Introduction
Chengdu is a major cultural hub in Sichuan. In the heart of this busy city stands Sichuan Chengdu Shishi High School. Founded in 141 BC, it is the oldest existing public school in the world. It holds a unique spot in history. However, it is also a modern powerhouse.
Through its education group, it supports nearly 60,000 students from both urban and rural backgrounds. This creates a diverse and vibrant community. It offers top programs like A-Levels and AP courses. This article explores how Shishi High School prepares this diverse group of students for success on the world stage.
Let’s learn about the key features of Shishi High School in China by reading this comprehensive guide.
Thinking About K-12 Education in China?
Alifa has helped hundreds of families find the right school—and the right price. We negotiate discounts, secure grants, and hunt down partial to full scholarships so you don't have to.
Admissions deadlines are coming. Let us handle the applications and paperwork while you focus on what matters.
Shishi High School Overview
Cultural Heritage and History
Chengdu Shishi High School is China's oldest existing public school. Its history goes back over 2,100 years to 141 BC. Originally called "Shishi Jingshe," it was the first local government-run school in Chinese history. In 124 BC, Emperor Wu of Han made it a national model for education.
Chengdu Shishi High School is likely the oldest school in the world. It stands where the first Chinese public school began. The school was first made from stone. This is why the name "Shishi" means stone chamber.
The school has witnessed centuries of change. In the Song Dynasty, it engraved the famous "Thirteen Classics" on stone. In 1902, it became a modern secondary school.
Today, it integrates traditional values with modern needs. Its motto emphasizes patriotism, discipline, and virtue. It stands as a living symbol of Chinese education and cultural continuity.
Reputation and Standing
Shishi High School is a top-tier institution in mainland China. It consistently ranks among the "Top 100 Middle Schools." It is a "Sichuan Provincial First-Class Demonstration General High School." Its reputation rests on rigorous academic standards and holistic growth.
Parents and students praise its balance of tradition and innovation. The school is not just famous locally; it has a strong international presence. It partners with schools in the US, Canada, and Germany.
Curriculum / Program
Find the detailed curriculum or program of Shishi High School in China.
Chengdu Shishi High School Beihu Campus AP Curriculum
Program Overview and History
The Chengdu Shishi High School Beihu Campus AP Curriculum is a pioneering initiative in international education. Established in 2011, it is an international high school curriculum program independently run by Chengdu Shishi High School, famously known as "Chengdu No. 4 High School."
It holds a unique distinction as the first public high school international program in Sichuan Province to collaborate with a top overseas physical high school. Its partner is Wasatch Academy in the United States.
Unlike affiliated high-school models, this program is fully integrated into Shishi High School’s "one school, two campuses, and three departments" framework. It is uniformly managed alongside the regular high school division.
The curriculum is robust. It blends Chinese general high school foundation courses preparing for Academic Proficiency Test (APT) with American Advanced Placement (AP) college-level courses. It also includes standardized APT preparation and comprehensive ECA/CCA courses like public speaking.
Brand Reputation in Sichuan
In Sichuan, the Beihu AP Program is a leading brand among public international departments.
It is backed by the profound heritage of Shishi High School, a millennium-old institution and a first-class demonstration high school in Sichuan Province. As the province's first public international curriculum program, it enjoys high visibility.
Although not always in the national top ten, it is a top choice for local parents. Its reputation is built on high admission rates.
For instance, 100% of the Class of 2025 gained admission to top 100 global universities. The dual diploma advantage and strict public school management make it highly trusted.
International Curriculum System
The program uses an integrated system of "Chinese General High School Courses + AP Courses + Standardized Test Courses + Quality Education Courses."
Chinese General High School Courses
Taught by Shishi’s regular faculty, these include Chinese, Mathematics, English, Physics, and Chemistry. Students also study Biology, Politics, History, and Geography. This solidifies foundational knowledge and meets This solidifies foundational knowledge and meets the High School Academic Proficiency Test (APT) requirements for graduation.
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.
Core AP Courses
The program offers a wide range of AP subjects. Options include AP Calculus, Statistics, Microeconomics, and Macroeconomics. Science students can take AP Physics 1&2, Biology, and Computer Science.
Humanities options include AP Psychology. All courses are taught by experienced foreign teachers or bilingual instructors. Some credits can even transfer to US universities.
Standardized Test Preparation
Instructors with over 9 years of experience teach TOEFL, SAT, and ACT prep. They help students improve test scores effectively.
Comprehensive Quality Courses
Over 50 interdisciplinary activities are available. Students participate in the Global Youth Economic Forum and MIT Model United Nations. They also join math challenges like the AMC. This fosters critical thinking and cross-cultural skills.
Tuition and Miscellaneous Fees
According to 2025 information, the annual tuition is 128,000 RMB. This fee is comprehensive. It covers college counseling, language training, and activity fees.
- Accommodation: 1,200 RMB per year. Students live in 4-person dormitories with air conditioning and private bathrooms.
- Meals: Paid via prepaid cards at student discretion.
- Other Fees: Textbooks and uniforms are extra.
Help us match families with top schools in China. Take our 1-minute survey to share what matters most.
Extracurricular Activities
The ECA/CCA program is diverse and international.
- Academic: Includes the HiMCM Mathematical Modeling Competition and Harvard Summit for Young Leaders.
- Sports: Students use international-standard facilities for basketball, badminton, and football.
- Arts: Foreign teachers lead drama, dance, and music classes.
- Public Welfare: Volunteer work cultivates social responsibility.
College Admission Rate
The admission results are outstanding.
- Class of 2025: 100% admitted to top 100 global universities.
- 100% to top 100 US universities.
- 100% to Canada’s top 3.
- 100% to UK’s top 25.
- 100% to Australia’s Group of Eight.
- Scholarships: The Class of 2025 secured over 660,000 RMB in scholarships. Alumni have accumulated over 12 million RMB in total.
Chengdu Shishi High School Cambridge A-Level Centre
School Profile
The Chengdu Shishi High School Cambridge A-Level Centre is a pioneer in Southwest China. Established in 2008, it was the first to offer the British A-Level courses in the region. It is a joint effort between Dipont Education and Chengdu Shishi High School (Wenmiao Campus).
It operates under an "integrated management model." This combines the deep cultural heritage of Shishi High School with the resources of Dipont Education. It is widely recognized as the "top choice for Commonwealth and UK university preparation" in Chengdu.
Brand Reputation
This department is the "Golden Standard" of A-Level education in Sichuan. It leads the first tier of international departments.
- Oxbridge Success: In 2022, it was the only department in Sichuan to get a Cambridge offer. By 2025, it had secured Oxbridge offers for four consecutive years.
- Global Reach: It received 20 offers from top Hong Kong universities like HKU and HKUST.
Its reputation also comes from its authentic curriculum. It has the highest proportion of foreign teachers in Chengdu. It is directly authorized by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE).
International Curriculum System
The curriculum is designed as "Foundation + Core + Extension."
Domestic Foundation Courses
Taught by Chinese education experts, these align with Sichuan’s Academic proficiency test (APT) requirements. Subjects include Chinese, Mathematics, Physics, and Politics. This ensures a solid base.
International Core Curriculum
- IGCSE (Grade 10): A preparatory year. Compulsory subjects include Math, Physics, Chemistry, and English. Electives cover Business and Economics.
- A-Level (Grades 11-12): The globally recognized gold standard. Students choose 3–6 subjects from options like Further Mathematics, Physics, and Economics. This allows for deep specialization.
Extension Courses
Foreign teachers lead Academic English classes focusing on critical thinking. Chinese faculty provide training for TOEFL, IELTS, and SAT. Full university counseling starts in Grade 10 to guide school selection.
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.
Tuition and Miscellaneous Fees
- Tuition: 138,000 RMB per year (2025 rate).
- Textbooks: ~5,000–8,000 RMB/year.
- Exam Fees: ~10,000–20,000 RMB/year, depending on subjects.
- Accommodation: ~1,200 RMB/year for 4–6-person dorms.
Extracurricular Activities
The department balances academics with character.
- Academic: Model United Nations (MUN) and competitions like the British Physics Olympiad (BPhO) build skills.
- Practical: Community service includes nursing home visits. Corporate tours to Tencent and Huawei offer real-world insight.
- Cultural/Sports: Clubs for drama, piano, and basketball nurture teamwork. These activities enhance college applications.
University Admission Rate
The department is a "Top University Pipeline."
- Class of 2023: 100% admitted to the world’s TOP 50 universities. This included 23 UK G5 offers.
- Class of 2024: 93% admitted to the world’s TOP 30 universities.
- Class of 2025: 50% entered UK G5 universities. 93% entered QS World TOP 30 universities.
Chengdu Shishi Tianfu High School International Department
School Profile
The Chengdu Shishi Tianfu High School International Department was established in 2011. It is a high-quality public international department jointly developed by the Chengdu Hi-tech Zone and Shishi High School. It shares libraries, gyms, and labs with the main campus.
The school upholds a "pragmatic and people-oriented" philosophy. It aims to cultivate elite talents with a global perspective. It was the first in Chengdu to receive admissions from Ivy League and top 5 US universities.
Brand Reputation
It consistently ranks at the top of the second tier in Chengdu’s international school rankings.
- Admissions: Graduates have entered Stanford, Yale, Oxford, and Waseda University. 100% get into world-class universities.
- Curriculum: It offers distinctive programs like the Japanese Top Universities Express and A-Level.
- Management: It uses a unified management model to ensure students' growth.
International Curriculum System
The department features
A-Level Program
This British qualification is recognized by 11,000 universities worldwide.
- Grade 10 (IG): Study ESL, Math, and Sciences to build a base.
- Grade 11 (AS): Choose 3–4 strong subjects.
- Grade 12 (A2): Complete A-Level certifications. The modular exams allow for flexible scheduling.
Tuition and Miscellaneous Fees
- A-Level: 80,000 RMB/year.
- Boarding: 1,200 RMB/year for standardized dorms.
- Other: Uniforms and textbooks are charged based on actual usage and sets.
Extracurricular Activities
The school emphasizes Holistic Education.
- Academic: AMC Math Competitions and UK Chemistry Olympiad.
- Arts: Chorus festivals, flower arrangement, and calligraphy.
- Sports: Baseball, kendo, and badminton cultivate resilience.
- Public Welfare: Caring for left-behind children and environmental advocacy.
- Special: The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and overseas study tours.
College Admission Rate
Graduates achieve 100% admission to world-renowned universities.
- Anglo-American Track: 70% admitted to UK G5 or US top 30 universities. Graduates have entered Stanford, Yale, and King’s College London.
- Other: Admissions to McGill (Canada) and Melbourne (Australia).
Canadian High School Program at Chengdu Shishi High School
Program Overview
The Canadian High School Program at Chengdu Shishi High School is unique. It is the only overseas high school program in Sichuan officially certified by the British Columbia (BC) Ministry of Education.
Established in 2012, it aims to provide high-quality Canadian education without leaving China. Graduates receive the "Dogwood Diploma," which is the same diploma students in Canada receive.
Brand Reputation
Shishi High School is a benchmark brand in Sichuan. Its Canadian program is highly recognized. It is one of the few in Southwest China to consistently secure admissions to UK G5 universities and Hong Kong’s Top 5. The "dual enrollment and dual diploma" advantage makes it a popular choice for students seeking to study in Canada, the UK, or the US.
International Curriculum System
The program adopts the complete BC curriculum. It comprises two parts.
Chinese National High School Curriculum
Taught by Shishi teachers, this covers Chinese, Mathematics, Physics, and History. It ensures students meet the national graduation requirements or APT requirements.
Canadian Core Courses
Taught fully in English by BC-certified teachers. Subjects include English, Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, and Business. The program uses a "process-oriented evaluation model." 70% of the grade is based on daily performance, and 30% on exams. This emphasizes inquiry-based learning.
Specialized Courses
Includes ESL, Academic English, and Career Planning to help students adapt to an all-English environment.
Tuition and Miscellaneous Fees
- Tuition: 100,000 RMB per year (2025 rate). This is very cost-effective.
- Accommodation: ~1,200 RMB/year for 4-person dorms at the Beihu Campus.
- Textbooks: ~1,000–2,000 RMB/year.
- Activity Fee: Extra for study tours and clubs.
Extracurricular Activities
The program offers rich activities for Holistic Education.
- Academic: ASDAN Business Simulation, Physics Bowl, and English Debates.
- Artistic: Dance, Drama, and Photography clubs.
- Sports: Basketball, Football, and Tennis clubs.
- Public Welfare: Volunteer teaching in Africa and environmental protection projects. These enhance leadership and "soft power" for applications.
Admission Rate
The program maintains a 100% admission rate.
- Canada: Acceptances from University of Toronto, McGill, and UBC.
- UK: Offers from UCL, Edinburgh, and Manchester.
- US: Admissions to NYU and Ohio State.
- Australia: Success with University of Melbourne and Sydney.
- Hong Kong: Entries to HKU and HKUST.
Notably, graduates often receive IELTS waivers from top schools like the University of Sydney because of their high BC English grades.
Campus Network and Branches
The school operates under a "One Core, Two Wings" model. The core is the main Shishi High School. It leads a group that serves nearly 60,000 students. As of 2025, the group includes 20 schools and 31 campuses.
- Directly Managed: Schools like Shishi Tianfu High School share all resources.
- Cooperative: Schools like Shishi United Middle School share classrooms and training.
- Guidance-Based: Schools in other cities receive educational advice.
The two main campuses are Wenmiao and Beihu. Wenmiao is a historic site in Qingyang District. Beihu is a modern facility in Chenghua District. Both operate under unified leadership and management to ensure quality.
International Department Offerings
The International Curriculum Department is a key feature. It aims to build future leaders. It offers diverse programs across its campuses to help students gain international qualifications.
- Wenmiao Campus: Hosts the Cambridge A-Level Program. It is a premier center offering IGCSE and A-Levels for UK admissions. It also runs an AP Program for North American universities.
- Beihu Campus: Offers an AP Program focused on project-based learning. It also has a Sino-Canadian Program. This allows students to earn a dual diploma (Chinese and Canadian).
These programs are distinct from typical private schools. They are integrated into a top public school system, offering a unique blend of rigor and global outlook.
Stressed about visas or safety?
Alifa Education Services handles sponsorship documents and provides 24/7 guardianship for students under 18. Enjoy year-round peace of mind. We make the journey seamless and safe.
Reach out to us to start today.
Accreditations and Global Ties
Shishi holds prestigious authorizations.
- Cambridge: It is an authorized center by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE).
- College Board: The AP program is officially certified.
- Canada: The Sino-Canadian Program is certified by the British Columbia Ministry of Education.
Domestically, it is the flagship of the Chengdu Shishi Education Group. Internationally, it connects with top institutions. It operates a Confucius Classroom in the US. These ties ensure that the international education provided meets global standards. It allows students to transition smoothly to universities worldwide.
Academic Achievements and Awards
The school's results are outstanding. In 2025, international graduates received an average of 5–7 offers each.
- UK: A-Level students have entered Oxford and Cambridge for four consecutive years.
- North America: AP graduates get offers from Harvard, Yale, and Stanford.
- Scholarships: The 2025 Sino-Canadian cohort received over 8 million RMB in scholarships.
Domestically, the school maintains a 100% undergraduate enrollment rate. Many students enter Tsinghua and Peking University. The Robotics Club is a national standout, winning city finals and national honors. These achievements prove the school's excellence in both local and global arenas.
Tuition and Fee Structure
As a public school, regular tuition is low. However, the International high school programs have specific fees.
- Cambridge A-Level (Wenmiao): 138,000 RMB/year.
- AP Program (Wenmiao): 128,000 RMB/year.
- AP Program (Beihu): 114,000 to 120,000 RMB/year.
- Sino-Canadian Program: 100,000 RMB/year.
Fees cover instruction, language training, and counseling. Accommodation and meals are extra but affordable. Scholarships are available for top students. The "Talent Scholarship" can award up to 100,000 RMB over three years.
Graduate Outcomes and Pathways
Graduates have bright futures.
- Domestic: Over 200 students have entered top Chinese universities like Tsinghua in recent years. The first-tier admission rate exceeds 93%.
- International: Students enter top global schools. Destinations include the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and Singapore.
- Majors: Fields of study are diverse. They range from math and engineering to law and archaeology.
The school's rigorous training ensures success. Whether staying in China or going abroad, Shishi students are prepared. They leave with strong academic skills and a global perspective.
Holistic Development Programs
Shishi focuses on "cultivating virtue and talent."
- Core Curriculum: The "Park Curriculum" explores Chengdu's parks. It integrates biology and history.
- Clubs: There are over 20 clubs. Options include robotics, orchestra, and martial arts.
- Talent Program: Offers courses in AI and aerospace.
- Bilingual Education: International tracks emphasize language skills.
Students also join competitions. They excel in the World Robot Contest and Model United Nations. Study tours to Harvard and Oxford expand their horizons. Career planning lectures help them find their passion early. This holistic approach builds resilience and leadership.
What Factors Play Vital Role in Shishi High School Reputation?
Shishi High school in China earns reputation due to the factors below,
Educational Quality
Shishi School is famous for its high standards. It follows a philosophy of "teaching students according to their aptitude." It uses the modern "Future Classroom" model to improve learning. The results are outstanding.
In 2024, the admission rate to first-tier universities exceeded 93%. Also, a growing number of students gain admission to top institutions like Tsinghua and Peking University. This consistent success builds trust with parents.
ECA/CCA Programs
The school builds a strong sense of social responsibility. Beyond class, students join over 20 active clubs. These include robotics, orchestra, and badminton. This deep engagement connects students to their community. It helps them develop skills outside of textbooks.
Global Vision
Shishi School has a powerful international reach. Graduates from its international programs succeed all over the world. They receive offers from top global universities across 14 different countries and regions.
These students pursue over 30 distinct majors. This success reflects the school's strength in international education. It proves that Shishi prepares students not just for local success, but for a competitive future on the global stage.
Conclusion
As China’s oldest school, Chengdu Shishi High School remains a beacon of excellence. Beyond its historic main campus, it powers four elite international divisions across the city.
Whether choosing the Beihu campus or the Wenmiao camp[us, students will gain access to top international qualifications. The robust network of this school blends tradition with Bilingual education, securing a bright future for every student on the global stage.
Related Articles
Emmanuel Usang
Emmanuel Usang
Emmanuel Usang
Emmanuel Usang
Member comments