Introduction
Shanghai Community International School (SCIS) established itself early as a leader for expat families. It is famous for its warm, inclusive vibe. The school is dedicated to a powerful mission. It strives to "develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring learners who contribute positively to their communities.
Because of this focus, SCIS Shanghai China is unique in the city's competitive market. It mixes a rich history with a modern, diverse curriculum. It is more than just a place to study. It is a place to grow. This comprehensive article provides a full review of 13 key areas. It offers the details you need to make the best choice for your family’s future.
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SCIS Shanghai China Overview
Find detail information about SCIS from below.
School History: From Community Needs to a Global Education Network
Shanghai Community International School (SCIS) started with a clear goal. Founded in 1996 by the American International School Foundation, it aimed to serve families working in Shanghai. The first location opened on Hongqiao Road. It quickly became a safe place for expat families.
As the city grew, so did the school. In 2010, the Pudong Campus opened to help families in the Yangtze River Delta. In 2015, the Hongqiao Campus expanded. Today, SCIS runs two main campuses. It has educated over 10,000 students. These graduates now attend top universities around the world. The school remains a key player in international education.
Campuses: Dual-Campus Synergy with Distinct Strengths
SCIS has two prime locations. Both offer unique strengths for families.
- Hongqiao Campus: This is the main campus in Changning District. It is near the Gubei area. It serves younger students from Pre-K to Grade 8. It focuses on personal growth. It has a theater, library, and gym.
- Pudong Campus: This campus is in the Pudong New Area. It opened in 2010. It serves students from Grade 1 to high school. It has advanced facilities like an indoor heated pool and a STEM center.
Both campuses provide excellent sports facilities. They are top choices among international schools in the city.
Curriculum: Full IB Continuum + Personalized Enrichment
SCIS is a full IB School. It follows the International Baccalaureate continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP). It mixes this with US Common Core Standards.
- Primary: Uses inquiry units to foster critical thinking.
- Middle: Focuses on real-world application and service.
- High School: Offers the IB Diploma. Graduates score well above the global average.
The school offers special programs too. The STEAM Innovation Lab works with MIT. The Global Citizenship Program sends students to Kenya and Nepal. This builds global citizenship. The main Language of instruction is English, but students also learn Spanish, French, and Chinese.
Reputation in Shanghai: Academics, Character, and Community Impact
SCIS is well-known in Shanghai. It has a strong reputation for three reasons.
- Academics: In 2023, 98% of students passed the IB DP exam. Graduates get into top schools like Oxford and Columbia.
- Character: The school is a model for moral education. Students help the elderly and organize charity drives.
- Community: SCIS helped start the Shanghai International School Alliance. It shares resources with local public schools.
Community Voices praise the school often. It balances hard work with good values. This makes it a leader in the region.
Tuition and Fees
Here are the details for Tuition & Fees at SCIS. Note that the fee may change in every school year.
All-Inclusive Fee
SCIS uses an "all-inclusive" fee structure. This means one payment covers most daily costs.
- Included: School lunch (for full-day students), door-to-door bus service, one set of uniforms, and school trips.
- Tech: Students in Grades 6-12 receive a MacBook laptop.
Tuition Rates by Campus
Fees differ slightly between the two campuses.
Hongqiao Campus
- Nursery/Preschool (Half-Day): RMB 151,250
- Nursery/Preschool (Full-Day): RMB 199,000
- Kindergarten - Grade 5: RMB 293,500
- Grades 6 - 12: RMB 324,500
Pudong Campus
- Nursery/Preschool (Half-Day): RMB 146,000
- Nursery/Preschool (Full-Day): RMB 192,000
- Kindergarten - Grade 5: RMB 276,750
- Grades 6 - 12: RMB 308,500
Additional Fees
There are a few extra costs for new and returning families.
- Application Fee: RMB 2,750 (Non-refundable).
- Capital Fee: RMB 22,500 for the first year. It is RMB 5,000 for each year after that.
- Seat Guarantee: RMB 20,000. This holds your spot and goes toward tuition.
- EAL Fee: RMB 15,000 (One-time fee for English support if needed).
Discounts
Families can save money by paying early.
- Early Payment: Generally, SCIS offers a discount to those who pay the full year fee. You can get a 5% discount if you pay the full year in a given schedule.
Compared to other top schools, these tuition fees offer good value. The price includes school books, but school uniform costs are separate.
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Admission Requirements: Flexible Assessment with a Focus on Potential
SCIS welcomes Prospective Families from all over. There are no nationality limits, but priority goes to foreign residents.
Application Rounds
SCIS reviews applications all year long. However, since space fills up fast, it is best to apply by these dates:
- Round 1: Apply by January 27.
- Round 2: Apply by March 31.
- Rolling Admissions: Starts April 1. Decisions are made as seats open up.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
Because of local rules, SCIS can only accept students who fit one of these groups:
- Type A: Children of foreign citizens.
- Type B: Children of Chinese citizens who were born abroad or in Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan.
- Type C: Children of residents from Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan.
How They Decide
An Admissions Committee reviews every student. They look at:
- English skills.
- School grades.
- Social and emotional growth.
Priority goes to returning students, overseas applicants, and siblings of current students.
Grade-Level Rules
- Early Childhood: Kids must be toilet-trained (except Nursery). A campus tour is required.
- Lower School (Grades 1-5): Basic English is good to have. You must submit past school reports.
- Upper School (Grades 6-12): Students need a certain level of English. For Grades 11-12, they must be fluent.
Students are placed in grades based on their age by September 30.
Wait Pool and Bus Service
- Wait Pool: If a grade is full, students go into a pool. They are chosen based on fit, not just when they applied.
- Bus Service: The school offers free door-to-door bus rides. You must apply by July 1 for the Fall semester or December 1 for the Spring.
The Head of school ensures the process is fair. There is an application fee to start the process.
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Visa Support for International Students: One-Stop Assistance
Moving to a new country is hard. SCIS makes it easier. They provide full visa support.
- Documents: They help with China's JW202 form and admission letters.
- Proof: Families need to show passports and financial proof.
- Processing: Staff assist with embassy appointments.
Students with an X1 visa get help applying for a residence permit in Shanghai. This service is a huge help for international families. It ensures a smooth start to life in China.
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Boarding Facilities: Currently Unavailable; Nearby Accommodation Recommendations
SCIS does not have on-campus Boarding facilities. However, they help families find homes.
- Partners: The school works with apartments like Gubei Central Park. Families get special discounts.
- Bus: School buses cover key areas like Lujiazui. Travel times are usually under 40 minutes.
This support helps families settle in quickly. They can enjoy Shanghai's culture while living near the school.
Scholarship Opportunities: Rewarding Excellence and Diversity
SCIS rewards hard work. There are four types of scholarships.
- Academic: Up to 50% off for top grades.
- Arts/Athletics: Up to 30% off for talent in sports or music.
- Service: Up to 20% off for volunteer work.
Students must show proof of their skills. This might be a portfolio or a report on service hours. These awards encourage students to excel in extracurricular activities and classwork.
Affiliations and Accreditations: Global Authority Endorsements
SCIS holds top approvals. It is fully authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization.
- WASC: Approved by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
- CIS: Accredited by the Council of International Schools.
- Local: Approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education.
These stamps of approval mean the school meets high standards. Faculty members and teaching staff work hard to keep this status.
Student Awards: SCIS Shines on the Global Stage
Students at SCIS win big awards.
- Science: Students won First Prizes in a national physics contest. Others scored in the top 1% of the AMC 10 math test.
- Arts: Students won gold medals for painting and piano.
- Sports: The football team won the league championship.
These wins show the strength of the school. Students shine in After School Activities and in the classroom.
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Upcoming Admissions Update: Steady Growth Amid High Demand
SCIS is very popular. In 2024, applications went up by 15%. The school admitted 320 students. The acceptance rate was about 26%.
- IB Class: The Diploma class is full. It has students from 20 countries.
- New Class: A Global Young Leaders Class opened for Grade 9.
- Graduates: Students got early offers from Oxford and NYU.
This shows steady growth. Families trust SCIS for a great education.
FAQ
What Makes SCIS Unique: Inclusivity, Connection, and Community Coexistence
SCIS stands out because of its Diverse Community. Students come from over 60 countries. The school forbids discrimination. It hosts festivals like Diwali to celebrate this mix.
The school builds deep Community Connections. The PTA helps design events and classes. Teachers send weekly feedback to parents. This is better than most schools.
Students also get real-world chances. They work with groups like Tesla and Disney. This provides a rich educational experience. SCIS aims to create caring learners who are ready for the world.
How many students attend the school?
SCIS is one of the biggest international schools in Shanghai. There are about 1,500 students across its two campuses. Even though it is large, the school feels like a close family. Students, parents, and teachers create a warm and welcoming home for everyone.
What are the average class sizes and ratios?
The school keeps classes small to ensure every child gets attention.
- Early Childhood: 14 to 18 students per class (Ratio 1:7).
- Lower School: 18 to 20 students per class (Ratio 1:12).
- Upper School: 20 to 22 students per class (Ratio 1:14).
What are the School Hours?
The schedule changes slightly based on the campus and grade.
Hongqiao Campus
- Full Day: 8:20 AM – 3:00 PM.
- Half Day: 8:20 AM – 12:00 PM (Only for Nursery and Preschool).
Pudong Campus:
- Full Day: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
- Half Day: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Optional for Nursery and Preschool).
Are all subjects taught in English?
Yes, classes are taught in English. English is the primary language for all subjects, except for specific language classes like French, Spanish, or Mandarin. The school has a strong support program for students learning English. This creates a full English environment for a student body that represents over 54 nations and 35 different languages.
Conclusion
Since opening in 1996, the school has grown from a small local project into a world-class leader. Today, SCIS Shanghai China remains true to its core mission. It aims to nurture kind, globally minded citizens. The school offers a diverse curriculum mixed with a warm, inclusive culture.
This is more than just a place to learn. It is a vibrant platform where students explore new ideas and thrive. For families seeking a perfect balance of academic rigor and genuine care, this school is an exceptional choice for a bright future.
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