Shanghai American School is a IB Diploma Programme / IB school in Shanghai, China. Founded in 1912. Annual tuition ranges from $33,948 to $41,966 USD.
Location & Getting There
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Key Details
Scholarships Available
No general student scholarship or means-tested financial aid program is publicly advertised. An internal Eagle Assistance Tuition Assistance benefit is available to employees only (one benefit per employed teacher/administrator). Fee reduction or special arrangements for external applicants are handled case-by-case by the Admissions or Finance offices.
Key facts
About
Shanghai American School is a private, coeducational IB World School authorized since February 2000, offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme with instruction in English. The school provides mixed boarding and day facilities for international students in Shanghai, China.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
Why Families Choose
Two purpose-built campuses in Shanghai (Pudong and Puxi) serving a PreK–12 expatriate community since 1912. Reggio Emilia–inspired early childhood programme with on-site ateliers. Dual qualification pathways at high school: Advanced Placement (including AP Capstone) and IB Diploma, or a hybrid combination. Recognised strengths in sport, performing arts, and STEM including robotics. Comprehensive student-support structure spanning EAL, learning support, counselling, and safeguarding across all divisions.
Fees & Financials
| Grade / Year | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Elementary (K-5) | RMB 279,400 |
| Pre-Kindergarten | RMB 246,000 |
| High School (9-12) | RMB 304,100 |
| Middle School (6-8) | RMB 287,200 |
Conversions to USD use exchange rates as of April 2026.
Original currency: RMB 246,000 - 304,100. Application fee: $386.
Admissions Process
- 1Submit online application via OpenApply. 2) Upload required documents and pay the non-refundable application fee (RMB 2,800). 3) Application marked complete once all paperwork and fee received. 4) Interview and academic/English assessments as required (on campus for Shanghai families, online for overseas applicants; non-native English speakers may receive a WIDA screener). 5) Admissions Committee reviews holistically and places qualified applicants into a wait pool. 6) Decision rounds issued on a scheduled and rolling basis with possible outcomes: offer, continued wait-pool placement, further evaluation, or closure. 7) If offered, accept and pay one-time entry fee (Pre-K & Elementary RMB 28,000; Middle & High RMB 33,000) and non-refundable enrollment fee (RMB 32,000) within five working days of invoice. 8) Campus selection (Pudong, Puxi, or two-campus consideration) made at application stage; post-offer campus change requests may return applicant to the wait pool.
Admissions Details
SAS uses a qualitative wait pool rather than a first-come, first-served waitlist. Qualified applicants not immediately offered a seat are placed in the pool and considered in scheduled decision rounds on a rolling basis. Priority consideration (not automatic placement) may be given to US and foreign citizens, applicants with international schooling backgrounds, stronger English proficiency, siblings already at SAS, and returning students in good standing. Families are advised to contact admissions directly for current seat availability.
School Day
Campuses open around 7:55 a.m. with student dismissal near 3:00 p.m.; division-specific start and end times and break/lunch periods apply across Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle and High School divisions.
Student Life
PE uniforms (T-shirt and shorts) are required for students in Grades 6–10 during Physical Education classes and are available for purchase at the Eagle Shop. No general school uniform policy is described.
A hot lunch program is provided on both campuses, with prices varying based on the items purchased.
Facilities & Programmes
Wellbeing & Safety
SAS provides divisional counselling programmes, dedicated school counsellors in each division, student-led initiatives, student ambassadors, and a PTSA newcomers committee. Athletic trainers and nursing staff contribute to health and wellbeing on campus. Wellness themes are integrated into professional learning and events. Clinical or specialist mental-health referrals are handled by contacting the school directly.
SAS publishes a Child Protection Policy framework; all faculty and staff undertake annual child-safeguarding training aligned to international standards and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and local law. Safer-recruitment practices (background and reference checks), a full-time risk manager, 24/7 campus security, divisional nurses, a dedicated athletic trainer, and medical coverage for school events are in place.
Student Demographics
School Background
private