Hangzhou has become super popular for international education. The city mixes old Chinese traditions with new modern ideas. This makes it perfect for families from around the world!
International schools are everywhere in Hangzhou now! You can find them in all the big areas of the city. Kids can study from kindergarten to Grade 12. There are so many curriculum choices, too! Schools offer IB, A-Level, AP, and other international programs. Each private school has something special to offer your family.
The city used to focus on building more schools. Now they care about making schools good! Moreover, International schools in Hangzhou show academic excellence. If you are planning to admit your kid in one of the Hungzhou international schools, continue reading this guide.
Want to explore? Alifa Edtech helps expat parents choose the right school for their kid in China. Let’s make it easy. Book your free consultation now!
Why Should You Choose Hangzhou's International Schools for Your Kid?
Are you looking for a great school in Hangzhou?
Here are why international schools in Hangzhou are excellent for your child!
Curriculum Diversity
Hangzhou International Schools has so many fun programs! Your child can try IB, A-Level, or AP classes. There are Canadian programs, too. Kids also learn the Chinese National Curriculum. They study foreign languages every day. International programs get students ready for Grade 12. Private school students can choose what they love most!
Experienced teachers Ensure Academic Excellence
Teachers in these schools help kids reach academic excellence. Your child will become a responsible learner. They learn to think and solve big problems. Most students do well on exams!
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Outstanding Facilities
These schools have brand-new buildings. Kids use cool science labs every day. There are huge sports fields and swimming pools. Modern amenities make learning super fun. Libraries have thousands of exciting books. Music rooms have pianos and drums. Support facilities help every child succeed.
International Community
Many friendly foreign teachers work in Hangzhou international schools. More than half come from different countries. Your child will learn about Chinese culture daily. The language of instruction is primarily English. Some fun classes are in Chinese, too. You need passport requirements for some schools. Alifa Edtech can help with visa purposes. Co-curricular activities are so much fun! Schedule a Tour and see everything.
How to Choose the International Schools in Hangzhou
Need help picking the best school?
Don't worry! We will help you choose the perfect international school for your child!
Set Clear Goals
First, consider where your child wants to study later!
Do they want to go to America? Choose AP or IB programs at Hangzhou International School. Do they like England?
Pick A-level classes instead. Foreign languages help, too. Chinese National Curriculum is good for some kids. International programs prepare students for Grade 12.
Talk to Alifa Edtech for help to choose the correct school. Private school options give you more choices!
Visit in Person
See the school with your own eyes! Schedule a Tour and walk around the campus. Look at how many kids are in each class. Ask other parents what they think about the school.
Check if co-curricular activities match what your child loves. See the support facilities and modern amenities. Watch how teachers help responsible learners. Don't just pick schools because they are famous!
Budget Wisely
Schools cost different amounts of money each year. Yearly fees can be ¥150,000 to ¥300,000 in Hangzhou. Some private schools cost more if you have foreign passport requirements. Language of instruction affects the price, too.
Academic excellence costs money, but it's worth it. Plan your budget before you choose. Ask about extra costs for books and trips.
Prepare Early
Start looking for schools early! Good schools fill up fast with students. Your child needs to take tests in English and Math. The tests get harder every year now.
Help your child study Chinese culture topics. Check visa purposes and passport requirements early. Some schools need special paperwork. Don't wait until the last minute to apply!
Top 5 International Schools in Hangzhou
Want to know the best international schools in Hangzhou?
Here are our top 5 picks for your kid!
1. Hangzhou International School (HIS)
This is the first international school in Zhejiang! Hangzhou International School started in 2002. It's a private school for kids with foreign passports only. Over 900 students from 50 countries study here!
The school is in Binjiang District on Xiangbin Road. They have a vast new campus at Bai Ma Lake, too. It cost 800 million yuan to build! The campus has 70 acres of space. Kids need passport requirements to join this school. This helps with visa purposes later.
Key Features
- Full IB programs from kindergarten to Grade 12
- Teachers from 25 countries with master's degrees
- Chinese culture classes are required for everyone
- Modern amenities include labs and swimming pools
- Outstanding academic excellence
2. Olive Tree International Academy, BFSU
This Private school opened in 2017 in Linping New District! Around 1,000 students study here from Grade 1 to Grade 12. The school is near Yuhang High-Speed Railway Station. It's easy to get there by train!
Beijing Foreign Studies University helps run this school. Students learn international programs like IB and AP. In 2023, two students got into Cambridge University! 90% of students went to the top 55 universities in America. Foreign languages are essential here.
Key Features
- A-Level, AP, IB, and arts programs available
- East-West teaching mixes Chinese and Western methods
- Multilingual focus helps with university applications
- On-campus canoeing arena for sports and fun
- Support facility includes certified Cambridge examiners
3. Wycombe Abbey School Hangzhou
This beautiful school opened in 2021 near Xianv Lake! The campus covers 200 acres in Xiaoshan District. It can hold 1,500 students from kindergarten to high school. 960 students can live at the school too! The school is part of a famous group from England. They have sister schools in other Chinese cities.
The Language of instruction in both English and Chinese. The buildings are modern but look very pretty.
Alifa Edtech helps families choose the right programs.
Key Features
- Chinese National Curriculum plus international subjects
- British-style boarding develops independence and leadership
- IGCSE and A-Level programs for high school
- Premier facilities include theatre and swimming pool
- Responsible learners through arts, science, and sports
4. Wellington College International Hangzhou
This British school opened in 2018 in Xiaoshan Science City. The school is for kids aged 2 to 18 years old. Only students with foreign passports can join. The campus looks like schools in England! It has beautiful Victorian-style buildings. Students get a world-class education here.
Inspiring moment: Elena at Wellington College Hangzhou, achieving top university offers abroad.
Teachers keep class sizes small for better learning. Co-curricular activities are amazing at this school. You can Schedule a Tour to see everything!
Key Features
- UK National Curriculum and IPC for primary
- IGCSE and A-Level for high school students
- 1:9 teacher-student ratio for personal attention
- Olympic-level pool and 560-seat theatre available
- Elite British education with holistic development focus
5. Wahaha Bilingual School Hangzhou
This school is perfect for younger kids! It's in Shangcheng District on Yaojiang Road. Students can study from Grade 1 to Grade 9 only. Each grade has just two classes! Every class has a maximum of 22 students. This means teachers can help each child more.
The school uses IB programs for everything. Students must learn both English and Chinese every day. Foreign languages are super important here. Yearly fees are reasonable for families.
Key Features
- IB-PYP for grades 1-5, IB-MYP for 6-9
- Maximum 22 students per class for personal attention
- 1:1 Chinese and foreign teacher ratio
- Cognia accredited (only two schools in Hangzhou)
- Cross-cultural focus with mandatory Mandarin classes
Expat International Schools vs International Curriculum Program in Private Schools u
Are you confused about different types of international schools? Let's learn about private schools and their special programs together!
Students
Expat International Schools
These schools are for expat kids only. Most students have foreign passports. You’ll hear many languages. It feels like home for global families. Kids feel they belong.
International Curriculum Program in Private Schools
Here, both Chinese and expat kids learn together. It's a mix of local and global. Great for cultural sharing. Your child will meet many friends from China.
Curriculum
Expat International Schools
They follow global programs like IB or British. No surprises in learning style. Easy switch if you move. It's steady and smooth for travelling families.
International Curriculum Program in Private Schools
It blends Chinese and global studies. Some local rules apply. Still, kids get international learning. A nice mix, but not fully global.
Language of Instruction
Expat International Schools
English is the main language. Some offer other foreign languages too. Teachers speak fluent English. Great for native English speakers.
International Curriculum Program in Private Schools
It’s bilingual—English and Mandarin. Kids learn both well. Helpful for families staying long in China. Strong in language skills.
Cultural Environment
Expat International Schools
You’ll feel the global vibe. Cultures mix with respect. Celebrations from all over the world. It’s lively and open-minded.
International Curriculum Program in Private Schools
It’s a mix of East and West. Chinese and foreign ideas blend. Kids learn both ways of life. A balance of tradition and modern.
Admission Restrictions
Expat International Schools
Only foreign passport holders are allowed. Chinese citizens cannot join. Strict rules from the government. Limited, but clear.
International Curriculum Program in Private Schools
Open to everyone. Chinese and foreign families are welcome. Easier entry for many. Great if you want diversity.
Transition for Expats
Expat International Schools
Easy move between countries. Same books, same lessons. Feels familiar. Less stress for kids and parents.
International Curriculum Program in Private Schools
Pretty smooth, but a bit local. Some topics feel new. Still, teachers help a lot. Kids catch up fast.
Cost
Expat International Schools
They cost a lot. Top facilities and staff. Many extras included. You pay for the full experience.
International Curriculum Program in Private Schools
Also expensive, but a bit less. Still high quality. Value for money if you’re staying long. Fewer extras, though.
Facilities
Expat International Schools
Big campuses. Fancy labs, pools, and gyms. Everything feels international. Kids love space and tools.
International Curriculum Program in Private Schools
Facilities are good, but not always fancy. Depends on the school. Still safe, clean, and fun. Enough for great learning.
Conclusion
International schools in Hangzhou will be outstanding for your kid. From Hangzhou International School to Wahaha Bilingual School, each school offers something special.
Your child will learn foreign languages and Chinese culture together. They'll become responsible learners with academic excellence. Modern amenities and Support facilities help every student succeed.
Ready to start? Alifa Edtech can help you choose the perfect international programs. Your child's bright future begins here in Hangzhou! Book a Consultation today!
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