🏫 The 5 Biggest International Schools in Shanghai (2025 Guide for Parents)

Shanghai is home to one of Asia’s most advanced international education systems. With more than 40 international schools offering British, American, or IB programs, parents have a wide range of options. Below is an overview of five of the largest and most respected international schools in Shanghai, based on verified enrollment numbers, academic results, and curriculum data.

1. Shanghai American School (SAS)

Location: Pudong and Puxi
Students: Around 2,900 from 34 nationalities
Curriculum: American system with AP and IB Diploma options
Highlights: Ranked the top international school in Shanghai by Forbes China (2024)
Founded: 1912

Shanghai American School is one of the oldest and most established international schools in China. It combines a U.S.-style education with an international perspective, offering a wide range of subjects, arts programs, and university counseling. With two large campuses, SAS provides strong academics, advanced facilities, and a focus on community.

Tuition (approx.): ¥260,000–¥340,000 CNY per year

2. Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong

Location: Jinqiao, Pudong
Students: About 1,600 students from more than 40 countries
Curriculum: British National Curriculum, IGCSE, and IB Diploma
Highlights: 2024 IB average of 38.1 points (global average around 30.6) (Official IB Results)
Founded: 2003

Dulwich College Pudong offers a rigorous British curriculum and consistently achieves strong IB Diploma results. The school is part of the Dulwich College International network, known for high academic standards and a focus on both academics and well-being.

Tuition (approx.): ¥274,000–¥399,750 CNY per year

3. Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong (NAIS Pudong)

Location: Kangqiao, Pudong
Students: Over 40 nationalities
Curriculum: British system (Early Years to IGCSE) and IB Diploma
Highlights: 73% of IGCSE grades at A*–A in 2024
Founded: 2002

Part of the global Nord Anglia Education group, NAIS Pudong offers a blend of British and international education. The school emphasizes creativity and innovation, with special programs developed in partnership with MIT and The Juilliard School. Parents often highlight its warm, community-focused environment.

Tuition (approx.): ¥270,000–¥340,000 CNY per year

4. Shanghai Community International School (SCIS)

Locations: Hongqiao and Pudong
Students: Between 1,400 and 1,800 from 60 countries
Curriculum: Full IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, and IB Diploma)
Founded: 1996

SCIS is one of the few schools in Shanghai offering all three IB programs, providing a seamless education from early years through high school. It has a diverse and inclusive community and focuses on developing independent, curious learners.

Tuition (approx.): ¥210,000–¥310,000 CNY per year

5. Concordia International School Shanghai

Location: Pudong
Curriculum: American system with AP courses
Founded: 1998

Concordia International School combines a U.S.-based academic structure with a strong focus on service learning, arts, and student well-being. It is known for its community-oriented environment and high standards in both academics and extracurriculars.

Tuition (approx.): ¥250,000–¥330,000 CNY per year

How to Choose the Right School

1. Start with the curriculum.
American programs (SAS, Concordia) fit best for students aiming for U.S. universities.
British and IB programs (Dulwich, NAIS, SCIS) are more global and widely accepted in Europe and Asia.

2. Visit each campus.
Most schools offer weekly tours. Seeing the facilities and meeting teachers helps parents understand the school culture.

3. Apply early.
Top Shanghai schools often have waiting lists, especially for younger grades.

4. Consider location and commute.
Traffic in Shanghai can be a challenge, so proximity to home is often a deciding factor.

Final Thoughts

Shanghai’s top international schools offer world-class education and global pathways for students. The five schools above stand out for their size, stability, and academic track records.

When choosing, focus on the curriculum that fits your family’s long-term plans, then compare facilities, fees, and community culture.

You can explore full profiles, fee breakdowns, and parent reviews of these and other schools on Smart in Asia’s international school directory.