Private Schools in China 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 China, including reviews, fees, and why families choose them.
Why Families Choose a Private School in China?
In China, many families—both locals and expatriates—choose private schools to secure a bilingual education that keeps pace with our increasingly globalized world. These institutions often provide prestigious international programs like the International Baccalaureate (IB), British A-Levels, or American Advanced Placement (AP), which are highly sought after by families aiming for top universities around the globe.
One of the main attractions is the focus on English-medium instruction, often combined with Mandarin language development. For local Chinese families, this dual-language approach opens doors to global opportunities. For expatriates, it allows their children to continue learning in English while still embracing cultural experiences. Parents on international forums frequently commend the presence of native English-speaking teachers and the tailored language support available for non-native speakers.
Another significant draw is the holistic approach to education. Private schools in China prioritize student-centered learning, creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence—traits that are often overlooked in the more exam-focused local public system. Families value how these schools nurture the “whole child” through smaller class sizes, personalized attention, and strong pastoral care.
The international mix of students is also a huge plus. In bustling cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou, private schools bring together communities from a multitude of nationalities. Parents often emphasize how this diversity encourages open-mindedness, global citizenship, and lasting friendships across different cultures.
With modern campuses, cutting-edge technology, and a broad array of extracurricular activities—ranging from STEM labs to music, arts, and competitive sports—private schools in China provide not just an education, but a vibrant, safe, and future-ready environment that caters to their child’s growth and development.
How much does it cost to attend Private Schools in China?
Category | Low Range | High Range |
---|---|---|
Annual Tuition | $30,000 | $49,000 |
Monthly Tuition Equivalent | $2,500 | $4,100 |
Registration Fee (one-time) | $200 | $5,000 |
Uniforms & Materials | $200 | $1,000 |
Extras & Trips | $1,000 | $5,000 |
Total Est. Annual Cost | $32,400 | $60,000 |
Top Private Schools China 2025
Discover top Private Schools in China. Use the filters to find the right fit and contact schools directly from their profiles.
Suzhou Singapore International School
-
Jiangsu - Suzhou
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 78,000 - 243,000 cny
- Curriculum:German Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1996
- Community: 1100 students • 50 nationalities
- Examinations:Cambridge, IB Diploma, IGCSE, SAT
- Language:Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Spanish
- Expert Dual-Language Instruction
- Enriching Singapore-China Curriculum
- State-of-the-Art Learning Spaces
Annual tuition fees at Suzhou Singapore International School range from 78,000 cny to 243,000 cny, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Yew Chung International School of Shanghai
-
China - Shanghai
- Co-Education
- 1 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 163,600 - 359,100 cny
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, British Curriculum, Cambridge Curriculum, Other
- Foundation:1993
- Community: 2200 students • 50 nationalities
- Examinations:Cambridge, IB Diploma, IGCSE, SAT
- Language:Bilingual, Chinese, English, Spanish
- Embraces bilingual learning (English/Chinese)
- Fuses Eastern and Western pedagogies
- Nurtures globally-minded leaders
Annual tuition fees at Yew Chung International School of Shanghai range from 163,600 cny to 359,100 cny, depending on the student's grade level and program.
The British International School Shanghai, Puxi
-
Shanghai - Puxi
- Co-Education
- 2 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 262,385 - 375,196
- Curriculum:British Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:2004
- Examinations:IB Diploma, IGCSE
- Language:Chinese, English
- Global Campus for worldwide exposure.
- Exclusive STEAM collaboration with MIT.
- Personalised learning via Juilliard Curriculum.
Annual tuition fees at The British International School Shanghai, Puxi range from 262,385 to 375,196 , depending on the student's grade level and program.
Georgia School Ningbo (GSN)
-
Zhejiang - Ningbo
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 115,000 - 155,000 cny
- Curriculum:American Curriculum
- Foundation:2014
- Community: 250 students • 20 nationalities
- Examinations:American Diploma, AP, PSAT, SAT
- Language:English
- Embraces Chinese-Western fusion learning.
- Skilled in nurturing global leaders.
- Provides innovative STEAM curriculum.
Annual tuition fees at Georgia School Ningbo (GSN) range from 115,000 cny to 155,000 cny, depending on the student's grade level and program.
International School of Beijing
-
China - Beijing
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 232,800 - 333,300 cny
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1980
- Community: 1750 students • 45 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma, SAT
- Language:Chinese, English
- Unrivaled Dual-Language Immersion.
- Fusion of Eastern and Western Education.
- Cutting-edge STEM Facilities.
Annual tuition fees at International School of Beijing range from 232,800 cny to 333,300 cny, depending on the student's grade level and program.
French International School of Hong Kong
-
Hong Kong - Hong Kong Island
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 135,000 hkd
- Curriculum:British Curriculum, Cambridge Curriculum, French Curriculum, IB Curriculum, Other
- Foundation:1963
- Community: 2700 students • 45 nationalities
- Examinations:Cambridge, DELF, French Baccalaureate, IB Diploma, IGCSE
- Language:Bilingual, English, French
- Bilingual Immersion: French & English
- Direct Pathway to Global Universities
- Unique Blend of Asian & Western Culture
Annual tuition fees at French International School of Hong Kong start at 135,000 hkd.
The British School of Guangzhou
-
Guangdong - Guangzhou
- Co-Education
- 1 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 91,000 - 281,000
- Curriculum:British Curriculum
- Foundation:2005
- Examinations:A Level, IGCSE
- Language:Chinese, English
- Bespoke Global Campus Programme
- Tailored Juilliard Arts Curriculum
- World-class MIT STEAM Collaboration
Annual tuition fees at The British School of Guangzhou range from 91,000 to 281,000 , depending on the student's grade level and program.
Shanghai Community International School
-
China - Shanghai
- Co-Education
- 2 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 122,000 - 277,500 cny
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1996
- Community: 1800 students • 60 nationalities
- Language:Chinese, English, French, Spanish
- Unrivaled Mandarin immersion program
- Tangible connections to Shanghai culture
- Bountiful extracurricular opportunities
Annual tuition fees at Shanghai Community International School range from 122,000 cny to 277,500 cny, depending on the student's grade level and program.
The Western International School of Shanghai (WISS)
-
China - Shanghai
- Co-Education
- 2 to 17 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 161,975 - 275,600 cny
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum
- Foundation:2006
- Community: 620 students • 40 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma
- Language:English
- Only Shanghai's full IB continuum school
- Over 50 nations in student body
- Emphasis on experiential learning
Annual tuition fees at The Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) range from 161,975 cny to 275,600 cny, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Keystone Academy
-
China - Beijing
- Co-Education
- 5 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 250,000 - 387,500 cny
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:2014
- Community: 1600 students
- Language:Chinese, English
- Bilingual immersion, East meets West
- Boarding option from Grade 7
- Enriching Chinese Thread curriculum
Annual tuition fees at Keystone Academy range from 250,000 cny to 387,500 cny, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Hangzhou International School (HIS)
-
Zhejiang - Hangzhou
- Co-Education
- 2 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 185 - 237 cny
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum
- Foundation:2002
- Community: 900 students • 50 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma
- Language:English
- Embraces diversity, 50+ nationalities
- MYP & DP IB programs offered
- Lush, eco-friendly campus setting
Annual tuition fees at Hangzhou International School (HIS) range from 185 cny to 237 cny, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Korean International School, Hong Kong
-
Hong Kong - Hong Kong Island
- Co-Education
- 4 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 93,400 - 131,700 hkd
- Curriculum:British Curriculum, Other
- Foundation:1993
- Community: 800 students • 25 nationalities
- Examinations:Cambridge
- Language:English
- Dual curriculum - Korean & IB system.
- Emphasis on character and creativity.
- Strong ties to Korean culture.
Annual tuition fees at Korean International School, Hong Kong range from 93,400 hkd to 131,700 hkd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
An application fee of HK$2,000 is an administrative fee that must be paid to initiate the application review and admission process. The application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. The acceptance...
Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong
-
Shanghai - Pudong
- Co-Education
- 2 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 131,193 - 375,196 cny
- Curriculum:British Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:2002
- Examinations:IB Diploma, IGCSE
- Language:Chinese, English
- Multilingual learning with Mandarin focus
- Personalized approach with STEAM program
- Global collaborations via UNICEF projects
Annual tuition fees at Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong range from 131,193 cny to 375,196 cny, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Yew Chung International School of Beijing
-
China - Beijing
- Co-Education
- 2 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 130,000 - 321,000 eur
- Curriculum:British Curriculum, Cambridge Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1995
- Community: 42 students
- Examinations:Cambridge, IB Diploma, IGCSE, SAT
- Language:Bilingual, Chinese, English, Mandarin
- Unites Eastern & Western Pedagogies
- Bilingual Proficiency from Age 2
- Strong Focus on Character Education
Annual tuition fees at Yew Chung International School of Beijing range from 130,000 eur to 321,000 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Year Level K2 - Kindergarten (Half Day): ¥52,000 (Semester 1) | ¥78,000 (Semester 2) | ¥130,000 (Annual) K2 - Kindergarten (Full Day): ¥84,000 (Semester 1) | ¥126,000 (Semester 2) |...ISA Science City International School
-
Guangdong - Guangzhou
- Co-Education
- 2 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 220,000 - 328,000 cny
- Curriculum:British Curriculum, IB Curriculum, IB Diploma Programme
- Foundation:2020
- Community: 2200 students • 40 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma, IELTS, MYP, TOEFL
- Language:English
Annual tuition fees at ISA Science City International School range from 220,000 cny to 328,000 cny, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Stamford American School Hong Kong
-
Hong Kong - Hong Kong Island
- Co-Education
- 5 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 188,600 - 227,600 hkd
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:2017
- Community: 740 students • 31 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma, SAT
- Language:Bilingual, English
- Innovative Bilingual Program Advantage
- World-Class MIT STEAM Partnership
- Unique Global Perspectives Curriculum
Annual tuition fees at Stamford American School Hong Kong range from 188,600 hkd to 227,600 hkd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Concordia International School Shanghai
-
China - Shanghai
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 226,000 - 303,000 cny
- Curriculum:American Curriculum
- Foundation:1998
- Community: 1150 students • 29 nationalities
- Examinations:American Diploma, AP, SAT
- Language:English
- Holistic K-12 US curriculum in China
- Mastery in technology & arts integration
- Strong American expat network support
Annual tuition fees at Concordia International School Shanghai range from 226,000 cny to 303,000 cny, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Hong Kong International School
-
Hong Kong - Hong Kong Island
- Co-Education
- 4 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 211,400 - 243,400 hkd
- Curriculum:American Curriculum
- Foundation:1966
- Community: 3000 students • 45 nationalities
- Examinations:American Diploma, AP
- Language:English
- Emphasis on American-style liberal arts.
- Vibrant mix of 40+ nationalities.
- Robust spiritual and ethical education.
Annual tuition fees at Hong Kong International School range from 211,400 hkd to 243,400 hkd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
American International School of Guangzhou
-
Guangdong - Guangzhou
- Co-Education
- 3 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 212,000 - 281,000 cny
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1981
- Community: 1000 students • 40 nationalities
- Examinations:American Diploma, IB Diploma
- Language:English
- Bilingual immersion from Pre-K onwards
- Enriched via 50+ after-school clubs
- Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities
Annual tuition fees at American International School of Guangzhou range from 212,000 cny to 281,000 cny, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Popular Private Schools Destinations in China
Parent and Student Reviews
- August, 2025Every program at ISA Science City is designed with excellence and purpose. The hands-on learning experiences have been transformative for my child’s growth.Show more
- What amazes me most is how ISA Science City turns every student into a leader. Through organizing different activities and leading community projects, my son has developed confidence and skills that textbooks could never teach. The sheer variety of events – from Model UN to student’s CCA clubs – means there’s always a new way to grow.Show more
- August, 2025I was amazed by how quickly teachers identified my learning style and adapted their approach. At ISA Science City, “one-size-fits-all” doesn’t exist—every student gets a tailored path to thrive.Show more
- August, 2025The curriculum is both broad and deep, seamlessly integrating STEM with arts and humanities. My child never has to choose between passions; the school nurtures every interest with equal dedication.Show more
- August, 2025What sets ISA Science City apart is its faculty—teachers here are not only experts in their fields but also mentors who truly understand how to ignite curiosity. Their blend of academic rigor and personalized guidance is exceptional.Show more
- January, 2024AISG is a wonderful school! My child is experiencing an inquiry-based education and gaining the critical thinking skills needed for the future. I am very happy with AISG.Show more
- November, 2023Concordia is a very special school. It not only focuses on academics, although it is very strong in academics, but also focuses on developing a kid’s other intelligences—for example drawing, technology, and even music—which makes kids more well-rounded.Show more
- November, 2023Concordia not only fosters kids in their academic development but also allows them to learn how to fundamentally become better people, which has a lifelong influence on them. Therefore, Concordia fits well with the educational philosophy of our family.Show more
- One of the things that I really like about the way the Americans do education has been the emphasis on show-and-tell, the strong sense of confidence, the emphasis on communication… I think both my children have benefited greatly from that.Show more
- November, 2023I can see that at Concordia my son is cared for as an individual. His strengths are nurtured and weaknesses addressed. The teachers are very professional and dedicated. And most importantly, kids are very motivated, and truly love the school and the environment.Show more
- October, 2023Being a student at SSIS has made me realise the importance of learning and how to be a lifelong learner. This school has made me want to be the best version of myself. I am regularly given the opportunity to reflect on my mistakes and my achievements, thus developing a growth mindset. The teachers, students, and facilities here come together to create an environment that ensures my success as a student who will successfully learn and become wiser for years to come.Show more
- October, 2023I am lucky to be a student at SSIS. Over the years, the school has taught me things beyond just academics. In SSIS, I am offered a variety of extracurricular activities that range from service, and creativity, to activity. Our teachers and classmates encourage each other to participate in these, and it is because of this supportive environment that I have had many new experiences. SSIS has facilitated my development in sport and academic learning, as well as socially. It really is a great place to be.Show more
Summary
Families in China are increasingly opting for private schools, drawn by their global perspective, bilingual education, and tailored learning experiences. These schools offer internationally recognized curricula, robust English instruction, and a chance to interact with a culturally diverse group of students. Parents appreciate the focus on holistic development, modern facilities, and personalized support—features that really distinguish private schools from the exam-driven public system. For both local and international families, private schools in China provide an education that not only emphasizes academic excellence but also fosters cultural understanding and prepares students for a global future.