Nanjing International School (NIS) is China's first and oldest international school. It started in 1992 and now welcomes students from many countries.
The school is special because it offers the full IB program, which helps children learn from early years to high school. NIS has modern classrooms, safe spaces, and teachers worldwide. Families trust the school because it gives strong learning, care, and global skills.
This school overview shares NIS's history, study plans, teachers, campus, and student life.
Nanjing International School Overview
Nanjing International School is well-known for kids' growth with their different programmes. Here we shared detailed information about this great school.
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Founding and Early Years
Nanjing International School started in 1992. It was made because more families from other countries came to Nanjing.
At first, the school was very small. Later, it grew bigger and became known as a strong place for learning.
In 1996, it was formally registered as Nanjing International School. In 2022, the school celebrated 30 years of teaching students from many countries.
Development and Growth
The school grew from a few students to more than 600 today. Children from over 35 countries study here.
In 2004, the school moved to a new campus in Xuanlin University Town. The campus is modern and large. It gives space for students to learn, play, and explore.
Key Accreditations and Reputation
Nanjing International School is the first in China to offer the full IB program. This includes the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and the Diploma Programme.
The Chinese Ministry of Education also approves the school. It has accreditations from the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Parents trust the school because it meets world-class standards.
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Curriculum
Nanjing International School only follows the full IB programme. This makes learning smooth from the early years to high school. The three parts are:
- Primary Years Programme (PYP): From kindergarten to Grade 5. It helps young children ask questions and explore ideas.
- Middle Years Programme (MYP): From Grades 6 to 10. It mixes study with real-life skills.
- Diploma Programme (DP): For Grades 11 and 12. It prepares students for university by conducting deep research and projects.
The school also values student voice and student choice. Children can share ideas, pick topics, and participate in school planning.
Teachers keep student portfolios so families can see how learning grows over time. The school also uses digital transformation in learning. Laptops, smart tools, and online platforms help students prepare for the future.
Faculty and Facilities
Teachers at Nanjing International School come from many countries. Most teachers have long experience in international education.
- The school keeps small groups, with a Teacher-Student Ratio of about 1:7.
This means children get close support from their teachers. The max class size is small to help every child learn well. Teachers know each student’s strengths and guide them with care.
The campus is large and modern, covering more than 80,000 square meters. It has science labs, art studios, music rooms, and over 100 classrooms.
The sports areas include a FIFA-standard football field, swimming pool, and gym courts. There is also a big theater for plays and music shows.
The school library and digital labs support research and reading. The campus is safe, bright, and inspiring with green design and high technology.
Admission Policy
Nanjing International School mainly serves children of foreign families in Jiangsu Province. Admission is open throughout the year. Families send forms, school records, and identity papers. Some children may also take a language test.
The process is simple:
- Apply online or in person.
- Take an interview or assessment if needed.
- Receive the result and confirm enrollment.
The school checks if students can benefit from the IB programme. Max class size rules are also followed, so spaces are limited. Priority is often given to international families.
Tuition Fees
As a non-profit school, all money from tuition goes back to students and learning. For the 2025–2026 year, fees are:
- Pre-K / K1 / K2: around RMB 252,716 or $35,500
- Grades 1–5: RMB 252,716 or $35,500
- Grades 6–8: RMB 256,952 or $36,050
- Grades 9–10: about RMB 260,000 or $36,500
- Grades 11–12: RMB 268,956 or $37,800
There are also costs for buses and optional activities. Tuition supports high-quality teachers, modern tools, and safe facilities. The school balances cost with value, always focusing on what is best for the school community.
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Student Community
The school community is very diverse. More than 600 students come from over 35 countries.
Each student is respected and included. The school promotes justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Children learn about different cultures and share traditions with friends.
The school believes in student voice. This means students can join meetings, give feedback, and take part in projects. Student choice is also essential. Children can choose subjects, join clubs, and try new experiences.
Teachers also keep student portfolios, showing progress in reading, writing, maths, and personal goals. Small groups and respect for the max class size make every child feel seen and supported.
Extracurricular Activities
Nanjing International School gives many options beyond the classroom. Sports teams include football, basketball, swimming, and more.
Art, drama, music, and dance programmes help children be creative. Leadership clubs like Model United Nations (MUN) and debate groups grow confidence.
The school also supports service learning. Students join community work and cultural events. International festivals bring families together. The school listens to Student Voice in all activities and gives room for Student Choice.
Groups are kept small, respecting the max class size. This helps teachers guide each student fairly.
Activities focusing on balance, fun, and growth help children feel part of a strong school community.
Should You Admit Your Kid to Nanjing International School?
Nanjing International School gives safe learning, small groups, and modern tools. It builds skills for life and supports every child.
A Trusted, Accredited Education
Nanjing International School is the oldest in Nanjing. It is the first IB Continuum School in China. Children can join the Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes.
Top education groups fully approve the school. With strong study plans, small class sizes, and respect for the max class size, kids prepare for top universities and future goals.
A Safe, Modern Campus
The campus is big and safe, with over 70,000 square meters of space. It has a football field, swimming pool, and theater. Children learn in bright rooms built with care for the earth.
The school also adds digital transformation tools to daily study. This means laptops, online tools, and smart boards help children grow skills for today and tomorrow in a secure place.
Diverse and Inclusive Community
More than 30 nationalities join the school community, with teachers from 22 countries. Children meet friends from many cultures. The school listens to Student Voice and Student Choice, so children feel respected.
Learning is not only in books. It also involves sharing ideas, building respect, and trying new experiences. With care for Max Class Size, every child feels seen and welcomed.
Support for Every Learner
The school helps both English speakers and new learners. Teachers give ESL support and keep a small class size for close care. Activities like Discover China and language classes in Mandarin and German grow global skills.
Student portfolios show progress, while digital transformation helps children use modern tools for study. With low numbers under the max class size, every child gets the needed help.
Active Parent Involvement
Parents are part of the journey too. They can join events like the Japanese Weekend School or the parent-run Korean School. Families help shape the school culture.
The award-winning Student Voice and Student Choice plan lets children share their ideas. Parents and kids work with teachers in a safe, caring school community, where respect, growth, and teamwork are always at the center.
Summing Up
Nanjing International School (NIS) gives children safe learning, global friends, and strong skills for the future.
With caring teachers and small groups, every child gets support. Parents who want the best start for their kids should take the next step.
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