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.
Top American Schools China 2026
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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.
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International School of Beijing
Beijing, China •Co-Education •- from 3
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: American Curriculum - IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: Chinese - EnglishYearly fee: from 232,800 to 333,300 CNY
Foundation: 1980Nationalities: 45 different nationalitiesNr of students: 45 studentsExaminations: IB Diploma - SATWith a non-profit model, research-based approach to education, and world-class facilities on our beautiful campus, ISB ensures our students can achieve impressive outcomes and discover their passions.At ISB, we strive to make learning challenging and joyful for our students and of most benefit to them when they graduate into our fast-changing world. A lot of schools choose to follow a set curriculum that has been tried and tested by other schools and that will remain in place for a long time. We take another approach.ISB is not tied to any one curriculum and therefore we are free to cherry-pick the best standards from around the world and design our own courses. We are committed to keeping up with research and best practice in education. As expert educators, what we know now about how best to teach is very different to what teachers in the previous generation knew. This means that good teaching today is far removed from what the parents of our students would have experienced at school....Annual tuition fees at International School of Beijing range from CNY 232,800 to CNY 333,300, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
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Georgia School Ningbo (GSN)
Ningbo, Zhejiang •Co-Education •- from 3
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: American CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 115,000 to 155,000 CNY
Foundation: 2014Nationalities: 20 different nationalitiesNr of students: 20 studentsExaminations: American Diploma - AP - PSAT - SATGeorgia School Ningbo (GSN), is licensed by the Zhejiang Province Ministry of Education and is the first licensed independent school for international families in the Ningbo region.At Georgia School Ningbo (GSN), we pride ourselves on delivering a research-based, college-preparatory curriculumdesigned to prepare students for a global future. Our academic program is grounded in the AERO (American Education Reaches Out) Framework, the cutting-edge Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and the prestigious College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Program. In addition, students are equipped for success with access to SAT/PSAT examinations and ongoing assessment through MAP (Measures of Academic Growth Progress), ensuring a comprehensive and personalized learning journey that meets international benchmarks.Annual tuition fees at Georgia School Ningbo (GSN) range from CNY 115,000 to CNY 155,000, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
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Keystone Academy
Beijing, China •Co-Education •- from 5
- to 18 years old
School type: Boarding School - International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: American Curriculum - IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: Chinese - EnglishYearly fee: from 250,000 to 387,500 CNY
Foundation: 2014Nationalities: N/ANr of students: N/AKeystone Academy is an innovative and unique school in China and the world.The curriculum of Keystone Academy provides students with the opportunities to take risks, ask questions, explore ideas, and develop their imaginations while engaging them through active learning and rigorous study. The environment at Keystone is designed to promote a love of knowledge, appreciation of disciplinary expertise, and the motivation to reach high academic and personal objectives, all in a bilingual environment. In each division of the school, teachers build rich and inspiring learning experiences to help students participate in our changing world as highly competent and literate citizens.Keystone Academy offers a most unusual educational experience, weaving together the best of three educational traditions: Chinese, American, and International. A profound respect for education ...Annual tuition fees at Keystone Academy range from CNY 250,000 to CNY 387,500, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
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Stamford American School Hong Kong
Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong •Co-Education •- from 5
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: American Curriculum - IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: Bilingual - EnglishYearly fee: from 188,600 to 227,600 HKD
Foundation: 2017Nationalities: 28 different nationalitiesNr of students: 28 studentsExaminations: IB Diploma - SATStamford American School Hong Kong is a K-12 IB World School that creates an inspiring world of education for students aged 5 to 18 that builds self-belief and empowers individuals to succeed.Stamford uses an American standards-based curriculum based on the rigorous and proven American Education Reaches Out (AERO) and Common Core Plus standards that develop a strong foundation in the core subjects such as language, art, math, humanities, and science. We deliver this curriculum using an inquiry-based approach across themes and nurture every child through a personalized learning approach to foster curiosity and independent thinking. Our programs culminate with three diploma options, including the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP).In addition to our adopted American standards, the core of our curriculum has several elements that focus on developing the whole child. These elements include global citizenship, approaches to learning, international mindedness, service learnin...Annual tuition fees at Stamford American School Hong Kong range from HKD 188,600 to HKD 227,600, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
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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.
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Hong Kong International School
Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong •Co-Education •- from 4
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: American CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 211,400 to 243,400 HKD
Foundation: 1966Nationalities: 45 different nationalitiesNr of students: 45 studentsExaminations: American Diploma - APHong Kong International School (HKIS) is a leading private co-educational college preparatory school for students from Reception One (pre-kindergarten) to Grade 12.Since 1966, HKIS has provided an exceptional educational environment grounded in the Christian faith. We know that students learn best when they are in charge of how they learn. Our American-style program permits students […]
Hong Kong International School offers the US Curriculum as well as Advanced Placement courses offered in High School. 29 Advanced Placement (AP) courses offered in High School.Chinese language is mandatory from Reception 1 to Grade 5; optional from Grade 6 to 12. Mandarin for Near Native Speakers and Mandarin as second language streams are offered. Subjects offered in Secondary are: English; Social Studies; Mathematics; Science; World Languages (Mandarin, Spanish or French); Fine Arts; Wellbeing (Religion, Physical Education/Health, Counseling Seminars); Electives. Application Guide Apply online. We accept applications all year-round, with the following priority deadlines for 2024-25 Academic Year: Reception 1- Grade 5: by October 1, 2023 Grade 6-12: by November 1, 2023 Applicants are as...Annual tuition fees at Hong Kong International School range from HKD 211,400 to HKD 243,400, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
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Christian Alliance International School
Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong •Co-Education •- from 5
- to 17 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: American Curriculum - Canadian Curriculum - IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 123,200 HKD
Foundation: 2017Nationalities: 25 different nationalitiesNr of students: 25 studentsCAIS is a non-profit international school of 1,500+ students representing more than 25 nationalities based in Hong Kong.The CAIS academic culture is rigorous and enthusiastic. Advanced Placement courses complement the world class Alberta Curriculum. Students can also progress through to the IB Diploma Programme during their final two years of secondary education.Annual tuition fees at Christian Alliance International School range from HKD 123,200 to HKD , depending on the student’s grade level and program.
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Majestic International College
Foshan, Guangdong •Co-Education •- from 14
- to 18 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: American Curriculum - British Curriculum - Canadian CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 183,800 CNY
Foundation: N/ANationalities: N/ANr of students: N/AExaminations: A Level - AP - IGCSEAnnual tuition fees at Majestic International College range from CNY 183,800 to CNY , depending on the student’s grade level and program.
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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.
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Wuhan French International School (EFIW)
Wuhan, Hubei •Co-Education •- from 3
- to 17 years old
School type: International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: American Curriculum - French CurriculumLanguage of instruction: FrenchYearly fee: from 126,000 to 214,600 CNY
Foundation: 2008Nationalities: 4 different nationalitiesNr of students: 4 studentsWuhan French International School, located inside the International Education Park of Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone, was established on June 8, 2015 upon approval of the Department of Education of Hubei Province. It is a MENESR-certified school specialized for foreign children and an official partner of the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE). Wuhan […]
EFIW a school approved by the French Ministry of Education, has been educating students in a hybrid system. The latter share their days between French classes and those of Wyis, an American international partner school. They follow two official programs to which are added Chinese lessons. This dual French and American curriculum constitutes a real asset, in perfect harmony with the motto of the Mlf: two cultures, three languages. EFIW's primary mission is to teach the official French Education Nationale curricula to students from “Nursery” to “High School”. Lessons are given directly to elementary school pupils (kindergarten and elementary school), and via CNED distance learning courses for secondary school pupils (collège and lycée).Annual tuition fees at Wuhan French International School (EFIW) range from CNY 126,000 to CNY 214,600, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
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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?
The yearly tuition fees for American Schools in China 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) | $500 | $1,000 |
Uniforms & Materials | $200 | $400 |
Extras & Trips | $500 | $1,000 |
Total Est. Annual Cost | $17,200 | $34,400 |
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.