American International School of Guangzhou vs International School of Dongguan

	A American International School of Guangzhou Guangzhou, China	I International School of Dongguan Guangzhou, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 229,280 - 303,900	Fees / year RMB 126,000 - 233,600
Age range	Age range 3 - 17 years	Age range 3 - 17 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (DP), IB (MYP), IB (PYP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,079	Pupils 400
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 5
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1981	Opened 2012
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location AISG operates two campuses: the Ersha Island campus (Early Years and Lower Elementary, in central Guangzhou's Ersha Island / Yuexiu area) and the Science Park campus (Upper Elementary through Grade 12 in Guangzhou's Science City, Huangpu District). Public transit options and ferry/metro stops serve the Ersha area and the Science Park area is within Guangzhou's technology/Science City district—ask Admissions for typical commute times from your neighbourhood.	Location ISD is located at 11 Jin Feng Nan Road in Nancheng District, Dongguan — roughly midway between Shenzhen and Guangzhou, in the city centre area of Dongguan. The campus is a purpose-built international campus with sports and arts facilities; public buses and the Dongguan Metro (Line 2) serve the area nearby.
Stages	Stages AISG covers Pre‑Kindergarten through Grade 12: Early Years (Pre‑K and Kindergarten) and Lower Elementary (Grades 1–3) are at Ersha; Upper Elementary (Grades 4–5), Lower Secondary (Grades 6–8) and Upper Secondary (Grades 9–12) are at Science Park. The school follows the IB continuum across these divisions.	Stages ISD serves Early Childhood (Pre‑K through Senior Kindergarten), Elementary (Grade 1–5) and Secondary (Grade 6–12). The school offers the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11–12.
School type	School type AISG is a co‑educational, not‑for‑profit international school operating as an independent institution; tuition is reinvested into the school. The school does not offer boarding — students are expected to live with a parent or guardian in Guangzhou.	School type ISD is a co‑educational day school; the campus and public materials describe it as a day school rather than a boarding school. The school was established in 2012 and presents itself as an international school operating in China.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support AISG provides a Student Support structure that includes Counseling (available to all students), an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program (Grades 1–10) and a limited Learning Support (LS) program for students with mild learning differences, using individualized plans and a Student Support Team (SST). The handbooks describe RTI/MTSS frameworks, weekly SST meetings and individualized Student Learning Plans.	Additional learning support ISD runs an English Language Learners (ELL) program to support students for whom English is not a first language, and core classes include English language goals alongside content goals. Secondary‑school pages note differentiated instruction and co‑teaching models; the counseling team provides academic, social and emotional support for students. For specifics about individual education plans or intensive SEN provision, the admissions office is the best contact.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation AISG is an independent international school (American in name and offering American/IB pathways) but is not an official representative or arm of any national government; it admits foreign‑passport holders per Chinese regulations.	Country affiliation The school does not list an affiliation to a particular country; it operates as an international school in China and references an American Core Standards curriculum alongside its IB Diploma Programme authorization.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation AISG does not have a religious affiliation; its community and policies emphasize inclusivity and prohibit harassment on the basis of religious belief.	Religious affiliation There is no religious affiliation stated on the school website; ISD presents itself as a secular international school.
School day structure	School day structure Typical start time across divisions is 7:55am (students are generally asked to arrive 7:40–7:50am). Pre‑K runs roughly 7:55–3:00pm while Grades 1–5 are 7:55–3:10pm (Wednesdays are early‑release, ending about 2:00pm); Secondary also follows the same morning start with the regular day ending around 15:10. Recesses, lunch and staggered dismissals for youngest students are described in the divisional handbooks.	School day structure ISD publishes an annual school calendar (term dates, holidays and PD days) but the public site does not publish a detailed, level‑by‑level daily timetable for student start/end times and break/lunch periods. The school does schedule campus visits and tours Monday–Friday (noted as 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for tour appointments); contact admissions for the current daily schedule for each age group.
Bus service details	Bus service details AISG offers an optional contracted bus service (PK–12); the school arranges and invoices the service on behalf of the bus company and parents pay per semester. Costs are published as a guideline (approximately RMB 9,600–19,200 per school year) and specific routes are not publicly posted for child‑protection reasons—contact Admissions to confirm whether your area is served.	Bus service details The school website does not publish a clear school‑run bus/shuttle schedule. There are public bus routes and nearby stops within walking distance and Metro Line 2 stations serving the area (local transit apps list routes such as 12, 219, X11, 快线16 and 79 near the campus). For any school‑arranged transport (school buses or private shuttles), contact the admissions office — they can confirm available routes, pickup points and safety arrangements.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Enrollment Fees - Non‑refundable application fee: RMB 2,000. - Non‑refundable enrollment (new student) fee: RMB 10,000. - Non‑refundable annual program fee for Grades 11–12: RMB 10,000. Tuition (full detail by year group) - Pre‑Kindergarten: RMB 222,600 per year (approx. RMB 111,300 per semester when semester billing applies). - Elementary School (Kindergarten, Grades 1–5): RMB 247,800 per year (approx. RMB 123,900 per semester). - Lower Secondary (Grades 6–8): RMB 257,250 per year (approx. RMB 128,625 per semester). - Upper Secondary (Grades 9–12): RMB 295,050 per year (approx. RMB 147,525 per semester). Billing schedule and payment terms - Returning students: a non‑refundable deposit of RMB 30,000 per student is required to secure re‑enrolment; the deposit is applied against tuition and has a set due date. Full payment deadlines are specified on the school invoice (full payment examples: May 18 noted as a standard deadline). For new students, full invoice payment is due within 15 calendar days of the invoice date. In case of overdue fees the school may issue a Disenrollment Notice and release the student's place. A fapiao (official receipt) will be issued in the payer's name; fapiao requests are handled via the invoice email. Boarding - Boarding is not offered; AISG operates as a day school across its Ersha and Science Park campuses. Other costs and typical additional fees - Bus transportation (optional, billed per school year or per semester depending on route): RMB 9,600–RMB 19,200 per year. - Extra‑curricular events and trips: RMB 0–RMB 6,500 (varies by event; average cited). - Laptop (Grades 6–12 expected to meet MacBook requirements): RMB 7,000–RMB 8,500 (family cost, not school‑collected). - School lunch (per day): RMB 26–RMB 37. PE uniform pieces: RMB 110–RMB 170. Refund information (fees/refund rules) - Tuition refunds follow the school's published policy: refunds (less the RMB 30,000 re‑enrolment deposit where applicable) are processed if the online Withdrawal Form is received by prescribed cut‑off dates (examples given in the policy for pre‑term and semester withdrawal deadlines). First‑semester tuition is not refundable after the first cut‑off; second‑semester tuition may be refundable if withdrawal is received by the stated November cut‑off. Approved refunds are returned to the original payer. Fee payment options and invoicing - The school issues formal invoices and fapiao; payment instructions and accepted payment methods are provided on each invoice. Parents should follow the invoice details for exact payment channels and remittance information.	Fee details Application fees - Non-refundable application fee: RMB 2,000 for Pre‑K to SK; RMB 3,000 for Grades 1–12. Paid in cash to complete the application. Tuition fees (payment options shown per grade band) - Grade 9–12: Per semester RMB 122,600; Single (annual) payment RMB 233,600. - Grade 6–8: Per semester RMB 117,200; Single (annual) payment RMB 223,300. - SK–Grade 5: Per semester RMB 110,800; Single (annual) payment RMB 211,000. - Pre‑K–JK: Per semester RMB 66,000; Single (annual) payment RMB 126,000. - Tuition includes: all text and resource materials, library/database memberships, high‑speed/wireless internet access, one PE uniform set, teacher‑led after‑school activities, sports/fitness facility access and annual maintenance. Billing schedule and payment terms - School issues tuition billing by email at least one week before each tuition payment due date. Fees may be paid by wire transfer or bank card. Wire transfer details and invoice information are handled by ISD Accounting (accounting@i‑s‑d.org). All bank charges are borne by the payer. Parents must include student name and grade on transfer instructions and email proof of transfer to the Accounting Office. - Payment plans offered: Annual single payment or two‑installment semester plan. Invoices specify the exact due dates. Late payment administrative charge of RMB 100 per day applies from the first day after the invoice due date; records are held after 20 days and the student may be suspended after 30 days of non‑payment. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable: ISD operates as a day school. (No boarding program/boarding fees.) Other costs and fees - English Language Learner assessment: initial test included in application fee; each additional retake RMB 500. - School bus (transportation) fee and lunch/meal plan are charged separately; specific rates are announced each year. Additional uniform items are available via the ISD uniform online store (tuition includes one PE set). Refund and withdrawal - Withdrawal must be submitted in writing to Admissions. A Withdrawal Administration Fee of RMB 20,000 applies. The policy uses a decreasing‑refund rule (a 10% reduction of refundable tuition for each successive month of enrollment after the school year begins) and provides specific examples of refund timing and amounts in the school's tuition and fees policy. Note: some time‑period examples and percentages are set out in the fees document; parents should follow the written withdrawal procedure to trigger refund calculations. Payment options summary - Accepted: Wire transfer (bank transfer) and bank card. Bank transfer fees charged to the payer; proof of payment must be emailed to ISD Accounting.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details AISG delivers an inquiry-based program across its divisions and is an IB World Continuum school authorized to offer the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. The Early Years (Pre‑K and K) programme is play‑based and framed by the IB PYP and the Creative Curriculum, while Elementary (K–5) follows the IB PYP and is mapped to AERO, Common Core and NGSS standards. Lower Secondary (Grades 6–8) uses AERO and Common Core standards and its academic classes follow the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). Upper Secondary (Grades 9–12) uses AERO/Common Core in Grades 9–10 and moves to the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12; students may pursue the full IBDP and/or the AISG Upper Secondary Diploma and may mix IBDP and AISG course pathways. Across all stages the curriculum is complemented by arts, athletics, co‑curricular activities, English‑as‑an‑Additional‑Language support and in‑school learning support services.	Curriculum details ISD serves Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 as a coeducational day school. English is the language of instruction. The curriculum combines an American Core Standard Curriculum with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for Grades 11–12. ISD is an IB World School authorized to deliver the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The teacher–student ratio is 1:5 and the school offers 90+ extracurricular options. ISD graduates have progressed to universities around the world.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio The teacher–student ratio is 1:5.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results ISD graduates study at some of the world's most prestigious colleges and universities. The first cohort of IB graduates completed in 2017. ISD is an IB World School.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression ISD graduates pursue higher education at universities around the world. The first IB graduates were in 2017. ISD is an IB World School with authorization to deliver the Diploma Programme. ISD prepares students for higher education through an American core curriculum and the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11–12.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented ISD offers 90+ extracurricular options. The campus supports House League, After School Activities, Athletics, Creativities and Week Without Walls. The Maker Space includes robotics, a laser cutter and a 3D printer.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Prepare: Before you start the online application, review AISG's Grade Placement Guide and the Statement of Community so you understand typical age-based placement and the school's expectations; gather the Required Documents (passports, previous school records, medical records, any IEPs or therapy reports) so the Admissions Office can process your file without delay. Note AISG accepts only foreign passports (students holding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan passports are eligible; PRC passports are not), so check passport eligibility before applying. There is a non‑refundable application processing fee (RMB2,000 / ~USD300) charged per child with each application, so have payment ready when you submit. 2. Apply: Complete and submit the online application form and upload the prepared documents; the Admissions Office will keep in regular contact and update you on each step of the process. Payment of the application fee is required to trigger further steps (for example, the school will confirm assessment dates once the application and fee are received). If your child has received learning or behavioral support in the past, include all learning support plans, IEPs, therapy reports or medical evaluations so AISG can assess whether it can meet your child's needs (the Learning Support program exists but has limited resources). 3. Review (assessments and placement): Once AISG has a complete application, the Admissions Office, the relevant grade‑level principal and counselors will review the file to determine placement; non‑native English speakers are likely to have English as an Additional Language (EAL) screening as part of the review. For applicants residing in Guangzhou, the school typically invites students with complete applications to attend in‑person admissions testing; AISG publishes recommended application timelines and typical group assessment windows by grade (for example, many grade assessments and interviews are scheduled between March and April—see grade‑specific timelines). Spaces for assessments are limited and are scheduled after your application and fee are received, so apply early if you are targeting a particular intake or assessment window. 4. Response and enrollment: After review and any required testing, AISG will inform you of its decision and next steps; AISG begins offering seats (seat assignment) in early April and monitors seat availability throughout the year. For families who accept an offer, note the financial commitments required: a non‑refundable enrollment fee is charged for new students (RMB10,000 for the 2026–2027 school year) and returning students typically pay a non‑refundable deposit (RMB30,000) by the school's specified deadlines; full tuition payment dates and deposit deadlines are listed in the school's Terms and Conditions. If you accept an offered seat, be prepared to follow the invoice/payment timelines to secure enrollment.	Admissions 1. Schedule a campus tour. ISD invites prospective families to schedule a campus tour to learn about the curriculum, facilities, and community. Campus tours run Monday to Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., and an appointment is encouraged before you visit. 2. Start your application. Submit your application through our paperless admissions system using the Apply link. The admissions page directs you to start the online application and provides contact details for questions. 3. Admissions support. The admissions team provides guidance during the application process and can arrange campus tours as needed. 4. Transfer options and trial classes. For the 2025-2026 admissions season, ISD offers trial classes; prospective students can start the online application by scanning the QR code. Transfer students are welcome for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years, and ISD invites families to visit the campus for a closer look. Ready to get started? Contact ISD admissions for more information.
Scholarships	Scholarships AISG has offered an IB Secondary School Scholarship for the 2026–2027 cohort (announcement on the school website). That scholarship is targeted at new students entering Grade 9 or 10, requires the student to reside in Guangzhou with a caregiver or legal guardian, and is limited to families who are self‑payers or partial self‑payers; applicants must meet standard AISG admissions requirements and hold a foreign passport. The program is described as merit‑and‑need based, competitive, and limited in number (the announcement stated up to five scholarships awarded annually), with a potential up to four‑year renewal based on conditions such as maintaining good academic standing; the announcement also referenced the scholarship value (noted as ¥1.3M+ when counted across the award period) and included an application deadline (the post cited Jan 30 for that cycle). The school's public materials do not present a broad, ongoing general financial‑aid program beyond this named scholarship announcement, so for current availability, application windows, selection criteria, or any other scholarships you should contact AISG Admissions directly.	Scholarships ISD offers a Merit-Based Scholarship Program. Details on eligibility and the application process are published by ISD. For inquiries, contact the admissions office.
Waitlist	Waitlist AISG operates a waitlist. If your child qualifies for admission but there are no seats available in the desired grade or program, the school will place the student on its waitlist and offer seats to waitlisted students as they become available according to AISG's admissions criteria. You must submit a complete application and your child must meet admissions criteria before AISG will add them to the waitlist; if AISG cannot offer a place for the academic year applied for, families must submit a new application for the following year (with updated documents and payment of the application fee). AISG also monitors seat availability throughout the year and begins offering seats in early April, so applying earlier improves your chances of receiving an offer rather than remaining on the waitlist.	Waitlist —
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