Shu Ren International School

United States, San Francisco

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The school at a glance

Instructs in Mandarin, English

Fees $29,348 - 30,950

Ages 2 - 11 years

Pupil numbers 185

Type Co-educational

Opened 2008

Bus Service No

Academic offering

Curriculum IB (PYP), Bespoke Curriculum

Taught languages Mandarin, English

Strengths Languages, Visual and Creative Arts, STEM

Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Leadership and Professional

Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary

Introduction

Shu Ren International School is a private international school in the United States serving ages 2-11, offering a blended IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and American curriculum. The program provides full Mandarin immersion for Early Childhood (ages 2-5) and Elementary (Kindergarten-Grade 5). It centers on the PYP's concept-based inquiry cycle, cultivating knowledge, skills, and dispositions for lifelong learning as students ask meaningful questions, make cross-subject connections, and apply learning to real-world contexts. Social-emotional development is embedded through the Responsive Classroom approach, Zones of Regulation, and PSPE, supporting wellbeing and global citizenship. Small class sizes and a close-knit community ensure every child is seen and supported. Aftercare runs 3:00-6:00 PM on preschool, TK, and elementary campuses, and enrichment is offered in both Mandarin and English. The Shu Ren Experience extends learning beyond the classroom with arts and athletics, language and cultural enrichment, and Mandarin-immersion Vacation Camps. Co-curricular programs broaden opportunities.

2125 Jefferson Ave, Berkeley, CA 94703, United States

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The Essentials

Location

Berkeley, California, United States. 2125 Jefferson Ave, Berkeley, CA 94703.

Stages

Early Childhood (Ages 2-5) and Elementary (Kindergarten - Grade 5).

Type

Private international school.

Country affiliation

United States

School day structure

Extended Day and Extracurricular Programs available; Summer School offered.

Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership

The school is an IB World School and is fully accredited by WASC.

Fees

Applicable academic year: 2025/2026.

Application fee
- One-time application fee: USD 100 (charged at application). The application fee is non-refundable.

Tuition fees — annual and per-term equivalent (by year group / grade)
- Nursery 2 (age 2): Annual tuition USD 29,348 — Per-term equivalent (annual ÷ 3) USD 9,782.67.
- Kindergarten 1 (age 3): Annual tuition USD 29,348 — Per-term equivalent USD 9,782.67.
- Kindergarten 2 (age 4): Annual tuition USD 29,348 — Per-term equivalent USD 9,782.67.
- Kindergarten 3 (age 5): Annual tuition USD 30,923 — Per-term equivalent USD 10,307.67.
- Grade 1 (age 6): Annual tuition USD 30,950 — Per-term equivalent USD 10,316.67.
- Grade 2 (age 7): Annual tuition USD 30,950 — Per-term equivalent USD 10,316.67.
- Grade 3 (age 8): Annual tuition USD 30,950 — Per-term equivalent USD 10,316.67.
- Grade 4 (age 9): Annual tuition USD 30,950 — Per-term equivalent USD 10,316.67.
- Grade 5 (age 10): Annual tuition USD 30,950 — Per-term equivalent USD 10,316.67.
- (If applicable) Grade 6 listing appears in published fee summaries with annual tuition USD 30,950 — per-term equivalent USD 10,316.67.

- Note on first-year total: for a new enrollee the first-year total commonly shown includes the one-time application charge; an example published total for a 2-year-old's first year is USD 29,448 (annual tuition plus the one-time application fee).

What the tuition covers
- Published tuition descriptions indicate the annual tuition covers classroom materials, access to learning technology, and enriching field trips and related program elements.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Published fees are presented as annual amounts. No publicly posted per-term billing schedule, specific installment plans, or late-payment penalties were found in the available fee summaries. Families should expect the school to bill on an annual basis or to offer school-managed payment arrangements; the published figures above are the annual amounts.

Sibling discounts and financial assistance
- Sibling discount: a USD 2,000 tuition-credit is offered for the youngest sibling in families with multiple children enrolled. Financial assistance is offered for Kindergarten through Grade 5 applicants (details handled through admissions/financial-aid processes).

Boarding fees
- Shu Ren operates as a day school for ages 2–12; there is no boarding program and therefore no boarding fees.

Other costs or fees
- Optional / additional charges that may apply: optional hot-lunch orders, extended-day or aftercare program fees, extracurricular activity fees, occasional field-trip fees if outside regular programming, and any optional services selected by the family. Published material identifies lunch service and extended care as available options. Uniforms are listed as not required.

Refund information
- The application fee is charged as a one-time fee and is reported as non-refundable. A publicly posted, detailed tuition-refund or withdrawal refund schedule was not available in the fee summaries consulted.

Fee payment options
- No explicit, publicly posted list of accepted payment methods (for example, bank transfer, credit card, check) was found in the published fee summaries. The school uses a parent/admissions portal for account management; billing and specific accepted-payment methods are administered through the school's billing office and parent portal.

Limitations and brief note on missing details
- The figures above are the published annual tuition amounts and the one-time application fee reported in the 2025/2026 fee summaries. A per-term billing breakdown, explicit billing calendar, detailed payment terms, a full tuition-refund/withdrawal schedule, and a public list of accepted payment methods were not provided in the publicly available fee material consulted. Per-term numbers shown above are per-term equivalents (annual ÷ 3) calculated for convenience because only annual amounts were published.

Academics

Curriculum

Blends the International Baccalaureate (IB) program with full Mandarin immersion for Early Childhood (ages 2–5) and Elementary (Kindergarten–Grade 5). The program centers on the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and uses a concept-based inquiry cycle to develop knowledge, skills, and dispositions for lifelong learning. Students are encouraged to ask meaningful questions, make connections across subjects, and apply learning to real-world contexts. Social-emotional learning is embedded in the curriculum, with the Responsive Classroom approach, Zones of Regulation, and Personal, Social, and Physical Education (PSPE) supporting wellbeing and global citizenship. Small class sizes and a close-knit community ensure every child is seen and supported. .

Student Teacher Ratio

Small class sizes support individualized attention.

Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school nurtures the whole person and emphasizes social-emotional growth through curiosity, creativity, and compassion. Learners are prepared to act as global citizens and to contribute their voices within a community where every voice matters.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school uses a two-way Mandarin–English immersion model in which Mandarin is the language of instruction and English is used alongside to support bilingual fluency.

Mental Wellbeing

The school focuses on the development of the whole child, nurturing social-emotional growth alongside academics. It emphasizes curiosity, creativity, and compassionate engagement as part of a globally minded education.

Safeguarding

The school has an Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Parent Experience

Community

Families, educators, and students come together in a diverse, caring community that prepares children to belong anywhere in the world. Community is at the heart of everything we do, with celebrations, events, and collaborative partnerships that build lasting connections. The Parent Community Group (PCG) involves parent volunteers who partner with teachers and school leaders to strengthen connections and enrich the student experience; it is open to all Shu Ren families. The Alumni Community celebrates lifelong bonds with graduates and supports current students through reunions, events, and mentorship.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Parent Community Group (PCG) is Shu Ren's parent association. It partners with teachers and school leaders to strengthen connections, enrich the student experience, and celebrate the Shu Ren community. Led by caring parent volunteers, the PCG coordinates cultural events and volunteer support. The PCG is open to all Shu Ren families.

Facilities

Extra Curricular Facilities

Extended Day & Extracurricular Programs: Aftercare runs 3 PM–6 PM on preschool, TK, and elementary campuses, with children spending the majority of time in a play-based environment indoors and outdoors (weather permitting) under the supervision of Chinese-language teachers. Enrichment: Many students participate in after-school enrichment in both Mandarin and English; in early childhood, enrichment includes paper art, creative movement, yoga, soccer, and science. The Shu Ren Experience goes beyond the classroom with co-curricular programs and extended-day options that nurture the whole child, including arts and athletics, language and cultural enrichment.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school has Extended Day & Co-Curricular Programs that extend learning beyond the classroom in both Mandarin and English. Enrichment classes include arts, music, dance, STEM, sports, cooking, Chinese brush drawing, and chess, with offerings rotating each semester. Homework Club provides Mandarin language support after school. Vacation Camps offer Mandarin-immersion experiences during breaks.

Arts & Creative

The school has Arts & Movement programs that nurture creativity, expression, and well-being through Visual Arts and Performing Arts. An Orff-based music curriculum engages Pre-K through 5th grade in hands-on music-making, with singing, movement, speech, and instruments. Physical Education includes PSPE and coaching in Judo to build strength, balance, discipline, and social-emotional skills. The Library supports bilingual literacy, and World Book Week and the Reading Marathon celebrate reading and community.

Cultural & Language

The school has language and cultural enrichment as a core part of co-curricular life. The House system, inspired by Confucius' Four Teachings—Wen (Learning), Xing (Action), Zhong (Loyalty), and Xin (Integrity)—connects students across grades to foster collaboration and character. The library offers Chinese and English books and hosts World Book Week to celebrate multilingual literacy. Vacation Camps provide Mandarin-immersion experiences that extend language learning into everyday life.

Social & Hobbies

The school has a Student Council that represents elementary students, helps organize school events, promotes school spirit, and supports fundraisers or service projects. Enrichment Classes offer diverse after-school options in arts, music, dance, STEM, sports, cooking, Chinese brush drawing, and chess. Afternoon Care provides a safe, nurturing space after the school day ends with outdoor play and healthy snacks. Homework Club gives dedicated Mandarin support after school, and Vacation Camps provide language-rich camps during breaks.

Community & Service

The school has a Student Council that represents elementary students and leads service projects, school events, and initiatives that foster inclusion. The Council functions as a bridge between students and staff to improve the school for everyone. Members are encouraged to demonstrate integrity, empathy, fairness, and service. Through these activities, students grow as responsible community members.

Leadership & Professional

The school has a Student Council that represents elementary students and provides leadership opportunities through organizing events and engaging with staff and the broader school community. Enrichment Programs offer chances to develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. Students participate in projects and initiatives that build collaboration, responsibility, and professional skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The school has a PSPE program that supports physical health, social-emotional growth, and well-being, guided by a PE teacher who is also a Judo master. Physical Education includes a variety of activities and Judo coaching to reinforce discipline and resilience. Afternoon Care provides a safe space after the school day with outdoor play and healthy snacks. The Library and reading events like World Book Week support literacy and well-being.

Languages

Language Provision

Mandarin and English are the languages of instruction. Early Childhood uses a 100% Mandarin immersion environment. Elementary deepens Mandarin and English fluency within a bilingual environment through the Dual Language immersion Model. The school follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP).

Bilingual Teaching

Mandarin and English are used in bilingual teaching. In Elementary, Mandarin and English come together through a Dual Language immersion Model. In Early Childhood, there is a 100% Mandarin immersion environment led by native Mandarin-speaking teachers, with bilingualism supporting language learning.

Immersion Programs

Mandarin immersion is delivered daily through a two-way immersion model. In Early Childhood, students are in a 100% Mandarin immersion environment led by native Mandarin-speaking teachers. In Elementary, learning occurs in a bilingual environment where Mandarin and English come together through the Dual Language immersion Model. The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) guides learning across the elementary years.

Admissions

1. Connect with Us. Fill out our short Inquiry Form so we can get to know your family and start the conversation. The inquiry begins the admissions process and helps us understand your child's needs. Our admissions team will respond with next steps and available options, and you'll be invited to take the next step in person. Take the first step by connecting with Shu Ren to learn more about our Mandarin immersion program and community.
2. Come Visit. Join us for a personal tour—step into our classrooms, meet our caring teachers, and feel the warmth of our community. The visit provides an in-person look at the learning environment and the people who guide your child's day. You can ask questions and observe how our program operates in practice.
3. Start your Application. When you feel ready, we'll send you a personalized link to start your application. The admissions team is available to answer questions and offer support along the way. The application process begins once you access the personalized link and submit the required information.
4. Join Our Community. Enroll at Shu Ren and step into a global community where your child can grow, thrive, and discover their unique superpower. Enrollment marks the culmination of the admissions journey and the start of your child's Shu Ren experience.

Scholarships

Sibling Tuition: We offer a $2000 tuition discount credit for the youngest sibling in families with multiple children enrolled at Shu Ren. Financial Assistance: If you're applying for Kindergarten through 5th grade and need financial support, connect with our Admissions Team to learn about available assistance.

School Events

The school has not added events

FAQs

Where is Shu Ren International School located and what ages do you serve?

Shu Ren International School is located at 2125 Jefferson Ave, Berkeley, CA 94703, United States, and serves children aged 2 to 11 (Early Childhood through Grade 5).

What kind of school is Shu Ren and how large is the student body?

Shu Ren is a private, co-educational international day school with a close-knit community of about 185 pupils. The program emphasizes small class sizes to ensure individualized attention.

Who leads the school?

The head of school is Dr. Lucy Yan, who oversees the school's Mandarin-immersion IB Primary Years Programme and community initiatives.

Is there an application fee to apply and how much is it?

Yes, there is a one-time application fee of USD 100 charged at application, and this fee is non-refundable.

What is the admissions process for families relocating from overseas?

Admissions begins by completing a short Inquiry Form so the school can learn about your family, followed by a personal tour to meet teachers and see classrooms. If you decide to apply you'll receive a personalized link to submit your application, and upon acceptance you enroll and join the Shu Ren community.

Are there sibling discounts or financial-assistance options?

A USD 2,000 tuition credit is offered for the youngest sibling when multiple children from the same family are enrolled, and financial assistance is available for applicants to Kindergarten through Grade 5 through the admissions/financial-aid process.

What curriculum does Shu Ren follow and how is learning structured?

Shu Ren blends the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) with an American curriculum framework, using a concept-based inquiry cycle to develop knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Social-emotional learning is embedded through Responsive Classroom, Zones of Regulation, and Personal, Social, and Physical Education (PSPE).

How large are classes and how does that affect learning?

The school maintains small class sizes to support individualized attention and close teacher–student relationships, which allows teachers to tailor learning and monitor social-emotional growth closely.

What aftercare and extended-day options are available on campus?

Aftercare runs from 3:00–6:00 PM on the preschool, TK, and elementary campuses and is a supervised, play-based program held indoors and outdoors when weather permits. Enrichment is offered during extended day in both Mandarin and English.

What academic and learning resources are available on campus?

Shu Ren provides classroom materials and access to learning technology as part of tuition, and the school library supports bilingual literacy with Chinese and English collections. The music program uses an Orff-based curriculum and visual and performing arts are part of regular co-curricular offerings.

What kinds of extracurricular activities and enrichment do you offer?

After-school enrichment rotates each semester and includes arts, music, dance, STEM, sports, cooking, Chinese brush drawing, chess, creative movement, yoga, and soccer. Co-curricular programs are offered in both Mandarin and English to broaden students' interests and skills.

Do you offer Mandarin-immersion camps or vacation programs?

Yes, Shu Ren runs Mandarin-immersion Vacation Camps during school breaks to extend language learning in an everyday, camp-style environment.

How can students develop leadership and contribute to the community at Shu Ren?

Elementary students can join the Student Council to organize events, lead service projects, and represent their peers, and many enrichment classes and co-curricular activities offer leadership and teamwork opportunities.

How does Shu Ren support students' social-emotional wellbeing?

Social-emotional learning is embedded across the program through the Responsive Classroom approach, the Zones of Regulation framework, and PSPE instruction, and physical education (including Judo coaching) reinforces resilience, self-regulation, and cooperation.

How do you support children who are new to Mandarin or English?

Shu Ren uses a two-way Mandarin–English immersion model and offers Homework Club for additional Mandarin support after school; instruction is led by native Mandarin-speaking teachers in Early Childhood and bilingual teachers in Elementary to build balanced bilingual fluency.

What safeguarding or inclusion policies does Shu Ren have?

Shu Ren has an Anti-Discrimination Policy and embeds inclusive practices across its programs to promote a safe, respectful learning environment for all students.

Are uniforms required at Shu Ren?

Uniforms are not required at Shu Ren.

Does Shu Ren offer boarding or overnight options?

No, Shu Ren operates as a day school for ages 2–11 and does not offer boarding.

What should we expect for meals and snacks during the day?

Optional hot-lunch orders are available and afternoon care provides healthy snacks; families may also select additional meal options as needed.

Is Shu Ren accredited or affiliated with any organizations?

Shu Ren is an IB World School and is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

What are the tuition fees at Shu Ren International School?

Annual tuition at Shu Ren International School ranges from USD 29,348 to USD 30,950 depending on year group. Fees are reviewed each year, so check the school's current fee schedule before applying.

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