Top 20 International Schools in Shanghai Guide

Shanghai stands as one of Asia’s most dynamic global cities — a place where education meets innovation and culture. For families relocating here, choosing the right school is essential. From British and American curricula to IB and bilingual programmes, these 20 top international schools in Shanghai deliver world-class education, exceptional facilities, and strong community values.

1. Nord Anglia International School Shanghai (Pudong)

One of Shanghai’s most established British schools, Nord Anglia offers the English National Curriculum and IB Diploma Programme.

Highlights: Outstanding global links, STEAM programme with MIT, and strong university placement.

Pudong District | Ages 2 – 18 | Website

2. Wellington College International Shanghai

Bringing the prestige of its UK heritage, Wellington combines academic excellence with holistic development.

Highlights: IGCSE + IB pathway, sports and performing arts focus.

Qingpu District | Ages 3 – 18 | Website

3. Shanghai American School (SAS)

A non-profit leader in American education with two campuses (Puxi and Pudong).

Highlights: AP and IB programmes, excellent university acceptances worldwide.

Pudong & Puxi | Ages 3 – 18 | saschina.org

4. Concordia International School Shanghai

A faith-based, community-oriented American school emphasizing character and service.

Highlights: Strong STEM programme and personalized learning.

Pudong | Ages 3 – 18 | concordiashanghai.org

5. Western International School of Shanghai (WISS)

The first full IB continuum school in Shanghai.

Highlights: Arts, sports and innovation balance; excellent community culture.

Qingpu | Ages 3 – 18 | wiss.cn

6. British International School Shanghai (Puxi Campus)

Part of the Nord Anglia family, delivering the English National Curriculum through to IB.

Highlights: Impressive academic outcomes and modern facilities.

Minhang | Ages 2 – 18 | Website

7. Yew Chung International School of Shanghai (YCIS)

A pioneer in bilingual education with strong focus on Chinese language and culture.

Highlights: Co-teaching model and East-meets-West philosophy.

Multiple Campuses | Ages 2 – 18 | ycis-sh.com

8. Lycée Français de Shanghai (LFS)

Official French international school offering the curriculum of the French Ministry of Education.

Highlights: Bilingual French-English learning and global accreditation.

Qingpu & Yangpu | Ages 2 – 18 | lfs.cn

9. Deutsche Schule Shanghai (German School Shanghai)

German curriculum with bilingual German-English programmes.

Highlights: Excellent STEM and languages programmes.

Pudong & Hongqiao | Ages 2 – 18 | dsshk.de

10. Shanghai Singapore International School (SSIS)

Combines Singapore curriculum with IB and international exposure.

Highlights: Balanced academics and co-curricular learning.

Minhang & Xuhui | Ages 2 – 18 | ssis.asia

11. Canadian International School Kunshan (CISK)

Close to Shanghai with easy commute; Canadian curriculum and IB Diploma.

Highlights: Great option for North American pathway at lower fees.

Kunshan | Ages 3 – 18 | ciskunshan.org

12. Shanghai United International School (SUIS)

Multiple campuses offering bilingual and international tracks.

Highlights: Popular choice for local and expat families seeking flexible pathways.

Various Campuses | Ages 3 – 18 | suis.com.cn

13. Shanghai Community International School (SCIS)

Friendly expat community with IB curriculum from Early Years to Diploma.

Highlights: Strong arts and sports focus.

Hongqiao & Pudong | Ages 2 – 18 | scis-china.org

14. Harrow International School Shanghai

Prestigious British school emphasizing academic rigour and leadership.

Highlights: Links to Harrow UK; noted for debating and sports programmes.

Pudong | Ages 3 – 18 | harrowshanghai.cn

15. Dulwich College Shanghai (Pudong & Puxi)

Established British school network offering UK curriculum and IB Diploma.

Highlights: High academic achievement and creative arts focus.

Pudong & Minhang | Ages 2 – 18 | dulwich.org

16. Shanghai Japanese School

Accredited Japanese curriculum for Japanese expat families.

Highlights: Cultural preservation and academic excellence.

Pudong & Hongqiao | Ages 6 – 18 | ssjs.cn

17. Shanghai Hong Qiao International School (HQIS)

IB World School with focus on innovation and student-centered learning.

Highlights: Diverse community and modern campus.

Minhang | Ages 3 – 18 | hqis.org

18. Nord Anglia Chinese International School (NACIS)

A hybrid bilingual school under Nord Anglia Education.

Highlights: Combines Chinese national curriculum with international perspective.

Minhang | Ages 6 – 18 | nacis.cn

19. Britannica International School Shanghai

British-style education for students of all nationalities.

Highlights: Personalised learning in small class sizes.

Gubei | Ages 2 – 18 | britannicashanghai.com

20. Shanghai High School International Division (SHS ID)

Highly respected for academic rigour and university placement records.

Highlights: Offers IB and AP tracks; ideal for ambitious students.

Xuhui District | Ages 12 – 18 | shsid.org

Finding the perfect school in Shanghai is about more than rankings — it’s about fit, culture, and long-term goals. With dozens of world-class options across the city, parents should consider a few key factors before making their decision:

Curriculum fit: Choose between IB, British, American, French, or bilingual programmes based on your child’s learning style and future university plans.

Location & transport: Shanghai’s size and traffic make commute times a major factor — nearby campuses or school bus options can make daily life easier.

Tuition range: Expect annual fees from RMB 150,000 – 350,000, depending on grade level and school reputation.

Community & culture: Each school has its own identity — visit open days, meet teachers, and connect with other parents to find the right environment.

University pathway: Match the curriculum to your family’s long-term education goals, whether aiming for top universities in the U.S., U.K., or elsewhere.

Final Word

With more than 100 international schools, Shanghai remains Asia’s top hub for world-class education. These 20 leading institutions offer not only academic excellence but also character development and global perspective — helping students thrive anywhere in the world.