Top 7 international schools in Xiamen China featuring modern campus buildings skyline views and student facilities comparison guide
Top 7 international schools in Xiamen China featuring modern campus buildings skyline views and student facilities comparison guide

Top 7 International Schools in Xiamen: Which School to Admit Your Kid?

Discover Xiamen's top 7 international schools for expat families. From IB World Schools to bilingual programs, find quality education options ranging from 58,000-220,000 RMB annually. Complete guide covers curriculum, fees, and admission requirements for K-12 students

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Introduction

Xiamen is a wonderful city for families moving from other countries. One of the first things to do is find a good school. There are many great International Schools in Xiamen to choose from. Each school is different, with students from all over the world.

Many parents move here for good jobs in big companies. The city also has a large and friendly community to help new families feel at home. Plus, the cost to live here is fair, making life comfortable. Xiamen offers a great life for the whole family, with excellent schools and a welcoming environment.

Let’s read this comprehensive guide and learn more about the Xiamen international schools

Top-tier 7 International Schools in Xiamen

Xiamen is a great city for families from other countries. It has many diverse international schools for children of all ages. For parents, there are good jobs in big industries like technology and business.

A large and friendly community of foreigners helps new families feel welcome and find friends. The cost of living is also reasonable, with good prices for housing, food, and getting around. This makes Xiamen a comfortable and exciting place for families to call home.

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01. Maple Glory Education - MGE

Maple Glory Education is a top international school in Xiamen, supported by a large Fortune 500 company, the Xiamen Group Corporation. With over ten years of experience, the school's goal is to teach students to be proud of their Chinese culture while also preparing them to succeed anywhere in the world.

Maple Glory Education MGE historic campus building with clock tower arched balconies and Chinese flag in Xiamen.
Maple Glory Education MGE historic campus building with clock tower arched balconies and Chinese flag in Xiamen.

Academic Programs & Curriculum

The school has a focus on vigorous learning and offers famous international programs to get students ready for the world's best universities. These programs help students build strong global connections. The A-Level curriculum is very strong and includes many subjects, even difficult ones like math analysis, to challenge students.

  • Main Programs: The school's main programs are the British IGCSE and A-Level courses, as well as the Hong Kong HKDSE program.
  • STEAM Focus: Learning also includes a big focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).

Accreditation & Reputation

This school is known as one of the best in all of China. It has a rare gold award from Oxford AQA that only ten schools in the country have. Graduates from Maple Glory consistently get into the very best universities, including Oxford and other G5 "Super Elite" universities in the UK.

  • Top Rankings: The school was ranked 39th in China for its brand value in 2023.
  • Gold Certified: It is one of only 10 schools in China to be a Gold AQA Oxford Partner.
  • Great Results: Over 90% of students in recent years received offers from the top 35 universities in the world.

Admission Eligibility

The school is looking for prospective students from primary school all the way to high school. Getting a spot at the school is competitive. For families looking for a top school, this is one to add to favourites.

  • How to Join: The process is very selective. Students must pass written tests, computer-based English tests, and have interviews.
  • Parent Interview: The school may also want to have a talk with parents to make sure it is a good fit for the family.
  • Ask the School: It is best to contact the school's admissions office to get the most current information for the new school year.

Extracurricular and Collaborative Activities

The school believes that activities outside of the classroom are very important for mutual empowerment and helping students grow. The school has a house system that helps create a strong sense of community and teamwork.

  • Sports Teams: Students can join sports teams like football, basketball, and volleyball.
  • House System: The house system helps students feel like they are part of a team and builds school spirit.
  • Holistic Growth: These activities are a key part of helping students become well-rounded people.

Annual Tuition Fees & Scholarships

Maple Glory Education Admission Fee and Scholarships.
Maple Glory Education Admission Fee and Scholarships.

This table shows you how much it costs for school and to live there each year. It also lists other small fees for things like school clothes, books, and fun trips.

02. Xiamen International School - XIS

Xiamen International School (XIS) is a well-known school for children from other countries. It started in 1997 and was the first international school in the area. It is a full IB World School that teaches students from a very young age all the way through high school, using English for all classes.

Xiamen International School XIS modern campus courtyard with white curved building colorful flags and spacious plaza entrance.
Xiamen International School XIS modern campus courtyard with white curved building colorful flags and spacious plaza entrance.

Academic Programs

XIS is the only school in Xiamen that offers all three International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. This means students can have a complete IB education in one place. The school also offers special AP classes for older students. Students at XIS do very well on their tests and get into great universities around the world.

  • IB for All Ages: The school has the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP).
  • AP Classes: Older students can also take Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
  • Accredited School: It is approved by big groups like WASC and CIS, which means it is a very good school.

School Community and Campus

The school has a wonderful and diverse community with students and teachers from over 40 different countries. The teachers are very good, and many have special degrees. The school is on a big, modern campus in the Jimei District with great facilities for learning and playing.

  • Small Classes: There are only about 8 students for every 1 teacher, so each child gets a lot of help.
  • Great Facilities: The campus has art studios, science labs, a big library, a soccer field, and an indoor swimming pool.
  • Easy to Get To: The school has buses and is easy to get to from many parts of the city.
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Activities and Values

XIS helps students become kind, balanced, and curious people. The school offers many fun things to do after class to help students grow. They learn to be good citizens of the world and to work together with others.

  • Fun Clubs: Students can join clubs like Model UN, robotics, and debate.
  • Sports and Arts: There are sports teams and art groups that travel to play and perform with other schools.
  • Helping Others: Students also do projects to help the community and learn about different cultures.

Tuition and Scholarships

Xiamen International School Annual Tuition Fee & Scholarships.
Xiamen International School Annual Tuition Fee & Scholarships.

03. Chiway Repton School Xiamen

Chiway Repton School Xiamen is a big school for students from age 3 to 18. It is a bilingual school, which means students learn in both Chinese and English. It is both a day school and a boarding school where students can live. The school mixes Chinese culture with Western ways of learning.

Chiway Repton School Xiamen modern campus buildings with blue glass windows green sports field and athletic facilities.
Chiway Repton School Xiamen modern campus buildings with blue glass windows green sports field and athletic facilities.

Academic Programs & Curriculum

The school offers a full education plan. It starts with the UK style for the youngest children. For Grades 1 to 9, it mixes the Chinese National Curriculum with the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Older students in Grades 11 and 12 take British A-Level classes to get ready for university. The language of instruction is both English and Chinese.

  • Ages Taught: The school is for children from age 3 all the way to 18.
  • Mixed Learning: It blends the Chinese curriculum with the IB program and British A-Levels.
  • IB School: It is an authorized IB School offering the PYP and MYP programs.

Accreditation

Chiway Repton School is a well-respected school. It is an authorized IB World School and is also approved to offer Cambridge A-Level classes. The school gets ideas from the famous Repton School in the UK, which is almost 500 years old.

  • High Rating: The school has a top 3A rating, making it one of the best international schools in China.
  • Official School: It is an official school for both the IB program and Cambridge A-Levels.
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Admission Eligibility

The school is a great choice for students who want to get a top international education. It is mainly for Chinese students who hope to go to a university in another country. Students need to be ready to learn in a bilingual classroom.

  • Who Can Join: The school is mostly for students who want to study abroad in the future.
  • Skills Needed: Students need to be comfortable learning in both English and Chinese.
  • Boarding: The school has Boarding facilities, so students have the option to live on campus.

Extracurricular and Collaborative Activities

The school has many fun things to do after class. There are clubs for science, technology, art, and music. These activities help students become confident and creative. Students can also go on trips to the Repton School in the UK.

  • Fun Clubs: Students can join STEM clubs and music groups.
  • UK Exchange: There are special programs for students to visit the partner school in the UK.
  • Building Character: Activities help students become good leaders and independent thinkers.

Annual Tuition Fees & Scholarships

The cost to go to the school for one year is between 150,000 and 190,000 RMB. The school also offers some help with the cost for families who need it. Students who get top grades can also earn scholarships.

Chiway Repton School Xiamen Annual Tuition Fees & Scholarships.
Chiway Repton School Xiamen Annual Tuition Fees & Scholarships.

Location & Facilities

The school is in a new, modern building in the Jimei District of Xiamen. It has great classrooms, science labs, art rooms, and sports fields. It also has nice boarding facilities for students who choose to live at the school.

04. Xiamen ITG-SUIS High School

Xiamen ITG-SUIS High School is a new school that opened in 2019. It was started by two big groups, Xiamen IT Group and Shanghai Xiehe Education Group. The school mixes Chinese and Western ways of teaching to give students a great education. It is the first school of its kind in the area.

Xiamen ITG-SUIS High School white entrance wall with bilingual signage red ITG logo and landscaped garden with tree shadows.
Xiamen ITG-SUIS High School white entrance wall with bilingual signage red ITG logo and landscaped garden with tree shadows.

Academic Programs & Curriculum

The school's goal is to bring the best of the East and West together. The excellent teaching staff and faculty body focus on professional learning to make sure they are using methods for effective teaching. The school uses modern tools like interactive whiteboards to help students learn.

  • British Classes: The school is approved to offer the Cambridge A-Level curriculum for its students.
  • Future Plans: It also has plans to add American AP courses in the future.
  • Good Results: The first group of students to graduate in 2025 did very well on their big national exams.

Accreditation & Reputation

Even though the school is new, it is already getting a good reputation. It has strong support from its famous founding groups. In 2024, the city's education leaders gave the school a "Good" rating for its work. People are seeing it as a great new choice for education.

  • Official School: It is an official center for the Cambridge A-Level program.
  • "Good" Rating: The Xiamen Education Bureau gave the school a "Good" rating in its yearly check.
  • Strong Backing: The school is supported by a Fortune 500 company and a famous education group.
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Admission Eligibility

The school is mainly for students in Xiamen who are getting ready to finish high school. To get in, students' scores on the big city-wide exam are very important. The school looks for students who are ready to work hard.

  • Who Can Join: The school is mostly for students in Xiamen who are taking the high school entrance exam.
  • Based on Scores: Getting a spot is mainly based on how well students do on their exams.

Extracurricular and Collaborative Activities

The school believes it is important to learn both inside and outside the classroom. It has many fun clubs and activities. The campus has great sports facilities to help students stay active. Students have won big awards in contests against other schools.

  • Academic Teams: Students have done very well in contests like the British Physics Olympiad.
  • Fun Clubs: There are many different clubs and chances to have exchanges with students from other countries.
  • Growing People: These activities help students grow into well-rounded and successful people.

Annual Tuition Fees & Scholarships

Xiamen ITG-SUIS High School Fees
Xiamen ITG-SUIS High School Fees

The cost of the school has changed over the years. For 2025, the school fee for the general high school program is 58,000 RMB for the year. The school also offers help to students who do very well.

  • 2025 Tuition: The cost for the general high school program is 58,000 RMB for one year.
  • Scholarships: The school gives scholarships to students who get very high grades.
  • Financial Aid: There is also some help for students whose families may need it.

05. Xiamen Yingcai School

Xiamen Yingcai School is a well-known private boarding school that started in 1995. It teaches primary, junior high, and senior high school students. In 2007, it opened an International Department to help students who want to study in other countries. The school's goal is to help students love learning and be creative.

Xiamen Yingcai School red brick campus building with blue glass windows and decorative topiary garden landscape entrance.
Xiamen Yingcai School red brick campus building with blue glass windows and decorative topiary garden landscape entrance.

Academic Programs & Curriculum

The International Department mixes Western and Eastern ways of teaching to give students many choices. The school focuses on a vigorous learning environment to help every student succeed. The curriculum includes special programs to prepare students for university-level work, including difficult subjects like MATH ANALYSIS, and helps them build strong global connections.

  • Main Programs: The school offers a pre-university program called GAC-ACT and also has Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
  • Test Help: Students get special help to prepare for big tests like the SAT, ACT, and TOEFL.
  • Bilingual Focus: The curriculum puts a strong focus on learning English to get students ready for universities abroad.

Accreditation & Reputation

The school is in the Jimei Cultural District of Xiamen and has a beautiful campus. The International Department is accredited by Cognia, a worldwide group that checks if schools are good. This means its classes and teachers meet high standards. The school is well-known in Xiamen because it has been around for a long time and is respected by the city's education leaders.

  • International Approval: The school is accredited by Cognia, so its diplomas are accepted by universities everywhere.
  • Good Reputation: It is known for its long history and its good programs in art and international education.

Admission Eligibility

The school is looking for prospective students who are finishing high school and have good grades, especially in English. The way to get in is different for students depending on where they live. This is a school many families will want to Add to favourites when looking for options.

  • How to Join: Students in Xiamen can get in based on their big city-wide exam scores. Students from other places must apply directly and have an interview.
  • Entrance Tests: Students may need to take tests in subjects like math, English, physics, and chemistry.
  • Who Can Apply: The school has spots for students from both inside and outside of Xiamen.

Extracurricular and Collaborative Activities

The school is very good at teaching art, and this is a big part of its after-school activities. Students can join many fun clubs and teams. These activities are important for mutual empowerment and helping students grow in every way, not just in their studies.

  • Art Focus: The school is well-known for its strong art education programs.
  • Potential Clubs: Students can likely join clubs for sports, debate, music, and art.
  • Leadership: There are also groups like student council and volunteer work to help students become good leaders.

Annual Tuition Fees & Scholarships

Xiamen Yingcai School Fees & Scholarships.

The exact cost for the school year is not on the school's website, so families should ask the school directly to get the right information. Students who do very well on their entrance exams may be able to earn scholarships.

06. Manila Xiamen International School (MXIS)

Manila Xiamen International School (MXIS) is a private school that started in 1993, making it the very first international school in Fujian Province. It has a long history of teaching children from other countries as well as Overseas Chinese families. The school uses a Filipino-English bilingual curriculum.

Manila Xiamen International School MXIS hillside campus with swimming pool international flags and lush green forest surroundings.
Manila Xiamen International School MXIS hillside campus with swimming pool international flags and lush green forest surroundings.

Academic Programs & Curriculum

MXIS offers classes for students from preschool all the way to grade 12. As an IB World School, it offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP). The main language used for teaching is English, and students also learn Mandarin. The school has a special program to help students who are new to English.

  • IB School: The school is an official IB World School and offers the IB Middle Years Programme.
  • Bilingual Learning: It follows a Filipino-English bilingual curriculum.
  • English Help: There is a special ESL program to help non-English speakers learn the language quickly.

Accreditation & Reputation

MXIS is approved by several important groups, which shows it is a good school. It is an official IB World School and is also recognized by the Department of Education in the Philippines and the Ministry of Education in China. Because it has been around for so long, it has a strong and respected name.

  • Official School: It is an accredited school by the Philippine Department of Education and the Chinese Ministry of Education.
  • IB World School: It is part of the global network of IB World Schools.

Admission Eligibility

The school is open to children from many different countries, especially those from expatriate and Overseas Chinese families. The school checks to see if students are ready for the classes and if their English is good enough. The classes are very small, which helps teachers give each student a lot of attention.

  • Who Can Join: The school is for children of families from other countries and for Overseas Chinese families.
  • Small Classes: The student-teacher ratio is about 12 to 1, with only 5 to 15 students in each class.
  • How to Join: The school looks at a student's past school work and English skills to see if it is a good fit.

Extracurricular and Collaborative Activities

The school believes in helping students grow in every way. There are many fun activities that help students learn about different cultures and become good people. Students can join clubs, sports teams, and art groups.

  • Fun Activities: The school has a strong focus on cultural festivals and Southeast Asian language clubs.
  • Sports: Students can join sports teams like volleyball and basketball.
  • Student Well-being: There are also programs to help students feel happy and supported.

Annual Tuition Fees & Scholarships

Manila Xiamen International School Annual Tuition Fees & Scholarships.
Manila Xiamen International School Annual Tuition Fees & Scholarships.

07. Achieve Xiamen International School (AXIS)

Achieve Xiamen International School (AXIS) is one of the newest international schools in the city, having opened in 2021. It is a K-12 school for students from other countries, as well as those from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. The school uses a dual-language program, teaching in both English and Mandarin.

Achieve Xiamen International School AXIS modern campus rendering with running track sports field and contemporary architecture
Achieve Xiamen International School AXIS modern campus rendering with running track sports field and contemporary architecture.

Academic Programs & Curriculum

AXIS offers a complete education from a very young age all the way to high school. The school helps students get ready for top universities by offering a mix of world-famous programs. The learning is based on an American style, with a focus on asking questions and working on projects.

  • For Young Kids: As an IB School, it offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP).
  • For Older Kids: Middle and high school students learn using the American Common Core standards.
  • University Prep: The school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and is an official AP testing center.

Accreditation & Reputation

Even though it is a new school, AXIS is officially approved by important groups. This shows that it provides a high-quality international education. The school is registered with the local government and also has accreditation from the United States.

  • USA Approval: The school is accredited by Cognia, a large and respected group from the USA.
  • IB World School: It is an officially authorized school for the IB Primary Years Programme.
  • Local Approval: It is also registered as an international school with the Fujian Provincial Education Department.

Admission Eligibility

The school is open to students who have foreign passports. The classes are small, which helps teachers give every student a lot of attention. AXIS is also the only school in the area that offers a special boarding program.

  • Small Classes: The student-to-teacher ratio is very good, with only about 9 students for every 1 teacher.
  • Boarding: The school has excellent boarding facilities for students in Grade 6 and above.
  • Who Can Join: Students from age 2.5 all the way to Grade 12 can apply.

Extracurricular and Collaborative Activities

The school has many great activities for students to do outside of class. The campus has amazing sports facilities, including a rock-climbing wall and a track good enough for the Asian Games. These activities help students grow into well-rounded people.

  • Sports: Students can play many sports, like soccer, volleyball, basketball, and even golf and rock climbing.
  • Clubs: There are fun clubs like an economics club, Model United Nations, entrepreneurship labs, and coding clubs.
  • Internships: The school works with local tech companies to give students a chance to get real work experience.

Annual Tuition Fees & Scholarships

Achieve Xiamen International School Annual Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Achieve Xiamen International School Annual Tuition Fees & Scholarships

The cost to go to the school is between 130,000 and 170,000 RMB for one year. The school also offers special discounts and scholarships to help some families with the cost.

Factors to Consider when Choosing Xiamen International School for Your Kid

Choosing the Correct International Schools in Xiamen
Choosing the Correct International Schools in Xiamen.

Here are some important things to think about when choosing an international school in Xiamen.

Curriculum and Academic Programs

Some schools teach the IB program, which helps students think about the world. Other schools have an American style with AP classes. Think about which learning style is best for your child's future university plans.

Accreditation and Reputation

Good schools are approved by well-known education accreditation agencies, which means their quality is high. Also, see what other parents say about the school. A school with a good name is often a safe and smart choice.

Age Range and Facilities

Make sure the school has classes for your child's age. Look at the campus to see if it has safe playgrounds, good classrooms, and nice sports areas. A good environment helps students learn and play happily.

Tuition and Affordability

School fees can be very different. Ask about the price for one year and also about extra costs for things like uniforms, books, and buses. Make sure the total cost fits your family's budget.

Student Diversity and Community

Some schools have children from many different countries. This helps students learn about other cultures. Think about the kind of community where your child can make new friends and feel happy and comfortable.

Location and Accessibility

Think about where the school is located. Is it near your home or work? Choosing a school that is easy to get to every day can make your family's morning and afternoon trips much simpler.

Extracurricular Activities and Support

School is more than just classes. Look for fun activities like sports, music, and art clubs. Also, check if the school has good support to help new students feel welcome and adjust easily.

Parent and Teacher Reviews

Read what other parents and teachers write about the school online. This can tell you about the good things and also about some of the problems. It is smart to listen to their real experiences.

Wrapping Up

The top-tier International Schools in Xiamen are just one reason the city is a great choice. With a strong job market and a welcoming community, Xiamen offers a complete package for families, providing both professional opportunity for parents and a world-class education for their children.

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