1. About the School

What is the total number of students at SHSID?

3500+

How many different nationalities are represented at SHSID?

40+

What is the educational philosophy of SHSID, and what are its core educational values?

SHSID embraces the educational philosophy of "Drawing upon the finest of advanced human education, absorbing the essence of world cultures, imparting the achievements of contemporary science and technology, and nurturing talents for the 21st century." The school positions itself with the guiding principle of "Respecting the international landscape while upholding Chinese characteristics."

At the primary and middle school levels, the goal is to cultivate students as independent, self-motivated learners and responsible global citizens. At the high school level, the school supports every student's personalized and lifelong development through a holistic education framework and internationally rigorous academic programs.

The school is committed to empowering students' lifelong development across four dimensions: Character and Values, Knowledge and Skills, Practice and Innovation, and Arts and Wellness, with the ultimate aim of nurturing the students into global citizens with a good understanding of China.

What is the teaching approach of SHSID?

Rooted in our school mission to cultivate lifelong learners with global awareness, our teaching approach is student-centered and differentiated to meet individual needs. Subject content serves as the vehicle for developing core disciplinary competencies, while interdisciplinary learning—both within and beyond the classroom—promotes deeper understanding and transferable skills. Teachers employ a variety of instructional methods to engage all learners. Outside the classroom, diverse educational activities further foster holistic development, including leadership, collaboration, and critical thinking. Together, these elements prepare students to thrive academically and globally.

2. Languages

Are the teachers native speakers of the language in which they instruct students?

We have native English teachers from English-speaking nations, alongside Chinese teachers who speak fluent English and Mandarin.

For students who are not fluent in the language of instruction, does SHSID offer extra classes for that language?

No, we currently do not offer ESL (English as a second language) courses. Applicants must pass an admissions assessment and demonstrate a required level of English proficiency before enrollment.

What additional language classes does SHSID offer? (Other than English)

Chinese, Spanish, French, Japanese, German, and Latin.

3. Classrooms

What is the average number of students in each classroom?

Class sizes vary. The minimum class size is 5 students, while the maximum class size is 26.

How does SHSID use technology in classrooms?

SHSID integrates technology seamlessly into daily instruction in various innovative ways.

First, we have rich digital resources and hardware, including smart blackboards, recording studios, an e-library, visual teaching tools, and a glasses-free 3D resource library, which make learning more interactive and immersive.

Second, we have fully equipped science facilities—over a hundred bio-based and engineering labs, such as Fab-labs and maker spaces—where students can engage in hands-on projects and creative problem-solving.

Moreover, as a Shanghai AI education experimental school, we are a pioneer in AI education. Teachers here adeptly utilize subject-specific software, custom-built teaching platforms, and AI tools to personalize learning, support data-driven instruction, and address complex learning objectives.

In short, technology at SHSID enhances both teaching and learning, from virtual resources to real-world labs and artificial intelligence, ultimately boosting both classroom engagement and comprehension.

4. Academics

What external examinations or assessments do SHSID students take? 

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) exams, Advanced Placement (AP) exams, or Oxford AQA International AS & A Level exams.

What are the student results in these examinations?

IB Diploma:

Taking 2025 Exam session as an example. All 76 candidates successfully earned the IB diploma, with 77% receiving the prestigious bilingual diploma. (Global average for bilingual diplomas: 27.3%)  41% of IBDP candidates achieved a full score (3 points) in the core courses. (Global average: 11.7%).

More than 80% of SHSID IBDP students scored above 40 out of a maximum of 45 points, far surpassing the global average of 9.3%. Notably, two students achieved a perfect score of 45. The IB total average once again exceeded 41 points in 2025. Notably, SHSID has sustained this achievement for 15 consecutive years since 2011.

AP Courses (Grades 10–12)：

Taking 2025 Exam session as an example. Following the shift to digital exams, SHSID successfully conducted large-scale online testing with a 100% completion rate. In May 2025, 403 students from Grades 10 to 12 took a total of 1,138 AP exams at the SHSID test center. AP courses offered at SHSID include AP English Language, AP English Literature, AP World History, as well as AP Music, Art, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, and more, with an outstanding overall average score of 4.8 out of 5.

What is the suggested amount of time that students need to complete their homework?

It varies depending on the specific academic program/course load and individual study habits.

What percentage of your students attend a higher educational institution after graduating from SHSID?

Over 99%. Taking the Class of 2026 as an example, students' university matriculation choices reflect distinct characteristics of globalization and personalization. All 204 graduates applied to universities across 25 countries and regions. Approximately 116 students identified the United States as their primary destination; about 86 students focused on the United Kingdom, Canada, South Korea, Europe, or Australia; meanwhile, several students chose to pursue further studies in Chinese mainland. As for Class of 2026, more than 110 are expected to enroll in U.S. universities. By comparison, 125 of 207 graduates from the previous cohort ultimately enrolled.

5. Student Support

Does SHSID have specialized staff or specialized programs to support children with special learning needs?

Yes, SHSID has a dedicated learning support team consisting of homeroom teachers, grade heads, department heads, counselors, and academic coordinators. 

Our learning support system addresses different levels of student needs. For all students, we offer differentiated instruction, flexible grouping, varied assessments, and positive behavior support. For those who need extra help, we provide small-group instruction and foundational skills support. For students with formal documentation, we further develop individualized education plans for them.

How does SHSID support gifted and talented students?

We offer different types of courses to meet the needs of students with varying requirements. We provide enrichment and extension opportunities for gifted and talented students, including advanced coursework, independent research projects, mentorship programs, flexible scheduling, and flexible grouping. These allow students to pursue deeper learning and challenge themselves beyond the standard curriculum.

Are students provided access to an educational psychologist?

Yes, students have access to a professional educational psychologist and can schedule one-to-one appointments in a confidential space to discuss academic, social, emotional, or personal concerns.

We also have licensed professional psychiatrists who have prescribing rights and certified mental health teachers. To support our school community, our psychiatrists also provide mental health education resources for homeroom teachers and offer optional courses and clubs for students to choose.

Additionally, we actively collaborate with external experts and organizations, regularly conducting workshops for students, teachers, and parents to promote well-being and social-emotional development. When a student requires more in-depth educational psychological assessment or intervention, we also help connect them with reliable external resources.

From the perspective of parents, the curriculum and extracurricular offerings at SHSID seem to emphasize a fusion of Chinese and Western approaches. Under the combined influence of both cultures, what is the effect of this kind of education?

SHSID is an international school for children of expatriate personnel that integrates Chinese and Western education, offering an inclusive education model with 100% progression from Grade 1 to Grade 12 without extra examinations. Through the comprehensive cultivation provided by a multicultural background, internationally standardized curricula, and distinctive Chinese culture courses, the school is able to leverage the strengths of Eastern education—which places greater emphasis on discipline, reception, comprehension, and training—while also incorporating the characteristics of Western education, which emphasizes interaction, questioning, discussion, and collaboration. As a result, children develop both an international perspective and a strong identification with Chinese culture, along with cross-cultural understanding and communication skills, as well as global competitiveness grounded in local roots. Within a bilingual teaching and learning environment, supported by nearly 800 optional courses, tiered and differentiated instruction, project-based learning, and scientific research and innovation programs, the school also ensures the personalized development of each student and the cultivation of their lifelong learning abilities.

6. Admissions

Does SHSID perform an evaluation (such as entry exams, assessments or screenings) before enrolling new students? If so, what does the evaluation include? 

Yes.The evaluation includes Chinese, English, and Mathematics (both written and oral). Applicants for Grade 10 and above will also need to take written and oral exams in Physics and Chemistry. The physics and chemistry assessments conducted during the admission process are used solely to evaluate students' current academic proficiency and will not serve as a primary criterion for admission. Upon admission to our high school, students shall select a required number of experimental science courses to fulfill credit requirements.

Is there a waiting list to attend SHSID?

Yes.

What is the deadline for application in a new academic cycle?

New Grade 1 (Fall): March

Transfer Students (Fall): June

Transfer Students (Spring): October

Please find more updated details in the "Entrance Activity Notice" section.

Does SHSID allow students to join an academic year that has already started?

No.

7. School Day

Does SHSID provide supervised care to students before or after the school day?

No.

Are lunches offered at SHSID?

Yes.

Does SHSID offer alternative food items for students with special diets (ie. vegan, halal etc.)

Yes.

Are students required to wear school uniform?

No.

8. Extracurricular Activities

What extracurricular activities or clubs does SHSID offer?

The Middle and Primary school has 167+ clubs covering sports, hobbies, academics, competitions, music, service learning, science and innovation. The high school has 174+ student clubs covering charity & service, academics, sports, competitions, hobbies and arts.

What physical activities and sports are included in the school curriculum?

Tennis, swimming, basketball, football, badminton, table tennis, volleyball, baseball, Taekwondo, Karate, Kendo, Darts, Laser shooting, Golf, Curling, etc.

Does SHSID have sports teams or sport competitions for your students to participate in?

Yes. SHSID aims to provide an international, diverse, and personalized curriculum platform for developing students' athletic abilities, healthy behaviors, and sportsmanship. Currently, the school's sports curriculum and athletic teams include over 20 sports and 39 teams, such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, tennis, baseball and softball, track and field, swimming, darts, fencing, taekwondo, karate, gymnastics, cheerleading, squash, laser shooting, figure skating, golf, orienteering, curling, sports games, and mixed fitness. The goal is to offer a wide range of athletic development options and broaden students' sports horizons. Many teams have achieved excellent results in city, national, or international competitions.