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Dalian American International School

China, Dalian

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees RMB 205,000 - 245,000
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 300
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 2006
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Chinese National Curriculum, Montessori Curriculum
Taught languages Mandarin
Typical class size 20
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Dalian American International School (DAIS) is an all-through American international school located in the Golden Pebble Beach National Resort in Dalian's Jinzhou New District. It serves students from ages 3 to 18 (Early Years through High School) and includes a Montessori-style preschool on campus. The school follows an American curriculum from elementary through high school, with CCSS and AERO standards in elementary and an American High School Curriculum with AP opportunities in the upper grades. DAIS is accredited by WASC and is part of the Nord Anglia Education family, with extensive co-curricular programs and collaborations. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including indoor and outdoor sports facilities, a heated 25-meter pool, science labs, three libraries, and arts studios. Mandarin is taught as the host country language, while English is the language of instruction across most programs. The school offers boarding and a range of after-school activities, including Soccer Club and Sea Dragon Choir. The Head of School is Dr. Craig Wilson.

2 Dianchi Road, Golden Pebble Beach National Resort, Dalian Development Area P.C, China, 116650

The Essentials

Dalian American International School has 300 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location
The Dalian campus is located at 2 Dianchi Road, Golden Pebble Beach National Resort, Jinzhou New District, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China. The Golden Pebble Beach area is a resort district about 60 kilometers east of Dalian's city centre. DAIS runs a transport service to and from the school that covers downtown Dalian, the Dalian Development Area (DDA), and Jinshitan.

Stages
DAIS is structured into four levels: Early Years, Elementary, Middle School, and High School. Early Years serves roughly 3–5 year olds, Elementary covers the next several years, Middle School includes early adolescence, and High School serves older teens (ages ~14–18). The school accommodates students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12.

Type
DAIS is a private international day school and offers boarding facilities for some grades on campus (an Elementary Boarding Program is described for younger students). This combination reflects a day-school model with selective boarding options.

Additional learning support
DAIS provides a Learning Support Philosophy and uses assessments to identify and plan for learning needs. Non-native English speakers in Grades 2–12 participate in an English Language Proficiency assessment as part of admissions, and further testing may be used to inform placement and support.

Country affiliation
There is no formal country affiliation for DAIS.

Religious affiliation
DAIS has no religious affiliation.

School day structure
The DAIS Early Years day runs from 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., with lunch from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and a nap/quiet time for younger children from about 12:45 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Bus service
DAIS operates a school transport service to and from the campus, with routes covering downtown Dalian, the DDA, and Jinshitan. Families are asked to accompany their children to and from designated pick-up/drop-off points.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school offers a residential boarding program with small dorms for four students, with air-conditioning and purification, heating, en-suite bathrooms, and card-only access for security. The program fosters community, leadership, and academic growth under Residential Teachers, with on-campus medical support and weekend activities. There are five-day and seven-day boarding options with defined sign-out rules.

Food Options
The school offers Chinese and Western lunch options. Lunch menus are published monthly and can be pre-ordered. Elementary students are encouraged to bring a healthy snack.

House System
The boarding program uses a house system with Heads of House for girls and for boys.

Governance and Ownership
The school is part of Nord Anglia Education.
Fees

Annual tuition at Dalian American International School ranges from RMB 205,000 to RMB 245,000 for 2026/27.

Application & enrolment fees

- Application fee (non-refundable): RMB 2,000, payable at the time of application.
- Enrollment / Re-enrollment deposit (non-refundable and non-transferable): RMB 10,000. The deposit is due upon acceptance (returning students: due by April 25, 2025 if applicable) and may be applied to the last tuition payment for the 2025–2026 year; it cannot be applied to the second payment in the three-payment plan and is non-refundable for early withdrawal.

Tuition fees (annual and installment amounts) — by year group

- Kindergarten – Grade 5:
- One annual payment (full year): RMB 205,000.
- Two-payment plan: RMB 105,600 per payment (two payments). Handling fee of 3% is included in the two-payment plan; payments are due June 12 and November 21. The first two-payment instalment covers 14 Aug 2025 – 21 Nov 2025; the second covers 22 Nov 2025 – 11 Jun 2026.
- Three-payment plan: RMB 71,750 per payment (three payments). Handling fee of 5% is included in the three-payment plan; payments are due June 12, November 21 and February 27. The three payments cover the school year in three time blocks: 14 Aug–21 Nov 2025, 22 Nov 2025–27 Feb 2026, and 28 Feb–11 Jun 2026.

- Grade 6 – Grade 8:
- One annual payment (full year): RMB 240,000.
- Two-payment plan: RMB 123,600 per payment (two payments). Payment dates and coverage periods follow the same schedule as above.
- Three-payment plan: RMB 84,000 per payment (three payments).

- Grade 9 – Grade 12:
- One annual payment (full year): RMB 245,000.
- Two-payment plan: RMB 126,200 per payment (two payments).
- Three-payment plan: RMB 85,750 per payment (three payments).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Payment frequency options: one, two, or three installments. The two-payment plan includes a 3% handling fee; the three-payment plan includes a 5% handling fee. The one-payment option is the only plan that qualifies for a tuition refund on early withdrawal.
- Due dates (2025–2026): one annual payment due by June 12; two payments due by June 12 and November 21; three payments due by June 12, November 21 and February 27 (with coverage periods tied to each payment as noted above).
- Proration and late entry: Tuition is prorated only for enrollment on or after October 1 (proration is on a monthly basis). Any subsequent payments follow the selected payment schedule.
- Late payment and delinquency: Tuition not paid by the due date is subject to a 5% late charge on the total unpaid tuition. School records may be withheld for financial delinquency, and a student with tuition outstanding for more than five working days may not attend school until payment is made.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is offered as part of school services, and a residential programme is in operation. The published 2025–2026 fee schedule and materials reviewed do not specify a separate, published boarding charge in the fee schedule document. Any boarding charges or the detailed cost structure for different boarding options are not listed in the 2025–2026 fee schedule and should be treated as not specified in the publicly published fee schedule.

Other costs and optional fees

- Elementary school lunch: RMB 25 per meal (RMB 4,550 for the school year).
- Secondary (middle & high) school lunch: RMB 30 per meal (RMB 5,460 for the school year).
- Bus transportation: fee varies by location; the bus application form contains specific fees. A minimum 30-calendar day written notice to the Business Office is required to cancel bus service; without such notice families are subject to an additional month of bus transportation fee.
- Learning support services: fees or arrangements are not set as a flat item in the published fee schedule; details are handled through the school's learning support processes.
- Uniforms and other incidental items: a specific uniform fee is not listed in the 2025–2026 fee schedule. Uniforms or school-branded items (if required) are not itemised as a compulsory fee in the published schedule.

Refunds and withdrawal policy

- Refund schedule for tuition when a family withdraws a student (written notice requirements and timing apply):
- Withdrawal within 14 calendar days from the beginning of the school year: 100% of the tuition refunded (minus the enrollment / re-enrollment deposit), with unpaid fees deducted.
- Withdrawal on or before November 21, 2025: 40% of the tuition refunded (minus the enrollment / re-enrollment deposit), with unpaid fees deducted.
- Withdrawal on or before February 27, 2026: 20% of the tuition refunded (minus the enrollment / re-enrollment deposit), with unpaid fees deducted.
- Withdrawal on or after February 28, 2026: no refund.
- For withdrawal during the school year, a 30-calendar day written notification to the Divisional Office is required for tuition refund eligibility. Failure to provide required notice will result in loss of any tuition refund. Expulsion for disciplinary reasons results in no refund. Families that choose two- or three-payment plans are not eligible for tuition refunds (only the one-payment plan allows the tuition refund schedule to apply).

Discounts

- Longevity discount: After three complete and consecutive years of enrollment at the school, a parent is entitled to a discount of RMB 7,000 per child, applied at the start of the child's fourth year.
- Sibling discount: A 10% tuition discount is applied to the tuition fees of a family's third child (applies to the child with the lowest tuition fee).

Fee payment methods and bank details

- Accepted payment method: bank deposit or bank transfer to the school's accounts. All school fees are required to be paid in full in RMB. For payments from overseas bank accounts, the Finance Office should be contacted; any bank or remittance charges incurred are the responsibility of the payer. Forwarding the bank deposit/remittance slip with the student's full name to the Finance Office is requested for prompt recording.
- The published fee schedule includes the school's RMB account numbers for bank transfer. Tuition payment by credit card is not specified in the published fee schedule; the available and recommended method shown is bank deposit / bank transfer.
Academics

Dalian American International School teaches Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Chinese National Curriculum, Montessori Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
DAIS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is a member of EARCOS, AAIE, ACAMIS, and NESSIC. The school offers an all‑through American curriculum from Early Years (ages 3–5) to High School (ages 14–18), with Advanced Placement (AP) courses available in High School and a built‑in Applied Studies program. Elementary School (ages 6–10) provides Literacy and Mathematics aligned to CCSS (with AERO standards), Science aligned to NGSS, and Social Studies aligned to AERO; a Host Country Language of Mandarin is taught, alongside Art, Music, Technology, and Physical/Health Education, with Learning Support and EAL. Middle School (grades 6–8, ages 11–13) uses a standards‑based model with CCSS‑aligned English Language Arts and accelerated CCSS Mathematics, NGSS Science, ACTFL Mandarin, and four quarterly Applied Studies courses (Drama, Creative Writing, Product Design, Coding and Digital Design); the program builds toward High School AP courses. High School (ages 14–18) follows the American High School model with a robust AP program; assessment is standards‑based and GPA is calculated on a 4.0 scale and is unweighted (Applied Studies not included in the GPA), with courses across Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, English Language Arts, Visual Arts, Music, World Languages, Physical and Health Education, and Applied Studies (Drama, Government, Engineering and Product Design, and Video Production).
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
DAIS runs a Comprehensive Counseling and Student Services program that supports social and emotional learning (SEL), health, and wellbeing for all students. SEL is delivered through a year-by-year, developmentally appropriate program integrated with academic and wellbeing goals, including advisory structures and college/career readiness components. The school's counseling team includes a Director of Counseling and Student Services (Dr. Daniel Gould) and a Social Emotional Counselor, with additional college counselors who provide SEL-focused support; a Whole School Learning Support Coordinator coordinates learning support across the campus. The K-12 SEL framework covers four domains: academic, personal/social, intercultural competence, and college/career readiness, with structured, grade-specific lessons. Early Years use Zones of Regulation and age-appropriate wellbeing activities, and wellbeing assessments are used in Secondary to monitor progress. This is described on the Counseling and Student Services page and in safeguarding communications.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
DAIS provides learning support through a Whole School Learning Support Coordinator and Learning Support staff. The team includes Lydia Donahue as the Whole School Learning Support Coordinator (with background in Elementary Education and Special Education) and Jade Wu as Learning Support (with training in ASD and IEPs). Counseling and Student Services offers social and emotional learning, academic and learning support for all students as part of a developmental, year-to-year program. The school references a Learning Support Philosophy in its admissions materials, indicating a formal framework for how learning support is provided. DAIS is not described as a specialist SEN institution; rather, SEN support is integrated within the broader all-through program. For specifics, the Counseling and Student Services team is the point of contact.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
EAL support in DAIS is described explicitly for the Early Years, where every student receives EAL support tailored to the individual level to promote success in English and in the home language. The Early Years Curriculum notes EAL support is provided and adjusted to each child's level. A 2021 Welcome Back post references EAL program models as part of the school's language support framework. Current official Counseling pages do not explicitly document EAL provisions beyond Early Years. Based on available sources, EAL appears to be described primarily for Early Years, with no publicly documented EAL program details for other grade levels.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through the Counseling and Student Services program, which emphasizes social and emotional learning, health, and wellbeing as core components of student support. The Counseling page details a comprehensive, developmental SEL program and a range of services for personal and school success. Staff include a Director of Counseling and Student Services and a team of counselors who provide college and career readiness, social emotional learning, and responsive services. The program emphasizes advisory groups, individual meetings, and after-school programming to support wellbeing. Zones of Regulation and wellbeing assessments are used in the school's safeguarding materials to promote emotional safety and self-regulation.

Safeguarding
DAIS adopts Nord Anglia Education Guidance and Procedure for Safeguarding, Protecting and promoting the welfare of students. The policy includes rigorous staff recruitment, ongoing safeguarding training, secure campuses, and clear reporting mechanisms. A Designated Safeguarding Lead (Mr. Stephen Cairns) is available to address safeguarding concerns, with staff and posters or anonymous QR reporting as channels. Emotional safety is addressed through age-appropriate education and opportunities for students to voice concerns and seek guidance from trusted adults. The school's Parent Essentials page confirms safeguarding commitments and the Nord Anglia framework.
Parent Experience

History
DAIS was founded in 2006 through the collaborative efforts of Ms. Lisa Liang, CEO of the Honor Roll Company, Intel Corporation, and International School Services, on a campus at 2 Dianchi Road in the Golden Pebble Beach National Resort, Jinzhou New District, Dalian. The school opened in October 2006 with seven international students in kindergarten through fifth grade. In 2010, the Dalian Huamei School (DHS), a grade 9-12 program for Chinese nationals, was founded on the same campus. In the spring of 2018, the Dalian Huamei Bilingual School (DHBS) was established to offer bilingual Chinese education alongside Western courses. In fall 2020, DAIS and DHS joined Nord Anglia Education, linking the school to a global network.

Community
DAIS serves more than 800 learners from around 30 nationalities. The campus is located in Campus Village, a gated setting that provides housing for faculty, staff, and families and gives access to school facilities. The DAIS community hosts a range of cultural and extracurricular events, including International Day, with a Parade of Nations and student performances; parent groups contribute with activities such as flash mobs. DAIS participates in regional and international activities, including ACAMIS competitions such as volleyball.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The DAIS Parent Support Group (PSG) is a volunteer organization that plans and runs activities and events to help build a strong, diverse DAIS community. The PSG works in consultation with the Head of School, principals, and the School Leadership Team to support education and the healthy development of students and families. The PSG organizes fundraising events such as Wingo Night, a bingo event that brings the community together with sponsors and prizes. The PSG also runs Family Fun Day and other family events, including Family Night, chili cook-offs, and sports days, on campus. The PSG supports student studies and parent involvement through coordination with school leaders and through communications via the DAIS Parent Essentials portal. The DAIS after-school activities for parents (ASA) are coordinated by the PSG, with ASA handbooks and online portals to sign up for activities.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
DAIS campus is designed for comfort and well-being, with modern facilities for sport, study and the arts. There are indoor and outdoor sports facilities and a heated 25-meter swimming pool. Science labs are available for different ages. Art, dance, yoga and drama studios are on site, along with a library and a media center. The campus also hosts dedicated design labs for hands-on learning, including electronics prototyping, laser cutting, 3D printing, and a video studio.

Sports Facilities
DAIS provides indoor and outdoor sports facilities and a heated 25-meter swimming pool to support physical education and team activities.

Academic Facilities
DAIS operates three libraries on campus—Secondary Library, Elementary Library, and the Bilingual Library—with print and digital resources and Libguides. The Secondary d_Lab includes a clean room for electronics prototyping, laser cutting and 3D printing, a structural materials shop and a video studio. The Elementary d_Lab provides safety equipment, a wide range of tools, modern digital media technology and 3D printers. Science labs serve different ages, and digital resources support learning across the curriculum.

Extra Curricular Facilities
After-school activities (ASAs) and programs are offered on campus, including Sea Dragon Summer Camp, providing extracurricular opportunities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
DAIS offers a range of after-school activities beyond the Middle School curriculum. Students can join sports teams and academic clubs, and take part in After-School Activities that emphasize inclusiveness and teamwork. The Middle School also features a Student Council that leads service initiatives and events to engage the broader school community.

Arts & Creative
DAIS provides arts facilities including art, dance, yoga, and drama studios. Students participate in performing arts programs, including music, theatre, and choir, and take part in school productions such as Chicago. Annual performances and events showcase student creativity, such as talent shows. The school also participates in choral festivals such as AMIS choir.

Cultural & Language
DAIS hosts Model United Nations conferences (DAISMUN), providing opportunities for student research, diplomacy, and global awareness. AMIS choir festival participation demonstrates international cultural exchange through collaborative music programs. DAIS also supports intercultural learning through productions and events that bring together students from diverse backgrounds.

Social & Hobbies
DAIS offers a variety of after-school clubs and activities beyond academics. Student Government organizes events such as talent shows and other performances. Athletics and recreational activities support social life and community involvement.

Community & Service
Community service is a focus through Student Council-led initiatives. Campus Village life includes the Parent School Partnership and the Sunshine Committee, which host events for families and the school community. These programs foster volunteerism and community engagement.

Leadership & Professional
Student government and leadership opportunities are part of the DAIS experience. The school's collaborations with IMG Academy provide leadership development and athletic training as part of its broader offerings. Model United Nations conferences provide leadership and public-speaking experience for students.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
DAIS has facilities for wellbeing, including a heated 25-meter pool and indoor and outdoor sports facilities. There are dedicated spaces for yoga, mindfulness, and wellness programs. The Golden Pebble Beach location offers access to nearby hiking and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Languages

Language Provision
DAIS follows an all-through American curriculum with instruction delivered in English. Mandarin is taught as a Host Country Language across Elementary and Early Years, with Mandarin immersion through daily routines and dedicated classes. In Middle and High School, Mandarin is offered as a World Language, including AP Chinese Language and Culture. English Language Learner (EAL) support is available for non-native English speakers.

Bilingual Teaching
DAIS maintains a multilingual environment with Mandarin taught as a Host Country Language across multiple grade levels. In Elementary, Mandarin is offered as a Host Country Language and appears as a specialist subject, while core subjects are taught in English. The Early Years program promotes multilingual language development and English-language exposure, with Mandarin introduced through immersive activities and daily routines. An English as an Additional Language (EAL) program supports non-native English speakers across the school.

Immersion Programs
Sea Dragon Summer Camp provides an English language immersion environment for elementary and secondary students. Mandarin is taught through host-country language immersion in the Early Years program, using immersive play, songs, and daily routines. In school, Mandarin is integrated as a world language across Middle and High School, with Mandarin courses designed to build language proficiency and cultural understanding; AP Chinese Language and Culture is offered in High School.
Reputation

Awards
Awards and recognitions published by DAIS in the past five years include:
- Forbes China Top 50 International Schools (DAIS ranked #44 in 2024)
- Hurun Education Top International Schools in China (Top 30 in 2025)
- Forbes China International School Annual Selection (ranked #41 in 2025).

Accreditations
Dalian American International School (DAIS) is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is a member of regional and international associations. These affiliations include the East Asian Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS), the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE), the Association of China and Mongolia International Schools (ACAMIS), and the Network for Enriching Students and Schools in China (NESSIC). DAIS is also an affiliate school with International School Services (ISS).
Admissions

Admissions
1. Eligibility and initial considerations. Dalian American International School (DAIS) accepts students aged 4 to 17 and requires a valid foreign passport. Applicants must reside in Dalian, China, or a neighboring area to be eligible. Each year, admissions deadlines are set by the Education Bureau. This sets the framework for when applications can be submitted and how timelines align with local requirements.

2. Online application and supporting documents. Start with the online application form and engage with the Admissions Team, who will answer questions and guide the process. After you submit the application, you will receive a comprehensive list of supporting documents to provide. The Admissions Team remains available for questions throughout, ensuring you understand what DAIS needs to evaluate your child's candidacy.

3. Admissions assessment and language testing. Following application review, you will be invited to a family meeting, an admissions interview, and an age-appropriate academic assessment. Non-native English speakers in Grades 2–12 must take an English Language Proficiency assessment consisting of reading, writing, and oral components. Additional testing may be requested to determine appropriate placement and to support learning needs.

4. Offer and communications. If the application is successful, an official offer is sent by email. This offer specifies the next steps and timelines for enrollment. DAIS maintains regular communication to ensure families understand the terms of the offer and any required follow-up actions.

5. Acceptance, deposits, and final steps to enroll. To accept, confirm your child's attendance and secure their placement by paying the enrollment deposit (RMB 10,000) and the tuition.

Scholarships
DAIS does not publish a school-operated scholarship program in its admissions or tuition materials.

Waitlist
DAIS does not publish a waitlist or pool system in its admissions materials.
School Events
The school has not added events
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