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International Schools
Shanghai and Beijing have extensive networks of international schools offering IB, AP, British, and other Western curricula. The top schools are genuinely world-class, with excellent facilities, small class sizes, and strong university placement records. Competition for places is high — apply 6–12 months in advance.
- Shanghai: Shanghai American School, Concordia International, Dulwich College Shanghai, YCIS (Yew Chung), British International School, Shanghai Community International School (SCIS)
- Beijing: International School of Beijing (ISB), Western Academy of Beijing (WAB), Dulwich College Beijing, Beijing City International School (BCIS), Harrow Beijing, British School of Beijing
- Tuition ranges: Kindergarten ¥100,000–180,000/year ($13,800–$24,900); Primary ¥150,000–250,000 ($20,700–$34,500); Secondary ¥200,000–300,000+ ($27,600–$41,400+)
- Additional fees: application ¥2,000–5,000, capital/development levy ¥15,000–25,000 (one-time), school bus ¥8,000–20,000/year, extracurriculars ¥5,000–30,000/year
- Most international schools require students to hold a foreign passport — Chinese nationals generally cannot attend purely international schools
- Apply early: top schools have waiting lists; begin the application process 6–12 months before your planned start date; many schools require entrance assessments