Discover in this article our selection of the Best International Kindergartens in Shanghai.
Why choose an international Kindergartens in Shanghai?
Choosing an international kindergarten in Shanghai can be a pivotal decision for expatriate parents who are keen on providing their children with a robust start in their educational journey. The city’s international kindergartens stand out not only for their global curriculum but also for their commitment to fostering a multicultural environment where young learners thrive.
Global Curriculum and Advanced Learning Techniques
International kindergartens in Shanghai adopt globally recognized curriculums, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme, which emphasizes inquiry-based learning rather than rote memorization. This approach nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and independence, skills that are invaluable in the increasingly interconnected world. Moreover, these schools often incorporate cutting-edge educational technologies and teaching methods, ensuring that children are adept at using digital tools from a young age.
Language Development and Multicultural Exposure
One of the significant advantages of enrolling your child in an international kindergarten in Shanghai is the bilingual or even multilingual education they receive. English is usually the medium of instruction, but children also learn Mandarin, which is vital given the local context and China’s global economic significance. Additionally, being in a multicultural environment with peers from diverse backgrounds enhances children’s social skills and cultural awareness, preparing them for a globalized future.
Highly Qualified Staff and Excellent Facilities
Teachers in these institutions are often expatriates themselves or local professionals who have international training and experience, ensuring high educational standards. The schools boast facilities that rival those in Western countries, from well-equipped classrooms to extensive sports complexes and arts facilities, providing a well-rounded education that is not just academic but also physical, social, and artistic.
Community and Parental Involvement
International kindergartens in Shanghai usually have a strong sense of community. They frequently organize events and activities that involve parents, making it easier for expat families to meet and build networks. This community support is especially beneficial for those new to the city or country, helping them adjust more smoothly to their new environment.
In conclusion, choosing an international kindergarten in Shanghai offers more than just an education; it provides a gateway to a world of opportunities for young children. The blend of a rigorous curriculum, a multilingual and multicultural environment, top-notch facilities, and a supportive community creates an ideal setting for personal and academic growth.
How much does it cost to attend Kindergartens in Shanghai?
Category | Low Range | High Range |
---|---|---|
Annual Tuition | $10,000 | $20,000 |
Monthly Tuition Equivalent | $835 | $1,670 |
Registration Fee (one-time) | $500 | $1,000 |
Uniforms & Materials | $150 | $300 |
Extras & Trips | $200 | $400 |
Total Est. Annual Cost | $10,850 | $21,700 |
Top Kindergartens Shanghai 2025
Discover top International Schools in Shanghai. Use the filters to find the right fit and contact schools directly from their profiles.
Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong
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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.
The British International School Shanghai, Puxi
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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.
The Western International School of Shanghai (WISS)
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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 Shanghai
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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.
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.
Concordia International School Shanghai
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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.
Parent and Student Reviews
- 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
- February, 2023My family and I have been embraced and welcomed by WISS community with open arms and we look forward to being a part of this family for many years to come.Show more
- February, 2023My children have lived in many different countries and attended many different international schools, they are the happiest they have ever been.Show more
- February, 2023I like the way WISS supports art and creativity. Kids are encouraged to develop their talent in all topics, from music to theatre, from painting to dancing, as well as all the other subjects, and they can express themselves in multiple ways.Show more
- February, 2023We like WISS because of its community. The multi-cultural atmosphere has given everyone, especially our son, the awareness, appreciation, and respect that they need when encountering different kinds of cultures in their lives. But the best thing about the school is how their education is integrated with the world and with current events. What they learn isn’t kept in their books, but it is often applied in their daily lives.Show more
- February, 2023It’s amazing here. There are so many people from all over the world and we are really engaged and involved in the WISS community and really feel it is our family here. We really like the method of teaching and the way the kids learn because it’s not just working in a very academic way. Its working on projects in a group and it’s really focused on teamwork.Show more
- February, 2023The warm community at SCIS helped me develop a sense of personal motivation and independence. This facilitated my transition into university where the ability to take responsibility for your own work is essential.Show more
- February, 2023SCIS played a key role in helping me to develop writing, analysis, and critical-thinking skills needed to succeed at the university level. Spending several years within SCIS’s small-school environment allowed me to receive personalized instruction from my teachers that proved critical in preparing me for life after high school.Show more
- February, 2023The biggest part of being signed as a college athlete at North Park University in Chicago (an NCAA Division III college in the United States), representing SCIS is being able to really put the school on the map. I really wanted to give back to a community where I’ve been provided with such great opportunities growing up here since fifth grade. There are so many people who have influenced me, past coaches from soccer, volleyball, and basketball. It’s different parts of the components of these sports that made me who I am and a big part of it is SCIS and the commitment to the sports. Without playing basketball or volleyball and the learning experiences I’ve had, I wouldn’t be who I am today.Show more
Summary
International kindergartens in Shanghai offer a comprehensive educational foundation with globally recognized curriculums, a multilingual environment, and state-of-the-art facilities. These schools not only focus on academic excellence but also emphasize cultural diversity and community engagement, making them an ideal choice for expatriate families.