The Best International Kindergartens in Shanghai

International Kindergartens or nurseries are very popular in Shanghai, especially for parents looking for a bilingual development of their children.

The Best International Kindergartens in Shanghai

Discover in this article our selection of the Best International Kindergartens in Shanghai.

Table of Contents

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?

The yearly tuition fees for Kindergartens in Shanghai generally range from $10,000 to $20,000 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 $25,000 annually.
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.

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Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong verified

  • Shanghai - Pudong
  • Co-Education
  • 2 to 18 years old
no reviews
  • 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
Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong (NAIS Pudong) was officially opened by Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt MP in 2002. It was the first British school in China and the first international school in Pudong, Shanghai.Since then, our international school has gone from strength to strength and is regarded as the private school of choice in the area for families looking for an outstanding international education. Over 50 nationalities are represented...
National Curriculum for England; The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE); International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)
  • 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.

WSGallery BISS Puxi Banner

The British International School Shanghai, Puxi verified

  • Shanghai - Puxi
  • Co-Education
  • 2 to 18 years old
no reviews
  • School type:International School
  • Yearly fee: 262,385 - 375,196
  • Curriculum:British Curriculum, IB Curriculum
  • Foundation:2004
  • Examinations:IB Diploma, IGCSE
  • Language:Chinese, English
Established in 2004, BISS Puxi has an excellent reputation for creating successful students, both academically and socially. Our innovative teaching style and outstanding facilities make us one of the elite international schools in China with students who flourish inside and outside the classroom.ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE At BISS Puxi, we have a longstanding record of excellence in both the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)....
National Curriculum for England, The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)
  • 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.

WSgallery WISSchina 1

The Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) verified

  • China - Shanghai
  • Co-Education
  • 2 to 17 years old
5 reviews
  • 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
The Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) is a forward-looking school that has been inspiring young people from around the world since 2006. This year, WISS celebrates 15 years of excellence in education. WISS challenges and empowers students through an unparalleled IB education.WISS is a leading international school in Shanghai and the first and only full continuum IB World School in mainland China offering the four programmes of the International...
International Baccalaureate
  • 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.

Banner YCIS

Yew Chung International School of Shanghai verified

  • China - Shanghai
  • Co-Education
  • 1 to 18 years old
no reviews
  • 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
YCIS 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.At Yew Chung International School of Shanghai (YCIS Shanghai), we are renowned for offering one of the most progressive programmes of international education in China. The school's unique...
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...
  • 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.

Cover

Shanghai Community International School verified

  • China - Shanghai
  • Co-Education
  • 2 to 18 years old
4 reviews
  • 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
Established in 1996 as one of Shanghai’s first international schools, Shanghai Community International School (SCIS) is a non-profit educational day school, governed by a self-perpetuating board of directors and overseen by the International Schools Foundation. SCIS has three campuses spread across Shanghai, including locations in Puxi and Pudong, and offers a seamless international program for students age two to eighteen.SCIS is accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges...
As an IB World School, SCIS provides a full continuum of programs from Nursery through Grade Twelve, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP).
  • 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 Interantional School Shanghai Cover Photo

Concordia International School Shanghai

  • China - Shanghai
  • Co-Education
  • 3 to 18 years old
4 reviews
  • 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
Concordia International School Shanghai is a co-educational day school that offers an American-style education to students from Preschool through High School. Located in Jinqiao, an international community in Shanghai’s Pudong New Area, we are known for our commitment to educational excellence and for providing well-developed sports, fine arts, cultural, and applied learning programs. Educational PhilosophyAt Concordia, education goes beyond academics; we look to foster the holistic development of our students,...
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...
  • 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.

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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.