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Qingdao No. 1 International School of Shandong Province

China, Qingdao

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees RMB 113,360 - 157,000
Ages 0 - 0 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1998
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum
Taught languages English, Chamorro
Typical class size 3
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, STEM
Clubs Cultural and Language, Academic and Intellectual, Leadership and Professional
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Qingdao No. 1 International School of Shandong Province (QISS) is located in the Laoshan district of Qingdao on a 48,000 square meter campus set against the Laoshan mountain range.

Xinyuan Rd, Laoshan District, Qingdao, Shandong, China, 266104

The Essentials

Qingdao No. 1 International School of Shandong Province has typical class sizes of 3, instruction in English.

Location
QISS is located in the Laoshan District of Qingdao, Shandong Province, China. The campus address is 232 Songling Road, Qingdao 266101. The 48,000 square meter campus sits in the Laoshan area near the Laoshan mountain range.

Stages
The school provides education from Early Childhood through High School, with divisions for Early Childhood, Lower School, Middle School and High School.

Type
The school operates as an international school licensed by the Laoshan District Board of Education and designated for foreign-resident students. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Additional learning support
The English Language Learner (ELL) program supports students' English language development with scheduled classes, push-in and pull-out services taught by certified ELL teachers, and regular language assessments. An on-site educational psychologist provides wellbeing support.

Country affiliation
There is no formal country affiliation stated. The school serves students from many countries and is designated for foreign residents.

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is stated in official materials.

School day structure
The day includes start-of-day unstructured play, formal classes, a midday lunch with a post-lunch recess, and a cafeteria offering four daily lunch options.

Bus service
QISS operates a fleet of 10 school buses to transport students to and from campus, with a bus monitor on each vehicle for safety.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
The QISS cafeteria offers four daily lunch options: two Chinese-style meals with two meat dishes and two vegetable dishes, an international meal option, and hand-pulled noodles. All food is cooked on site and sourced from reputable local distributors, and meals are prepared according to regulated food safety and sanitation standards.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board works in collaboration with the Qingdao City Construction Investment Group (QCCI) and key stakeholders to provide first-rate western-style international education. Its objectives include strengthening the school's connection to society, improving efficiency, and ensuring stable long-term development.
Fees

Annual tuition at Qingdao No. 1 International School of Shandong Province ranges from RMB 113,360 to RMB 157,000 for 2026/27.

Application and Registration Fees
- New-student registration fee: RMB 30,000.
- No routine registration fee is listed for returning students in the published fee summaries.

Tuition fees (annual and per-instalment by year group)
- Pre‑K / Kindergarten (PreK–K): Annual tuition RMB 113,360. Semester option (x2): RMB 61,680 per semester. Quarterly option (x4): RMB 30,840 per quarter.
- Grades 1–5 (Primary): Annual tuition RMB 135,000. Semester option (x2): RMB 72,900 per semester. Quarterly option (x4): RMB 36,450 per quarter.
- Grades 6–8 (Lower Secondary): Annual tuition RMB 146,000. Semester option (x2): RMB 78,840 per semester. Quarterly option (x4): RMB 39,420 per quarter.
- Grades 9–12 (Upper Secondary / High School): Annual tuition RMB 157,000. Semester option (x2): RMB 84,780 per semester. Quarterly option (x4): RMB 42,390 per quarter.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- The school offers structured instalment plans: a two‑instalment (semester) plan and a four‑instalment (quarterly) plan with the per‑instalment amounts shown above. Families may select the instalment plan when arranging payment. Total initial costs for new students are presented to include registration plus tuition and other mandatory items.
- Published fee summaries indicate that some ancillary charges (insurance, optional services) are included in the total cost calculations for invoicing, and optional services (such as bus and lunch) are added or removed according to family selection. Specific invoice dates and internal payment deadlines are set by the school's billing process and are shown on issued invoices.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not offered at Qingdao No. 1 International School of Shandong Province; the school operates as a day school. No annual boarding fee is listed.

Other mandatory or optional costs
- Bus (school transport): RMB 8,500 per year (optional service).
- Lunch (school meals): RMB 5,200 per year (optional service).
- Insurance and activity charges: fee summaries indicate insurance and certain activity charges are included in overall invoicing for new or returning students; details are itemised on invoices.
- Items commonly charged separately (not included in the core tuition): externally administered standardized test fees, optional international programs, some optional extra‑curricular trips and personal devices or technology purchases. These items are typically invoiced separately when applicable.
- Uniforms and one‑off starter costs: no fixed uniform price is published in the publicly available fee summaries; uniform and school‑supply costs are additional and vary by family and supplier.

Refund information
- Published fee summaries used for the fee breakdown do not present a detailed, itemised public refund policy in the fee summary pages. Refund terms for registration, deposits and tuition (including deadlines and refund percentages) are determined by the school's official financial and enrollment policies and are specified on formal enrollment documentation and invoices.

Fee payment options
- The school processes applications through an online application portal. Tuition and associated school fees are invoiced and settled according to the billing instructions on those invoices. Publicly available fee summaries and the school's admissions links indicate online application processing and standard invoicing; banks transfers and the school's invoicing system are commonly used for settlement of tuition and ancillary fees. Specific accepted payment methods (for example: domestic bank transfer in RMB, international T/T, online portal card payments, WeChat/Alipay) are detailed on invoices and in the school's finance communications. Families should follow the payment instructions shown on official invoices when paying.
Academics

Qingdao No. 1 International School of Shandong Province teaches American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum for students aged 0 to 0.

Curriculum
QISS offers Pre-K through 12 education with a US-based Core Curriculum aligned to the Common Core and College Board/AP standards, an on-site AP/SAT testing center, and a College Counseling program. Lower School (Kindergarten–Grade 5) uses four units of inquiry with authentic, performance-based assessments and language development in English and Mandarin. Middle School (grades 6–8) provides a fixed, inquiry-based program with courses in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Chinese, Physical Education, Visual Art, Music, Drama, Information Technology, Health and Communications Skills. High School (grades 9–12) centers on core classes based on US Common Core, College Board, and AP standards, with electives and a menu of AP courses including AP Calculus AB, AP Chinese Language and Culture, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Biology, AP Physics, AP Computer Science, AP Statistics, and more. The English Language Learner (ELL) program provides push-in and pull-out services, with WIDA screening and exit criteria to help students access mainstream classes.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
QISS implements a whole-school Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program through the Leader in Me framework, which is based on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and emphasizes leadership for every student, a culture of student empowerment, and the development of the whole person; SEL is embedded across daily lessons, routines, and school life and is measured against CASEL competencies and ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors, with related parent workshops and wellbeing-focused activities.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Public information on specific SEN provision or whether QISS operates as a specialist SEN institution is not disclosed; the school emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion as part of its community culture.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
QISS provides English Language Learners (ELL) support with scheduled classes, push‑in and pull‑out services, and collaboration between ELL and content teachers; the ELL program is taught by certified ELL teachers and uses a WIDA screener at enrollment with annual progress assessments to determine placement and exit criteria.

Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing is central to learning at QISS, anchored in Leader in Me and aligned with CASEL and ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors, with a school counseling program accessible to all students and staff, workshops for parents and students, and monthly PEP talks to support emotional health and balance.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding at QISS follows the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and ITFCP guidance; there are four designated safeguarding officers, annual safeguarding and child protection training for all staff, and thorough background checks (police clearance every two years) for applicants, with formal policies and contact points available for reporting concerns.
Parent Experience

History
Qingdao No. 1 International School of Shandong Province (QISS) opened on August 16, 2007 to students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. It was briefly housed in the international wing of Qingdao No. 2 Middle School before becoming the cornerstone of Qingdao City Construction and Investment Group's international education park in Laoshan district. The 2010–2011 academic year marked the move to a new campus with state-of-the-art facilities. The school is overseen by the Qingdao Local Bureau of Education and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and a member of ACAMIS. Approximately 300 students from over 30 countries attend QISS.

Community
QISS enrolls approximately 300 students from more than 30 countries, reflecting a diverse international community. The 48,000-square-meter campus is located in the Laoshan district of Qingdao and serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school supports a range of community programs, including Little Sharks for early learners, Wellbeing initiatives anchored in the Leader in Me framework, and QISSMUN, alongside Student Council and an Alumni network. The school's community infrastructure is visible in the presence of programs such as Little Sharks, QISSMUN, and other student-led activities across its campuses.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent Teacher Association at QISS is a volunteer organization made up of all parents/guardians and staff. The PTA exists to provide positive support for educational excellence, while celebrating our cultural diversity and fostering a spirit of community. Its purposes include developing a closer connection between school and home, supporting academic and enrichment activities, and providing volunteer and financial support. PTA General Members are all parents/guardians and staff, and they may attend quarterly General Assembly meetings. The inaugural PTA Executive Board is appointed by volunteers, with elections for the Board held annually beginning in May. Funds raised by the PTA come from donations, school events, and sponsoring companies and are used to support enrichment requests, social events (such as the Welcome Social, PTA Gala & Silent Auction, and other activities), refreshments at events, and the QISS Spirit Wear program.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
QISS sits on a 48,000 square meter campus in the Laoshan district of Qingdao. The facilities include a heated 25-meter, six-lane swimming pool with a lifeguard and a parent lounge, a gymnasium for basketball, volleyball and badminton, and outdoor track and field spaces plus soccer, basketball and tennis courts. The auditorium seats 409 and has professional lighting and sound for assemblies and performances. The campus also features a three-story rock-climbing wall, a six-table ping-pong hall, a dance studio, a weights room, a billiards room, a ceramics room with wheels and a kiln, and a dedicated theatre production space. The academic facilities include two libraries, over 20,000 books in the Library/Media Center, five science labs and four IT labs, plus a technology suite with SmartBoards/SmartTVs and campus-wide Wi‑Fi with a government-approved VPN.

Sports Facilities
The pool is a 25-meter, six-lane, heated facility with lifeguard supervision. The gymnasium hosts basketball, volleyball and badminton and is equipped with modern PE equipment. Outdoor facilities include track and field, soccer and basketball courts, and tennis courts. Additional sports facilities include a three-story rock-climbing wall, a six-table ping-pong hall, a dance studio, a weights room, and a billiards room.

Academic Facilities
There are five science labs—physics, chemistry, biology, general science and electronics—with a dedicated science lab assistant. Two professionally staffed libraries serve Upper and Lower School students, collectively housing over 20,000 books. The technology program includes four IT labs: a Lower School IT Lab, an Upper School IT Lab, an iMac Creative Suite, and an auxiliary IT lab, with SmartBoards or SmartTVs in classrooms and campus-wide Wi-Fi supported by a government-approved VPN. The campus also operates an AP/SAT testing center on site.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Co-curricular offerings include Athletics (swimming, soccer, basketball, volleyball, track and chess) with participation in local and regional tournaments. Fine Arts and performing arts spaces support drama, music and ceramics, including a theatre production space and ceramics room. After School Activities (ASAP) provide additional programs, and student leadership opportunities include Little Sharks, QISSMUN, Student Council, and Service Groups.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
QISS provides a Model United Nations program called QISSMUN for students in grades 6–12 to develop public speaking, research, and leadership through structured debate and committee work. The conference themes and committee structure offer opportunities for argumentation, negotiation, and diplomacy. The school also maintains a Student Council that gives students formal leadership roles and helps plan school events. QISS emphasizes inquiry-based learning as a core approach to academic enrichment.

Arts & Creative
Fine Arts is a feature of QISS's co-curricular program. The Fine Arts page describes a focus on visual arts and a virtual art gallery where students create, critique, and display artwork. The program encourages students to express ideas through art and design, with opportunities for community exposure beyond the classroom.

Cultural & Language
QISS offers a Chinese Language & Culture program with tracks for native and non-native speakers, integrating language study with Chinese culture and arts such as calligraphy and traditional crafts. The program includes Chinese literature and AP Chinese Language & Culture, creating pathways for deeper understanding of language and culture. The school also hosts QISSMUN, a Model UN program that fosters international dialogue and cross-cultural exchange.

Social & Hobbies
The Athletics program includes swimming, soccer, basketball, volleyball, track, and chess, and the school participates in local, regional, and national tournaments. The Shuttle Sharks and GFU Football Academy are part of the school's athletics offerings, providing intramural teams and structured soccer training. The co-curricular program also includes additional after-school activities to support a range of student interests.

Leadership & Professional
QISS is a Leader in Me School, applying a program that develops leadership and life skills for all students. The Leader in Me framework emphasizes the seven habits and a culture of student empowerment, with alignment to academics. The school also runs a Student Council with elected officers who lead events and student activities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Mindful Hearts is a school-wide wellbeing program focusing on mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and resilience. The PE and Health program covers sports, nutrition, healthy habits, and mental care as part of forming healthy lifestyles. The campus includes a swimming pool and fitness center to support ongoing health and wellness, and the athletics program provides opportunities for regular physical activity.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction; The English Language Learner (ELL) program supports students' English development with scheduled classes, push-in and pull-out services, and a year-long English Development course. Chinese language and culture are taught through a Chinese Language & Culture program with tracks for Native Speakers and Non-Native Speakers, including language, literature, and culture coursework. The program also includes Chinese Literature for US Native Speakers and AP Chinese Language and Culture for High School. For Non-Native Speakers of Chinese, pronunciation, tones, Pinyin, and initial character learning are emphasized to build speaking and daily-life communication skills.

Bilingual Teaching
QISS is an English-medium international school. Chinese language and culture are taught through a comprehensive Chinese program that includes Chinese language and literature and Chinese traditional culture and art. The Chinese program includes tracks for Native Speakers and Non-Native Speakers with emphasis on pronunciation, reading, and cultural learning, and an AP Chinese Language and Culture course is offered for high school. A formal bilingual program is not described in public materials.
Reputation

Accreditations
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) — QISS is fully accredited by The Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges. ACS WASC is a world-renowned accrediting association that works closely with the U.S. Office of Overseas Schools; accreditation supports high learning standards and validates transcripts so the diploma is recognized by universities worldwide.

- Council of International Schools (CIS) — QISS is a CIS Accredited School. This status indicates compliance with the international standards overseen by the Council of International Schools.
Admissions
School Events
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