Shanghai Community International School is a IB (PYP) / IB (MYP) / IB (DP) school in Shanghai, China. Founded in 1996. Annual tuition ranges from $20,148 to $44,781 USD.
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Location & Getting There
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Key Details
Scholarships Available
SCIS operates an International Scholars Program offering a limited number of merit- and need-based scholarships across six streams: IB Diploma Scholarship, Academic Excellence, Leaders of Tomorrow, Renaissance (arts), International-Mindedness, and Self-Motivated Learner. Available to applicants in approximately Grades 5–11 depending on the award. Scholarships cover between 25% and 75% of annual tuition and are renewable for up to four years subject to annual review. Applicants must submit a separate scholarship application and, if shortlisted, attend an interview.
Key facts
About
Shanghai Community International School (SCIS) is a non-profit IB Continuum World School founded in 1996, operating three campuses in Shanghai and serving students aged 2–18 from Nursery through Grade 12 with the IB Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes. The school offers an all-inclusive tuition model covering school lunches, bus service, and MacBooks for upper school students, alongside world-class facilities including a 700-seat auditorium, Black Box theatre, and 25m pools. SCIS provides comprehensive student support including EAL, learning support, school counseling, an educational psychologist, and a dedicated SCIS Academy for students requiring modified programmes.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
Why Families Choose
SCIS is a full IB Continuum World School (PYP, MYP, DP) serving ages 2–18 across three Shanghai campuses. Tuition is all-inclusive, covering school-issued MacBooks for Grades 6–12, bus service, and school lunches. The school features a 700-seat auditorium, a 10,000 sq ft Black Box theatre, and 25m 6-lane pools. SCIS has been recognised as an Apple Distinguished School and offers an extensive language programme including Mandarin, EAL, French, Spanish, Korean, and Dutch as part of the curriculum.
Fees & Financials
| Grade / Year | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Grade 6-12 (Pudong) | RMB 308,500 |
| Grade 6-12 (Hongqiao) | RMB 324,500 |
| Kindergarten-Grade 5 (Pudong) | RMB 276,750 |
| Kindergarten-Grade 5 (Hongqiao) | RMB 293,500 |
| Nursery/Pre-school full-day (Pudong) | RMB 192,000 |
| Nursery/Pre-school half-day (Pudong) | RMB 146,000 |
| Nursery/Pre-school full-day (Hongqiao) | RMB 199,000 |
| Nursery/Pre-school half-day (Hongqiao) | RMB 151,250 |
Conversions to USD use exchange rates as of April 2026.
Original currency: RMB 146,000 - 324,500. Application fee: $379.
Admissions Process
- 1Review eligibility, age/grade guidelines and admissions checklist, including Shanghai eligibility categories (Type A/B/C). 2) Create an account and complete the online application through the OpenApply portal. 3) Upload supporting documents including passport copies, birth certificate, immunization records, school reports, recommendation letters, and any learning-support documentation. 4) Pay the application fee (RMB 2,750) and submit to complete the application. 5) Admissions Committee review including age-appropriate assessments, interviews (virtual or on-campus), and English-language proficiency testing if applicable. 6) If a place is offered, secure enrollment by paying full tuition or the seat guarantee deposit (RMB 20,000). 7) Applications proceed through posted rounds then rolling admissions based on capacity.
Admissions Details
SCIS does not publish a formal public waitlist policy but operates on a rolling, capacity-based admissions system with a 'wait-pool'. If a seat guarantee is not paid by the deadline, the seat may be offered to students in the wait-pool. Parents seeking clarity on their application status are advised to contact admissions directly at [email protected].
School Day
Typical school day runs roughly from 08:00 to approximately 15:00, with a mid-day lunch and recess. Specific start and end times vary by division and are published in the school calendar. Occasional early-release days occur, with buses departing around 13:20.
Student Life
Each student receives one free start-up uniform; additional sets can be purchased on campus. Lower School (Nursery–Grade 5): navy trousers/shorts/skirts with a light-blue polo shirt. Upper School Grades 6–8: tan/khaki shorts/trousers/skirts with a navy polo. Upper School Grades 9–12: tan/khaki shorts/skirts/trousers or plaid skirts with a light-blue Oxford shirt. PE uniform required on PE days. SCIS Dragons Team members receive a season-issued team uniform. Uniform not required on occasional Spirit Days.
Each campus has a cafeteria and kitchen operated by Basil N Latte (BNL). Fresh meals are prepared onsite with rotating menus reflecting cultural diversity. Weekly menu follows a pattern of 1 day beef, 1 day pork, 1 day seafood, and 2 days chicken, with dietary, vegetarian, and custom options available on request. The BNL Café is open daily; Hongqiao hours are 7:15 AM–4:00 PM and Pudong hours are 7:15 AM–3:30 PM. School lunch is included for full-day students.
Facilities & Programmes
Wellbeing & Safety
School counselors provide short-term, developmentally appropriate support for peer problems, transitions, study skills, family conflict, and crisis/grief response. An integrated team of counselors, learning-support teachers, psychologists, and speech therapists identifies and assists students facing academic, social, or emotional challenges. The school helps families access longer-term services in Shanghai when needed.
SCIS publishes a Child Safeguarding Policy focused on supporting students' physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing through partnership with home, school, and community. Annual child protection training is required for all adults regularly on campus. Safe-recruiting practices include enhanced background checks for staff and substitutes. Safeguarding is framed as an ongoing, proactive responsibility.
Student Demographics
School Background
Non-profit educational day school governed by a self-perpetuating board of directors and overseen by the International Schools Foundation. Funded entirely through student tuition and fees; does not receive government or private funding and does not participate in fundraising.
Apple Distinguished School