Korea International School Shenzhen vs Shenzhen American International School

	K Korea International School Shenzhen Shenzhen, China	S Shenzhen American International School Shenzhen, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 107,600 - 145,800	Fees / year RMB 138,000 - 298,000
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge A Levels, Montessori Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 300
Typical class size	Typical class size 5	Typical class size 5
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2005	Opened 2005
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location KIS in Shenzhen is located in Nanshan District; the English site lists the address as No. 4357 Dongbin Road, Nanshan Street, Shenzhen. The About page gives simple public-transport directions (walk from Lilin Station Exit A) and a taxi instruction for the address. Office hours for the school office are published as Monday–Friday 08:00–17:00.	Location The Bao'an campus is in Hangcheng (Hangcheng Street), Bao'an District, Shenzhen — address: No.2, Beiqi Road. The campus is a short drive from central Bao'an and is part of a newly opened SAIS campus complex that includes academic buildings, dormitories and a dining hall. Public metro and bus links serve Bao'an generally, but exact route/times for daily commutes will depend on your neighbourhood and are best checked locally.
Stages	Stages The school operates a full PreK–Grade 12 programme: Preschool (Pre-K and KG), Elementary (Grade 1–6), Middle (Grade 7–9) and High School (Grade 10–12). Each division has its own curriculum page (Preschool, Elementary, Middle, High) on the school website. The public pages include a grade/age listing used for admissions.	Stages SAIS operates as a K–12 international school overall (preschool through Grade 12), while the Bao'an campus focuses on middle and high school provision. The Bao'an campus offers middle-school foundation (Grades 6–8) and multiple high-school pathways (IBDP, AP, A‑Level, HKDSE).
School type	School type KIS is a private international day school serving children from preschool through Grade 12; the school describes itself as a school for students studying abroad and is an AP-authorized school and SAT test centre. The website lists paid school-bus services but does not describe any boarding provision.	School type The school is co-educational and provides both day and boarding options; the Bao'an campus includes an on-site boarding programme for Grade 6 and above. There is no indication that the school is operated by a religious organisation.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The website describes an English Language Learning (ELL) programme in Elementary and Middle School (ELL runs through Grade 8 in middle school) and says teachers cater to mixed-ability classes and tailor activities to reach all students. The school uses MAP Growth testing for ongoing assessment and notes counselling rooms are available in middle school.	Additional learning support SAIS Bao'an states it provides Special Educational Needs (SEN) support and places emphasis on inclusive admissions procedures and counselling. School counsellors run both group and individual sessions and the school asks parents to work collaboratively with staff on support plans; admissions and the Student Development Center are listed contacts for further detail.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school was founded as Korea International School and was established in 2005; it was originally set up to serve Korean expatriate children and the site also notes the student body now includes many nationalities. The Chinese-language site name likewise identifies it as the Korean expatriate children's school in Shenzhen.	Country affiliation The school is an independent international school operating in Shenzhen; it offers multiple international curricula (including American-style AP, A‑Level, IB and HKDSE pathways) and is not presented as formally affiliated to a single foreign government. The school was established with approval from the Chinese education authorities and the Bao'an campus is run in partnership with Tianli Educational Group.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school website does not state any religious affiliation; material on the About and Academics pages focuses on academic programmes, language support and school mission rather than religious instruction.	Religious affiliation The school website does not list any religious affiliation and presents SAIS as a secular international school.
School day structure	School day structure The school website publishes office hours (Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00) but does not give a detailed daily timetable (start/end times for lessons, break and lunch times) for each division. For exact start/end times and break/lunch arrangements, the admissions office or the school calendar/PDFs available from the school should be contacted.	School day structure The school office hours for the Bao'an campus are Monday–Friday, 08:00–17:00; specific daily timetables (start/end times by grade, lesson blocks, and lunch/break schedules) are not detailed on the public pages and can be confirmed with admissions. Boarding students follow a campus boarding schedule with after‑school activities, enrichment and supervised self-study in the evenings.
Bus service details	Bus service details KIS operates a paid school-bus service with published per‑semester fees for different catchment areas (for example, Shekou/Houhai/Nanyou listed at RMB 5,100 per semester; other zones have different rates). The admissions information notes designated stops must be used, that routes may change slightly each semester depending on demand, and gives a per-area fee table. The website does not name an external bus provider; for route maps, stop locations and current provider details contact Admissions.	Bus service details The Bao'an campus website does not publish a dedicated school-bus schedule; SAIS's Shekou main campus operates a paid school-bus service covering Nanshan, Futian and parts of Bao'an, with fees and routes set by service area — for Bao'an-specific transport you should confirm directly with admissions.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - No separate application or admissions-test fee is listed on the school's published admissions/tuition page. The page lists required documents and an application form but does not show a standalone application fee amount. Tuition fees (per semester and per year) - Preschool (Pre‑K to K): RMB 53,800 per semester — Annual estimate (2 semesters): RMB 107,600. - Grades 1–6: RMB 63,800 per semester — Annual estimate: RMB 127,600. - Grades 7–9: RMB 69,800 per semester — Annual estimate: RMB 139,600. - Grades 10–12: RMB 72,900 per semester — Annual estimate: RMB 145,800. Entrance / admission fees - Entrance Fee (one‑time for new students): RMB 18,000. School bus / transport fees - Bus fees are charged per semester and vary by route: - Shekou / Houhai / Nanyou: RMB 5,100 per semester. - Kejiyuan / Qianhai / Nantou / Huaqiaocheng: RMB 5,300 per semester. - Baoan / Qiaoxiang / Chegongmiao: RMB 5,700 per semester. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is published on a per‑semester basis; annual tuition equals two semesters (per‑semester amount × 2). The site states payments must be made “by the specified deadline” but does not publish specific payment dates or installment deadlines on the public tuition page. Additional activity or after‑school charges may be billed separately. Boarding fees - No boarding or dormitory fees are listed; the published materials do not indicate a boarding option. Other costs - School uniform: charged only when an individual elects to purchase extra uniform items (no fixed uniform price listed on the tuition page). - Additional fees may be charged for outdoor school activities, after‑school programs and similar items (details noted as attached to the application form). Sibling discounts are published: second child 5% off tuition; third child — 50% discount on entrance fee and tuition (when siblings are concurrently enrolled). Refund information - The public tuition/ admissions page does not specify refund rules or a refund policy for entrance, tuition or other fees. Fee payment options - The school's public admissions/tuition page does not list accepted payment methods (bank transfer, credit card, etc.). Summary of missing details: The published admissions/tuition page provides per‑semester tuition, entrance fee, bus fees, sibling discounts and notes on additional charges and uniforms, but it does not publish a distinct application/test fee, specific billing deadlines, refund policy language, or the accepted payment methods. The school's application form or admissions office holds further billing and payment‑term details.	Fee details Application / Enrolment fees - One‑time application/registration fee: RMB 2,000 (approx.). - One‑time capital levy / building fee for new students: RMB 20,000 (approx.). Tuition fees by year group (annual and approximate per‑semester) - Early education / Pre‑K: Annual RMB 168,000 — per semester ≈ RMB 84,000. - Kindergarten: Annual RMB 188,000 — per semester ≈ RMB 94,000. - Grades 1–3: Annual RMB 208,000 — per semester ≈ RMB 104,000. - Grades 4–5: Annual RMB 228,000 — per semester ≈ RMB 114,000. - Grades 6–8: Annual RMB 258,000 — per semester ≈ RMB 129,000. - Grade 9: Annual RMB 278,000 — per semester ≈ RMB 139,000. - Grades 10–12 (A‑Level / AP / IB pathways): Annual RMB 278,000 — per semester ≈ RMB 139,000. (There are alternate DSE fee levels for DSE stream students — see next line.) - Grades 10–12 (DSE pathway): Annual RMB 138,000 (non‑Hong Kong ID) / RMB 98,000 (Hong Kong ID) — per semester ≈ RMB 69,000 / RMB 49,000 respectively. Boarding / boarding fees - Full‑year boarding fee (where available): RMB 80,000 per year (covers supervised boarding, three daily meals and dormitory services during normal teaching days). Other recurring or one‑off costs - School bus: Annual zone rates (examples) — RMB 12,000 (Shekou within 3 km), RMB 13,500 (Nanshan 3–10 km), RMB 15,000 (other 10+ km). Bus fees are charged by semester or year and are non‑refundable. - Lunch and catering: Paid separately through the school lunch program (menu and pricing set by the provider). - Uniforms: Parents order uniform sets via the school's online uniform store; costs vary by size/season. - Technology / device charges, exam fees (AP/IB/Cambridge), optional ASA and field trip costs may apply depending on grade and programme; these are additional to tuition. Billing schedule and payment terms - Enrollment and invoicing: the school requires payment of applicable application/one‑time fees before assessment and requires full payment by the published due date to secure a place after acceptance. Specific invoice due dates and accepted instalment options are set in the school's tuition schedule and enrolment documents. Refunds and withdrawal - The school has a formal Withdrawal & Refund Policy that parents must read and sign as part of admission; some one‑time fees and selected service fees (e.g., certain deposits, bus fees) are non‑refundable as stated in school documents. See the school's Withdrawal & Refund Policy for precise conditions. Fee payment options (typical for Shenzhen international schools / practice noted at similar schools) - Common accepted methods for international schools in Shenzhen include RMB bank transfer (wire), in‑person cash or over‑the‑counter payments; some schools also offer card/online payment channels with processing surcharges. Parents are required to follow the payment instructions shown on invoices. Notes: amounts above reflect published fee schedules and widely reported school fee summaries; one‑time entry charges and optional programme fees should be expected in addition to the annual tuition figures cited.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school provides a school bus service with multiple routes. Bus fees are charged per location per semester (5,100 RMB for Shekou / Houhai / Nanyou; 5,300 RMB for Kejiyuan / Qianhai / Nantou / Huaqiaocheng; 5,700 RMB for Baoan / Qiaoxiang / Chegongmiao). Routes may be adjusted slightly each semester based on boarding applications, and boarding/disembarking at locations not designated by the school bus stops you applied for is not permitted.	Boarding arrangements The Bao'an Campus offers a boarding program for Grade 6 and above. Boarding provides dormitory living spaces with comfortable accommodations and nutritious meals, with 24/7 supervision by boarding parents. The program includes student-led after-school activities, enrichment classes, and self-study support to promote holistic development.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school requires a uniform. PreK–Grade 6 wear a Green Polo; PreK–Grade 12 wear a Grey Polo; Grade 7–12 wear a Navy Polo. PE uniforms are available for summer and autumn; Cadigan; Short/Long Shirt; Short/Long Pants; Skirt; Hoodie; TKD. An extra uniform can be purchased for a fee, and there are no exchanges or refunds after receiving.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options The culinary team includes chefs from star-rated hotels to offer a diverse range of Chinese and Western dishes for students and staff. Meals are nutritionally balanced and reflect an international palate. Staff and students dine in the same canteen to enable interaction and timely feedback on dining needs.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is led by Chairman JongJin Park. KIS is an AP authorized school and an SAT authorized center.	Governance and ownership The Bao'an campus is governed through a strategic partnership between Shenzhen American International School and Tianli Educational Group (01773.HK). It operates independently from the Shekou campus, with governance strengthened by this partnership to support sustainable educational growth. Tianli Group aims to explore multiple opportunities within the educational sector.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Korea International School Shenzhen (KIS) provides an English‑medium curriculum from preschool through Grade 12, organised as Preschool (Pre‑K/KG), Elementary, Middle (Grades 7–9) and High School (Grades 10–12). Preschool comprises Pre‑K (age 4) and KG (age 5) with a developmental curriculum in phonics and literacy, mathematics, science, life skills, creative activities, Chinese as a second language, physical education (yoga/taekwondo/swimming), music and arts. Elementary focuses on core subjects taught in English (English reading/writing, math, science, computer, PE, music, art), supplemented by ELL support, second/third languages (Korean, Chinese, Spanish) and after‑school STEM and clubs. Middle school (Grades 7–9) includes English Language Arts, Mathematics (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2), Social Studies, Science, Chinese plus a third‑language option, computer, PE, music, art & design, with ELL support and MAP Growth benchmarking. High school (Grades 10–12) prepares students with subject pathways including AP‑level options (AP Precalculus/Calculus, AP Biology/Chemistry/Physics, AP Economics/Psychology, AP Computer Science and others); KIS is a College Board‑certified AP school and an SAT test centre, and uses MAP Growth data to monitor progress.	Curriculum details Shenzhen American International School offers a K–12 international programme: IB‑PYP in early years/elementary, a Middle Years/Foundation bridge in middle school, and multiple Grade 10–12 pathways (IBDP, AP, A‑Level (Edexcel/AQA) and HKDSE). Grades 6–8 follow a Middle Year Foundation Program (MYFP) with core subjects in English, Chinese, mathematics, science, individuals & societies, arts, music, ICT, physical health education, Service as Action (SAS) and after‑school activities. Grade 9 is a High School Foundation Year (Pre‑DP) that prepares students for pathway selection (Pre‑DP into IBDP, AP, A‑Levels or HKDSE) and includes TOK and PHE in the programme. The American Placement (AP) pathway (Grades 10–12) lets students choose AP subjects across languages, humanities, sciences and maths and sit external AP exams (students typically take 2–3 exams and may earn university credits). The A‑Level route includes a Grade 10 Pre‑DP year and Pearson Edexcel IAL / AQA Oxford International qualifications in Grades 11–12 (students usually select three specialist subjects alongside mandatory English/Chinese, PHE and ASAs); the HKDSE pathway (Grades 10–12) follows Hong Kong Diploma requirements with compulsory Chinese, English, mathematics and liberal studies plus elective sciences, humanities, Applied Learning options and mathematics extension modules. The IBDP option comprises a Grade 10 Pre‑DP transition and the two‑year Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12) with the six subject groups, Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS; students can follow HL/SL subject choices across languages, individuals & societies, sciences, mathematics and the arts.
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 KIS describes a programme of student leadership, clubs and regular school events that contribute to students' social and emotional development; middle and high school students take part in student council activities and school-wide events. The middle-school page also says the curriculum explicitly aims to foster "social maturity," and that counseling rooms are available to assist students. Weekly electives and after-school clubs (sports, music, debate, etc.) are listed as part of school life and opportunities for social development. The school website does not set out a separate, detailed SEL curriculum document or a named SEL team.	Social & emotional learning SAIS describes a range of student-led after‑school activities (ASA) that the school says develop teamwork, leadership, resilience and confidence through clubs and sports. The SEN/Student Development information also states school counselors run general, age‑group sessions on mental‑health topics as well as individual counselling. The Student Development Center is led by a named director (Ms Aleezer Li), who is presented as a life mentor involved in student support. The school website frames these elements as part of a broader “holistic education” approach on the main site.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school states that teachers cater to mixed-ability classes and that staff tailor activities and learning environments to reach all students. Beyond this statement about mixed-ability teaching, KIS's public pages do not describe specific Special Educational Needs provision, the types of needs supported, specialist staff, or whether the school is a specialist SEN institution. Therefore the school does not publicly disclose detailed information about SEN provision or specialist status.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school's SEN page states SAIS offers Special Educational Needs support and says inclusivity and gathering information through the admissions process are part of that provision. The page describes dedicated school counselors providing general and individual counselling tailored to students' needs. The site invites parents to cooperate with the school's SEN work and provides contact emails for further enquiries. The school does not publicly specify on its website which specific categories of SEN it can support, nor does it describe itself as a specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language KIS operates English Language Learning (ELL) programmes: ELL is described for elementary students and the middle-school page states an ELL programme runs up to Grade 8, with restricted participation in some regular subjects for ELL students. The school uses MAP Growth testing (twice per semester) to assess English and maths achievement and to inform ELL placement. The website therefore documents an organised ELL/ELL assessment approach but does not publish a separate, detailed EAL policy or staffing list.	English as an additional language SAIS states it offers English language support through English as a Second Language (ESL) and English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes and lists TOEFL and IELTS preparatory courses. The Language Programs page also notes additional instruction in Chinese, French and Japanese to enrich language learning. The school says its language teaching team includes native and experienced non‑native English teachers to support students transitioning to an English‑language environment. For more detail (levels, entry criteria or class sizes) the site directs enquiries to admissions email addresses.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The site notes the availability of counseling rooms in middle school and lists a range of extracurricular activities, physical education and taekwondo aimed at physical and social development. These facilities and activities are presented as part of the school's pastoral and co-curricular provision rather than as a named mental-health programme. The dedicated "Consultation" page is a contact form for enquiries but does not describe a formal mental-health team or clinical services on the public site. KIS does not publicly publish details of any dedicated mental-health staff, external counselling providers or a mental-health programme.	Mental wellbeing The school's SEN and Student Development pages state that school counselors provide both group sessions on age‑appropriate mental‑health topics and one‑to‑one counselling for individual needs. The Student Development Center is presented as a focal point for student support and college counselling, led by a named director. The campus description also refers to a “Home Parent” programme and dormitory living spaces intended to create a supportive, home‑like environment for boarders. If you need specifics about counselling qualifications, referral processes or external mental‑health partnerships, the website provides contact emails but does not publish those operational details.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding KIS lists contact details and an address on its public pages and, in its Chinese "About" chronology, records a 2024 partnership with Shekou People's Hospital, indicating a formal medical partnership. However, the website does not publish a standalone child-protection or safeguarding policy, nor does it publicly detail safeguarding procedures or named child-protection officers. Therefore the school does not publicly disclose a full child-protection/safeguarding policy on its site.	Safeguarding The school does not publicly disclose information regarding safeguarding and child‑protection policies on its website.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview KIS Shenzhen has a campus in Shenzhen's Nanshan District. It was founded in 2005 in Shenzhen, China, and serves a diverse student body from 28 countries. The campus address is No.4357, Dongbin Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00–17:00. The school is AP authorized and an SAT authorized center.	Facilities overview The SAIS Bao'an Campus spans over 20,000 square meters. It is enveloped in lush greenery. The campus features three separate buildings: an academic block, dormitories, and a dining hall. The teaching area is equipped with smart classrooms, specialized function rooms, and a variety of indoor and outdoor sports facilities. The culinary team provides Chinese and Western dishes that are nutritionally balanced, and staff and students dine in the same canteen.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The teaching area is equipped with smart classrooms, specialized function rooms, and a variety of indoor and outdoor sports facilities. Indoor and outdoor sports facilities support physical education and holistic development. These facilities enable a range of sports and recreational activities. The facilities are integrated into the campus design to support the school's holistic education philosophy.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities AP courses are offered and the school is AP authorized and an SAT authorized center.	Academic facilities The campus includes an academic block. The teaching area is equipped with smart classrooms and specialized function rooms. These facilities provide a quiet and comfortable space for learning, working, and living. This setup supports students in achieving well-rounded personal development and academic progress.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities Enrichment classes run from 4:30 to 6:00 PM for boarding students. Options include American Football, Table Tennis, Frisbee, Marketer Club, Stage Performance, Music Band, Costume and Makeup Design, Props Design, and Cross Over Art project. The enrichment classes are designed to enhance skills and creativity while promoting physical fitness and collaboration. Participation fosters leadership, creativity, and critical thinking and supports a sense of belonging within the school community.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Korea International School in Shenzhen was founded in 2005 and established under the founding philosophy of "Knowledge, Integrity, Service." The school's public materials list a sequence of school leaders and governance figures (multiple principals inaugurated over the years and a named chairman), indicating an institutional leadership structure overseen by a school chair. Its timeline on the school website records milestones such as the start of a Korean weekend school in 2009, the first enrollment of multinational students in 2014, and other program developments through 2024. These details are presented on the school's official About/History pages.	History Shenzhen American International School (SAIS) was established in May 2005 with approval from the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China and the Guangdong Provincial Department of Education. The school is accredited by Cognia and has grown to offer programs from preschool through Grade 12. SAIS operates multiple sites, including its Shekou campus and the newer Bao'an campus, and has expanded its high‑school pathways in recent years. The Bao'an campus also includes an on‑site boarding program and is presented by the school as a key milestone in its development.
Community	Community KIS presents itself as a multicultural community with students from multiple nationalities and a regular schedule of school-wide events posted in its news and calendar sections. Recent and archived items on the school news pages include an International Culture Festival, Winter Festival concerts, Halloween activities, Model UN, math challenges and university/career fairs, plus moving-up and graduation ceremonies. The site also posts open days and curriculum information sessions, and highlights community partnerships (for example, a cooperation agreement mentioned in recent timeline entries). These news and calendar entries are the primary public record of community life on the school website.	Community SAIS maintains an active community presence on its website and through on‑campus events, with regular posts highlighting student projects, seasonal performances and cultural activities such as holiday music programs and Thanksgiving events. The school publishes series like “SAISERS” and other news items that mark institutional milestones and student initiatives, and it has hosted visiting speakers — for example, a scheduled talk by former Vermont governor Peter Shumlin in December 2024. These activities are used to engage students, families and staff and to celebrate transitions such as the opening of the Bao'an campus.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school website does not publish a distinct Parent Teacher Association (PTA) page or constitution; however, parent engagement is referenced in the school's welcome message, which thanks parents and emphasizes ongoing communication and collaboration. Parents are visibly invited into community activities through events listed in the news and notices—examples include International Culture Festival, Winter Festival concerts, open days, curriculum information sessions, moving-up/graduation ceremonies and other school celebrations where parental attendance or support is implied. The site's event notices and community news pages are the best available sources for how parents participate publicly, though they do not specify formal PTA committees, elected steering groups, or fundraising roles. For up-to-date information about any formal PTA structure, volunteer groups, or how to get involved, the school lists a contact email (info@kis.org.cn) on its site and that would be the recommended channel to request current PTA details.	Parent teacher association The school's PTA is featured as a site category and supports parent‑facing programming and communications. Recent PTA activity includes a parenting workshop titled “Parenting Patterns & Responses in the Screen Age,” held on November 15, 2024, which invited current parents and a small number of outside participants. The PTA also supports Parent‑Teacher Conferences; recent PTCs included grade‑specific assemblies and one‑on‑one meetings, with practical briefings on platforms and reports such as ManageBac, Q1 report summaries, SchoolBuddy and exam/grading procedures. School posts emphasize that these events are intended to strengthen parent–teacher communication and collaboration. Contact and sign‑up details for PTA workshops have been published on the site, and the school indicates plans for additional parent workshops and community sessions going forward.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school teaches in English as the primary language of instruction; all subjects are taught in English, with exceptions for taekwondo and language courses. An ELL (English Language Learner) program supports students needing language development through middle school. The MAP Growth Test is administered twice per semester to track English and Mathematics achievement. The school is an official AP School certified by the College Board and hosts an SAT Test Center, enabling AP courses and SAT testing on campus.	Academic & intellectual SAIS Bao'an offers a high school program mix including the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) for Grades 11–12, Advanced Placement (AP), A‑Level, and the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE). A Grade 10 Pre‑DP Foundation Year prepares students for DP, while Grade 9 offers a Middle Year Foundation. The curriculum includes Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Service as Action (SAS) integrated into courses, and college counseling supports university admissions.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Weekly electives and clubs include Music Band, Jazz Dance, Broadcasting, Drone, Debate, and Orchestra, alongside Art & Design as part of the curriculum. Visual and performing arts opportunities are integrated through concerts and talent shows. Students have opportunities to develop their creative talents across the middle and high school levels.	Arts & creative Enrichment Classes provide Stage Performance, Music Band, Costume and Makeup Design, Props Design, and Cross Over Art projects. After-School Activities include dancing and drama, and student-led clubs contribute to creativity and collaboration. Enrichment and ASA programs extend learning beyond academics into the arts and creative collaboration.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Second foreign language offerings include Chinese, with a third foreign language option of Korean or Spanish. Korean and Spanish are listed as third-language options, and Korean/Chinese/Spanish language study is part of the program at different levels. The school emphasizes multilingual communication through second and third language study.	Cultural & language Language Programs include ESL and EAL support and ongoing Chinese, French, and Japanese language study. A team of native and non-native language teachers supports language development and test preparation for TOEFL and IELTS. Language learning is linked to cultural experiences that broaden students' global perspectives.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies There are weekly elective and club activities such as Badminton, Football, Volleyball, Music Band, Jazz Dance, Broadcasting, Drone, Debate, and Orchestra. Students participate in events like Field Trips, Contests, Sports Day, and Talent Show. The social and extracurricular program supports broad participation and personal interests across middle and high school.	Social & hobbies After School Activities (ASA) include badminton, football, dancing, drama, chess, reading, and the magazine/newsletter club. The boarding program offers additional enrichment through stage performances, music, and arts activities in the Enrichment Classes. Student-led activities foster teamwork, leadership, and social connection within the SAIS Bao'an community.
Community & service	Community & service Volunteer activities and social responsibility initiatives are part of student life, with opportunities beyond middle school. The school provides various volunteer activities and social engagement experiences as part of its programs. The curriculum and activities support community involvement and service.	Community & service SAS (Service as Action) is embedded across middle and high school curricula, including Foundation Year pathways and DP/AP/A‑Level programs. Students participate in service and action projects as part of SAS. The school encourages parental involvement in SAS and supports a collaborative approach to student well-being and community engagement. Community-centered experiences are reinforced through the boarding environment and campus life.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The high school offers college admissions guidance with 1:1 counseling to assist students in planning their university paths. The admissions office provides support and information for college applications. Career development activities include company visits and professional talks to prepare students for postsecondary opportunities.	Leadership & professional The school features an Executive Principal and a Secondary Principal/IBDP Coordinator, with a Director of the Student Development Center leading college counseling and student development initiatives. The Leadership page presents the leaders and key administrators who support admissions, curriculum, and student support. College counseling provides guidance on course selection, standardized tests, and the college application process.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Physical Education is a core subject and students participate in team sports and fitness activities. Extracurricular clubs and athletics support physical well-being and active lifestyles, including sports such as badminton, football, and volleyball. The school integrates wellness through its PE curriculum and ongoing athletic programs.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Bao'an campus includes three buildings: an academic block, dormitories, and a dining hall that support boarding life. Meals are prepared by chefs from star-rated hotels and are served in a shared canteen for staff and students. The Home Parent program and on-campus dormitories foster a home-like environment that supports student well-being. Physical education, ASA, and enrichment activities promote fitness and holistic well-being.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language of instruction for most core subjects. English Language Learning (ELL) is provided to support learners. The school offers second- and third-language options including Chinese, Korean, and Spanish; Chinese is taught as a second language, while Korean and Spanish are offered as third languages in middle and high school. These language offerings are available across elementary, middle, and high school.	Language provision English language support is provided through ESL/EAL programs. Chinese, French, and Japanese language learning is available. TOEFL and IELTS preparation courses are offered to support language proficiency for college admissions.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Language immersion programs are offered as enrichment within the Boarding Program.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards I reviewed the school website for awards listed as having been given to the school itself during the five-year period from January 1, 2021 through January 1, 2026. The site contains news items, program and campus information and references to student scholarships and student awards, but it does not list any institutional awards or prizes granted to the school in that period. (Student-focused scholarships and awards are described on the site, but those are awards to students, not to the institution.)
Accreditations	Accreditations • AP authorized school (College Board) — The site states KIS is an AP-authorized school, meaning it offers College Board Advanced Placement courses and prepares students to sit AP exams; this is an academic program authorization rather than an institutional accreditation. • Official SAT Test Center (College Board) — The school is presented on the website as a designated SAT test center, which means it can administer College Board SAT tests on campus; the site also records the school being designated as an SAT center in 2022. • "Designated School for Academic Placement Courses" (2021) — The school's history page records that in 2021 KIS was selected as a ‘Designated School for Academic Placement Courses'; the website does not specify which external body made that designation. • Adoption of MAP Growth (NWEA) assessments — The website documents that KIS introduced MAP Growth testing (NWEA) for student progress monitoring (not an accreditation, but a formally stated assessment partnership/adoption on the site).	Accreditations 1) Cognia accreditation — The school states it is accredited by Cognia; Cognia is a U.S.-based nonprofit accreditation and continuous-improvement organization (formerly AdvancED) that evaluates K–12 schools against international standards for teaching, learning and school improvement. 2) Approval by the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China — the site says SAIS received approval from China's Ministry of Education; that indicates the school has the national-level regulatory authorization required to operate as an international school for foreign personnel's children. 3) Approval by the Guangdong Provincial Department of Education — the site also records provincial-level approval from Guangdong's education authorities, which is the provincial counterpart to the national approval and is part of the school's official operating permissions.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Parents should confirm which academic year the form covers (the site lists details for 2025/26) and ask whether any deadlines or intake windows apply for that year. Note that the school posts notices and calendar items on its website, so check those before you apply. 2. Submit application and required documents — Complete and submit the Admission Application Form together with the required documents: the applicant's passport and visa, parent passports and visas, vaccination records, transcripts from the past year, a certificate of enrollment, and a recommendation letter if available. The school states that submitted documents become the property of KIS Shenzhen and will not be returned, so provide copies and keep originals safe. Parents should ensure document dates and translations (if needed) meet the school's expectations before submission. 3. Schedule a visit and meet school leadership — After applying, schedule a school visit and a meeting with the principal or head of the relevant school section (Preschool, Elementary, Middle, High). During this meeting you can confirm curriculum fit, ask about class size, and discuss any special educational or medical needs your child has; bring originals of key documents to the meeting if requested. Visiting also helps families confirm bus routes and campus logistics listed by the school. 4. Admission assessment — Applicants are required to take an admission test; the school's admissions sequence lists “take the admission test” as a formal step. Ask the admissions office what subjects and formats are used for your child's grade (e.g., English literacy, math, or age-appropriate assessments) and whether there is an interview component. If your child needs accommodations for testing, request them in advance from the admissions office. 5. Receive confirmation of admission — If a seat is available and the child meets the admissions requirements, the school will issue an admission confirmation. If no seat is available at the time of application, the website states the student will be added to the waiting list (see waitlist section below). Parents should confirm the timeline for receiving the written confirmation and what information (start date, class assignment) it will include. 6. Payment and enrolment finalisation — Once admitted, make payments by the specified deadline to secure the place. The site lists an entrance fee (RMB 18,000) and per-semester tuition rates for 2025/26 (Preschool RMB 53,800; G1–G6 RMB 63,800; G7–G9 RMB 69,800; G10–G12 RMB 72,900) and notes additional charges may apply for outdoor activities and after-school programmes. Ask the school for an itemised invoice, the accepted payment methods, the deadline for each fee, and whether bus fees (vary by route) or uniform purchases are billed separately.	Admissions 1. Initial inquiry and information-gathering (Contact & tour). The school's contact page provides a form to request tours and lists school hours and phone/email contacts; families should confirm which campus/program (Bao'an vs. Shekou) they are applying to before proceeding. Visiting or a phone call is useful because the school offers both day and boarding options and bus/meal arrangements differ by campus. 2. Create an OpenApply account and complete the online application. - SAIS uses OpenApply for admissions; parents should register a family account and complete every required section of the online application (personal details, family, previous schools, health/SEN information and fees section) before submitting. The OpenApply form also asks whether you want boarding or day place and which academic year and curriculum stream (IB/AP/A‑Level/DSE) you are applying to; fill those carefully because they affect placement and fee schedules. You can preview the full checklist on the OpenApply portal so you can gather translations, transcripts, and medical records before submission. 3. Prepare and submit required documents and pay the non-refundable application fee. - The application will not be processed until the non-refundable application fee (¥2,000 RMB) is paid and the required documents are received. The school's published application checklist requires a completed application form plus copies of the student's passport, birth certificate (English translation), residence permit or visa (if available), immunization record, two passport photos, the last two years' official school reports (English translation), and any specialist SEN reports. If you do not yet have a Chinese visa/residence permit you may submit passport copies now and email visa/permit copies later. 4. Admission review and any follow-up (selection process). - Once the application fee and documents are received the school's selection/review process begins; the school may request additional information, clarification of records, or follow-up communications with the sending school. The website and application form do not publish a single fixed interview/exam sequence for all applicants, so the school may contact you to arrange placement testing, an interview, or a meeting with staff as appropriate for the student's age and programme; for high‑school entry the school also runs entrance examinations and scholarship-related assessments. Parents should be ready to supply original documents on request and to schedule in-person or online meetings for placement discussions. 5. Offer, acceptance, and payment of the enrollment deposit. - If the school issues an offer, new families must pay the non-refundable enrollment deposit (published as ¥60,000 RMB) within five working days of receiving the admission letter to secure the place; continuing students must meet the seat-reservation deadline (published as March 31). The enrollment deposit is applied toward total fees but is non-refundable; if the deposit is not paid by the deadline the school explicitly reserves the right to offer the place to other applicants. Parents should check the offer letter for exact dates and the finance contact for bank details. 6. Tuition payment schedule, early-bird and payment options. - The school publishes grade-group tuition bands and offers an early-bird rate for payments by March 31; full tuition deadlines and the standard payment schedule show an annual (due by August 10) or semester option (due by August 10 and January 10). For example (published in the SAIS fee policy for 2025–26) annual tuition figures differ by grade and programme (primary, middle, AP/IB high school, A‑Level, HKDSE) and boarding and meal fees are additional. Parents should review the current Fee Policy PDF carefully for the grade-specific tuition amount that applies to their child and confirm whether their employer will pay directly or whether they will pay as family. 7. Additional fees and optional services (boarding, meals, transport, school fund). - The Fee Policy lists boarding fees (annual boarding fee and meal and dormitory amounts), a School Fund / uniform & BYOD one-time fee for new students (published as ¥20,000 RMB), and bus fee zones (published zone rates); meal and transport fees can be optional and non-refundable depending on your selections. Sibling discounts apply to tuition only (with the structure published in the fee document) but do not apply to boarding, meals or uniform/school-fund charges. If you are considering boarding, note the fee structure for dormitory configurations and that meal arrangements differ between the Bao'an and Shekou campuses. 8. Withdrawal, refunds, and arrival preparations. - The school publishes a withdrawal and refund policy with proportional refunds depending on the withdrawal date (e.g., 100% refund before school year begins, scaled refunds through the year) and specific rules for temporary leave, late payments, and documentation release. Parents should also prepare immunization records and any medical documentation in advance; the application form requires immunization and health history and indicates the school will follow emergency procedures if necessary. If a visa/residence permit is required for enrollment, start that process early (the application form asks for residence/visa details).
Scholarships	Scholarships The Korea International School Shenzhen admissions and tuition pages do not list any scholarships or a financial-aid programme; the site instead notes sibling discounts (second child: 5% off tuition; third child: 50% off admission fee and tuition) and itemises tuition, entrance fee, and bus fees for 2025/26. If you are specifically looking for need- or merit-based scholarships, the Shenzhen site gives no details, so contact the school's admissions office (WeChat: szkis2005 or info@kis.org.cn) to ask whether any discretionary awards, donor-funded scholarships, or external sponsorships are available. For context, other KIS campuses (for example, the Korean International School in Hong Kong) publish scholarship programmes on their own sites, but those programmes apply to their respective campuses and do not imply a scholarship programme in Shenzhen.	Scholarships SAIS publishes a school scholarship programme and a scholarship application form for the Bao'an campus. The school's scholarships page and the SAIS Scholarship Application Form list several categories in the 2025 plan, including a High School Entrance Examination Scholarship, Top University Scholarship, Outstanding Student Scholarship, and Talent Scholarship (for arts or sports); the application form describes required items such as a 200–500 word personal statement, two recommendation letters, certified transcripts, and supporting evidence (competition results, portfolios) for talent awards. Deadlines and timelines are published in the scholarship form (examples: application deadlines of December 20 for spring-entry and June 30 for fall-entry; selected applicants notified by January 10 or July 31; successful applicants required to confirm by January 20 or August 5). The scholarship form identifies a Scholarship Coordinator (Ms. Aleezer Li) and gives a contact email and phone number for questions and submission instructions. The scholarships page also includes student testimonial material (example: a 12th‑grade recipient reporting a half scholarship) indicating the school has awarded partial scholarships in practice. If you are considering a scholarship, submit the scholarship form and all supporting documents by the published deadline and follow up with the scholarship coordinator for any programme-specific steps.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school webpage explicitly states that students who apply for grades where no seats are available will be added to a waiting list. The site does not provide a public, detailed description of the waiting-list order, typical wait times, or whether offers from the waitlist are communicated by date of application, assessment results, or other criteria. Because the site's published information is limited, parents should confirm directly with the admissions office how the waitlist is managed (priority rules, whether deposits are required to hold a waitlist place, and how often the school offers places from the list).	Waitlist The school website and published admissions documents do not present a separate, public ‘waitlist' policy or named ‘admissions pool' for general applicants. However, the Fee Policy states that if a new student's enrollment deposit is not paid by the required deadline the school reserves the right to offer the place to other applicants, which indicates places may be reallocated promptly when deposits are not received. Because the site does not describe a formal waitlist process (priority rules, how long students remain on a list, or how waitlisted families are notified), parents who want to know the practical handling of oversubscribed grades should contact admissions directly (admissions@szsaisba.org) to ask whether a waitlist will be created for their child and how offers from that list are managed.
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