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Nord Anglia Chinese International School

China, Shanghai

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· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

Independently researched by doris.
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The school at a glance
Instructs in Mandarin, English
Fees RMB 154,000 - 240,000
Ages 6 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 2500
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 2016
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Chinese National Curriculum, IB (DP), Australian Curriculum
Taught languages Mandarin, English
Typical class size 25
Strengths STEM, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Academic and Intellectual, Community and Service
Stages Primary School, Secondary School, High School
Introduction

Nord Anglia Chinese International School (NACIS Shanghai) opened in 2016 and is located in Minhang District's Huacao area (华漕镇). The school's website states the campus sits in a suburban riverside/park environment and is split into primary and secondary areas. NACIS Shanghai offers bilingual (Mandarin–English) teaching that combines the Shanghai National Curriculum with international programmes, and lists partnerships such as the MIT–Nord Anglia STEAM collaboration and a Juilliard-linked performing-arts programme on its site.

1399 Jinhui Road, Minhang, Shanghai

The Essentials

Nord Anglia Chinese International School has 2,500 pupils, typical class sizes of 25, instruction in Mandarin, English.

Location

The school campus is at 1399 Jinhui (Jinhui) Road, Huacao Town, Minhang District, Shanghai (Minhang). The site is in the suburban Minhang area, roughly 15 km from Shanghai city centre and close to the Hongqiao transport hub (airport and large rail interchange).

Stages

NACIS serves primary and secondary year groups (generally listed as Grades 1–12 / ages about 6–18). Senior students follow an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (and international pathways in upper years).

Type

The school is co-educational and operates as a day school with boarding options noted in public listings (day & boarding). It is part of the Nord Anglia Education group.

Additional learning support

As part of the Nord Anglia network, the school is reported to provide learning-support and English/Chinese language support and in-class differentiation for students who need it; network schools typically operate inclusion or learning-support teams. NACIS's public pages do not publish a detailed SEN policy online; if your child has diagnosed or complex additional needs, contact the school's admissions or learning-support team to discuss assessments, available specialist support and any external-therapy arrangements.

Country affiliation

The school is located in China and delivers a bilingual programme that blends the Shanghai national curriculum with international elements (Chinese and English mediums). It is not an embassy or church school and does not carry an affiliation to another country.

Religious affiliation

No religious affiliation is stated in the school's public materials; NACIS is presented as a non-denominational, secular bilingual school.

School day structure

Public information shows a typical school day beginning in the morning (students usually register between about 08:00–08:30) with classes running through the day and a normal finish time around 15:30 (exact times vary by year group and by term). The day includes a morning break and a lunch period; after-school activities and later bus departures are commonly offered on select days.

Bus service

The school operates a student bus service; public listings indicate school-provided buses and set routes (details, stops and fees are managed by the school). For exact route maps, pickup/drop-off points, fees and registration procedures contact NACIS Admissions directly — these arrangements are updated each academic year.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

The school provides a full boarding programme with a house system to enhance students' social engagement and self-management. Each dormitory accommodates four students. For safety, dorm access is via a card for students and staff. Boarding facilities are well-equipped and provide a home-like environment with holistic pastoral care. Boarding students have access to a range of activities and courses, including rowing, CAS, and cooking. The school provides 24-hour on-campus medical support and nutritious meals.

Food Options

Nutritious meals are provided on-site as part of the boarding provision.

House System

The school uses a house system to promote social engagement and self-management among students. Dormitories are separated by gender floors and allocated by age group so that students in the same year group live together. Each dormitory houses four students.

Governance and Ownership

The NACIS Shanghai Minhang is part of Nord Anglia Education.
Fees

Annual tuition at Nord Anglia Chinese International School ranges from RMB 154,000 to RMB 240,000 for 2026/27.

Application fees
- No school-specific application, enrolment or resourcing fees for Nord Anglia Chinese International School (Minhang) are published in the public sources consulted. The school's publicly listed fee pages examined include only tuition figures.

Tuition fees (by year group)
- Grade 1 to Grade 5: RMB 154,000 per year.
- Grade 6 to Grade 9: RMB 180,000 per year.
- Grade 10 to Grade 12: RMB 230,000 per year.
(These figures are presented as the school's published annual tuition amounts by year group.)

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Nord Anglia schools operate a three-term academic year (Term 1 late August/early September to December; Term 2 January to March; Term 3 April to June). School fees are generally payable in advance on or before the first day of each term. Where advance payments cover multiple terms, income is recognised across those terms. A full term's notice of withdrawal is commonly required for refund of prepaid tuition at a majority of group schools.

Boarding fees (if applicable)
- Boarding is indicated as available at the Minhang campus; however, no specific boarding-fee amounts for Nord Anglia Chinese International School (Minhang) were published in the public fee pages reviewed.

Other costs (uniform, transport, meals, trips, exams)
- The school's published public fee details reviewed list only tuition by year group and do not include itemised charges for uniform, bus, lunch or trip fees for Minhang. Note that other Nord Anglia campuses commonly publish optional/compulsory additional charges (e.g., school bus, uniforms, residential trip or lunch provider charges) as separate line items; those examples are illustrative of the group but are not specific Minhang figures.

Refund information
- The Nord Anglia group's published terms indicate that, at the majority of group schools, a full term's notice of withdrawal is required for refund of prepaid tuition; this is the group-level practice identified in the materials reviewed. No Minhang-specific refund schedule or refundable deposit amounts were published in the sources consulted.

Fee payment options
- No Minhang-specific payment method instructions were published in the public fee pages located. Nord Anglia schools commonly accept bank transfers and provide bank details on campus fee pages; for example, other Nord Anglia China campuses publish bank account details for RMB and USD payments. Parents should note that payment timing (advance, termly) follows the term schedule above.
Academics

Nord Anglia Chinese International School teaches Chinese National Curriculum, IB (DP), Australian Curriculum for students aged 6 to 18.

Curriculum

Nord Anglia Chinese International School (NACIS) Minhang is a bilingual school for ages 6–18 (Grades 1–12) that combines the Shanghai National (Chinese) Curriculum with international programmes.

For Primary and Lower Secondary (Grades 1–9) NACIS delivers the Shanghai National Curriculum integrated with international approaches, taught bilingually in Mandarin and English across core areas such as Chinese, English, mathematics, science, arts, physical education and STEAM.

In Upper Secondary (Grades 10–12) students follow internationally recognised qualifications: the school runs Cambridge/IGCSE-style courses in the 14–16 phase and then offers choices between Cambridge A‑Level and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for the final two years (the school also references its own NACIS High School Diploma pathway).

The IBDP is taught in the standard six‑subject configuration with the DP core (Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and CAS), while A‑Level is provided as the two‑year, subject‑specialist route; NACIS supports external exam entry and university preparation.

The formal curriculum is complemented by extensive co‑curricular and partnership programmes (for example collaborations with The Juilliard School, MIT, UNICEF and IMG Academy) and differentiated, level‑based assessment to support bilingual progression.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

NACIS describes a house-based boarding programme and “holistic pastoral care” that supports students' social development, and its website highlights extensive co‑curricular provision (the Nord Anglia network cites more than 270 activities) that the school says help develop teamwork and resilience. A 2021 school article about boarding notes student-led initiatives such as a student “wellbeing hub” and regular one‑to‑one check‑ins by boarding staff, indicating structured peer and staff support in residential life. These sources show the school uses boarding, house structures and wide extracurricular involvement as part of its SEL approach.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The NACIS website emphasises a bilingual programme and tailored language learning within its curriculum, but it does not publish a specific English‑as‑an‑Additional‑Language (EAL/ESL) programme, EAL staffing structure, or EAL entry/assessment processes on its public pages. Because the school's public materials do not provide further detail, the school does not publicly disclose information regarding specific EAL provision.

Mental Wellbeing

The school's site and news articles show activity supporting wellbeing: staff wellbeing workshops (for example yoga and art sessions) are described in teacher‑training posts, and the boarding article records student initiatives such as a student wellbeing hub and routine pastoral contact in boarding life. The homepage also refers to holistic pastoral care within the boarding programme, indicating the school includes structured welfare routines for residential students. There is no publicly available standalone mental‑health policy or a named counselling team described on the public site.

Safeguarding

NACIS is part of the Nord Anglia Education group, which publishes a comprehensive Safeguarding Policy and states that safeguarding is a core organisational priority; Nord Anglia also recently announced senior safeguarding appointments to strengthen group practice. Job postings and school communications for NACIS reference standard vetting and background checks for staff, reflecting the group‑level safeguarding commitments applied to the school.
Parent Experience

History

Nord Anglia Chinese International School (NACIS Shanghai) was founded in September 2016 and has since expanded into a K–12 bilingual campus serving a large student body (the school's site states a roll of around 2,500 students). It is operated as part of the Nord Anglia Education group, a UK-based owner and operator of international schools. NACIS's public materials note the development of purpose-built facilities, a boarding programme and partnerships with external organisations for curricular enrichment.

Community

NACIS describes a bilingual, multinational school community that runs regular cultural and extracurricular programmes — including performing-arts, STEAM and global-service activities — and participates in Nord Anglia's regional events and global initiatives. The school's public news and partner reports show NACIS both taking part in and hosting multi-school events (for example, a Nord Anglia performing-arts festival held in Shanghai in 2025).
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The school is a day and boarding campus in Minhang District, Shanghai, affiliated with Nord Anglia Education. It provides a safe, spacious environment with international teaching facilities and advanced technology to support learning. The Phase I campus features a 400-seat hall, and Phase II adds a 550-seat theatre and a dedicated performing arts center. The campus includes a 25‑meter indoor pool, a standard football pitch, an indoor athletics area, a basketball court, a tennis court, and a rock climbing wall. All classrooms have interactive whiteboards, and science labs include laser cutters, 3D printers and a makerspace. The learning resource centers and two libraries support study and research.

Sports Facilities

Phase II includes a sports building with a 25‑meter indoor pool, a standard football field, an indoor athletics area, a basketball court, a tennis court, a professional training pool and a rock climbing wall.

Academic Facilities

All classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards. Primary classrooms accommodate 24–26 students and include dedicated music, science and information technology spaces. In the secondary division, classrooms are complemented by multi‑purpose rooms including advanced music facilities, a design studio, dedicated computer labs, science labs, art studios, a photography darkroom and two drama studios. Senior students have independent learning spaces. The school operates learning resource centers in both phases, offering open study spaces, books, computers and staff support. The performing arts facilities include a 400‑seat hall and a 550‑seat theatre, with advanced sound and lighting. The campus also houses two libraries to support study and research.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Extracurricular activities include a broad range of offerings such as sports teams and community service, along with global collaboration projects. The social education goals describe providing diverse learning opportunities to develop social responsibility, teamwork and global citizenship, and to support student‑led CAS projects. The Nord Anglia Global Campus connects NACIS students with peers in 31 countries and enables participation in STEAM competitions and sports, fostering collaboration and international networks.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school partners with MIT to deliver STEAM cross-disciplinary education. The program integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to foster inquiry and problem-solving. Students engage in interdisciplinary challenges, including projects related to space exploration such as the MOXIE initiative. Teachers participate in MIT-based professional development to keep instruction at the cutting edge.

Arts & Creative

The school collaborates with Juilliard School to provide world-class performing arts education across dance, drama, and music. Students access expert instruction from Juilliard-affiliated teachers and participate in immersive arts learning, including performing arts camps in Switzerland, China, and the United States. The program builds confidence, self-expression, and appreciation for the arts.

Cultural & Language

All students receive high-quality bilingual instruction and access the IB program. The Nord Anglia global campus connects 31 countries, enabling cross-cultural collaboration and participation in international projects and competitions, including STEAM challenges and sports events. The collaboration develops cross-cultural communication skills and global-mindedness.

Social & Hobbies

Nord Anglia works with IMG Academy to provide high-level sports training and personal development programs, with access to expert coaches and health resources. The collaboration supports participation in international competitions and joint projects across Nord Anglia schools.

Community & Service

The school partners with UNICEF to support social impact programs aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Students undertake recycling and other community projects, participate in World Children's Day activities, and may join UNICEF-led initiatives such as high-level forums for student ambassadors.

Leadership & Professional

Student ambassadors engage with UNICEF HLPF opportunities, and the school supports student-led CAS projects and leadership development through its global campus platform. These experiences foster leadership and professional skills across a globally connected student body.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The campus includes a professional theatre with a 550-seat capacity and two water-sports centers, set in a spacious and safe environment. The school partners with IMG Academy to provide high-level sports training and wellbeing resources to support physical and mental health.
Languages

Language Provision

The school provides a bilingual learning environment with English language development support for learners with different proficiency levels and offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

Bilingual Teaching

The school offers bilingual teaching for primary, middle, and high school students, with teaching arranged for ages 6 to 18.
Reputation

Awards

From the school website (past five years, 2021–2025) I found one award given to the school itself: 1) "卓越成就奖" / "Outstanding Achievement Award" — awarded to NACIS at RAISE2023 (November 2023). One-line explanation/significance: this award (presented at the RAISE2023 Asia international schools conference / China international schools 30‑year ceremony) was given to a group of relatively young but notable international schools (those established within 10 years) and is presented on the school's site as a recognition of the school's progress and standing in China's international education sector.

Notes on scope and sources: I limited the awards list to items explicitly presented on the school website and excluded all items that the site attributes to individual students or student teams (for example IGCSE/IGEM/competition results and project grants) because you asked for awards given to the school itself. If you'd like, I can broaden the search to external sources (press, Nord Anglia group announcements or third‑party listings) to check whether additional school‑level awards appear outside the NACIS website.

Accreditations

Listed on the NACIS (Shanghai, Minhang) website: 1) International Baccalaureate (IB) — the school's site describes its IBDP offering and presents the Diploma Programme as part of its senior-school curriculum. One-line explanation/significance: The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is a two-year, internationally recognised pre‑university qualification for 16–19 year olds; authorization to offer the DP signals a school has met IB standards for curriculum, assessment and teacher preparation.

2) A‑Level — the school's A‑Level page describes an A‑Level pathway for Years 11–12. One-line explanation/significance: A‑Levels (Advanced Levels) are UK-style subject-based qualifications usually taken over two years and accepted by many universities worldwide; offering A‑Levels indicates the school delivers that recognised UK curriculum pathway.

3) NEASC (candidate school) — NACIS's site explicitly notes it is a NEASC candidate school. One-line explanation/significance: NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) is a U.S.-based regional accrediting association with a Commission on International Education; candidate status means the school is engaged in NEASC's multi‑year self‑study and peer‑review process toward formal accreditation.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Be prepared to say which year/grade you are applying for and your preferred start month; Shanghai regulations mean the school will also ask for parental/guardian details early in the process. The school publishes that applications are open year‑round on a rolling basis, so early contact helps clarify current availability.

2. Discover the school — Parents are invited to visit the campus (open days and one‑to‑one visits are available) to see facilities and meet staff; use the visit to confirm whether day or boarding (the school offers both) fits your family. During a visit you can also ask for a copy of the full fee schedule, transport routes, meal arrangements and any grade‑specific entry guidance. Keep notes from the visit (key contacts, deadlines, any special entry requirements) because these are used later in the application and interview stages.

3. Apply for a place — Complete and submit the online application form and upload the required supporting documents; the online form requires two parent/guardian profiles and allows you to save progress and return later. Required documents differ for mainland and non‑mainland applicants — examples include passport/ID pages, household registration or residence permits, recent school reports, birth certificate and (for certain grades) a Chinese/English personal statement — so check the grade‑specific list before you submit. Filling the form fully and attaching the correct documents speeds processing; the school's online form explicitly states incomplete parental information will delay progression.

4. Application review and interview — Once the application is complete the Admissions team will review documentation and contact you to arrange a family interview (and any age‑appropriate assessments if required). Be ready to discuss your child's academic history, language levels (the form asks about English and Chinese proficiency) and any additional educational needs so the school can assess appropriate placement and support. Ask at this stage what assessment format (subject test, interview, or classroom‑based activity) applies to your child's year level so you can prepare.

5. Offer of place — If the application and interview are successful the school will send an official offer by email; the offer letter will set out the place offered, the fee terms, and any conditions (for example final documents or medical/registration paperwork). Read the offer carefully for acceptance deadlines, payment deadlines and notice periods; some administrative steps (e.g. government registration for mainland students) must be completed separately and on time. If you need clarification about any clause in the offer (refundability of deposits, refund conditions, or start date), contact Admissions before paying.

6. Confirm enrolment and pay tuition — To secure the place you must follow the payment instructions in the offer (the school lists annual tuition rates on its site: Primary ¥154,000; Middle ¥180,000; High School ¥240,000). After payment you will receive confirmation and further joining instructions (uniforms, bus registration, lunch account setup, start‑of‑term timetables and any mandatory health/registration forms). If you expect to need a payment schedule, sibling discounts, or flexible arrangements, raise these with Admissions before you accept so they can confirm what (if any) options are available.

Scholarships

NACIS Shanghai's public admissions pages (English and Chinese) do not publish a school scholarship or bursary programme on the pages we reviewed. The site and the online application materials focus on required documents, entry procedures and tuition information rather than on financial aid. If you want to explore scholarships, fee assistance or any special reductions (for example for exceptional circumstances or sibling arrangements), ask Admissions directly at apply@nacis.cn — they can confirm whether any internal or Nord Anglia group‑level opportunities are available and explain eligibility and the application process.

Waitlist

The school's website states that applications are accepted on a rolling basis but does not publish a formal waitlist policy or pool mechanics on the public admissions pages. If a specific year group is full, the Admissions team is the best source to explain whether they operate a waiting list, how they prioritise offers, and whether any holding deposit or timed offer acceptance applies. For clarity about current availability and any waitlist practice, contact apply@nacis.cn or the Admissions phone contacts listed on the site.
School Events
The school has not added events