Top International Middle Schools in Shanghai

School Location Coordinates

Timeline of Shanghai Middle School Education Development

• Early 20th Century: Establishment of missionary and private schools during the International Settlement period
• 1949 onwards: Development of comprehensive public education system under the People’s Republic
• 1980s-1990s: Economic reforms lead to educational modernization and international cooperation
• 1990s-Present: Rapid growth of international schools to serve expatriate community and Chinese families
• 2010s-Present: Shanghai consistently ranks among top performers in international education assessments

Key Takeaways

• Shanghai offers a wide range of middle school options, including local public schools and international schools
• International schools often follow foreign curricula (American, British, IB) and cater to diverse student populations
• Admission to popular schools can be highly competitive, requiring early application and preparation
• Tuition fees for international schools range significantly, with premium institutions charging 200,000+ RMB annually
• Many schools offer bilingual education programs combining Chinese and international curricula

School Transportation Access

 (Line 2) Shanghai Science and Technology Museum Station
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                   |  School Bus /  15 min drive
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               SAS Pudong Campus
                   
 (Line 9) Jinqiao Station  
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                   |  School Bus /  10 min drive
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               Dulwich College Shanghai

School Hours Comparison

Tuition Fee Categories

Student Demographics

Related Shanghai Education Services

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• Shanghai Tour Packages – Educational and cultural exploration programs
• Influencer Travel Guide – Modern Shanghai lifestyle and education insights
• Shanghai Elite Transport Solutions – Premium school transportation services
• Shanghai VIP Concierge – Personalized education consulting and school placement

For more Shanghai education guides and family services, visit our complete guide collection or contact our education specialists.

However, as more parents have entered the workforce and migrated to urban areas, there has been a growing demand for formal childcare services. The Chinese government has recognized this need and has implemented policies to support the development of childcare services.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of childcare facilities, including nurseries, kindergartens, and daycare centers. These facilities are typically run by the government or private entities and are subject to regulations and standards set by the government.

Despite these efforts, childcare services in China still face a number of challenges, including a shortage of qualified caregivers, limited availability of services in rural areas, and high costs for families. Additionally, there have been reports of abuse and neglect in some childcare facilities, highlighting the need for continued improvements in quality and oversight.

Overall, while progress has been made in expanding access to child care in China, there is still work to be done to ensure that all families have access to safe, high-quality childcare services.

Does China have child care?

Yes, China has childcare services available to families. Childcare services in China vary depending on the region, as each province has its own regulations and standards.

In urban areas, there are often government-run childcare centers, private kindergartens, and nanny agencies. In rural areas, childcare services may be less available or less regulated.

The Chinese government has been increasing its investment in childcare services in recent years, with a focus on expanding access to affordable and high-quality care. In 2019, for example, the Chinese government announced a plan to add 2.6 million childcare slots in urban areas by the end of 2020.

However, despite these efforts, there are still challenges in providing access to childcare services in China, particularly in rural areas and for low-income families.

1. Pre-school education

It is important to note that the Chinese education system places a strong emphasis on academic achievement and testing. This means that even in preschool, there may be pressure for children to perform well academically. Some parents may choose to hire private tutors or enroll their children in additional after-school classes to help them excel academically.

In primary and secondary school, the curriculum focuses heavily on core subjects such as math, Chinese language, and English. Students are expected to memorize large amounts of information and perform well on exams. There is also a strong emphasis on discipline and obedience, with strict rules and regulations in place.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards international education in China, with more parents opting to enroll their children in international schools. These schools offer a more diverse and flexible curriculum, with a focus on critical thinking, creativity, and personal development.

Overall, the Chinese education system offers a wide range of options for parents, from public to private to international schools. However, it is important to carefully consider your child’s needs and preferences, as well as the cultural and academic expectations of the system, before making a decision.

2. Nanny services in China

Nanny services are becoming increasingly popular in China, particularly among families with young children and dual-income households. There are two main types of nanny services available in China: live-in nannies and live-out nannies.

Live-in nannies, also known as “eyes” in Chinese, typically live with the family and provide a range of services, including childcare, cooking, cleaning, and sometimes even running errands. They are often considered part of the family and may work long hours, including weekends and holidays. Live-in nannies are usually hired through referrals from friends or family members, or through agencies that specialize in domestic help.

Live-out nannies, on the other hand, do not live with the family and typically work on a part-time or full-time basis. They may provide childcare services during the day while parents are at work or help with housework and cooking. Live-out nannies can also be hired through referrals or agencies.

Nanny services in China are not regulated, which means that it is up to the family to ensure that they are hiring a qualified and trustworthy caregiver. Some families may choose to conduct background checks or require references before hiring a nanny. It is also important to establish clear expectations and boundaries, including working hours, duties, and compensation.

The cost of nanny services in China can vary widely depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, and location. Live-in nannies are typically paid a monthly salary, while live-out nannies may be paid an hourly rate or a daily rate. In some cases, families may also provide food and accommodations for live-in nannies.

Overall, nanny services can provide a valuable source of support for busy families in China. However, it is important to carefully consider the needs of your family and the qualifications of potential caregivers before hiring a nanny.

Child Day Care:

Child day care in China typically refers to a licensed child care facility where parents can drop off their children during the day while they work or attend to other responsibilities. Child day care services in China vary depending on the region and the type of facility, but some common characteristics include:

1. The Little Urban Center Preschool

Preschools in general are early childhood education programs that typically serve children between the ages of 3 and 5. Preschools focus on providing a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn, play, and develop social skills.

Preschools may offer a structured curriculum that includes early childhood education and play-based learning activities, as well as opportunities for socialization and creative expression. Preschools may also offer childcare services for working parents.

It’s important to research preschools thoroughly and visit the facilities before making a decision on which one to enroll your child in. When researching preschools, it can be helpful to consider factors such as location, cost, curriculum, teacher qualifications, and facilities and amenities.

2. Little World Day Care & Learning Center

Located on Yongjia Lu, this daycare and learning center caters to children between the ages of 18 months and 4 years. With a low teacher-to-student ratio of 1:5, the center maintains a bilingual environment with both English and Chinese teachers. Moreover, all the furnishings and toys are imported and free of toxins.

The center offers flexible timings with full-day sessions from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and half-day options. During the summer months from June to August, the center also organizes summer camps for students aged 4-7 in addition to providing daycare services for younger children.

3. Guanhua Kid’s Garden

Guanhua Kid’s Garden is a pre-kindergarten and nursery school that caters to both local and international students between the ages of 10 to 48 months. The school provides children with an opportunity to experience traditional Chinese culture in a historic setting while being free to explore and play in the garden. Each class at the school is taken care of by six trained nursery teachers, including one foreign teacher per class who prepares children for attending international schools across Shanghai.

Final Thoughts

If you are considering enrolling your child in preschool, you will need to choose between public, private, and international kindergartens. Public kindergartens may not be the best fit for ex-pat children due to the specific education system, while private and international kindergartens tend to be more expensive. It is also common practice to visit the potential preschool facility, talk with the teachers, and attend classes before signing up for your child.

In primary and secondary school, the curriculum focuses heavily on academic achievement and testing, with a strong emphasis on core subjects such as math, Chinese language, and English. Students are expected to memorize large amounts of information and perform well on exams. Some parents may choose to hire private tutors or enroll their children in additional after-school classes to help them excel academically.

When it comes to nanny services, families can choose between live-in or live-out nannies. However, it is important to ensure that the caregiver is qualified and trustworthy, as nanny services in China are not regulated.

Overall, childcare options in China offer a wide range of choices for parents. It is important to carefully consider your child’s needs, cultural and academic expectations, and the qualifications of potential caregivers before making a decision.

Shanghai American School: A Legacy of Excellence

Discover China’s most established international school, fostering global citizens since 1912

SBIS is also accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The school serves students from ages 3 to 18 and it has a campus in Shanghai’s Pudong New Area. It is considered one of the leading international schools in Shanghai.

Shanghai British International School (SBIS) is a nonprofit international school in Pudong, Shanghai. SBIS opened as a preschool on September 21, 2009, with 54 pupils and 15 staff. The first section of the permanent campus opened in September 2013. A second section was added in September 2016. In August 2019, SBIS will open the new Stanhope campus to accommodate students from Pre-Nursery to Year 9.

Shanghai British International School is registered with the UK government’s Department for Education as an overseas school and has been accredited by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS). It is also affiliated with COBIS through its membership with its founding organization, Nord Anglia Education

What is the Shanghai British International School?

The Shanghai British International School (SBIS) is an international school located in the heart of Shanghai, China. It offers a comprehensive education to students from all over the world, following the English National Curriculum and preparing students for life after graduation. SBIS also has a strong focus on developing social responsibility, leadership, and global citizenship in its students.

As an educational institution that values diversity and inclusion, SBIS aims to provide a supportive environment where all students can thrive regardless of their background or nationality. The school offers programs ranging from Early Years Foundation Stage through to A-Levels, giving each student the opportunity to reach their full potential. Additionally, SBIS promotes learning beyond academics by encouraging extracurricular activities such as sports and music.

History: How has it grown?

History has long been a subject of interest for many people. From ancient civilizations to modern-day societies, history is both captivating and intriguing. Shanghai British International School offers an excellent History program that helps to teach students the importance of understanding our past and how it has shaped us into who we are today.

The school’s History curriculum is designed to develop a deep knowledge and understanding of the major events and movements which have taken place in human history. Students learn about changes through time in politics, society, culture, economics, and social systems while gaining essential skills such as critical thinking, research methods, essay writing, and public speaking. Through this comprehensive approach to learning History, students gain an appreciation for the immense influence it has had on our world today.

Shanghai British International School (SBIS) is a nonprofit international school in Pudong, Shanghai.

Shanghai British International School (SBIS) is a nonprofit international school in Pudong, Shanghai. SBIS opened as a preschool on September 21, 2009, with 54 pupils and 15 staff. The first section of the permanent campus opened in September 2013.[1]

The school has two campuses: one for infants through year 6 students and another for years 7 to 13 students.[2] The infant campus occupies 5 floors above ground level while the junior campus occupies 9 floors above ground level.[3]

SBIS opened as a preschool on September 21, 2009, with 54 pupils and 15 staff:

SBIS opened as a preschool on September 21, 2009, with 54 pupils and 15 staff. It was the first British international school in Shanghai and is now one of only three schools in Pudong that offer the British curriculum from Early Years through to Year 13 (the others being International School Shanghai East and Shanghai American School).

SBIS was established by the Shanghai British Community Education Foundation (SBCEF), which is registered with Chinese authorities as an independent charity under Chinese law. The SBCEF operates SBIS under its own constitution and has its own Board of Directors who oversee all aspects of school operations including finance, development, HR policy, and curriculum design.

The first section of the permanent campus opened in September 2013:

The first section of the permanent campus opened in September 2013. This includes two buildings: one for primary school students and one for secondary school students. The inaugural class of students began at BIS on that day and has grown significantly since then.

The number of students on a roll is now over 600, with more than 100 staff members.

A second section was added in September 2016:

An additional section was added in September 2016 to accommodate the growing demand for places. The new school will be located in Pudong, with a capacity for 1000 pupils from kindergarten through Year 13 (ages 3-18).

The first two sections of Shanghai British International School were established in September 2014 as a result of the strong demand for international education in China’s financial hub. Both schools are located close to each other at Huaihai Middle Road and Jinke Road respectively, with each having a capacity of 400 pupils aged 3-16 years old.

In August 2019, SBIS will open the new Stanhope campus to accommodate students from Pre-Nursery to Year 9:

In August 2019, SBIS will open the new Stanhope campus to accommodate students from Pre-Nursery to Year 9.

The new campus is located in Pudong and will be housed on the first three floors of a 15-story building that is currently under construction. It will have state-of-the-art facilities including classrooms for 600 students, an indoor swimming pool and sports hall (with basketball court), a performing arts center with auditorium seating 400 people, a dance studio and music practice rooms as well as science laboratories for physics/chemistry/biology classes.

Shanghai British International School is registered with the UK government’s Department for Education as an overseas school and has been accredited by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS).

Shanghai British International School is registered with the UK government’s Department for Education as an overseas school and has been accredited by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS). The school is affiliated with Nord Anglia Education, which operates schools across Europe, Asia, and North America.

Nord Anglia Education is committed to delivering an excellent international education that inspires children to be independent learners who thrive in a multicultural environment.

It is also affiliated with COBIS through its membership with its founding organization, Nord Anglia Education:

Nord Anglia Education is a global education provider that operates over 40 schools in 15 countries. The company has more than 20,000 students and has been operating since 1995.

The Shanghai British International School (SBIS) is one of Nord Anglia Education’s flagship schools; it was established in 2012 following the acquisition of its predecessor school, St George’s College Shanghai (SGC). SGC had been founded in 1873 as a private boys’ school by members of the Anglican Church community in Shanghai. It became co-educational after World War II but closed down during China’s Cultural Revolution period between 1966-76 when many foreign teachers left China or were imprisoned by Mao Zedong’s Communist Party government

SBIS is a non-profit international school in Pudong, Shanghai:

SBIS is a non-profit international school in Pudong, Shanghai.

SBIS is registered with the UK government’s Department for Education as an overseas school and has been accredited by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS).

Final Thoughts

SBIS is a non-profit international school in Pudong, Shanghai. It offers an English-medium education that prepares students to succeed at university and life beyond it. The school opened as a preschool on September 21, 2009, with 54 pupils and 15 staff members. The first section of the permanent campus opened in September 2013 with 450 students from Pre-Nursery up to Year 6. A second Section was added in September 2016 with more than 700 students enrolled across Pre-Nursery through Year 9 (ages 3–16).

Navigating Shanghai’s International School Landscape

A comprehensive guide for expat families and global learners

Overview of Shanghai’s Higher Education

Top Universities in Shanghai

Shanghai hosts several globally ranked universities, with strengths in engineering, medicine, and social sciences. Below are the top institutions based on ARWU, QS, and THE rankings for 2024-2025.

Global Rankings and Methodologies

Shanghai’s universities are evaluated by major global ranking systems: ARWU (ShanghaiRanking), QS World University Rankings, and Times Higher Education (THE). Each uses distinct criteria to assess academic excellence.

Shanghai University Statistics

Shanghai’s universities are renowned for their scale, diversity, and research impact. Below are key statistics highlighting their global and local significance.

Information for International Students

Shanghai is a top destination for international students, offering English-taught programs, affordable tuition, and a vibrant cultural experience. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Admission Requirements

• Undergraduate: High school diploma, IELTS (6.0+) or TOEFL (80+), entrance exam (e.g., Gaokao for locals).
• Graduate: Bachelor’s degree, IELTS (6.5+) or TOEFL (90+), recommendation letters, research proposal (PhD).
• Scholarships: Chinese Government Scholarship, Shanghai Government Scholarship cover tuition and living expenses [8].

2. Tuition and Living Costs

3. Visa and Accommodation

• Student Visa (X1/X2): Requires admission letter, JW201/202 form, and valid passport. Apply at Chinese embassy [9].
• Housing: On-campus dorms (CNY 1,200-4,000/month) or off-campus apartments (CNY 4,000-8,000/month).
• Support Services: Universities offer international student offices, language courses, and cultural integration programs.

Key Takeaways for Students

• Choose SJTU or Fudan for top-tier programs in engineering, medicine, or business, with global rankings in the top 50.
• Explore English-taught programs to bypass language barriers, especially at ECNU and NYU Shanghai.
• Leverage Shanghai’s 144-hour visa-free transit for campus visits during trade shows or academic fairs [9].
• Budget CNY 50,000-100,000 annually for tuition and living expenses, with scholarships available.
• Connect with international student offices for visa, housing, and cultural support.

References

This guide is built on trusted sources to ensure accuracy and value for prospective students and researchers.

• [1] ShanghaiRanking, “Academic Ranking of World Universities 2024,” accessed July 14, 2025.
• [2] Local Education Data, “Shanghai Higher Education Overview,” accessed July 14, 2025.
• [3] Times Higher Education, “Shanghai University,” accessed July 14, 2025.
• [4] ShanghaiRanking, “Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024,” accessed July 14, 2025.
• [5] QS World University Rankings, “2025 Rankings,” accessed July 14, 2025.
• [6] Times Higher Education, “World University Rankings 2025,” accessed July 14, 2025.
• [7] Wikipedia, “Academic Ranking of World Universities,” accessed July 14, 2025.
• [8] Top Universities, “Shanghai University Scholarships,” accessed July 14, 2025.
• [9] China Discovery, “Shanghai Visa-Free Transit Policy,” accessed July 14, 2025.