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Xiamen International School

China, Xiamen

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees RMB 143,280 - 197,280
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 440
Type Co-educational
Opened 1997
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages Mandarin, Korean, Arabic, Finnish, Dutch, Spanish
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Xiamen International School (XIS) is an independent international day school established in 1997 in Xiamen, Fujian. It is the only IB Continuum School in Xiamen, offering school-wide Primary Years Programme (PK-5), Middle Years Programme (6-10), and Diploma Programme (11-12). The language of instruction is English, with English as an Additional Language support in some grades. The school serves expatriate children and children from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, providing a globally oriented, inquiry-based education. The campus is located in Jimei District and supports a wide range of academic and co-curricular programs. It emphasizes IB concepts, critical thinking, and intercultural understanding, with a diverse student body representing more than 40 nationalities and a faculty with broad international experience. The campus facilities include art studios, labs, a large library, an early childhood center, indoor swimming pool, gym, and sports fields. XIS maintains accreditation by WASC and membership in ACAMIS; it emphasizes bilingual IB Diploma outcomes and supports a global university pathway.

262 Xinglin North 3 Rd, Jimei District, Xiamen, Fujian, China, 361022

The Essentials

Xiamen International School has 440 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
Xiamen International School is located in the Jimei District of Xiamen, Fujian, PRC. The campus address is 262 Xinglinbei San Lu, Xinglin, Jimei District, Xiamen 361022. The 33,000-square-meter Pre-K to 12 campus opened in August 2002 and features facilities such as a library, science labs, arts spaces, and multiple sports amenities; it is about 25 minutes from central Xiamen City with convenient access to major roads. Most students access XIS by the school's own bus fleet.

Stages
XIS is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PK-5), Middle Years Programme (6-10), and Diploma Programme (11-12).

Type
Independent, not-for-profit, co-educational day school.

Additional learning support
Student support includes English as an Additional Language (EAL) for grades 1-9, dedicated EAL teachers in elementary and secondary, reading support in elementary, counseling services, college guidance, and an advisory program in middle and high school.

Country affiliation
No formal country affiliation.

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation.

School day structure
The 2025-2026 calendar shows the first day of school on August 12, 2025 and 184 instructional days; the school year runs August to June. The XIS school day begins at 8:30 AM; after-school activities run on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 4:30 PM, with shorter days on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Bus service
XIS operates a bus service with a modern fleet; most students travel to campus by bus, and transportation routes are coordinated by the Transportation Coordinator (email: wendylin@xischina.com.cn).
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school is a day school; boarding is not offered.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors, including a parent representative selected by the community. The Board sets policies aligned with the school's mission and purpose, ensures fiscal stability, and is not involved in daily operations.
Fees

Annual tuition at Xiamen International School ranges from RMB 143,280 to RMB 197,280 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- Registration fee (new students only): USD 300.

Tuition fees (published annual amounts by year group)

- Pre‑School (annual): USD 19,900.
- Kindergarten through Grade 5 (annual): USD 24,200.
- Grades 6 through 12 (annual): USD 27,400.

Per‑term breakdown

- The published fee schedule lists annual tuition amounts only; it does not include an official per‑term invoicing breakdown. The annual figures above are the school's published totals; any per‑term amounts shown below are calculated examples only, based on equal division of the published annual tuition into three equal terms (the school's published material does not specify term count or an official termly billing split). Use these inferred figures only as an illustrative conversion, not as an official invoice.
- Pre‑School (illustrative per term, if divided into 3 equal terms): USD 6,633.33.
- Kindergarten–Grade 5 (illustrative per term, if divided into 3 equal terms): USD 8,066.67.
- Grades 6–12 (illustrative per term, if divided into 3 equal terms): USD 9,133.33.

Other published fees and recurring charges

- Bus (annual): USD 1,200.
- Activity fee (annual): USD 800.
- Registration fee (new student, one‑time): USD 300.

Boarding

- Boarding is not applicable; the school is operated as a day school.

Other costs not itemized in the published tuition document

- The published tuition and fees document lists the items above and does not list separate charges for uniforms, textbooks, lunch, or incidental school‑shop purchases. Those items, if required, are not shown as specific line items in the published fee schedule.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Fees are published as annual amounts. The published fee notice specifies that all fees must be paid in US dollars and provides bank account details for USD deposits. No specific invoicing dates, installment dates, or standard termly billing schedule are published in the fee document.

Refund information

- No refund policy or refund terms are included in the published tuition and fees notice. The published fee document does not provide details about refunds.

Fee payment options and bank details (published payment instruction)
Academics

Xiamen International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum
XIS follows the International Baccalaureate continuum with the Primary Years Programme for Pre-K to Grade 5, the Middle Years Programme for Grades 6–10, and the Diploma Programme for Grades 11–12. The language of instruction is English, with English as an Additional Language support for Grades 1–9 and a comprehensive language program including Mandarin and Korean. The curriculum is inquiry-based and transdisciplinary; Grade 10 students complete a Personal Project as part of the MYP, and the program emphasizes global perspectives and community engagement. In High School, students may pursue the IB Diploma or IB Courses alongside an XIS High School Diploma, with some language pathways enabling bilingual IB Diploma outcomes (e.g., Mandarin Language A and Korean Language and Literature A). The school offers multiple language pathways, including Mandarin, Korean, and additional languages for Grades 11–12, plus Spanish Ab Initio online via Pamoja. XIS is a WASC-accredited IB World School and the only IB Continuum School in Xiamen, with a track record of university placements and bilingual IB Diploma results.

Student Teacher Ratio
Not publicly disclosed.

Exam Results
Publicly published exam results are not detailed; however, XIS highlights university acceptances and bilingual IB Diploma outcomes, indicating strong progression to higher education.

Higher Education Progression
XIS graduates have attended universities worldwide; the school reports university acceptances during 2016–2021 and a history of placing students in reputable universities.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
XIS supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a robust wellbeing framework that includes counseling, college guidance, English as an Additional Language (EAL), reading support in the elementary school, and an advisory program in the middle and high schools. The elementary school has a dedicated counselor for Pre-K to Grade 5 who provides education, identification, and intervention strategies for social-emotional purposes to students, teachers, and families, supporting academic success and awareness of career opportunities. The secondary school counseling program serves Grades 6–12 by helping students acquire competencies in college and career planning and exploration, knowledge of self and others, and educational development through individual planning, advisory, individual counseling, and support services. Counselors work directly with students individually, in small groups, and within classrooms, and they collaborate with parents in the college planning and research process. An advisory program in the middle and high schools further supports student well-being, aligning with XIS's emphasis on social-emotional growth as part of IB-based learning.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
XIS publicly discloses English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and elementary reading support as part of its student support system, but does not publish details of a dedicated SEN department or a broader list of Special Educational Needs (SEN) provisions beyond EAL and reading support. EAL is provided with dedicated teachers in the Elementary School (one per grade 1–5) and a dedicated secondary course (grades 6–9) to support identified learners, with placement based on assessment of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. The school describes multilingualism as a resource for learning and integrates EAL within its IB framework, collaborating with homeroom and specialist teachers to differentiate instruction. The lack of publicly disclosed information about a separate SEN center or broader SEN categories suggests that XIS does not present itself as a specialist SEN institution on its website. The counseling program also supports social-emotional needs as part of its holistic approach to student support.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
EAL at XIS is integrated into the school's support system and is framed around language development with consideration for students' language profiles. The school recognizes multilingualism as a fact, a right, and a resource for learning, and aims to support language development across diverse language backgrounds and needs. Placement in EAL programs depends on assessment of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills prior to enrollment to ensure students have the minimum English skills to be successful in a given grade level. Elementary School has a dedicated EAL teacher for each grade (1–5), who collaborates with homeroom and specialist teachers, while Secondary School provides a dedicated EAL course for Grades 6–9 to develop literacy and communication in social and academic contexts. The EAL philosophy and practice are embedded within the IB framework and emphasise language development as part of overall learning and identity.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is integrated into XIS's IB framework, with emphasis on social-emotional wellness as a core part of student development. The school explicitly states that social and emotional growth is as important as academic growth, and this is supported by elementary and secondary counseling services. Elementary School Counseling focuses on education, identification, and intervention strategies for social-emotional issues, supporting academic success and career awareness. Middle and High School Counseling addresses college and career planning, self-knowledge, and educational development through advisory and individual counseling, with direct student support in various formats. The mission and core values of XIS underscore balanced learning that attends to the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual aspects of students, reinforcing a holistic approach to wellbeing.

Safeguarding
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding safeguarding or child protection policies on its website. Publicly available materials describe a Health Clinic with nurses and a Counseling program that supports student wellbeing, including contact details for the Health Clinic and the Secondary Counselor, which indicates availability of welfare services on campus. For example, the Health Clinic is staffed by nurses and reachable via the Health Clinic contact information, and Paula Zhou serves as the Secondary Counselor supporting student wellbeing and college guidance. If safeguarding specifics are required, contact through the published school channels (e.g., Health Clinic or Counseling staff).
Parent Experience

History
XIS was established in 1997 as an independent, not-for-profit international day school serving expatriate students in Xiamen. It began in a section of Ying Cai School, and three years later construction began on a purpose-built 33,000-square-meter Pre-K–12 campus in Xiamen's Jimei District. In August 2002, XIS moved into its new campus. XIS is a fully authorized IB World School offering the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programs and has been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges since 2001. The language of instruction is English.

Community
XIS maintains a family-like atmosphere with strong ties among students, families, and staff. The school emphasizes involvement across grades and divisions, with parents participating in community life and school events. The community represents more than 40 nationalities, contributing to a diverse, globally minded environment. XIS hosts XIAMUN, a Model United Nations conference that has been held since 2010, in addition to regional athletics, arts, and cultural leagues.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The XIS PTSA's mission is to enhance the educational experience of XIS children and their families by partnering with the Board of Directors, school administration, teachers, students, and the local community. It organizes and hosts schoolwide events such as the Holiday Bazaar, Spring Fling, International Day, and Teacher Appreciation Day. Funds and donations collected at these events support student activities and school programs, with a portion donated to local charities. The PTSA also arranges one-day and short-term courses for parents, expanding opportunities for family engagement. Past sessions have included flower arrangement, cooking classes, and parenting seminars.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
XIS sits on a purpose-built campus in Jimei, spanning about 33,000 square meters. The campus has three connected buildings for Pre-K through 12. It features three art studios, two IT labs, a design lab, a 3-D printer lab, three music rooms with practice spaces, and three science laboratories. A large library holds over 30,000 volumes, and an early childhood center with an adjacent outdoor free-play area serves the youngest students. Outdoor facilities include a full-sized soccer pitch, outdoor multi-sport courts, a track, and a tennis court, while the top level contains an air-conditioned gymnasium and an indoor swimming pool.

Sports Facilities
Outdoor sport facilities include a full-sized soccer pitch, several outdoor multi-sport courts, and a running track, with a tennis court on site. The campus features an air-conditioned gymnasium on the top level and an indoor swimming pool. These spaces support daily physical education and inter-school athletics.

Academic Facilities
Three science laboratories provide space for biology, chemistry, and physics. Two IT labs, a design lab, and a 3-D printer lab support technology and design learning. A large library with over 30,000 volumes serves the whole school.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Three art studios support visual arts programs across grade levels. Three music rooms with attached practice spaces support rehearsals and performances. An early childhood center with a free-play outdoor area supports the youngest learners.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
XIS runs an Activities Program (AP) for grades 1-12 that encompasses academic support and enrichment, service, arts, and sports. Activities take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:30. Past offerings include SAT Prep, Math and English Support, University Application Essay Assistance, Chess Club, Math Club, and Model United Nations. Secondary students have participated in service and leadership clubs such as Community Action Service and the Student Council.

Arts & Creative
The Arts program emphasizes performing and visual arts as a core part of the curriculum, with weekly music classes for Pre-K to Grade 5. In Grades 4-5, students participate in the Music Performance Program to learn instruments such as alto saxophone, clarinet, flute, violin, cello, or voice. From Grades 6-8, students follow the IB Middle Years Programme in music and visual arts, and Grades 9-12 may specialize in Visual Arts or Music as part of the Diploma Group 6. Each year, students in Grades 6-12 attend the ACAMIS Cultural Convention and audition for the International School Choral Music Festival, and there is an annual schoolwide musical and drama production.

Cultural & Language
XIS offers language and culture activities including Japanese Language/Culture and Appreciation and Mandarin Acquisition Support, along with Chinese Reading. MUN is a key element, with XIAMUN X as an annual conference organized by XIS. XIS participates in regional and international leagues and conferences such as ACAMIS, SCISAC, and ISCMS, which foster cultural exchange. Through Week Without Walls and other programs, students develop multilingualism and intercultural understanding.

Social & Hobbies
Past and current after-school offerings include various clubs such as Board Games, Leisure Sports, and other social clubs. In elementary school, after-school options include sports like soccer, basketball, tennis, golf, dodgeball, volleyball, swimming, water polo, badminton, four square, and table tennis. Secondary students have access to clubs and activities ranging from arts, MUN, and games to service and leadership groups.

Community & Service
XIS runs community service programs, including Environmental Action Club and Community Action Service (CAS). Week Without Walls provides CAS outcomes and includes team-building and service-learning components through grade 6-11 trips. AP includes mentoring and tutoring as part of its focus areas, supporting health and nutrition outcomes. Past activities have included National Honor Society and other service-oriented groups.

Leadership & Professional
XIS provides leadership opportunities through Student Council, which spans elementary and secondary levels. MUN is a key leadership and public-speaking platform; XIAMUN X is a long-running conference hosted by XIS. The AP includes university application and college preparation resources such as University Application Essay Assistance. After School Program includes mentoring.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
XIS participates in ACAMIS and SCISAC sports tournaments in volleyball, soccer, basketball, badminton, swimming, and track, promoting athletics across the student body. Elementary students participate in a broad After School Program with sports such as soccer, basketball, tennis, golf, dodgeball, volleyball, swimming, water polo, badminton, four square, and table tennis. Week Without Walls offers outdoor experiential learning with activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, and camping, contributing to fitness and teamwork. Past mindfulness-related activities include Mindful Coloring and Yoga, and the After School Program emphasizes health and nutrition.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction, with English as an Additional Language support for grades 1–9. Mandarin is taught from Pre-K with multiple paths depending on background, including Language A Mandarin and Language B Mandarin. Korean is offered from Grade 6 as Language A, with potential bilingual Korean-English Diploma; other languages include Arabic, Finnish, and Dutch in grades 11–12 and Spanish Ab Initio online through Pamoja.

Bilingual Teaching
English is the language of instruction, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for grades 1–9. Mandarin is taught from Pre-K in two streams: Language A for proficient Mandarin with a bilingual IB Diploma pathway, and Language B for beginners starting with Mandarin Foundations and four, forty-five minute class sessions per week. Korean language development begins in grade 6, with Korean Language and Literature (Language A) and a possible bilingual Diploma in Korean and English.

Immersion Programs
Pre-K Mandarin instruction is 40 minutes per week, and Kindergarten has four forty-minute Mandarin classes per week. Mandarin Language A and Language B streams provide immersion at different levels, with Language A emphasizing reading and writing. Korean mother-tongue development begins in Grade 6; other language options include Spanish Ab Initio online via Pamoja and school-supported Arabic, Finnish, and Dutch in upper grades.
Reputation

Accreditations
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation — XIS has been accredited by WASC since 2001. WASC is a regional U.S. accrediting body that validates a school's quality and capability to award diplomas, facilitating recognition by universities worldwide and ensuring transferability of credits.

- International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) authorization to offer all three IB programs — XIS is an IB World School authorized to provide the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). This status signifies adherence to IB standards and an internationally recognized, inquiry-based curriculum across the full continuum of grades.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Inquire about XIS and gather information. Begin by using the Inquiry Form or contacting the Admissions Coordinator to learn about XIS programs, admissions requirements, and the overall process. XIS presents itself as an English-language international day school serving expatriate children and children from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, and it uses IB program frameworks. The Admissions Coordinator is Ms.

2. Submit your application. When you're ready, submit the application through the APPLY link (OpenApply) to have your materials reviewed by the admissions team. The Admissions page confirms the APPLY option and directions for initial communication.

3. Review timelines and next steps. Applications for the current year are accepted up until the end of April of that school year, and applications for the coming school year open in December each year. After submitting, you can expect further communications from the admissions team as they review your materials.

4. Admissions communications and sign-off. The Head of School/Admissions processes are conducted through the Admissions Coordinator, with formal correspondence from Ms. Julia Su. Information about programs, timelines, and next steps is provided by the admissions team as part of the application flow.

5. Enrollment steps and initial fees (upon admission). If admitted, families proceed with enrollment and payment of a registration and tuition, per the school's fee schedule.

Scholarships
XIS does not publish any scholarship program.

Waitlist
There is no published waitlist or pool policy for XIS in their admissions materials.
School Events
The school has not added events
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