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Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School (SSBS)

China, Shanghai

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The school at a glance
Instructs in Bislama, English, Mandarin
Fees RMB 55,000 - 60,000
Ages 6 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1800
Type Co-educational
Opened 2012
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), Chinese National Curriculum
Taught languages English, Mandarin
Strengths STEM, Academic Enrichment, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies
Stages Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School (SSBS) is a private bilingual school in Minhang District, Shanghai, established in 2012. It serves students from Grade 1 through Grade 12. In the lower grades (1–9), SSBS delivers the national compulsory education curriculum with bilingual instruction in mathematics, science, physics, chemistry and biology, and offers a range of elective courses to develop student interests. In the upper grades (10–12), the high school program centers on Chinese core courses taught in Chinese, such as Chinese, Politics, History and Geography. It also adds international-style electives, including Sino-US integrated courses and Advanced Placement (AP) courses under the College Board, with more than 30 AP subjects available (including Capstone). The school's guiding philosophy is “global education with the Chinese core,” emphasizing national identity, international perspective, innovation, collaboration and social responsibility.

No. 2588, Jindu Rd, Minhang District.

The Essentials

Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School (SSBS) has 1,800 pupils, instruction in Bislama, English, Mandarin.

Location
Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School is located in Minhang District, Shanghai, at 2588 Jindu Road. The campus sits near Jindu Road and Duhui Road in a mixed residential and commercial area of Minhang. It is accessible by local roads and has a school bus network that serves areas within about 13 kilometers of the campus.

Stages
Educational levels are organized into Primary/Middle School (Grades 1-9) and High School (Grades 10-12).

Type
The school is private and bilingual.

Additional learning support
The school promotes inclusive education, although specific SEN provisions or dedicated facilities are not publicly listed.

Country affiliation
No formal country affiliation.

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation.

School day structure
The school day typically runs from 8:00 to 17:30, Monday through Friday.

Bus service
A school bus service operates within a radius of about 13 kilometers with fees varying by distance and route.
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership
The school is a private bilingual institution established in 2012 and serves students in grades 1 through 12.
Fees

Annual tuition at Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School (SSBS) ranges from RMB 55,000 to RMB 60,000 for 2026/27.

Application / registration fees

- No separate application or one-off registration fee is published on the school's admissions pages for entry to any grade. Families submit the required application documents and take the entry assessment as part of the admissions process.

Tuition fees (per semester and per year, by school section)

- Primary (Grades 1–5): RMB 55,000– RMB 60,000 per semester (RMB 110,000– RMB 120,000 per academic year).

- Middle (Grades 6–9): RMB 60,000 per semester (RMB 120,000 per academic year).

- High School (Grades 10–12): RMB 60,000 per semester (RMB 120,000 per academic year).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The academic year is divided into two semesters; tuition is billed on a per‑semester basis. Families are required to pay by the semester and late or unpaid tuition may result in loss of place.

- Accepted payment methods: cash (RMB), RMB checks, bank cards issued by Chinese banks, bank counter transfers and on‑line banking. When paying by bank transfer, families must indicate the student's name and submit the transfer receipt to the school accounting office for confirmation. The school issues official invoices on receipt of payment.

School transport (bus) fees

- Dedicated school bus service is available within an approximate 13 km straight‑line radius of campus. Bus fees are charged by distance and by semester; published per‑semester bands include RMB 4,000, RMB 4,700, RMB 5,400, RMB 6,100 and RMB 6,800 depending on route/distance. Meal costs are handled separately and are the family's responsibility.

Other costs and typical extras

- Meals / cafeteria: charged separately; students can pay for lunches or bring food.

- School uniform: charged separately (uniform costs are not included in the tuition figure).

- AP/standardised exam fees, textbooks, activity fees, specialty course materials, extracurricular program fees and school trip costs: charged in addition to tuition and vary by program/grade.

- Deposit or other one‑off fees: no universally published application deposit or separate registration fee is listed on the school admissions pages; other third‑party sources do not consistently report a standard deposit.

Refund information

- The school's publicly available admissions and fee pages do not publish a detailed tuition‑refund policy or standard refund schedule. Families should note that the school's payment terms state that unpaid tuition may result in loss of the student's place.

Key payment notes and administrative requirements

- When paying by bank transfer, always include the student's full name on the transfer instruction and provide the original transfer receipt to the school accounting office (fax or hand in) so the payment can be matched to the student record. Overdue fees can affect the student's enrollment status.

Sources used for the above fee items

- Published high‑school fee, bank details and bus fee bands are taken from the school's high‑school admissions/fee page.
- Primary/middle tuition bands, boarding and other typical charges are reported in contemporary education portal summaries and school‑profile pages that compile current fee figures for this school.
Academics

Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School (SSBS) teaches Advanced Placement (AP), Chinese National Curriculum for students aged 6 to 18.

Curriculum
Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School (SSBS) serves grades 1–12 with a bilingual curriculum blending China's national compulsory education with international elements. From grades 1–9, students follow the national compulsory curriculum with bilingual instruction in mathematics, science, physics, chemistry and biology, complemented by electives including the Chinese curriculum and Sino-US integrated modules. In grades 10–12, the high school program is built on the national new curriculum framework, with a Chinese-language curriculum in language, politics, history, and geography and a range of international electives including Sino-US integrated courses and AP offerings; all high school students participate in Academic Achievement Examinations in these subjects. The school offers more than 30 AP courses, including Capstone, English Literature, Physics, Biology, Economics, Calculus, Statistics, Psychology and Computer Science. The program is anchored by the philosophy of 'global education with the Chinese core' and is supported by College Counseling and Co-Curricular Activities to foster college preparation and broader development.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
SSBS supports Social and Emotional Learning through a focus on a Balanced Environment and personal development. The Mission & Vision state the school aims to help students develop personally and reach their potential and the Student Development Goals include empathy, collaboration and social growth.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
There is no indication that SSBS is a specialist SEN institution or that other SEN provisions are publicly disclosed on the English site.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
ESL (English as an Additional Language) is provided in the primary years (1–4) to strengthen listening, speaking, reading, and writing for students whose first language is not English.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported as part of SSBS's mission, which notes resources and support to help students become healthy, capable members of society within a balanced environment.

Safeguarding
There is no dedicated safeguarding policy publicly available made by the school.
Parent Experience

History
Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School was established in 2012 as a private bilingual institution offering education for grades 1–12. It upholds the philosophy of “global education with the Chinese core,” emphasizing national roots, international perspectives, innovation, collaboration, and social responsibility. From grades 1 to 9, the school teaches the national compulsory education curriculum with bilingual instruction in core subjects such as mathematics, science, physics, chemistry, and biology, while offering elective courses to develop students' interests. The high school program for grades 10–12 follows the national curriculum framework and integrates international elements, including more than 30 AP courses offered under the College Board.

Community
SSBS employs more than one hundred expatriate teachers from diverse backgrounds, creating an international learning community. Co-curricular offerings include Art Salon, Student Showcase, and Campus Media, which provide platforms for student creativity and campus journalism. Each year, students and families participate in events such as G5–G6 New Year shows, High School Department New Year shows, and G7–G9 New Year shows, along with other school celebrations. The Intellectual Exploration program emphasizes a Chinese identity with a global perspective, with Foundation Courses I–II and a high school curriculum that combines Chinese standards with international elements and AP options.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
SSBS supports an active parent community that participates in campus life through events such as fundraising charity sales. During major ceremonies like the G5 graduation, parents attend the ceremony and parent representatives deliver remarks to the community. Co-curricular activities like Art Salon, Student Showcase, and Campus Media are complemented by active family involvement in school life. Families contribute to the school community by supporting fundraisers such as charity sales and by engaging in shared celebrations.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Established in 2012, Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School is a private bilingual institution serving grades 1 through 12. It fully implements the educational policies of the Party and embodies the essential mission of fostering virtue and cultivating people. It upholds the philosophy of "global education with the Chinese core," emphasizing national roots, international perspectives, innovative spirit, collaborative ability, and social responsibility. Grades 1-9 teach the national compulsory education curriculum with bilingual instruction in mathematics, science, physics, chemistry, and biology, complemented by electives. The high school curriculum for grades 10-12 is built on the Chinese national curriculum framework and integrates international elements; the Chinese courses cover language, politics, history, and geography, with all high school students taking the four national exams; over 30 AP courses are offered, including Capstone, English Literature, Physics, Biology, Economics, Calculus, Statistics, Psychology, and Computer Science. The school is located at 2588 Jindu Road, Minhang District, Shanghai.

Academic Facilities
From grades 1-9, the school teaches the national compulsory education curriculum with bilingual instruction in mathematics, science, physics, chemistry, and biology. The high school curriculum for grades 10-12 is built on the Chinese national curriculum framework and integrates international elements; the Chinese curriculum covers language, politics, history, and geography, with all high school students participating in and passing four national exams. Under the College Board, the school offers over 30 AP courses, including Capstone, English Literature, Physics, Biology, Economics, Calculus, Statistics, Psychology, and Computer Science. The primary aim is to help students develop a deep sense of national identity, a knowledge structure that emphasizes their professional strengths, and a broad international perspective.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Co-Curricular Activities include Art Salon, Student Showcase, and Campus Media. Student Showcase lists events such as animal-assisted therapy events, an equestrian exhibition, and a collection of literary and artistic activities from the senior high department. Other entries include charity concerts and exhibitions such as the Let Hope Play Charity Music Gala and the Brain+ Club charity concert. These activities also feature various exhibitions and community-engagement events.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
SSBS uses a bilingual curriculum blending the Chinese compulsory education framework with selected international elements. From grades 1-9, instruction follows the Chinese national curriculum, with some subjects taught bilingually. In high school, the curriculum combines Chinese core courses with international components, including Sino-US integrated courses and AP offerings. The school provides over 30 AP courses across subjects such as English Literature, Physics, Biology, Economics, Calculus, Statistics, Psychology, and Computer Science.

Arts & Creative
SSBS hosts the Art Salon program with regular salons and exhibitions, including The 127th Salon, 'Soundscape in String' and The 126th Salon, 'Art-tastic World'. The Student Showcase features student-curated exhibitions and charity events, such as Two Animal-Assisted Therapy Events and themed exhibitions like 'Chinese Magnesium Helps the World Lighten its Burden!'. Campus Media produces student news programs and exhibitions, including SSBS News Program and related campus features.

Cultural & Language
SSBS runs a bilingual curriculum across grades 1-12, with some subjects taught in English and others in Chinese. Cultural programming includes events such as Cultural Week, which features cross-disciplinary activities like the Atrium Astronomy account of cultural and scientific exploration. Intellectual exploration includes student literary and artistic outputs such as Teatime Echoes and Echo LitMag as part of ongoing student publishing projects.

Social & Hobbies
Co-Curricular Activities include Art Salon, Student Showcase, and Campus Media, providing opportunities for students to pursue personal interests beyond class time. Art Salon events include regular salons such as 'Soundscape in String' and other exhibitions. Student Showcase offers exhibitions and charity activities, including animal-assisted therapy events and themed exhibitions like the magnesium-themed project exhibition.

Community & Service
Student Showcase includes community-oriented events and charitable activities, such as animal-assisted therapy events and charity exhibitions. The school hosts charity initiatives including the Themed Exhibition 'Chinese Magnesium Helps the World Lighten its Burden!' and related science-art collaborations. SSBS Stars Club has partnered with Ruijin Hospital to host the 'Journey of Love' charity event, reflecting ongoing community outreach.

Leadership & Professional
SSBS supports student leadership through formal student-government structures, including elections for the SSC (Student Senate Council). The school also offers College Counseling to assist with college admissions planning and career development. These programs provide pathways for leadership development, mentoring, and professional-skill-building opportunities.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught at SSBS are Chinese and English. From grades 1–9, instruction is bilingual in core subjects such as mathematics, science, physics, chemistry, and biology. In grades 10–12, the Chinese curriculum covers language, politics, history and geography, while Sino-US integrated courses and AP electives are offered under the high school program. The school provides language support for non-native English speakers through Foundation Courses that tailor to English-language proficiency and help students adapt to the bilingual environment.

Bilingual Teaching
From grades 1 to 9, SSBS teaches the national compulsory curriculum with bilingual instruction in mathematics, science, physics, chemistry, and biology. The school maintains a bilingual learning environment in Chinese and English, supported by Foundation Courses that integrate Chinese and English to help students adapt. In grades 10–12, the high school curriculum follows the Chinese national framework and includes Sino-US integrated courses and AP electives.
Reputation

Awards
Duke Math Meet 2025: The SSBS delegation won the Global Team Championship at the 2025 Duke Math Meet held November 8, 2025 at Duke University, reflecting a high level of international-standard math competition performance.

Accreditations
The school is publicly listed as a 5A-level social organization by the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau for 2024. This top-tier rating evaluates governance, social impact and sustainability, and its acceptance signals strong organizational standards and community at large.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Admissions Process
Step 1: Identify your applicant type and prepare to apply. A holistic review assesses academic excellence, intellectual vitality, and the personal context of each applicant. If you are a Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School (SSBS) middle school graduate, you are automatically eligible to take the SSBS High School Academic Entrance Examination; your exam score along with your transcript and a school recommendation are used as admission criteria. If you are a local middle school graduate, you must apply first, then take the SSBS Enrollment Examination before an interview. These steps set the path to final admission based on the combination of exam results, transcripts, and recommendations. (Admissions policy and criteria described in the SSBS High School Profile 2025-2026.)
Step 2: Complete the appropriate entrance assessment. SSBS middle school graduates sit the SSBS High School Academic Entrance Examination; the exam score is used together with your transcript and school recommendation to determine admission. For local middle school graduates, you will first take the SSBS Enrollment Examination and then proceed to an interview if eligible. The assessments are designed to gauge readiness for SSBS's integrated education model.
Step 3: Attend the interview (for local grads). After the Enrollment Examination, local middle school graduates undergo an interview as part of the final admission process. The interview, together with the examination results and academic records, contributes to the holistic review used to approve or deny admission. SSBS emphasizes evaluating both academic preparedness and personal context during this stage.
Step 4: Receive an admission decision and enroll if admitted. Admission decisions are based on a holistic review of the applicant's academic performance, intellectual vitality, and personal context. Local graduates must complete graduation from Shanghai middle schools and achieve Zhongkao scores above the entrance level of top-tier Shanghai high schools to qualify for final admission. If admitted, families proceed with enrollment according to SSBS procedures.

Scholarships
Public SSBS materials do not list any scholarship program or scholarship awards.

Waitlist
There is no published waitlist or pool system described in the official SSBS admissions materials.
School Events
The school has not added events
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