearly program documentation, including the 2025–2026 Secondary Handbook and the 2024–2025 High School Profile, accompanies Cognia accreditation and SENIA membership.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Chengdu International School provides an in-house counseling team and a safety-conscious environment that supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). School counselors offer one-on-one meetings with students and classroom-based teaching about social and emotional issues; they also develop behavior plans in partnership with teachers and meet with parents as needed. The community is described as safe and caring, with an on-site health office to support student wellbeing. Counseling at the school focuses on helping students grow in confidence, social skills, and behavior development. This wellbeing framework is highlighted on the Safety + Well-being page.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Chengdu International School is a member of SENIA (Special Education Needs in International Education Association), indicating a commitment to inclusive education through collaboration with families, professionals and the community. The school is Cognia-accredited, reflecting participation in an international accreditation framework. SENIA membership signals a focus on inclusion and collaboration with external professionals.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Chengdu International School provides Pre K-12 education in English. The school positions itself as an English-medium international school delivering an American curriculum. Public information does not describe any dedicated EAL programs or staffing; no explicit EAL provision is listed in the public materials. EAL-specific policies or supports are not disclosed in the publicly accessible information. The absence of stated EAL provisions should not be interpreted as a lack of support, but no explicit EAL program is publicly disclosed.

Mental Wellbeing
The school offers on-site counseling and classroom-based social and emotional learning, with counselors assisting students to build confidence, social skills and positive behavior. Counselors provide individual sessions and collaborate with teachers to implement behavior plans, with opportunities to involve parents. The Health Clinic provides daily nursing support for students and staff on the main building's ground floor. Mental wellbeing is integrated into the overall safety and wellbeing framework, including regular student support through counseling and SEL instruction. These provisions are described in the Safety + Well-being content.

Safeguarding
Chengdu International School has a Director of Child Safety, plus two staff members at each school designated as Child Safety Specialists who raise awareness and respond to concerns. There are Child Safety Policies and Codes of Conduct, with multiple language versions and a dedicated policy and procedures document. A confidential form is available for raising child safety concerns, and information submitted through it is kept confidential. The school emphasizes training in Child Safety for staff, volunteers and students, and maintains an environment where students can get help if they experience harm. The school is Cognia-accredited and SENIA member, reflecting ongoing safeguarding and inclusion commitments.
Parent Experience

History
Chengdu International School was founded in 1997, making it the oldest international school in Chengdu and western China. It began with 18 students and four full-time teachers, and enrollment grew to 72 students as the secondary program expanded to Grades 7–10 within three years. In 2002 the school moved to Jinguan Xincheng School to offer Pre K-12 programs, and three years later relocated to the Zhonghai International Community campus. In 2007 CDIS became the first international school in western China to receive accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and was certified to teach foreign students by the Ministry of Education, followed by accreditation from China's National Center for Curriculum and Textbook Development. In 2013 the school relocated to Tonggui Road in Jinjiang district, and in 2018 moved to its current campus on Shuinianhe Nanlu, near the heart of Chengdu.

Community
Chengdu International School is a truly multinational community, with staff and students from many countries and cultures. The school emphasizes LifePlus qualities—Purpose, Curiosity, Discernment, Connection, Courage, Compassion, Humility, Persistence, and Service—and fosters leadership, collaboration, and global citizenship. English is used throughout the day, with foreign language study limited to classes to support cross-language communication. The community engages in local service projects and partnerships as part of its mission to impact others positively.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
CDIS does not publish a standalone PTA on public pages. Parent involvement is supported through school-led programs and regular family engagement. Curriculum Nights for Parents were introduced in 2025 to give families a window into classrooms, with teachers detailing curriculum, grading, and home-learning resources. The school also hosts family-facing events such as Elementary and Secondary Christmas Concerts, ChengMUN, and the Sichuan Science Fair, which invite parent participation and community involvement. Parents can access calendars, announcements, and academic information via Canvas and the PowerSchool portal to stay engaged with school activities.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Chengdu International School occupies a purpose-built campus in Jinjiang District, at 60 Shuinianhe Nanlu, Chengdu. The campus focuses on a modern learning environment with a substantial library and media resources in multiple languages to support international curricula. A robust technology program includes fast Wi-Fi across the campus and two dedicated PC labs plus a Mac lab, with laptops and iPads used in classrooms. Learning spaces are bright and flexible, with specialist areas for science, music, art and drama, and a library/media center with digital cameras, video and audio recording equipment. The on-site cafeteria provides daily international and Chinese meals prepared by professional chefs. The campus emphasizes safety and collaborative learning.

Academic Facilities
The campus library offers books, online newspapers and magazines, including materials in Chinese, Japanese and Korean. It features two PC labs and one Mac lab, supported by an on-site IT team, and laptops and iPads are used in class. Learning spaces include dedicated areas for science, music, art and drama, complemented by a library and media center with digital cameras and audio/video recording equipment.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
CDIS offers a range of academic enrichment opportunities beyond standard classes. The school participates in Model United Nations events, including MUNiSQ 2025 and ChengMUN scheduled for January 2026 in Chengdu. LifePlus robotics programs provide VEX IQ tournaments for middle school and high school robotics competitions, with MS robotics events planned within the LifePlus network. The calendar typically features science-focused competitions such as the Sichuan Science Fair in January 2026. The school also runs a summer camp for ages 6-14 that combines learning with enrichment activities.

Arts & Creative
CDIS maintains a robust arts program with the fine arts department preparing for band, choir and drama performances. In 2025, the Fine Arts Festival showcased high school choir, band, art and drama across LifePlus schools, highlighting the breadth of artistic achievement. Additional events include Secondary Solo & Ensemble performances as part of the school's arts calendar.

Cultural & Language
CDIS emphasizes cultural immersion and international-mindedness. Annual spring trips immerse students in Chinese culture and include meaningful service projects. Model United Nations and other international programs foster cross-cultural understanding within a multinational community. The LifePlus network reinforces global citizenship through its collaborative, international approach.

Social & Hobbies
Fall sports are active in the secondary program, with soccer for middle school and volleyball for high school. The High Student Council and service groups meet regularly to plan activities that strengthen the community. The school also supports a range of clubs and inter-school competitions, including LifePlus volleyball tournaments.

Community & Service
Community service is a core element, with service groups and student-led projects integrated into school life. Spring trips include hands-on service components that connect classroom learning with real-world impact. Model United Nations participation also emphasizes public service and global engagement as part of CDIS's ethos.

Leadership & Professional
Student leadership is fostered through the High School Student Council, which helps organize school events and activities. Leadership development is further supported by leadership retreats and conferences connected to CDIS's LifePlus and MUN programs. Participation in events like ChengMUN and MUNiSQ provides opportunities to develop public speaking, collaboration and organizational skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
CDIS prioritizes student wellbeing with on-site counseling and health services, including a dedicated school nurse and counseling team. The campus maintains policies on air quality, healthy eating and safety to support daily wellbeing. Athletics, arts and clubs also contribute to a balanced lifestyle, promoting physical health and social-emotional growth.
Languages

Language Provision
The school provides Pre-K–12 education in English. Mandarin is taught as a subject; Kindergarten students participate in Mandarin Chinese lessons daily. English Language Support (ELS) is available for non-native English speakers with a dedicated team. The campus library offers resources in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean to support language learning.
Reputation

Awards
2025: Chengdu International School participated in and achieved multiple top placements in the Chengdu International Schools Association (CISA) events. Highlights include: Soccer U19 & U15 Girls champions; Basketball U19 Girls champions and U15 Girls 2nd place; Basketball U15 Boys 3rd place and U19 Boys 3rd place; Volleyball both Boys and Girls champions; Ping Pong (Elsa and Cindy) 3rd place; Cross Country placements across several age groups (e.g., U7 3rd; Lane 1st; Yuna 3rd; Yuki 2nd; Aliyah 2nd; Yeyul 1st; Micah 1st; etc.); Spelling Bee: U11 Champion (Andrew) and Middle School winner Victor with runner-up Lillian; Poetry Slam: Esther (U19) winner, Kaylyn 3rd; and the year marked by the highest participation rate among CISA schools. These are all presented in the 2025 CISA Highlights update. Also in 2025, the High School Science Fair listed top-three winning projects (Kaylyn's E. coli detection project; Steven's cancer microenvironment project; Jeongmin and Jaewon's microplastic formulation project) with the top two projects selected to represent CDIS at the Sichuan Science Fair. Separate 2025 basketball coverage notes Girls CISA Tournament 1st Place and Boys CISA Tournament 3rd Place, within CDIS' LifePlus/CSIA context.

Accreditations
Chengdu International School has Cognia accreditation and several national accreditations. Cognia is described as the largest education-improvement organization in the world, and CDIS is Cognia-accredited. The school was the first international school in western China to receive Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation. It was also the first school certified to teach foreign students by China's Ministry of Education and later was accredited by China's National Center for School Curriculum and Textbook Development (NCSDD). These accreditations indicate external validation of the school's standards, governance, and curriculum quality. Public materials confirm Cognia accreditation, WASC recognition, MOE foreign-student certification, and NCSDD accreditation.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Submission. CDIS operates a rolling admissions policy and accepts applications for new students throughout the year. To begin, you must complete the application form. After submission, the Admissions team reviews the form and routes it to the appropriate staff for next steps. This first step sets the process in motion and signals the start of the enrollment cycle.

2. Paperwork. The Admissions office will contact you and may ask you to complete an online enrollment. You will be asked to provide supporting documents including your passport and visa/residence permit, your child's immunization record, an administrator and/or teacher recommendation (not ECC), and up to two years' previous school records or transcripts (not ECC). These documents help verify eligibility and placement.

3. Assessment. The school will invite you to the campus for an interview, and may require an assessment test in English and/or mathematics to support the application. Testing arrangements are coordinated with the Admissions team as needed. The assessment provides the school with a sense of the student's current level and potential fit.

4. Decision. After completing the application steps, you will be notified within one week about the decision to accept, decline, or place your child in a waiting pool. If accepted, you will be asked to complete a Student Medical Report and to prepare for starting classes. Age cutoffs are: Foundation must turn 3 by September 30, JK must turn 4, KG must turn 5, and Grade 1 must turn 6 by September 30 of the enrollment year. The school does not discriminate in admissions on gender, religion, race or ethnicity. New student admissions and enrollment processing fees are due at enrollment (20,000 RMB for new students; 10,000 RMB for returning students). Lunch is not included in tuition and costs 35 RMB per day if availed.

Scholarships
Scholarships. There is no scholarship program described in the admissions or fees pages for Chengdu International School.

Waitlist
Waitlist / Pool. CDIS uses a waiting pool when spaces are not immediately available for admitted applicants. If there is no space after the admission process, a student may be placed in the waiting pool. The waiting pool is dissolved at the end of the school year, and parents must re-apply to be considered for enrollment in the following school year. Families are encouraged to pursue other educational options while their child remains in the waiting pool.
School Events
The school has not added events
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