American 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 American Schools in China, including reviews, fees, and why families choose them.
Why families choose the American Curriculum?
When it comes to selecting an educational path for their children, many families in China opt for schools that offer the American curriculum, drawn by its unique blend of structured yet flexible educational offerings. This curriculum not only paves the way for academic excellence but also instills a broader perspective, preparing students for global challenges and opportunities.
Comprehensive and Balanced Education
The American curriculum is renowned for its holistic approach to education, which emphasizes not just academic excellence but also the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Subjects are taught in an integrated manner, encouraging students to see connections between disciplines. This method helps in nurturing a well-rounded intellect, equipped to tackle the complex problems of today’s world.
Focus on Innovation and Creativity
One of the core components that attract families to the American curriculum is its emphasis on creativity and innovation. Schools encourage students to think independently and creatively, fostering an environment where original ideas and entrepreneurship can flourish. This is particularly appealing in the rapidly evolving global landscape, where such skills are highly valued.
Flexibility in Academic Choices
Flexibility is another significant advantage of the American educational system. Students have the liberty to choose from a wide array of electives and extracurricular activities, which allows them to explore their interests deeply and develop specialized skills in areas they are passionate about. This personalized approach not only enhances their engagement with the learning process but also builds a strong foundation for future career paths.
Preparation for Global Universities
For many families, the ultimate goal of opting for an American curriculum is to prepare their children for higher education in the United States or other Western countries. The curriculum aligns closely with the prerequisites of top global universities, making it easier for students to meet entry requirements and excel in these environments. Furthermore, the use of English as the primary medium of instruction removes language barriers, providing a smooth transition for students pursuing studies abroad.
Development of a Global Perspective
The American curriculum inherently promotes a global outlook, encouraging students to understand and appreciate various cultural perspectives. This is particularly crucial in today’s interconnected world, where being globally aware and sensitive to multicultural nuances are key traits of successful individuals. Schools implement various programs and activities that expose students to diverse cultures and global issues, enriching their education and personal growth.
In summary, the American curriculum’s appeal lies in its ability to blend academic rigor with flexibility, creativity, and a global perspective, making it a preferred choice for families aiming to equip their children with the skills needed for a successful future in a globalized society.
How much does it cost to attend American Schools in China?
Category | Low Range | High Range |
|---|---|---|
Annual Tuition | $15,000 | $30,000 |
Monthly Tuition Equivalent | $1,250 | $2,500 |
Registration Fee (one-time) | $500 | $1,000 |
Uniforms & Materials | $200 | $400 |
Extras & Trips | $500 | $1,000 |
Total Est. Annual Cost | $17,200 | $34,400 |
Top American Schools China 2025
Discover top International Schools in China. Use the filters to find the right fit and contact schools directly from their profiles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 1052 students • 28 nationalities
- Examinations:IB Diploma, SAT
- Language:Bilingual, English
- Innovative Bilingual Program
- 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.
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.
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.
Popular American Schools Destinations in China
Parent and Student Reviews
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- September, 2023As a proud alumni and parent of multiple children at HKIS, the school is more than just an educational institution; it’s a nurturing home for students to thrive and excel. Their mission and vision reflect a commitment to fostering holistic growth and well-being. HKIS prioritizes student development, not just academically but also emotionally and socially. My children have not only excelled in academics but have also become confident, compassionate, and well-rounded individuals.
The emphasis on well-being truly sets HKIS apart. The strong and vibrant community at HKIS is unparalleled. From the faculty welcoming students arriving at school in the early morning to the supportive parent network, it feels like a big family. This sense of belonging makes a significant difference in a child’s educational journey. The student learning experience is dynamic and engaging.
The school’s emphasis on transfer goals ensures that students are well-prepared for the future. My children love going to school every day, which speaks volumes about the quality of the education experience.
The powerful alumni network is a testament to the success of HKIS graduates, something I have experienced first-hand. Knowing that my children will have access to this network in the future provides immense peace of mind.
In conclusion, HKIS isn’t just a school; it’s a community that cares deeply about each child’s growth and well-being. I wholeheartedly recommend HKIS to any family looking for a nurturing and academically enriching environment for their child. It’s not just a school; it’s a home where dreams take flight. - September, 2023In a world with dizzying choices for international schools, HKIS has exceeded our expectations at every turn. The values, the quality of the teachers, the facilities, all to the highest standard.
When looking for a school, we reviewed all the materials we could get our hands on. Each institution had an impressive mission statement and it seemed that all were well-equipped to provide a quality education. In the end, one line in particular from the HKIS handbook stood out and guided our selection:
“We appreciate childhood as a unique stage of the human life cycle. We value the quality of children’s lives in the present, not just as preparation for the future.”
The application process was straightforward. HKIS grants an assessment to all who submit by the priority deadline. The Admissions team was helpful and easily accessible throughout. No math test here – a group play-date determined if there was a fit.
Our son enrolled in Lower Primary at the Repulse Bay campus, which comes with a series of age-graded playgrounds, a 25 meter pool with a hydraulic floor, and a “wonder lab” for budding scientists. Classrooms flow to open spaces with ocean views and birdsong from the mountains. A truly beautiful setting to help settle young minds.
Education at HKIS is differentiated by a rigorous focus on the science of learning. Guided-play in the early years teaches perseverance and critical thinking, not just memorization. A strong support structure is in place for specialized learning in middle and high school. Teachers provide regular updates to parents, and counsellors are available to children at every grade.
The environment is wonderfully positive. Teachers glow and children speak with confidence. Parents are given ongoing guidance on how to develop a child’s independence in problem solving, and importantly – what to avoid. The Head of School and Principals are easily accessible, each of whom has an uncanny ability to remember names and particulars of individual families.
Negatives? None. Our biggest surprise is just how much we enjoy the HKIS experience as grown-ups, knowing our son is happy and learning. The parent community is humble and non-competitive, and we have yet to meet a family that is not thrilled to be part of the school.
With just one year in school, our son has been influenced by HKIS values and often reminds his parents of the “4 Bees” – be kind, be responsible, be respectful, and be safe. - Flat out the best college prep I could have ever imagined. While my new friends and classmates were struggling through the first few weeks and months of engineering at a top university, I felt right at home with the rigor of the IB Programme. I’m also thankful for the CAS program that pushed me to explore new things and encouraged me to live a more balanced lifestyle.
- June, 2023ISB prepped me most for my current career by creating constant opportunities to interact with new people and places through APAC and China Studies trips, and forcing me to work and make friends with an ever-changing international group from a wide variety of cultural, economic and linguistic backgrounds.
- Being at ISB has allowed me to develop my skills in learning new technologies and comfortably incorporating them in my work flow. Combine that with all the different nationalities and cultural backgrounds in the classroom, it became very clear to me I was in a very special place and well-positioned for the global economy.
- June, 2023Being at ISB has allowed me to develop my skills in learning new technologies and comfortably incorporating them in my work flow. Combine that with all the different nationalities and cultural backgrounds in the classroom, it became very clear to me I was in a very special place and well-positioned for the global economy.
- ISB provided me with a solid academic foundation and eye-opening international experiences through my participation at THIMUN and BEIMUN events. I was able to handle my undergraduate and graduate classes with relative ease thanks to the rigor of the IB curriculum at ISB, which then positioned me well to pursue a career in international development
Summary
The American curriculum in China attracts families with its holistic, flexible educational approach that emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and global perspectives. This educational pathway not only enhances academic skills but also prepares students for successful futures in a globalized world, making it an ideal choice for comprehensive learning.