Private Schools in Shanghai are a great choice for both local and expat families as they offer globally recognized curricula, outstanding academics plus a nurturing environment for children. Discover our selection of the best Private Schools in Shanghai, including reviews, fees, and why families choose them.
Why families choose a Private school in Shanghai?
Shanghai, a vibrant metropolis renowned for its cultural richness and technological advancements, also stands out for its commitment to educational excellence. Many families, both local and expatriate, opt for private schooling to ensure their children receive a top-tier education tailored to global standards. The reasons for choosing private schools in Shanghai are multifaceted, encompassing enhanced academic programs, diverse international exposure, and specialized facilities that cater to holistic development.
Academic Excellence and Innovative Curriculums
Private schools in Shanghai are celebrated for their rigorous academic standards and innovative learning curriculums. These institutions often offer international baccalaureate (IB) programs, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and British A-levels, providing students with a broad spectrum of subjects and in-depth study opportunities. The curriculum is designed not only to challenge the students but also to prepare them for global university admissions and future careers. Moreover, the low student-to-teacher ratios ensure personalized attention, allowing for a tailored approach that meets the individual needs of each student.
Global Perspective and Cultural Diversity
One of the most compelling aspects of private schools in Shanghai is their ability to imbue students with a global perspective. With a student body that spans multiple nationalities, children learn in a richly diverse environment that enhances their understanding of different cultures and global issues. This exposure is crucial in today’s interconnected world and fosters a sense of international mindedness and empathy among students.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Extracurricular Activities
Private schools in Shanghai are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that rival those of prestigious institutions worldwide. From science laboratories and art studios to sports complexes and technology centers, these schools provide resources that support a wide range of learning styles and interests. Furthermore, the extracurricular activities offered, such as robotics, debate clubs, music, and sports, are extensive and varied, ensuring that every student can find an area to excel in and develop further.
Supportive Environment and Community Engagement
The ethos of community and support is strongly emphasized in Shanghai’s private schools. These institutions often foster a close-knit community where parents, teachers, and students collaborate closely to enhance the educational experience. Regular parent-teacher meetings and community events help build a supportive network, creating a nurturing environment that benefits both academic and personal growth.
In conclusion, the decision for families to choose private schooling in Shanghai stems from the desire to provide children with an education that not only excels academically but also promotes personal development and global awareness. The blend of rigorous academics, cultural diversity, superior facilities, and a supportive community makes private schools in Shanghai an attractive option for those seeking comprehensive and world-class education for their children.
How much does it cost to attend Private Schools in Shanghai?
The yearly tuition fees for Private Schools in Shanghai generally range from $15,000 to $30,000 per year. This cost can vary based on factors like the curriculum, the quality of campus facilities, the standard of boarding, and the services – with some top-tier schools exceeding $35,000 annually.
Category | Low Range | High Range |
|---|---|---|
Annual Tuition | $15,000 | $30,000 |
Monthly Tuition Equivalent | $1,250 | $2,500 |
Registration Fee (one-time) | $1,000 | $2,000 |
Uniforms & Materials | $200 | $400 |
Extras & Trips | $500 | $1,000 |
Total Est. Annual Cost | $17,700 | $34,400 |
Top Private Schools Shanghai 2026
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The Western International School of Shanghai (WISS)
Shanghai, China •Co-Education •- from 2
- to 17 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 161,975 to 275,600 CNY
Foundation: 2006Nationalities: 40 different nationalitiesNr of students: 40 studentsExaminations: IB DiplomaThe Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) is a forward-looking school that has been inspiring young people from around the world since 2006.International BaccalaureateAnnual tuition fees at The Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) range from CNY 161,975 to CNY 275,600, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
Yew Chung International School of Shanghai
Shanghai, China •Co-Education •- from 1
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: American Curriculum - British Curriculum - Cambridge Curriculum - OtherLanguage of instruction: Bilingual - Chinese - English - SpanishYearly fee: from 163,600 to 359,100 CNY
Foundation: 1993Nationalities: 50 different nationalitiesNr of students: 50 studentsExaminations: Cambridge - IB Diploma - IGCSE - SATYCIS Shanghai marks our first footprint in the Chinese mainland. Over the past 30 years, the school has expanded with six campuses across Puxi, Pudong and Lingang, offering a unique education pathway and competitive international curriculum for expatriate children aged 2 – 18.The Yew Chung International Curriculum (based on internationally recognized learning standards from the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia, integrated within Yew Chung’s own framework, which incorporates the best educational practices and extends its focus to include Chinese language, global citizenship, international-mindedness, character education, and the arts), IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education), IBDP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme), HKDSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education), as well as a comprehensive and unique Chinese language and culture program.Annual tuition fees at Yew Chung International School of Shanghai range from CNY 163,600 to CNY 359,100, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
Shanghai Community International School
Shanghai, China •Co-Education •- from 2
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: Chinese - English - French - SpanishYearly fee: from 122,000 to 277,500 CNY
Foundation: 1996Nationalities: 60 different nationalitiesNr of students: 60 studentsEstablished in 1996 as one of Shanghai’s first international schools, Shanghai Community International School (SCIS) is a non-profit educational day school, governed by a self-perpetuating board of directors and overseen by the International Schools Foundation.As an IB World School, SCIS provides a full continuum of programs from Nursery through Grade Twelve, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP).Annual tuition fees at Shanghai Community International School range from CNY 122,000 to CNY 277,500, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
Concordia International School Shanghai
Shanghai, China •Co-Education •- from 3
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: American CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 226,000 to 303,000 CNY
Foundation: 1998Nationalities: 29 different nationalitiesNr of students: 29 studentsExaminations: American Diploma - AP - SATConcordia International School Shanghai offers a comprehensive American education, from Preschool to High School, focusing on holistic development and strong academics, including Advanced Placement.Early Childhood & Elementary SchoolAt Concordia, we provide a warm and stimulating early childhood program for children ages 3 to 5, emphasizing holistic development across academics, motor skills, and social/emotional learning. In our elementary school, covering grades 1 to 5, we build a strong foundation in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies, while fostering social skills, emotional well-being, and service-learning. The curriculum includes Mandarin language studies, technology integration, and an intentional approach to fine arts and physical education. Middle School Our middle school, for grades 6 to 8, is tailored to the transitional needs of young adolescents. We emphasize academic rigor, independence, responsibility, and leadership within a supportive community. T...Annual tuition fees at Concordia International School Shanghai range from CNY 226,000 to CNY 303,000, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong
Pudong, Shanghai •Co-Education •- from 2
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: British Curriculum - IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: Chinese - EnglishYearly fee: from 131,193 to 375,196 CNY
Foundation: 2002Nationalities: N/ANr of students: N/AExaminations: IB Diploma - IGCSEFor over 20 years, NAIS Pudong has welcomed our students into a diverse international community, motivating them to achieve the best academic results and to attend the top universities in the world.National Curriculum for England; The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE); International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)Annual tuition fees at Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong range from CNY 131,193 to CNY 375,196, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
The British International School Shanghai, Puxi
Puxi, Shanghai •Co-Education •- from 2
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: British Curriculum - IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: Chinese - EnglishYearly fee: from 262,385 to 375,196 EUR
Foundation: 2004Nationalities: N/ANr of students: N/AExaminations: IB Diploma - IGCSEFor over 15 years, our high-scoring students have gone on to attend the top universities in the world. Our teachers coach, support and inspire students to achieve outstanding results.National Curriculum for England, The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)Annual tuition fees at The British International School Shanghai, Puxi range from EUR 262,385 to EUR 375,196, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi
Puxi, Shanghai •Co-Education •- from 2
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: British CurriculumLanguage of instruction: English - MandarinYearly fee: from 137,800 to 390,000 CNY
Foundation: 2016Nationalities: 30 different nationalitiesNr of students: 30 studentsExaminations: A Level - IB Diploma - IGCSE - SATAt Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi the curriculum is academically rigorous, yet the education of the whole child is seen as critical. The wellbeing programme and range of co-curricular opportunities available to all children encourages academic, physical, social and emotional growthDulwich College Shanghai Puxi educates children from age 2 to 18. The primary teaching language is English, with a Dual Language approach in Mandarin and English in DUCKS (Toddler to Year 2). Children up to age 5 follow the Early Years Foundation Stage, and from Year 1 to Year 9, follow the National Curriculum of England, which is enhanced to meet the needs of our international student body. In Year 10 they begin the IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education), a rigorous two-year course that requires students to take a broad range of subjects covering maths and sciences, English and foreign languages, and the humanities. The IGCSE culminates in exams at the end of Year 11, and prepares students well for the two-year International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)...Annual tuition fees at Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi range from CNY 137,800 to CNY 390,000, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition: Tuition Fees may be paid annually or by term. Tuition Fees paid annually enjoy favourable rates compared to fees paid by term. An Application Fee of 3,500 RMB is non-refundable and valid for the year ...Boarding tuition: -
Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong
Pudong, Shanghai •Co-Education •- from 2
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: British Curriculum - IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: Bilingual - Chinese - EnglishYearly fee: from 266,000 to 390,000 CNY
Foundation: 21Nationalities: 45 different nationalitiesNr of students: 45 studentsExaminations: Cambridge - IB Diploma - IGCSE - PSAT - SATSince 2003, Dulwich Pudong has been a leading international school in Shanghai with a strong academic reputation.Annual tuition fees at Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong range from CNY 266,000 to CNY 390,000, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition: Examination Fees are included. Additional costs for items such as School Uniforms, Lunches, and Optional School Trips are excluded.Boarding tuition: -
Shanghai French School (Lycée Français de Shanghai)
Shanghai, China •Co-Education •- from 2
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: French CurriculumLanguage of instruction: Chinese - English - FrenchYearly fee: from 111,000 to 192,000 CNY
Foundation: 1996Nationalities: 45 different nationalitiesNr of students: 45 studentsExaminations: DELF - French Baccalaureate - IELTS - SATAn international school that welcomes 1300 students of 40+ nationalities on two campuses. It offers the French curriculum with dedicated language streams and a program for non French speakers.The French education system is highly structured, with a strict curriculum and a standardised final exam. At Shanghai French School, we are proud to bring every year our students to a 100% success rate to the French Baccalaureate, among which 97% with honors. Our unique international streams, with a strong focus on English or Chinese, prepare our students to the International French Baccalaureate (with exams in foreign language), the taking of international language certifications (Cambridge and IGCSE in English, DELF in French, HSK in Chinese, Dele in Spanish or Goethe exams in German). Shanghai French School is also a SAT center.Annual tuition fees at Shanghai French School (Lycée Français de Shanghai) range from CNY 111,000 to CNY 192,000, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition: The Shanghai French School is a private school, non-profit establishment, managed by the Board of Directors of the Association of Parents of Students and contracted with the Agency for French Educatio...Boarding tuition: -
Shanghai American School
Shanghai, China •Co-Education •- from 3
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: American Curriculum - IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 260,500 to 316,800 CNY
Foundation: 1912Nationalities: 47 different nationalitiesNr of students: 47 studentsExaminations: AP - IB DiplomaFounded in 1912, Shanghai American School, one of Asia’s most respected international schools, is the kind of school you wish you would’ve attended when you were a kid.SAS offer an American core curriculum, high school AP and IB diploma programmes as well as regular coursework. We teach students ages 3-18 in Grade Pre-K to Grade 12.Annual tuition fees at Shanghai American School range from CNY 260,500 to CNY 316,800, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
Wellington College International Shanghai
Shanghai, China •Co-Education •- from 2
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: British Curriculum - IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 273,000 to 365,000 CNY
Foundation: 2014Nationalities: 40 different nationalitiesNr of students: 40 studentsExaminations: IB Diploma - IGCSEWellington College International Shanghai is a co-educational day school with over 1,600 pupils, aged 2 to 18 years old.Wellingtonians graduate at the age of 18 as confident, independent and resilient young adults. This is the result of their journey through our educational programme. We create the conditions for our pupils to flourish. This means not only achieving the best examination results possible but also acquiring the skills needed to thrive in the wider world. Whether it is in the classroom, on the sports field, on the stage or while engaging in community service projects, our pupils receive an all-round education designed to help them become successful global citizens.Early Years (ages 2-5) Our Early Years Centre will provide your child with a stimulating, nurturing and, most importantly, fun learning environment. Home to two year groups, Nursery and Reception, our curriculum is linked to the expe...Annual tuition fees at Wellington College International Shanghai range from CNY 273,000 to CNY 365,000, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition: Our fees cover day-to-day tuition, use of text and library books, public examination fees, basic stationery and general educational materials appropriate to the particular year group. They also cover ...Boarding tuition:
Summary
Parents choose private schools in Shanghai for their rigorous academic programs, global cultural exposure, and state-of-the-art facilities. These schools offer a holistic educational experience that prepares students for global challenges, fosters cultural understanding, and supports personal growth in a nurturing environment.