How to Choose an International School in Shanghai
- Jul 7
- 5 min read
A Parent Guide to Comparing Expat and International School Options
Choosing the right school in Shanghai can feel overwhelming. There are many international, bilingual and expat school options, each with its own curriculum, teaching style, community and admissions process.
For many families, the question is not simply, “Which school is the best?” A better question is:
Which school is the best fit for my child?
This guide explains some of the key things parents should consider when comparing international school options in Shanghai.
Understanding International School Options in Shanghai
Shanghai has a wide range of school options for international families. Some schools follow a British curriculum, some follow an American curriculum, some offer the International Baccalaureate, and some provide bilingual or blended approaches.
The curriculum matters because it can affect how your child learns, how they are assessed and how easily they may transition to another country or education system later.
British curriculum schools often follow a UK-style pathway, with children moving towards qualifications such as IGCSEs and A Levels, or sometimes the IB Diploma in later years.
American curriculum schools usually follow a US-style education model and may offer Advanced Placement courses in secondary school.
IB schools use International Baccalaureate programmes, which often focus on inquiry, independence, reflection and international-mindedness.
Bilingual schools may combine Chinese and international approaches, depending on the school model, language balance and admissions requirements.
There is no single “best” curriculum for every child. The right choice depends on your child’s age, personality, language background, learning needs and future plans.
Curriculum and Future Pathways
One of the first things parents should think about is where their child may study in the future.
If your family may return to the UK, a British curriculum school may feel familiar and provide a smoother transition. If your child may move to the US, an American curriculum may be a better fit. If your family moves internationally often, the IB may provide a more transferable framework.
Parents may want to ask:
Will this curriculum help my child transition if we move country again?
What qualifications do students work towards in secondary school?
How does the school assess progress?
Is the curriculum familiar to my child, or will they need support adjusting?
Location and Commute
In Shanghai, location matters more than many parents expect.
A school may look perfect on paper, but a long daily commute can affect your child’s energy, friendships, after-school activities and family routine. Younger children in particular may find long bus journeys tiring.
Before choosing a school, think carefully about:
How long will the journey take in the morning and afternoon?
Is there a school bus service?
Will my child have time for homework, rest and activities after school?
Is the school close enough for parents to attend events or meetings easily?
A slightly less famous school that is closer to home may sometimes be a better daily fit for your child.
Language Support
Language support is especially important for children who are new to English, new to Chinese, or moving between different language environments.
Parents should ask how the school supports children who are still developing academic English. This is different from everyday conversation. A child may speak confidently with friends but still need support with reading, writing, vocabulary and subject-specific language.
Useful questions include:
How does the school support English as an Additional Language?
Is support provided in class, outside class, or both?
How does the school communicate language progress to parents?
Will my child be able to access the curriculum while developing English?
Good language support can make a big difference to confidence, friendships and academic progress.
Class Size and Teacher Quality
Class size can affect how much individual attention a child receives, but numbers alone do not tell the full story.
Parents should also think about teacher experience, classroom routines, learning support, teaching assistants and how well the school knows each child.
During a school visit, you may want to ask:
How many children are usually in each class?
Are there teaching assistants or learning support staff?
How does the school support children who need extra challenge or extra help?
How often do teachers communicate with parents?
A strong classroom environment is not just about small class sizes. It is about calm routines, clear expectations, good relationships and responsive teaching.
Wellbeing, Friendships and School Culture
A child’s happiness at school matters. Academic results are important, but children also need to feel safe, known and included.
When comparing schools, look carefully at how the school talks about wellbeing, friendships, behaviour and pastoral care. Ask what happens when a child struggles socially, feels anxious, or finds transition difficult.
Parents may want to ask:
How does the school help new children settle in?
What support is available if my child finds friendships difficult?
How does the school deal with behaviour concerns?
Who should parents contact if they are worried?
The right school should be able to explain not only what children learn, but how children are supported as people.
Facilities and Extracurricular Activities
Facilities can be impressive, but they should not be the only reason to choose a school.
Modern classrooms, libraries, sports spaces, music rooms and technology can all support learning. However, parents should also ask how these spaces are actually used. A beautiful campus does not always mean the school is the right fit for your child.
Extracurricular activities are also worth considering. Sports, music, drama, art, languages, clubs and community activities can help children build confidence and friendships outside the classroom.
Think about whether the school offers activities that match your child’s interests, and whether your child will realistically be able to join them around homework, transport and family routines.
Admissions, Waiting Lists and Timing
Admissions can vary from school to school. Some schools may have places available quickly, while others may have waiting lists, assessments or specific entry requirements.
Parents should check:
When should we apply?
Are there waiting lists for my child’s year group?
Is an assessment required?
What documents are needed?
How quickly will the school confirm a place?
It is always best to contact schools directly for the most up-to-date admissions information.
How to Narrow Down Your Choices
A good starting point is to choose three to five schools to compare in more detail.
Try to organise your thinking around your child, not just the reputation of the school.
You might compare:
Curriculum
Location and commute
Language support
Class size and learning support
Wellbeing and friendships
Extracurricular options
Admissions availability
Overall feel during the school visit
After visiting a school, ask yourself:
Can I imagine my child feeling safe and happy here?
Did the school answer questions clearly?
Did the school understand my child’s needs?
Does the daily routine feel realistic for our family?
These questions often reveal more than a brochure or website.
Supporting Your Child Through the Transition
Changing schools can be exciting, but it can also be emotional. This is especially true if your child is moving country, changing curriculum, learning a new language or leaving close friends behind.
Parents can support the transition by talking openly, visiting the school before the first day, helping children understand the routine and staying in contact with teachers during the settling-in period.
It can also help to remind children that feeling nervous is normal. Settling into a new school takes time. Some children feel comfortable quickly, while others need weeks or months to fully adjust.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an international school in Shanghai is an important decision, but it does not need to be rushed or based only on reputation.
The best school for your child is the one that fits their learning needs, personality, language development, friendships and future pathway.
Use school websites, admissions teams, school visits and parent guides as starting points. Ask careful questions, compare options calmly and focus on the school where your child is most likely to feel happy, supported and ready to learn.
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