Introduction
Choosing the right school for your child is a big decision. Shanghai High School International Department (SHSID) is one of China's top international schools. It started in 1993 with 18 students. Today, over 3,500 students from more than 60 countries study here.
SHSID runs five campuses across Shanghai. The Xuhui Campus is the main hub. It offers grades 1–12. Four other campuses serve different districts. They are Fengxian, Zhangjiang, Lingang, and Hongkou. Each campus maintains high standards.
The school became an IB World School in 1995. It has COGNIA accreditation. It is also a member of the Council of International Schools. These prove SHSID's quality.
Admissions can feel overwhelming. Curriculum choices may confuse you. Planning for costs takes careful thought. ALIFA Education Services guides families through each step. We focus on what matters most: your child's needs and your family's goals.
Ready to see if SHSID is the right fit? Book a free consultation today and get expert help.
Overview of SHSID
Mission and Educational Philosophy
SHSID wants to "develop independent learners and responsible global citizens." This mission guides everything at the school. The curriculum mixes hard academics with character building. Students develop clear thinking skills. They solve problems. They work with people from other cultures.
The school teaches grades 1 through 12. Classes are small. This means each student gets personal attention. Teachers use modern technology. They use methods that engage students.
Campus Network
The Xuhui Campus is at 989 Baise Road. This is the main campus. It has all programmes. These include the IB Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement courses. You can reach it by Metro Line 1 or Line 3. School buses cover areas within 13 kilometres.
The Fengxian Campus is at 1800 Jinqian Road. It opens in September 2025. This is a boarding school. It will teach grades 1-8. Phase 1 covers 64,590 square metres. Students live in modern dorms. Each room has a private bathroom.
The Zhangjiang Campus focuses on primary grades in Pudong. It is at 38 Huoxiang Road. This is near Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park. It serves grades 1–5. The location creates partnerships with tech companies.
The Lingang Campus opened in 2023. It started with grades 1–2. Each year it adds one grade. It will reach grade 5. This campus focuses on STEM education and new ideas.
The Hongkou Campus started in 2023. It began with grades 1 and 6. It will grow to grade 8. Small classes define this campus. Learning is personal.
Admissions Process for Parents
Application Requirements
SHSID takes international students. This includes those from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. You need to submit documents. Your child will take tests.
You need these documents:
- Birth certificate and passport
- School records from the past two years
- Vaccination records
- Proof of English skills (CEFR B1 or higher for grades 6–11)
High school students need test scores. TOEFL 80+ works. So does IELTS 6.0+. SSAT 2000+ also works. These show English readiness.
Assessment Process
Young students in grades 1-5 do classroom activities. Teachers watch them play and learn. Older students take maths and English tests. All students have interviews. School staff lead these talks.
The interview checks thinking skills. It also checks how well students adapt to new cultures. Help your child prepare. They should talk about what they like. They should share their strengths and goals.
Application Timeline
Spring intake opens in October. Fall enrollment closes in March. Getting in is hard. About 15% of students get accepted. Apply early. This helps your chances.
Visa Requirements
International students need several documents for their Visa. You will need these:
- Admission letter from SHSID
- Guar
- dian's passport and residence permit
- Student's passport
- Medical examination report
- Financial guarantee (about RMB 150,000 for yearly living costs)
SHSID helps you get the Foreign Student Visa Application Form (JW202). With this form, students apply for an X1 visa. Go to your home country's embassy or consulate. After you arrive in China, you have 30 days to act. You must get a long-term residence permit. Visit the Exit-Entry Administration office. This permit renews until high school ends.
Start this process six months before school begins. SHSID has visa advisors. They guide you through each step.
Curriculum and Academic Programmes
International Baccalaureate Programme
SHSID offers the full IB framework. Young students do the Primary Years Programme (PYP). The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is for grades 6-8. It builds critical thinking. The IB Diploma Programme (IB DP) prepares grades 11-12 for college.
In 2023, all IB DP students earned full diplomas. That's 100%. The programme needs six subjects. Students also do Theory of Knowledge. They write an extended essay. They complete creativity, activity, and service work.
To learn more about the services offered by Alifa Education, please visit our dedicated page. Whether you are a guardian, affiliated with an international or bilingual school in China, or a study abroad education agency, Alifa Edtech offers services tailored to your unique needs. Please visit our page to learn more about our offerings.
Advanced Placement Courses
The school has over 20 AP courses. The College Board helped create them. Popular subjects are English, maths, science, and social studies. Students can earn college credit. They can show colleges that they work hard.
A-Level Program
SHSID offers Cambridge International Examinations A-Level courses. Subjects include maths, physics, and economics. This British path leads to top colleges worldwide.
Special Programs
Students work with Harvard, Oxford, and other top schools. The school runs Global Classrooms. Students do research with the Shanghai Museum. STEM, humanities, and social science projects teach many skills at once.
Students can learn French or Spanish. These second languages help them talk to more people. All classes teach Chinese culture along with world topics.
Academic Support
The school offers tutoring and language help. Counselors are ready to talk. The Media Centre has advanced equipment for projects. Science labs include spaces for molecular biology and environmental science. They support product development. Wet labs have mass spectrometry and UV spectroscopy. They also have gas chromatography and atomic absorption spectroscopy.
Campus Facilities and Daily Life
Academic Facilities
Classrooms have interactive smart whiteboards. High-speed Wi-Fi reaches all areas. The School Information System lets students learn online. They can manage their own work. Libraries hold over 200,000 books. Digital resources are also available.
Special spaces help students learn by doing. The Fabrication Lab has 3D printing. It has robotics equipment too. The Financial Investments Research Lab teaches real-world skills. Innovation labs help creativity grow. They help students solve problems.
Arts and Performance
The Art Centre and Music and Drama Centre have professional tools. An 800-seat theatre hosts shows all year. Students use practice rooms and recording studios. They have exhibition spaces. The multimedia center has gear for broadcasting and film work.
Athletic Facilities
Physical education programmes use many sports spaces. Campuses have running tracks and football fields. They have tennis courts, gyms, and swimming pools. The Fengxian Campus will have a 50-meter pool. It will have basketball courts and a climbing wall.
Teams compete in local and international arenas. The Sports Meet brings everyone together each year. Students can join clubs for different sports and fitness.
Help us match families with top schools in China. Take our 1-minute survey to share what matters most.
Extracurricular Activities
Over 100 clubs run at school. Students create these based on what they like. The clubs cover academics, hobbies, and service. The Model United Nations (MUN) teaches diplomacy. The ECO CAP club collects bottle caps. They recycle them. The money buys vaccines for children in Africa.
Students win in many contests. These include the Science & Technology Innovation Contest and the National Student Art Exhibition. They compete in business events too. The school wants students to lead. Students start their own projects.
Daily Campus Life
Students follow a personal timetable. This balances classwork with activities. The school keeps everyone safe. Staff care about students. Dining halls serve good food. There are many choices. Common areas help students meet friends.
The Xuhui campus has special places. Zhongxing Lake is peaceful. The Hsi Building and Yifu Building are landmarks. These spaces make the school special.
Tuition, fees, and financial aid
2024-2025 School Fees
Tuition changes by grade:
- Primary: RMB 188,000 per year
- Middle School: RMB 208,000 per year
- High School: RMB 228,000 per year (plus RMB 30,000 for IB DP projects)
You pay a registration fee once. It is RMB 2,000.
Extra Costs
Plan for these extras:
- Textbooks: RMB 5,000-8,000 each year
- School uniforms: RMB 3,000 (first year)
- Extracurricular Activities: RMB 10,000-30,000 each year (depending on programmes)
- School bus: Cost depends on distance (within 10 km or 10–13 km from campus)
Want to put your brand in front of families, students, and education-focused readers? We're inviting select partners to advertise with us on our trusted blog.
Want to get featured? submit a story for us to include.
Payment Information
The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China handles tuition. The school gives you SWIFT CODE details for money from other countries. You can pay in parts throughout the year.
Scholarships
SHSID offers scholarships. They reward good grades, arts talent, and sports skills. The most you can get is 50% off tuition. Call the admissions office to learn how to apply.
Conclusion
Shanghai High School International Department offers top education at five campuses. The school mixes hard academics with character growth. Programs include IB, AP, and A-Level courses. Students use modern facilities. Teachers show deep care. The community is global.
The Class of 2024 did well. 98% of graduates got into QS/THE Top 100 colleges. 35% got into Ivy League schools, Oxford, Cambridge, and similar places. This shows SHSID prepares students well.
You need to plan your application. Learn about the curriculum choices. Know the campus differences. Understand the costs. This helps you decide well.
Admissions can feel overwhelming. Curriculum choices may confuse you. Planning for costs takes careful thought. Alifa Education Services guides families through each step. We focus on what matters most: your child's needs and your family's goals. Book a free consultation today!
Related Articles
Emmanuel Usang
Emmanuel Usang
Emmanuel Usang
Emmanuel Usang
Member comments