Introduction
SWIS (Shen Wai International School) and SFLS (Shenzhen Foreign Languages School) are two public schools. SFLS serves ONLY Chinese local students in Shenzhen, while SWIS serves only foreign students/Expat communities in Shenzhen. Both are public schools, one is serving Chinese national curriculum and other is serving international curriculum.
The School Types offer a low teacher-student ratio and both have foreign teachers. Every foreign teacher leads the classroom instruction. Students master the English language. The motto is "Patriotism and Pursuit of Knowledge." The ethos is "Civilization and Innovation." They follow strict behavior management.
Teachers provide homework guidance. The K12 international schools use innovative education for academic excellence.
Continue reading and learn more about the schools.
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Shen Wai International School Overview
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School Overview
Shen Wai International School (SWIS) started in 2011. It is the first pure K12 international school for foreign students in Shenzhen. The Chinese government provided the funds for this school. It is located by Shenzhen Bay at No. 29 Baishi Third Road. This school location helps with convenient travelling to the school.
SWIS provides a high-quality international education for the student body. This includes kids from South-east Asia, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. It is a famous School Type that mixes global standards with the Chinese language. It uses the Chinese curriculum and the Chinese Language and Culture Program.
These educational resources help students learn about global cultures. It is a great place to study in Beijing or Shenzhen.
Curriculum System: Full IB Continuum
SWIS is one of the few private schools in Shenzhen with the full IB continuum. The International Program uses innovative education and project-based learning. It focuses on critical thinking and cultural diversity.
The classroom instruction follows the IB philosophy. Students grow their language skills through an international curriculum.
- PYP (Pre-Kindergarten–Grade 5): This uses technology in the classroom and thematic inquiry. It builds student progress in science and arts. The learning environment is very active.
- MYP (Grade 6–Grade 10): This focuses on bilingual teaching across many subjects. It prepares students for the curriculum frameworks of the DP.
- DP (Grade 11–Grade 12): This path helps students reach world-class universities. Students can achieve academic excellence in a global way.
Admission Information
Admission Targets: Students from mainland China and international students can apply here. It also includes residents of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. All students hold registered student status with the Ministry of Education.
Admission Grades: The school accepts students from Grade 1 (G1) to Grade 11 (G11).
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Admission Requirements:
- Students: All students must pass entrance exams. For Grade 1, there is a simple interview. For Grade 2 and above, students take a MAP test. They also do English writing and an interview. These tests check student progress and skills.
- Parents: Parents must attend a formal interview. They discuss educational plans and the school philosophy. This is a vital part of the admission criteria. It ensures everyone is a good fit for the learning environment.
Tuition Fees
The tuition fees at SWIS were adjusted in 2026. This is the first change in four years. These costs are up to date for the new year. The fees cover books, Science Labs, and Sports teams. They also cover the pool and campus Wi-Fi. SWIS is more cost-effective than other international schools in Shenzhen.
- Pre-Kindergarten: 127,500 RMB/year
- Kindergarten to Grade 5: 175,300 RMB/year
- Grade 6 to Grade 10: 191,200 RMB/year
- Grade 11 to Grade 12: 229,400 RMB/yearAdditional fees cover uniforms and extracurricular activities. Some students pay for help with the English language. The Head of School ensures all fees support the student experience. This helps students of every students' age.
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Other Fees
Students at the school may pay for other optional services. These costs help improve the student experience and learning environment. The international department provides clear notices for these costs.
- Uniforms: ~5,000–8,000 RMB/year for all seasons.
- School Buses: ~15,000–20,000 RMB/year based on the route.
- Meals: ~12,000–15,000 RMB/year for lunch and snacks.
- EAL Fee: ~20,000–30,000 RMB/year for the English language.
- After-School Activities: ~5,000–10,000 RMB/year for clubs.
- DP Fees: ~15,000–20,000 RMB/year for exam registration.Parents can discuss these at parent-teacher meetings. These fees support diverse Extracurricular Activities. Each student follows strict behavior management rules. The school meets all admission criteria.
Faculty Strength
The school has a very experienced team. The Head of School leads over 200 teachers. Many are Native English teachers. They help students with learning strategies.
- Composition: 50% are expatriate educators from 18 countries. All hold an international curriculum license. A foreign teacher is always available to help.
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 1:7. This allows for small class sizes. It ensures every child gets homework guidance.
- Development: Teachers attend annual IB training to stay up to date. This improves the classroom instruction.
- Trainers: 10 teachers are IB-certified trainers. They help with student progress in the region.The team focuses on academic performance. This ensures a high-quality learning environment for all.
Campus Infrastructure
The campus is near the bay. It blends nature with school facilities. The classroom environment is very modern.
- Academic Facilities: There are 54 rooms with technology in the classroom. Three Science Labs cover physics, chemistry, and biology. The library has 15,000 books in the Chinese language and English.
- Arts & Sports: It has a 500-seat theater and two music rooms. Students use an indoor pool and Sports teams facilities. There is a football field and a gym.
- Support Facilities: The cafeteria serves mixed cuisine. There is an infirmary and nursing rooms.The school location is perfect for international communication. It is a top K12 international school. The international department manages these great facilities well.
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College Admissions & Graduation Results
Graduates at SWIS achieve amazing results. The student body earns high scores in the IB DP. This helps them join world-class universities.
- Class of 2025: 41 graduates had an average score of 36.4. Over 20% scored 40 or more.
- Rankings: 92% entered top 50 schools. 100% entered top 70 schools. These include Oxford and MIT.
- Destinations: Students go to the US, UK, and Hong Kong. These high academic rankings show the strength of the school. The International Program helps with student progress. It provides the best educational resources. It focuses on traditional culture and global views. Students are ready for any college entrance exams. They gain a great student experience for their future.
International Accreditations & Qualifications
SWIS holds many top awards. These show its high academic rankings and program quality. The Head of School follows the best teaching systems.
- IB Authorization: The school is accredited for PYP, MYP, and DP. It was the first in Shenzhen to do this.
- CIS Accreditation: It received this award in 2018.
- WASC Accreditation: It was accredited in 2020.
- Memberships: The school is a member of EARCOS and ACAMIS.These awards prove the school follows the Ministry of Education rules. The learning environment is global and safe. The international curriculum meets all standards. It prepares kids for a bright future through innovative education. It supports cultural diversity across the entire school.
What is the Difference between Shen Wai International School (SWIS) and Shenzhen Foreign Languages School (SFLS)
Let’s learn the differences between Shen Wai International School (SWIS) and Shenzhen Foreign Languages School (SFLS) from the below.
Fundamental Differences in Nature and Positioning
SFLS
Shenzhen Foreign Languages School (SFLS) is a public school. The Shenzhen Municipal Education Bureau manages it directly. It is a core part of the local system. It focuses on the Chinese curriculum and Chinese local students.
This includes Chinese Gaokao entrance exam prep and direct admission to top Chinese universities. It is for Chinese nationals. It ranks among the "Top Four Famous Schools." Its mission is to cultivate patriotic students. This school helps preserve traditional culture and the Chinese language.
SWIS
The Shenzhen Foreign Languages School International Division (SWIS) is an independent international school. The Chinese government funded it. It primarily serves foreign students and kids from different countries. It adopts the IB curriculum frameworks.
This covers PYP, MYP, and DP. Its mission is to provide high-quality international education. It is the first school in town with CIS and WASC awards. It supports international communication. It is a different School Type from other private schools. It stands out in global academic rankings and among international schools.
Consistency and Independence in Management Structure
Both institutions belong to the SFLS Education Group. But they have distinct management structures:
SFLS
This is a public school. The Municipal Education Bureau manages it. It follows a principal system led by a Party committee. Top leaders oversee unified management. It emphasizes resource sharing of faculty and materials. It uses synchronized teaching systems and assessment standards. It provides great educational resources.
SWIS
This is an independent K12 international school. It follows a board-led principal system. The board makes strategic choices. It has its own management team and faculty. The teache r-student ratio is 1:7. A foreign teacher team comes from 18 countries. They lead the classroom instruction. This supports student progress in a global classroom environment.
Admissions Targets
SFLS
SFLS enrolls Chinese nationals via entrance exams.
SWIS
SWIS admits international students and kids. They must meet admission criteria. It has a diverse student body.
Curriculum Systems
SFLS
SFLS focuses on the Chinese National curriculum (CNC). It also offers AP/A-Level choices for Chinese students to go to the USA and UK.
SWIS
SWIS uses the IB framework. It adds a Chinese Language and Culture Program for foreign kids.
Tuition Fees
SFLS
SFLS charges low fees per the Ministry of Education. This is about RMB 1,131 per term. Extracurricular activities fees are included here. The school uses project-based learning and bilingual teaching. It offers the best learning environment and learning strategies. The teachers are helpful to provide the best support to each expat student.
SWIS
SWIS has higher tuition fees. These are RMB 120,000 to 220,000 per year. These fees cover extracurricular activities and innovative education. The school has small class sizes helping every child reach world-class universities. Teachers provide homework guidance and focus on behavior management. They hold parent-teacher meetings to discuss goals and teaching positions.
Conclusion
SWIS is a top K12 international school for foreign students. The Chinese government backs this unique Chinese School. It offers an innovative education and an international curriculum.
A foreign teacher leads the classroom instruction. Kids use bilingual teaching. Small class sizes help kids reach world-class universities. The school mixes traditional culture with global cultures. Teachers give homework guidance and behavior management.
This school gives the best educational resources for student progress. It is one of the best international schools now.
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