Introduction
As an expat parent in Shenzhen, how do you find a top international high school that guarantees a world-class education for your child? This choice is critical. You need a school with a proven record of excellence and stability. Shenzhen College of International Education (SCIE) is the clear answer.
Founded in 2003, SCIE was the city's very first full-time international high school for foreign curricula. Today, it is one of China's most respected and selective schools. Its high quality is proven by top global accreditations from CIS and WASC. This shows its deep commitment to the best international standards.
In 2020, the school moved to a new, state-of-the-art campus. This modern campus has smart classrooms, advanced science labs, a large 750-seat theatre, and excellent sports facilities. SCIE provides a stable and truly world-class environment where your child can succeed.
This guide explores everything that you need to know before admitting your kid in SCIE. Continue reading.
Shenzhen College of International Education Overview
Does Shenzhen College of International Education sound like the right choice for your child?
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Our team will visit the campus for you. We will then give you a detailed report on the classes, facilities, and environment. This honest feedback supports you in making a precise and confident decision for your child's future.
Moreover, we offer expert guidance on school choice, visa needs, guardianships, and all-year support as stewardships for your child in China. Contact us today to help give your child a world-class education.
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School Identity and History
Shenzhen College of International Education (SCIE) is not a normal private school. It is the international part of Shenzhen High School. Shenzhen High School is one of China's top ten public high schools.
SCIE was started in 2003. It was made to help Shenzhen grow its international talent. The school gives students a path to learn about Chinese culture. It also prepares them for top universities around the world.
The school has changed its name over the years. It was officially called "Shenzhen College of International Education" in 2023. Today, SCIE is a model for other schools. University admissions officers say its students are "the most China-grounded yet globally prepared."
Modern Campus and Strategic Location
In August 2020, SCIE moved to a new campus. It is a new, modern place. It is at No. 3 Antuo Mountain Road in the Futian District. The new campus is very large. It is over 20,000 square meters. The school has a closed management system. This helps keep students safe and focused.
Its location is very good. It is next to a subway station. It is also close to cultural centers like a large library. The campus has everything a student needs. It has modern teaching buildings and advanced labs. It has a full library and nice dorms. It also has great sports facilities, like a large gym.
Curriculum
SCIE’s curriculum is built on a simple idea. It has a strong "academic foundation + personalized development." The school offers the world's most popular international programs. These are IGCSE, A-Level, and AP. They help students prepare for International examinations and get into the university they want. The school also uses AI in education to improve teaching.
- IGCSE Program (G1 & G2): This program is for students aged 14-16. SCIE offers 24 IGCSE courses. These include English, math, and many other choices like economics and art. They are all designed to build basic skills.
- A-Level Program (A1 & A2): The A-Level program is key for getting into UK universities. SCIE provides 26 A-Level courses. The classes are hard. They are almost at a university level. This helps students build deep knowledge.
- AP Program (A1): SCIE also offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses. This helps students earn college credit early. It prepares them for the tough classes in American universities.
Admissions Process
Getting into SCIE is very hard. The acceptance rate is less than 10%. The school takes about 200 new students each year. It looks for students who are smart and have good character.
The admission process has a few steps:
- Registration: Students sign up online on the school's website or WeChat.
- Written Examinations: Students take handwritten tests in English and math.
- Comprehensive Interview: Students who pass the tests are invited for an interview. This part checks their character and thinking skills. It is 10% of the final decision.
- Final Decision: The school announces who is accepted. It looks for students with high scores and "growth potential."
World-Leading University Placement Results
SCIE is famous for its great university results. Its graduates go to the world's best schools.
- United Kingdom: For the Class of 2025, students got 41 offers from Oxford and Cambridge. Over 70% got offers from the top G5 Super Elite Universities.
- United States: 18 students got offers from Ivy League or top 10 universities. These include Stanford, Duke, and Columbia. 95% of students who applied to the US got offers from Top 50 schools.
- Hong Kong and Other Regions: The school also has great results in Hong Kong. 95% of applicants got offers from the top three universities there. Graduates also get into top schools in Canada and Australia.
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A Focus on Holistic Growth and Student Life
SCIE believes in educating the whole person. It has a core belief to "empower students to achieve academic excellence... while cultivating social responsibility, creativity, independence, and passion." This is done through many activities that build strong peer learning communities.
The school has clubs in four main areas:
- Academic: The Robotics Club and Model United Nations team do well in big competitions.
- Arts: The school's orchestra plays in major theaters. The Drama Society wins awards for its plays.
- Sports: Basketball and swimming teams compete and win in city and national leagues.
- Community Service: Students help others by tutoring or working to protect the environment.
World-Class International Faculty
The high quality of the teachers is a key to SCIE's success. About 70% of the teachers are from other countries, like the UK and the US. There is one teacher for every six students. This means students get a lot of personal attention.
Many teachers have advanced degrees, like Ph.Ds. They come from top schools like Harvard and Oxford. The school spends a lot of money on its staff. It gives over RMB 10 million a year for teacher training and professional development.
Tuition and Education Fee
The school's fees show that it is a top school. For the 2025-2026 school year, the tuition is:
- Regular Students: RMB 273,000 per year.
- Art Students: RMB 303,000 per year.
These fees do not cover costs for international exams or school trips. Living in a dorm costs an extra RMB 16,000 per year. The school says its fees support its great teachers and small class sizes.
Distinctive Features and Future Outlook
SCIE has many advantages that make it a special school. These things define its success and shape its future.
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Integrated University Preparation
A key part of SCIE's success is its University and Career Center. It is a support system that helps students with every step of the university application process. This helps students get into the world's best schools.
Cultural Authenticity
The school's main goal is to prepare students for success overseas. But it does not forget its cultural roots. SCIE has a strong base in Chinese culture. All students must study the Chinese language. This helps create graduates who are both global and culturally grounded.
A Commitment to Continuous Innovation
SCIE is a school that is always looking ahead. It works to add more AP courses. It is also using AI in education to improve teaching. The school keeps its core strengths while adding new ideas.
A Prime Urban Location
The school is in the Futian Central Business District. This gives students great opportunities. They have access to Shenzhen's tech world for internships. The campus is also close to many cultural places. It offers the best of city life and a safe place to learn.
Conclusion
As a benchmark for international education in Shenzhen, SCIE has truly earned its reputation as a "dream school." This is built on its outstanding faculty and the diverse curriculum it offers. The school’s amazing university admission results also prove its high quality.
For international students who want to study at UK universities, the school is like an "Oxbridge harvest machine."
For those who apply to the US universities, it acts as an "Ivy League launcher." This dual strength shows that SCIE provides a world-class platform for every student. It helps them launch a successful future anywhere in the world. It is a place where academic success meets personal growth, making it a top choice for a truly great education.
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