Concordia International School Shanghai vs Shanghai Hong Qiao International School

	C Concordia International School Shanghai Shanghai, China	S Shanghai Hong Qiao International School Shanghai, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 243,000 - 320,000	Fees / year RMB 173,500 - 260,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 1 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), SEN focussed, Bespoke Curriculum, IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,200	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 8
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1998	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Concordia International School Shanghai is located in the Jinqiao (Biyun) neighbourhood of Pudong, Shanghai; the visitor entrance is at 345 Huangyang Road and the school's mailing address is 999 Mingyue Road (postcode 201206). The campus sits in an international residential and commercial area with nearby metro and bus links (Taierzhuang Road / Line 9 is a short walk) and is reachable from both Pudong and Puxi.	Location Located in the Gubei/Changning (Hongqiao) area at 218 Yili Nan Lu (near Lanbaoshi/Golden Street), close to shops and expat neighbourhoods; the campus is within walking distance of nearby metro stations and served by local bus routes.
Stages	Stages The school serves students aged about 3 to 18 and is organised into Early Childhood, Elementary School, Middle School and High School divisions (Preschool through Grade 12).	Stages HQIS describes a full early-years to secondary structure — nursery/early years through upper school — serving roughly ages 18 months up to around 18 years (Nursery to Grade 12).
School type	School type Concordia is a co‑educational day school delivering an American‑style curriculum; it does not offer boarding. The school operates as an international school for students holding foreign passports.	School type Co-educational day international school; the school runs a continuous K–12 model incorporating IB PYP in primary and an American/AP-aligned programme in the upper years.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Concordia runs a Learning Support (LS) programme with LS specialists who work with classroom teachers to design interventions and accommodations. The programme supports a limited number of students with mild to some moderate learning needs through referral, in‑class support, and targeted interventions.	Additional learning support The school lists English-as-an-Additional-Language (EAL) and targeted English support for students arriving with limited English; school listings also note learning-support provisions (parents should contact Admissions for case-specific details and documentation requirements).
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is approved by the Ministry of Education of China and the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission but is not an official national school of another country; it provides an American‑style education for expatriate families.	Country affiliation HQIS is an international (non-national) school; its programmes combine the IB Primary Years framework in early/primary years with American curriculum standards and AP courses in upper school.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Concordia was founded in the tradition of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and holds related school accreditation; it identifies as a Christian/Lutheran‑affiliated international school.	Religious affiliation The school is listed as a non-religious international school (no religious affiliation is indicated in official/major listings).
School day structure	School day structure Typical school start times reported are about 8:00 AM for Early Childhood, Elementary and Middle School and about 8:30 AM for High School, with a usual school day finishing in the mid‑afternoon (around 3:20 PM). Specific schedules (for example exam blocks or early‑release days) are published on the school calendar and can vary by week or division.	School day structure Typical published school hours are about 08:30 to 15:00 on weekdays; early-years/toddler classes may offer half‑day options while older classes attend full days (breaks and lunch are provided during the school day).
Bus service details	Bus service details Concordia offers optional paid bus transportation with morning, afternoon and late/activity routes; routes cover much of Pudong and some areas of Puxi. Families who pay for daily bus service may also use activity buses for no additional charge on participating ECA/athletics days. The bus service is run as a school‑arranged transport option and the fee is separate from tuition.	Bus service details HQIS operates a school-bus service for families (third‑party or school-managed routes are offered) and school listings show published bus fees in past information — exact routes, stops and current fees are managed by the school and should be confirmed with Admissions.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fee - Application fee: RMB 2,500 (non‑refundable). One‑time/new‑student fees - Capital (placement) fee: RMB 25,000 (one‑time, billed on acceptance; non‑refundable). - One‑time ELL support fee (where applicable, K–12): RMB 20,000. - Grade 6–12: families must provide a recent Apple laptop for student use (school specifies minimum model/specs). Tuition (per student) — full year and semester options - Preschool / Pre‑Kindergarten: Full year RMB 243,000 — Semester payment option RMB 124,000 per semester. - Kindergarten – Grade 5: Full year RMB 305,000 — Semester payment option RMB 155,000 per semester. - Grade 6 – Grade 8: Full year RMB 312,500 — Semester payment option RMB 158,750 per semester. - Grade 9 – Grade 12: Full year RMB 320,000 — Semester payment option RMB 162,500 per semester. Other recurring / optional costs - Bus transportation (optional, per student): RMB 22,000 per year. - School lunch (optional): ranges by division — approx. RMB 27–40 per day depending on grade. - Uniforms (K–12): approximate RMB 1,000 per year for Grades 1–12; Preschool/Pre‑K do not require the standard uniform. - Educational travel and some grade‑specific costs: variable and billed separately. Boarding - Not applicable. Concordia operates as a co‑educational day school; no boarding program or boarding fees listed. Billing schedule and payment terms - Two payment options: single full‑year payment (once per year) or two instalments (semester payments). Specific invoice dates and due‑date instructions are issued by the school. Payment in RMB is standard; USD payments use a school set exchange rate updated on the first day of each month. Refunds - No detailed public refund schedule is provided on the school's published tuition/fees pages; one‑time acceptance and capital fees are listed as non‑refundable. For any refund or withdrawal terms, the school's billing/finance office handles individual cases. Accepted payment methods and banking details - Accepted methods: cash, check (U.S. checks accepted for tuition/fees), wire transfer, Alipay, WeChat Pay for some payments. School provides RMB and USD bank account details for transfers. Important: include student name on remittance to ensure correct credit.	Fee details Application and one-time fees - Application fee: RMB 2,000 (one‑time). - Matriculation / refundable deposit: RMB 15,000 (listed as a one‑time refundable deposit / registration amount in public fee listings). Tuition fees (annual amounts by year group) - Nursery (full‑day): RMB 173,500. - Preschool / Pre‑Kindergarten: RMB 185,800. - Kindergarten: RMB 210,000. - Primary (Years 1–5): RMB 257,000 (some public listings report RMB 247,800 for certain primary years; both figures appear in public sources). - Secondary (Years 6–12): RMB 260,000 (some public listings report RMB 247,800 for secondary as well). Billing schedule and payment terms - Public fee listings show tuition quoted as annual amounts. Termly breakdowns or exact term‑dates for instalments were not published in the sources reviewed. - Some listings note one‑time matriculation/registration and miscellaneous charges in the first year in addition to annual tuition. Boarding - No boarding / no boarding programme listed for this school. Other costs and recurring extras - School uniform: public listings indicate an approximate uniform cost (examples show around RMB 1,000 as a typical estimate). - School bus: sample figures cited in public listings include roughly RMB 7,200 (single route) to RMB 9,900 (return), depending on route. - Meals: several sources state lunch is included in published tuition amounts. Refund information - The one‑time deposit is listed as refundable in public fee summaries; full refund policies, timelines, and conditions were not published in the material reviewed. Fee payment options - Publicly accessible listings do not provide a clear definitive list of accepted payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, local payment portal). A dedicated payment portal reference appears in public profiles, but specific accepted methods were not listed in the sources reviewed. Summary of source coverage: application fee, deposit and annual tuition figures by year group are consistently reported across several public listings; however, detailed termly installments, exact payment methods, and full refund policy wording were not publicly available in the documents accessed.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school is a co-educational day school; boarding is not offered.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniforms are required for all students from Kindergarten through Grade 12, with PE uniforms for Grades 5-12. Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten students do not wear the uniform; uniforms can be purchased through the school, and size charts and price lists are available.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Food service is provided by Aramark, a global food service company. EC, ES, and MS/HS lunch menus are published for Concordia students.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The Concordia Board governs Concordia International School Shanghai. The Board establishes the mission and sets policies, and entrusts the educational program and business matters to the administration, faculty, and staff.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Concordia delivers an American-style continuum from Preschool through Grade 12: the Early Childhood program (Preschool–K) is Reggio Emilia–inspired and integrates literacy, math, science, social-emotional learning and the arts with Mandarin and English-language support. The Elementary School (Grades 1–5) follows U.S. standards—Common Core for math and literacy, NGSS for science, C3 for social studies—and uses resources such as Bridges in Mathematics alongside daily Mandarin and balanced literacy instruction. Middle School (Grades 6–8) follows an American curriculum with an international focus; students study nine subject areas each year: Mathematics, Science, English, Social Studies, Physical Education, World Language, STEM, RSB and the Fine Arts. High School (Grades 9–12) requires a U.S.-style core (English, social studies, science, math, world language, fine arts, health, PE and spirituality) and offers Advanced Placement courses, Applied Learning pathways and Global Online Academy options; students meet defined credit-based graduation requirements to earn a Concordia high school diploma. Across all divisions the school embeds STEM, applied-learning, service, counseling and learning-support programs alongside extracurriculars and specialist arts instruction.	Curriculum details Shanghai Hong Qiao International School (HQIS) provides an English-medium K–12 programme for students from about 18 months to 18 years, combining an emergent early‑years approach, the IB Primary Years Programme in primary, and an American standards‑based pathway with AP options in secondary. Early childhood (approximately 18 months–3 years) follows an emergent, play‑and‑inquiry based curriculum. From roughly age 3 through Grade 5 (up to about age 12) HQIS delivers the IB PYP as its primary/transdisciplinary programme. For middle and high school (approximately ages 12–18) the school follows American curriculum standards (Common Core alignment) and provides Advanced Placement (AP) course options alongside personalised college and career counselling. Instruction is in English with additional language offerings (including Mandarin and other modern languages), and the broader programme includes enhanced science and mathematics elements, project‑based learning and a range of co‑curricular activities.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Concordia describes a P–12 counselling and guidance programme that delivers social–emotional learning through classroom, small-group and individual sessions, and trains Student Ambassadors to welcome and support new students. The Early Childhood/Kindergarten guidance programme uses the Second Step curriculum for explicit SEL instruction (skills for learning, empathy, emotion management and problem solving). The high school has also recently revised its advisory programme to emphasise SEL at the grade‑level advisory level. Counselors work with teachers and parents to support transitions and adjustment, and confidentiality is stated as a priority in counselling.	Social & emotional learning HQIS describes a “whole‑person” / character‑development approach and lists student societies, service committees and programmes that support student development, which align with social‑emotional aims. However, the school does not appear to publish a named, detailed SEL curriculum or a clear staff structure for an SEL programme on its publicly available pages. Information about pastoral structures or dedicated SEL staff (for example named social‑emotional counsellors or an SEL coordinator) is not publicly detailed in the sources reviewed. Families should contact the school directly for up‑to‑date, specific information about SEL delivery and staffing.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Concordia publishes a Learning Support Program (LSP) that is delivered by Learning Support (LS) Specialists who co‑plan with classroom teachers and provide interventions, accommodations and monitoring. The LSP states the school can support a limited number of students with mild and some moderate learning needs and uses a referral process for admission and exit. The school describes collaborative planning between LS Specialists, classroom teachers and parents as the primary model of support. Concordia does not present itself as a specialist SEN institution; its published materials indicate mainstream inclusion with targeted support for qualifying students.	Special educational needs (SEN) HQIS advertises on public profiles that it provides a Learning Support programme and employs learning‑support staff to assist students with additional needs, and third‑party school listings state there is a Learning Support Coordinator who works with teachers to create classroom modifications. These sources describe the provision as a limited programme for students with mild learning needs rather than a full specialist SEN school. The school is therefore not presented as a specialist SEN institution; instead it offers in‑school learning support and individualised classroom adjustments. For details about which specific needs are supported and assessment or referral processes, the school should be contacted directly.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Concordia publishes an English Language Learning (ELL) programme that uses WIDA assessment for identification, employs ELL Specialists to provide language scaffolds and co‑teaching, and offers English Language Development (ELD) courses for middle and high school students. The ELL page explains exit criteria (WIDA scores, classroom tasks and academic progress) and emphasises home‑school partnership and ongoing monitoring.	English as an additional language Publicly available profiles for HQIS list EAL (English as an Additional Language) provision and describe EAL as an offered/enhanced programme and an extension activity for students still developing English language skills. Several third‑party school summaries explicitly list EAL classes or EAL support among the school's language offerings. The exact structure (levels, timetabling, or named EAL staff) is not fully detailed on the sources reviewed, so parents should request the school's current EAL programme outline for specifics.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Concordia's published support for student mental wellbeing is delivered through its P–12 counselling team, which runs whole‑school, small‑group and individual work and operates a Care and Concern team to monitor social and academic adjustment. The School Health & Safety page notes on‑site registered nurses and explicitly states counselling staff provide support for emotional and stress‑related difficulties. The school has published a Middle School Wellness programme addressing six dimensions of wellness (spiritual, intellectual, occupational, physical, social and emotional).	Mental wellbeing HQIS public summaries mention student societies, service committees and personalised college/career counselling which can contribute to student wellbeing, but those sources do not describe a named whole‑school mental‑health or wellbeing programme or a dedicated mental‑health team. At least one third‑party listing notes there is no on‑site educational psychologist reported in its profile of the school. The school does not publicly disclose detailed information about dedicated mental‑health staffing, counselling processes or wellbeing protocols in the materials reviewed; families seeking specifics (school counsellors, referral pathways, crisis procedures) should ask the school directly.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Concordia's website indicates child safeguarding is part of its counselling and staff training work: the counselling team runs a Care and Concern group and the school has hosted professional events that included sessions on child safeguarding, reporting protocols and staff training. The School Health & Safety page also refers to emotional health and the role of counselling staff in supporting students. However, the school does not publish a standalone child‑protection policy document accessible from its public website pages that we could locate; a formal, dedicated child protection policy is not publicly disclosed on the site.	Safeguarding The school does not publicly disclose information regarding safeguarding and child protection in the sources reviewed. For authoritative information on HQIS's safeguarding policies, designated safeguarding officers, and child‑protection procedures, please request the school's safeguarding policy or confirmation from the school directly.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The Concordia campus is purpose-built and environmentally sustainable, designed to support learning, play, and artistic development. The campus uses geothermal heating and cooling, reducing energy costs and environmental impact, and rooftop space is used for horticultural education. Spaces are available for High School, Middle School, and Elementary School students to use during and after school for training and play. The Phoenix Center houses maker labs, a drama room, and a gym to support hands-on learning and physical development. The Rittmann Center for the Fine Arts includes a 300-seat theater, music rehearsal rooms, studios for 2D/3D art and photography, and a gallery; the center is being redeveloped starting June 2025 to add a swimming pool and other modern spaces. The FIFA-certified soccer pitch on campus supports training and competition.	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The Phoenix Center includes a gym for indoor physical education and activities. The FIFA-certified soccer pitch on campus provides an international-standard venue for training and matches. Outdoor spaces on campus support training and competition across divisions. Concordia joined the Asia Pacific Activities Conference (APAC) to expand opportunities for regional athletic competition.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Maker labs are available in the Phoenix Center for hands-on learning, along with a drama room and a gym. The Rittmann Center for the Fine Arts contains a 300-seat theater, music rehearsal rooms, and multiple art studios and a gallery. The campus provides a STEM room for science, technology, engineering, and math learning, and a culinary art lab to support applied learning. Redevelopment of the Rittmann Center began in June 2025 to add a swimming pool and modern spaces for arts and activities.	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Concordia's Extracurricular Program includes activities, sports, and clubs that run parallel to the curriculum. Extracurricular activities are organized into Exploration, Fine Arts, Literacy, Service & Leadership, Sports & Movement, and STEM. The program offers 60 EC Extracurriculars for Early Childhood, 250 for Elementary School, 140 for Middle School, and 160 for High School. The Concordia Theatre program provides two high school productions and one middle school production each year, with an elementary musical produced annually. The school also participates in competitions such as the ASDAN International STEM Challenges.	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History A group of U.S. individuals—backed by multinational corporations, American expatriates, U.S. foreign-service personnel and the People's Republic of China—began planning the school in 1997. Educators from Hong Kong International School were sent to Pudong and Concordia opened in September 1998. The school began under Head of School Dr. Allan Schmidt with 22 students and 14 staff. Concordia was founded in the tradition of LCMS schools, maintains formal connections with sister schools (Hong Kong International School and Concordia International School Hanoi), and operates independently in China rather than as part of other Concordia groups.	History Shanghai Hong Qiao International School began in 1997 as Rainbow Bridge International School, opening with just two preschool classes (about 18 students) and expanding over the following years. The elementary division opened in 2003, and the school gained International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme authorization in 2012. As the student body and programmes grew, the school moved to a new Gubei campus and adopted the Hong Qiao International School name in the mid‑2010s. These milestones are described in historical summaries and local school listings.
Community	Community Concordia's community is internationally diverse, with families representing more than 30 nationalities. Parents and staff engage through an active Parent Support Organization and regular school communications; typical community occasions organized or supported by parents include Back-to-School events, an International Festival and an annual Christmas Bazaar. The school also highlights student-led service and applied-learning projects—most recently the student social enterprise Xiaohusai, which earned external recognition—showing community engagement extends beyond on-campus events.	Community HQIS describes a multinational student body (commonly reported as representing roughly 30–35 nationalities) and a programme of co‑curricular opportunities, student societies and service committees that extend learning beyond the classroom. The school runs regular community events that are public-facing—examples in recent years include school Earth Day celebrations and summer camp programmes that welcome families and local participants. Parents are invited to Open Days and other on‑campus events that connect families, staff and students.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association All parents of enrolled students are automatically members of Concordia's Parent Support Organization (PSO). The PSO provides leadership opportunities (PSO Board positions) and plans major community events such as the Back-to-School Bash, International Festival and the Christmas Bazaar. It coordinates volunteer-run committees and sales—examples include Used Book Sales, Treat Sales and Used Uniform Sales—that both build community and raise funds. The volunteer-run Phoenix Shop, created by five parents in 2006, operates on campus to sell Concordia spirit wear and is staffed by parent volunteers during lunch and after school. The school runs parent meetings, Parent Connect sessions and parenting workshops (with recent meetings held via Teams), giving parents ways to connect, volunteer and access resources. The PSO also raises funds to support yearly activities and the PSO Program Grant that funds school projects and programs.	Parent teacher association Public event listings and school profiles show an active parent community and regular parent‑focused activities (for example, Open Days and family events tied to Earth Day and seasonal programmes). These sources document parent engagement at HQIS but do not provide a detailed, publicly posted description of a formal PTA's internal structure, officer list or meeting schedule. For specific information about the school's Parent‑Teacher Association (roles, committees, volunteer opportunities and how to join), the school's admissions office is the usual contact—admissions contact details are listed in the school directory entries. If you'd like, I can draft a short email you can send to admissions asking for the PTA constitution, current officers, and a list of upcoming parent volunteer opportunities.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Concordia International School Shanghai uses an American‑style curriculum that blends core subjects with Advanced Placement (AP) courses and Applied Learning experiences. The high school program parallels U.S. standards and includes English, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, World Language, Fine Arts, Health, Physical Education, and Spirituality, with an AP Curriculum and Applied Learning opportunities. The school has a strong STEM program, including a school‑wide robotics initiative and recognition for STEM achievements. English is the primary language of instruction, and Mandarin is taught across grades with daily Mandarin lessons and two pathways in Mandarin study.	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Fine Arts offerings include Visual Arts, Music, Choir, and Theatre. Fine Arts are integrated into the curriculum and supported as part of the overall student experience.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Mandarin is offered from Preschool through Grade 12, with two pathways: Chinese Language & Literature and Mandarin as a Foreign Language. Elementary students have daily Mandarin lessons, with a program that emphasizes language immersion, culture, and literacy. The Mandarin program fosters cultural awareness, identity, and critical thinking through language study.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Concordia supports a broad range of extracurricular activities across academics, arts, and sports. National History Day (NHD), CISSMUN, and VEX Robotics are among the activities that engage students and build collaborative skills. Students also participate in APAC Championships and other interscholastic competitions.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service Xiaohusai is a student‑run social enterprise that sources fair‑trade tea from Yunnan farmers to fund scholarships and education initiatives. Xiaohusai earned the International School Award 2025 for its community impact. The school emphasizes service via projects such as gifts for migrant children and educational partnerships abroad.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The AP Curriculum is complemented by Applied Learning courses that extend beyond AP content and support leadership and professional skill development. College counseling offers guidance and preparation for university admissions. Student‑led initiatives, including Xiaohusai, provide hands‑on leadership, entrepreneurship, and teamwork opportunities.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellness is integrated through the Middle School Wellness program, which addresses six dimensions of wellness: spiritual, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and emotional. The curriculum includes Health and Physical Education as core components. Sports, fitness, and mindfulness opportunities are emphasized through the extracurricular and athletic programs.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Mandarin is taught as part of the curriculum through a Mandarin Program. An English Language Learning (ELL) Program provides individualized language support across all divisions to help students access the curriculum. ELL includes English Language Development (ELD) courses in Middle School and High School. The curriculum is an American-style program aligned across Early Childhood through High School.	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards (Only items explicitly shown on the school website and awarded to the school or a school division; dates are the dates shown on the site.) • ITEEA STEM School of Excellence, ITEEA 2024–25 — Concordia reports it was named an ITEEA 2024–25 STEM School of Excellence (the only K–12 school in Asia to receive the recognition); this is a program-level recognition from the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association that highlights the school's integrative STEM program work. (Jan 16, 2025). • China International School Innovative Competitiveness Top 50 (KingLead Research) — Concordia reports being ranked No. 2 in the national Top 50 (category: schools for children of foreign personnel) and No. 1 in Shanghai in KingLead's list; this is a national-level innovation competitiveness ranking reported by the school. (Newsroom post dated Mar 4, 2024). • Shortlisted / Top 10 (World's Best Schools Prizes) — the school reports being shortlisted as a Top 10 school in the "Supporting Healthy Lives" category of the World's Best Schools Prizes (T4 Education / World's Best Schools); the site describes this as a Top 10 shortlist for the school's wellness work. (Page referencing shortlist dated Aug 15, 2024). • Education Insights — Top 10 Most Valuable Schools in Asia (2023) — Concordia's website states the school was featured in Education Insights' list of the Top 10 Most Valuable Schools in Asia for 2023 and includes a school media interview reference; this is a third-party recognition noted on the school site. (Listed on the school homepage/newsfeed). • Newsweek / Education Insight coverage (Leading International Schools, 2023) — the school's homepage/newsfeed references being named in Newsweek Education Insight's coverage of leading international schools in 2023; the site presents this as a media recognition included in the school's public recognitions. • KingLead China International Kindergarten Ranking — Early Childhood division ranked 2nd nationwide (KingLead China International Kindergarten Ranking Top 30) — the school reports its Early Childhood division ranked No. 2 in China and No. 1 in Shanghai in the KingLead kindergarten ranking. (Newsroom post dated Jun 21, 2025). Notes: - I excluded awards and recognitions that the school's site attributes specifically to individual students or student groups rather than to the school as an institution (for example the site's item about a student-run social enterprise winning the International School Award names the enterprise/students as the recipient; per your instruction that is not to be included). - All items above were taken from the Concordia International School Shanghai website (English and Chinese pages on the concordiashanghai.org domain). If you'd like, I can expand any entry with the exact site paragraph or provide direct links to the specific news posts or pages cited above.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) — WASC is a US-based regional accrediting agency; the school states it completed its third seven-year WASC accreditation cycle in June 2022 (this confirms an ongoing formal review of school-wide quality and continuous improvement). • National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) — NLSA is the accreditation commission for schools of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod; Concordia notes NLSA accreditation as part of its faith-based school accreditation and continuous-improvement process. • Approved by the People's Republic of China Ministry of Education and the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission — the school's about page states that it is approved by these local authorities to operate as an international school for children of foreign passport holders in Shanghai (this is a regulatory approval required to operate in China).	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Check eligibility and required government documents. Before you begin the online application, confirm your family meets Shanghai Municipal Education Commission (SHMEC) eligibility categories and that you can provide the required government documents (passports, residence permits, work permit/employment verification, birth certificate, etc.). Concordia requires at least one parent to be resident in Shanghai while the child is enrolled; failure to maintain required documents can lead to dismissal and forfeiture of fees, so gather certified/translated copies now. 2. Start the online application (OpenApply) and pay the application fee. Eligible applicants must complete the school's online application portal (concordiashanghai.openapply.cn) and upload initial documents; after submission you will receive a customized checklist in your applicant account. The application fee is paid through that process (the site lists a non-refundable application fee); keep the payment receipt and note the portal account login for future checklist items. 3. Upload supporting academic records, recommendations and any learning-needs documentation. The admissions checklist asks for previous report cards, test results, and teacher recommendations; if your child has diagnosed learning needs or specialized schooling requirements, include full documentation and disclose these up front because admissions decisions are made case-by-case based on available support. Concordia states that failure to disclose a full history of learning needs can result in dismissal, so be thorough and contact Admissions to discuss any supports your child may require. 4. Prepare for interviews and assessments (if required). Depending on grade level and the initial application review, Concordia may request an interview and/or English-language and academic assessments (math, reading comprehension, vocabulary, writing, etc.); Preschool/Pre-K have different language expectations than Kindergarten–Grade 12. If the grade has reached wait-pool status, the school notes that required assessments may be scheduled only when space becomes available, so ask Admissions about timing if you need a prompt assessment. 5. Receive the admissions decision and complete acceptance steps. The admissions committee evaluates academic/behavioral records, English proficiency, support needs and overall fit; the school will notify families of decisions by email. If you receive an offer, a non-refundable Capital Fee (listed on the tuition page) is billed upon acceptance and generally must be paid within the timeline provided in the offer to secure the place. 6. Complete enrollment paperwork, payments and operational arrangements. After acceptance, follow the Enrollment instructions (submit any outstanding SHMEC documents, arrange tuition payment in RMB or USD per the school's payment instructions, and be aware of one-time fees: ELL support fee where applicable, and laptop requirements for Grades 6–12). Also arrange optional services (bus, lunch, uniforms) and confirm start-of-term logistics; if you have questions about billing or currency conversion, contact the Business Office or Admissions directly.	Admissions 1. Check eligibility and timing: Before starting an application, confirm your child's visa/status and the grade level you are applying for — HQIS requires a Shanghai residence permit, diplomatic visa, or an employer letter stating a visa will be obtained for the student and parents, and immunization records are required. Plan for placement testing or interviews for Kindergarten and above; Nursery–Pre-K students have a different interview process. If you need an immediate start (mid‑year entry) note that HQIS accepts students after the academic year begins but spaces may be limited. 2. Complete the online application: Applications are submitted via the school's online system (OpenApply); you must upload a completed application form, digital photos of student and parents, passports (first page and visa page) for student and parents, the student's birth certificate, and immunization records. For Kindergarten and above you must also upload school reports for the current and two previous academic years (certified English translations if the originals are in another language). Keep scanned copies ready in standard formats (PDF/JPEG) so the application can be processed without delay. 3. Pay the non‑refundable application fee and supply any additional documents: Once the online application is complete you will be asked to pay a non‑refundable application fee (listed as RMB 2,000 in the school's OpenApply listing) before the application is processed. Admissions will not schedule assessments/interviews until the fee and required documents are received, so plan bank transfers or online payment accordingly. If your child requires learning support or ESL services, include any relevant assessment or reports at this stage to help the school review placement and resources. 4. Assessment, interview and scheduling: After your application and payment are received, HQIS schedules an interview and (for Kindergarten and above) an admissions test; the school's published timeline indicates interviews are usually scheduled within five working days of a complete application. Nursery to Pre‑K applicants attend with a parent/guardian; Kindergarten and older students come for testing and an interview with parents. Expect the school to assess English ability, basic literacy/numeracy (for school‑age applicants), and social readiness for younger children; bring any current school reports to the interview. 5. Offer letter, invoice and deadlines: If a place is offered you will receive a formal acceptance letter together with the tuition invoice (OpenApply notes an acceptance and invoice are sent — typically within five working days after the interview). Offers normally specify a payment deadline and a deposit to secure the place; published third‑party listings show a refundable deposit amount (commonly reported as RMB 15,000) and additional one‑time charges — confirm the current amounts with admissions. Pay attention to the invoice deadlines; failure to pay by the stated date can result in the offer being withdrawn or the place being given to another family. 6. Tuition, deposits and published fee ranges: Annual tuition figures vary by source and by year — third‑party fee listings for 2025–26 show different published ranges (for example, Finder.school lists Kindergarten and K–12 figures in the CNY 173,500–260,000 range while OpenApply directory pages show other annual amounts), so treat online summaries as estimates. Confirm the current year's tuition schedule, miscellaneous fees, and whether billed amounts are for full‑day/half‑day options directly with admissions before accepting an offer. Also ask whether fees are billed annually or by term, what payment methods are accepted, and whether there are sibling discounts or other adjustments. 7. Enrollment, class visit and transition: The school typically arranges a class visit and transitional information after acceptance to help students settle in; parents should ask for the class visit date and any orientation materials. Make sure vaccination records, passport copies, and proof of residency/visa are ready to hand in at enrollment, and confirm bus, lunch, and uniform arrangements if applicable. If you anticipate a late arrival (after term start), notify admissions early so they can advise on assessments and integration steps. 8. Contact and follow up: If any part of the process or the fee schedule is unclear, contact HQIS admissions directly (admissions email appears on school directory listings) and request written confirmation of deadlines, amounts, and any conditions tied to offers. Keep copies of all submitted documents and payment receipts; if a decision is time‑sensitive, ask admissions for an explicit timeframe in writing. Because fee schedules and policies are updated periodically, always confirm the current policy for the academic year you plan to enroll in.
Scholarships	Scholarships Concordia's public website does not list a general family-facing scholarship or means-tested financial-aid program for incoming students. The site does show the Concordia Fund (a donor program that supports student/faculty enrichment projects) and describes employee tuition benefits for faculty children under specific employment arrangements, but it does not present an open scholarship application process or standard tuition-remission program for the general applicant pool. If you are seeking fee assistance, sponsored places, or employee-related tuition benefits, contact the Admissions or Human Resources offices directly to ask whether any limited-sponsored places, staff benefits, or special arrangements might apply in your case — contact details are provided on the school's contact page.	Scholarships OpenApply's directory entry for HQIS lists “Scholarships Available: Yes,” but the school does not publish a detailed scholarship or financial‑aid policy in the public directory pages found during this search. No authoritative public page with scholarship eligibility criteria, application deadlines, award amounts, or selection criteria was found in the sources searched; that means the scope and rules for any scholarships or fee assistance are not clearly stated online. If you are interested in financial assistance, contact HQIS admissions directly (use the admissions email/phone listed in the school directory) and request: (a) whether scholarships or fee assistance are offered for the year you are applying, (b) the application process and deadlines for any awards, and (c) required documentation (for example, financial statements, essays, or academic records). Because scholarship availability, eligibility rules, and amounts can change year to year and are often limited, ask for written confirmation and any application forms so you have the official policy on record.
Waitlist	Waitlist Concordia operates a wait pool system rather than an automatic long public waitlist for grades that have reached capacity. The school's Admissions/Requirements pages flag specific grade levels as being at “wait pool” status and state that, when capacity is reached, applicants are placed in the wait pool rather than being immediately assessed or placed. Priority consideration within the wait pool is not an automatic placement; Concordia lists priority factors used when choosing among wait-pool applicants: siblings currently enrolled or applying, returning students in good standing, stronger academic English proficiency, and students with prior attendance at U.S. or American international schools. The site also explicitly notes that if a requested grade is at wait-pool status and an applicant requires an assessment, the assessment will be scheduled only if and when space becomes available — so families on the wait pool should expect possible delays to assessment and placement and should keep Admissions informed of any changes in status.	Waitlist According to the school's online directory listing, HQIS does operate a waiting‑list system (OpenApply's school profile marks “Waiting List: Yes”). Publicly available listings do not publish detailed waitlist mechanics (for example, whether placement is strictly by application date, by need/grade priority, or by assessment outcome). In practice, this typically means if a place is not immediately available you may be offered a waitlist position and then moved to an offer if and when a space opens; confirmations and deadlines are generally handled in writing by admissions. Because specific priority rules and typical wait times are not published in the public listings, ask admissions for (1) your child's precise position on the waitlist, (2) any actions that move a child up the list, and (3) how long waitlist offers remain valid so you can plan accordingly.
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