IB 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 IB Schools in China, including reviews, fees, and why families choose them.
Why families choose an IB school in China?
Choosing the right educational pathway for their children is a pivotal decision for any parent, and many are turning their sights towards International Baccalaureate (IB) schools in China. This educational model is celebrated globally for its rigorous, inquiry-based learning approach which not only stresses academic excellence but also personal development. But what specifically drives families to opt for IB schools in China?
Global Recognition and Mobility
One of the foremost reasons is the global recognition of the IB diploma. It opens doors to top universities around the world, making it a preferred choice for families who value education as a cornerstone for future opportunities. In an increasingly globalized world, parents are keen on preparing their children for international careers or studies abroad. IB schools in China are seen as a stepping stone to this path, offering a curriculum that is universally accepted and respected.
Comprehensive Curriculum that Fosters All-Round Development
IB schools are not just about academic learning; they emphasize a holistic approach to education. This means students engage in a wide range of subjects and activities that foster not only intellectual but also emotional and social growth. From arts to sciences, and theory of knowledge classes, students receive a balanced education that encourages them to explore their interests and talents beyond conventional academic disciplines. This rounded approach is particularly appealing to parents who wish for their children to develop into well-rounded individuals.
Critical Thinking and Student-Centered Learning
At the heart of the IB philosophy is the development of critical thinking and self-motivated learning. Unlike traditional rote learning techniques prevalent in many educational systems, IB challenges students to think critically, question conventionally held beliefs, and solve problems creatively. This nurturing of independent thought is highly valued by parents who see these skills as essential for success in a rapidly changing world.
Emphasis on Multicultural Awareness
China’s IB schools are melting pots of culture, with students from various international backgrounds. This diversity introduces students to a variety of perspectives and fosters a greater understanding and appreciation of different cultures. In today’s global village, parents are keen for their children to grow up in an environment that values diversity and promotes international-mindedness.
Supportive Learning Environments
The supportive, encouraging environment found in IB schools in China also draws families. With smaller class sizes and a higher teacher-to-student ratio, children receive more personalized attention. This personalized approach helps identify and nurture the unique strengths and needs of each student, something larger educational systems may not adequately provide.
In conclusion, the decision for many families to choose an IB school in China is influenced by the blend of rigorous academics, a nurturing environment that promotes personal development, and the preparation it offers for global opportunities. As China continues to grow in its role on the world stage, its IB schools represent not just learning institutions but gateways to becoming global citizens.
How much does it cost to attend IB Schools in China?
Category | Low Range | High Range |
---|---|---|
Annual Tuition | $20,000 | $40,000 |
Monthly Tuition Equivalent | $1,665 | $3,335 |
Registration Fee (one-time) | $1,000 | $2,000 |
Uniforms & Materials | $200 | $400 |
Extras & Trips | $500 | $1,000 |
Total Est. Annual Cost | $22,700 | $44,400 |
Top IB Schools China 2025
Discover top International Schools in China. Use the filters to find the right fit and contact schools directly from their profiles.
Shanghai Community International School
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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) |...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.
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.
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 IB 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
- 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
- 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.Show more
- 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.Show more
- 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.Show more
- 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.Show more
Summary
Families choose IB schools in China for their global recognition, comprehensive curriculum that promotes all-round development, and the cultivation of critical thinking and multicultural awareness. These schools prepare students for future global opportunities, making them attractive to parents aiming for the best for their children's education and personal growth.