As a soon-to-be expat , one of the most important and difficult decisions you will make is where your child
will go to school. While there will be a host of concerns and questions that arise during your search for a
school for your child in Shanghai, generally speaking, international assignees have three main concerns: the
safety of their children, the happiness of their children and the quality of their children’s education.
SAFE
International schools operating in Shanghai can be considered very safe by almost any assessment. These
schools invariably employ high-quality accredited staff have excellent and secure facilities and highly
qualified Western management.
HAPPY
Concerns about your child’s happiness are certainly warranted, as the adjustment to a new school is often
stressful and challenging, especially when combined with a move abroad. It should be comforting to know that
international schools are uniquely skilled in helping newly arrived children adapt to a new environment. In
the sections that follow we will provide you with the tools you need to make the right choice for your
child's education, to ensure that they are the beneficiaries of the education you want for them, in an
environment offering the best opportunity to be happy.
WELL-EDUCATED
The standard of education at international schools in Shanghai varies from institution to institution within
a very narrow bandwidth at the top of the scale. In other words, while there may be differences between
schools, in terms of quality they are generally very good. As such, you can rest assured that your child will
receive a top-quality education during your time in Shanghai.
DOCUMENTS TO BE PREPARED
Similar to other school applications, parents or guardians are expected to provide several items upon handing
in the application form. These include but not be limited to the following:
- Original and copy of birth certificate or adoption document;
- Photocopy of applicant's birth certificate or his/her passport, and Hong Kong ID card (if available),
(passport copy must provide date of birth and a valid Hong Kong Visa status);
- Copies of applicant's school reports, transcripts for the current and previous year;
- Passport-sized photographs;
- A student reference letter;
- Placement tests;
- Immunization/vaccination/medical reports.
QUESTIONS FOR SCHOOLS
- What is the school's academic program (IB, A-Level, Advanced Placement etc)?
- How will the school cater to your child's individual needs?
- How can parents get involved in the life of the school?
- What are the respective sizes of your child's class, year group, stage (early years, primary or secondary)
and the school in relation to home and work, and how much time would be spent commuting each day?
- What post-secondary institutions have alumni attended? What percentage of students proceed to post-
secondary education?
- By which educational and/or government bodies is the school accredited?
- Does the school offer a wide and engaging variety of learning experiences both inside and outside the
classroom, including extracurricular activities, community service and sports?
- Are there scholarships available for deserving or talented pupils?
- How ethnically, socially and culturally diverse is the student body?
- What is the school's philosophy and mission statement?
- What qualifications or awards are available for secondary students?
- What are the calendar cut-offs that determine class placements for different age groups?
