Shanghai Singapore International School vs YK Pao School

	S Shanghai Singapore International School Shanghai, China	Y YK Pao School Shanghai, China
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year RMB 130,000 - 300,000	Fees / year RMB 168,000 - 216,000
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 6 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum Singapore Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme)	Curriculum Chinese National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,400	Pupils 1,600
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 7
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Mandarin	Instruction language English, Mandarin
Opened	Opened 1996	Opened 2007
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Campus address: 301 Zhujian Road, Minhang District, Shanghai (201106). The school is in Minhang, a residential/urban district of Shanghai; it's primarily reached by private car or by the SSIS school-bus network that serves many neighbourhoods around the city.	Location YK Pao School has three separate campuses in Shanghai: the Primary (20, Lane 1251 West Wuding Road, Changning District), the Middle (2206 Hongqiao Road, Changning District) and the High School (Thames Town, 1800, Lane 900 North Sanxin Road, Songjiang District). The Primary is in central Changning, the Middle campus is in the Hongqiao area (near Xijiao), and the High School sits in Thames Town (a residential area of Songjiang). Each campus has its own address and facilities — see the school site for maps and directions.
Stages	Stages SSIS is a K–12 school with three main divisions: Preschool (Early Years), Primary School and Senior School. The senior pathway includes IGCSE preparation and the IB Diploma for upper secondary students (the school serves ages roughly 2–18).	Stages The school runs a Year 1–12 programme split across the three campuses: Primary (Years 1–5), Middle (Years 6–8) and High School (Years 9–12). Age range is approximately 5 to 18 and the High School offers IGCSE (Year 10) and the IB Diploma (Years 11–12).
School type	School type SSIS is a co-educational day school for expatriate students (no boarding provision). Official IB listing notes gender as co-educational and boarding status as day.	School type YK Pao is a co-educational, non-profit private international school founded by the YK Pao Education Foundation. The High School campus operates a boarding programme (the High School provides UK/US-style boarding for students), while the Primary and Middle campuses are day campuses.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The Student Services team provides Academic Learning Support (personalised learning plans, small-group and one-to-one interventions and exam accommodations), English Language Acquisition support, and social–emotional counselling; the school describes collaborative, integrated support across divisions.	Additional learning support The school's public pages describe pastoral and counselling activity (for example, counsellor–parent coffee mornings) but do not publish a detailed Special Educational Needs / Additional Learning Needs policy on the public site. Prospective parents with specific SEN or additional‑needs questions are advised to contact Admissions directly so the school can explain available provisions and any assessment or placement arrangements.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school does not indicate a formal national or governmental affiliation. Its programmes explicitly include a Singapore curriculum pathway alongside Cambridge/IGCSE and the IB Diploma.	Country affiliation YK Pao School is based in the People's Republic of China and its bilingual programme integrates elements of the Chinese National Curriculum alongside international curricula (IGCSE/IB). It is a Chinese-founded international school rather than being formally affiliated to another country's education system.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is stated on the school website (SSIS presents itself as an international, secular K–12 school).	Religious affiliation The school does not state any religious affiliation on its public materials; it presents itself as a secular, non‑religious bilingual international school.
School day structure	School day structure Published secondary sources list a typical school day of about 8:30 am to 3:30 pm for students; after-school activities run later (SSIS's ASP sessions and related bus runs extend to around 5:00 pm). Parents should confirm exact daily timings with admissions, as timetables can vary by division and year.	School day structure The school's website and admissions pages describe the curriculum and campus life but do not publish a single, campus‑wide daily start/finish timetable for public viewing. Timings (start, breaks and lunch) can vary by campus and year group, so the Admissions office can provide the exact daily timetable for the campus and year you are considering.
Bus service details	Bus service details SSIS runs an optional, school-managed bus service in partnership with professional bus companies. The fleet is described as more than 70 buses equipped with CCTV, GPS tracking and first-aid supplies; each bus has a trained monitor. Routes cover roughly 300 neighbourhoods across 11 Shanghai districts, and SSIS provides free ASP (after-school programme) drop-offs to a set of locations. For route maps, schedules and booking you should consult the school's bus pages or contact Admissions.	Bus service details According to the school's FAQs, YK Pao provides a daily school‑bus service for the Primary and Middle School campuses with pick‑up locations across Shanghai and a professional bus management team (drivers and bus monitors). The High School does not run a daily shuttle; it operates weekly buses to/from the city instead. For routes, stops, costs and safety arrangements contact the school's transport office or Admissions.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & Matriculation Fees - Application Fee: RMB 2,500 (non‑refundable, non‑transferable). - Matriculation Fee (enrolment/entry fee): RMB 20,000 (non‑refundable, non‑transferable). Annual Tuition (by year group) — Academic Year 2025/2026 - Toddler / Pre‑N (Half day): RMB 130,000 per year. - Pre‑Nursery to Kindergarten 2: RMB 200,000 per year. - Grade 1 to Grade 6 (Primary): RMB 260,000 per year. - Grade 7 to Grade 8 (Lower Secondary): RMB 280,000 per year. - Grade 9 to Grade 10 (IGCSE): RMB 290,000 per year. - Grade 11 to Grade 12 (IB Diploma): RMB 300,000 per year. Per‑term (Trimester) amounts - The school offers an annual or termly (trimester) payment option; per‑term figures below are one‑third of the annual tuition (rounded). This per‑term breakdown is an arithmetic division based on the school's stated trimester payment option. - Toddler / Pre‑N: approx. RMB 43,333 per term. - Pre‑N to K2: approx. RMB 66,667 per term. - Grade 1–6: approx. RMB 86,667 per term. - Grade 7–8: approx. RMB 93,333 per term. - Grade 9–10: approx. RMB 96,667 per term. - Grade 11–12: RMB 100,000 per term. Optional / Additional Fees - English Language Acquisition (ELA) Programme (Grade 1–6): RMB 25,000 per year (payable in full before service). - Transportation (regular bus service): RMB 18,500/year (below 5 km) or RMB 20,000/year (5 km and above). Refunds prorated per school day (less handling fee). - Paid After‑School Programmes (selected ASPs): RMB 1,400–3,800 per 8‑week session (paid ASPs are charged separately). - Uniforms: ordered through the school's contracted vendor; a complimentary uniform credit is offered to eligible early re‑enrolling students. Actual uniform costs are charged via the vendor. Billing schedule, payment terms & methods - Payment options: Annual (one‑time) or Termly (trimester) payments. Accepted currencies: RMB and USD. Methods: point‑of‑sale (credit/debit cards, local UnionPay for RMB), and bank transfer (email proof to invoice@ssis.asia). Exchange rate for overseas remittances follows the People's Bank of China central parity rate on the first working day of the month. - Discounts: 10% sibling discount; 10% corporate discount for companies paying for five or more children (not cumulative). - Late payments: RMB 300 per day up to 7 days; persistent non‑payment may lead to suspension and withholding of records. Boarding - SSIS operates as a day school; boarding facilities are not provided. Refunds & withdrawal - Matriculation fee and other non‑tuition fees are non‑refundable. - If a student does not attend any school days in a term, that term's tuition will be refunded in full; if a student attends any day in a term, that term's tuition is payable and non‑refundable. - Late withdrawal without 30 days' written notice: 10% of the annual tuition is charged in lieu of notice. Optional service refunds (transport, ASPs, ELA) follow the terms in the registration pack.	Fee details Application / registration fees - There is no registration or application fee to apply to YK Pao School. Enrollment requires submission of materials but no one‑time application charge is listed. Tuition (per semester) and equivalent annual amount - Year 1–5 (Primary): Tuition RMB 84,000 per semester (annual equivalent if enrolled for two semesters: RMB 168,000). - Year 6–8 (Middle): Tuition RMB 95,000 per semester (annual equivalent: RMB 190,000). - Year 9 (High School - Year 9): Tuition RMB 95,000 per semester (annual equivalent: RMB 190,000). - Year 10–12 (High School): Tuition RMB 108,000 per semester (annual equivalent: RMB 216,000). Boarding fees - Boarding is offered for students in Years 9–12. Boarding fees are published per semester and differ by year group: RMB 9,800 per semester (applies to Year 9 boarding) and RMB 13,800 per semester (applies to Years 10–12 boarding). Primary and lower‑middle year boarding is not offered. Other required costs - Meals and school uniform fees are required in addition to tuition; specific amounts are not published on the public admissions pages. Additional costs (activity fees, trips, exam fees, optional programme charges or personal supplies) may be charged as required. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are presented on a per‑semester basis; the school states fees are reviewed annually. Detailed invoice dates, payment deadlines, late‑payment penalties, and instalment plan options are not published on the public tuition/FAQ pages. Refund information - No public, detailed refund or withdrawal refund schedule is posted on the school's tuition or admissions FAQ pages. Specific refund/cancellation terms are not available on the public site. Fee payment options - The school's public admissions pages do not list accepted payment methods (for example: bank transfer, credit card, Alipay or WeChat Pay). Payment mechanisms and instructions are not published on the publicly accessible tuition/FAQ pages. Note: several fee elements requested (detailed meal/uniform charges, exact invoicing dates and deadlines, refund/withdrawal schedule, and accepted payment methods) are not published on the school's public tuition or admissions FAQ pages; these items are handled administratively by the school and are not available in the publicly posted material.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements Boarding is available for Middle School and High School students. The Middle School campus and the High School campus offer UK/US style boarding education, in addition to day-student options. The Primary School operates as a day school.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school has a uniform policy. Shanghai Xinxinle Dress Co., Ltd is contracted as the uniform vendor, and uniforms are ordered online with delivery to home addresses. The Sabres Store on campus provides sizing and fittings.	Uniform requirement A school uniform is worn at the Primary School. On Unity Day, Primary School students wore white instead of their school uniform to show unity.
Food options	Food options The school provides catering with an in-house kitchen and publishes weekly menus planned by the Head Chef, including options across Chinese, Western, Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian cuisines. Produce mainly comes from Mahota Farm on Chongming Island, with other licensed suppliers; vegetarian meals and dietary accommodations are available. Food samples are retained for 48 hours and the kitchen is regularly inspected to ensure safety and compliance.	Food options The canteen offers three meal choices: Chinese, Western, or a noodle dish. The dining environment is lit by natural light, creating a pleasant dining atmosphere.
House system	House system The school uses a House System with four houses: Ruby, Amber, Pearl, and Sapphire. All students and staff belong to a House and remain in the same House through their SSIS journey, including younger siblings. House activities include sports, music, debating and other competitions, with House points tallied to determine an annual Championship.	House system The Songjiang campus uses a house system with House Prefects and a Housemaster or House Mistress. In each residential building, two to three students serve as House Prefects, supporting the Housemaster or House Mistress in boarding life. Houses hold events such as monthly meetings and house dinners, and the Common Room serves as an activity hub.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership SSIS was founded and invested by Prime Group International. The Core Leadership Team leads the school, guiding curriculum development and daily operations.	Governance and ownership The school is a private non-profit institution founded in 2007, in memory of Yue-Kong Pao. It operates three campuses: Primary School, Middle School, and High School.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details SSIS operates a K–12 pathway: Preschool (Pre‑Nursery–Kindergarten 2), Primary (Grades 1–6), Lower Secondary (Grades 7–8), a two‑year IGCSE course for Grades 9–10, and a two‑year IB Diploma for Grades 11–12. The Preschool programme aligns with Singapore's Nurturing Early Learners framework, and the Primary curriculum draws on Singapore Math and Science together with Cambridge Primary English. Lower Secondary follows the Cambridge Lower Secondary programme to prepare students for the IGCSE years, which in turn lead into the IB Diploma in Senior School. Chinese language and culture are taught across all stages with banded Advanced/Standard/Foundation classes from Grade 1, immersive culture lessons, and options to take Chinese at IGCSE and within the IB Diploma. The academic programme is complemented by structured co‑curricular activities (CCA/ASP) and specialist sports and arts offerings—examples include formal after‑school clubs as well as school programmes in golf and swimming.	Curriculum details YK Pao operates a Year 1–12 bilingual programme based on the Chinese National Curriculum (CNC) and supplemented where needed by international syllabuses; Primary (Years 1–5) and Middle (Years 6–8) blend CNC with selected international standards, while High School follows an “International Plus” model. Primary (Years 1–5) delivers core subjects (Chinese, mathematics, English, Exploratory Units) plus specialist classes in music, visual arts, PE and ICT, with lessons deliberately allocated in both Chinese and English. Middle School (Years 6–8) builds on Shanghai/CNC standards in Chinese and maths and expands to four science areas, humanities (history, geography), computer science/programming, arts, drama, music and PHE, all taught bilingually. High School (Years 9–12) uses a Year 9 “Zhihui” bridge (mixing Shanghai curriculum and IGCSE preparation), leads to Cambridge IGCSE examinations (students complete a minimum set of IGCSEs) and then to the two‑year IB Diploma Programme with external IB examinations at the end of Year 12. The High School also maintains core Chinese studies (Chinese language & literature, Chinese history, geography and politics) and requires a school Zhong Kao assessment in Year 9 to confirm readiness for the International+ pathway.
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 SSIS states that its Student Services Team has prioritised an enhanced Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) programme and embeds SEL across all divisions. The school references use of recognised SEL frameworks (including links to Harmony and ISCA materials) and describes Primary Pastoral Care lessons as opportunities for students to develop social and emotional skills. Counsellors and the Student Services team work with teachers to integrate SEL into curriculum lessons and run related parent workshops. These initiatives are described in school newsletters and the Student Services overview on the SSIS website.	Social & emotional learning YK Pao School describes pastoral care and character education as core to its whole‑person approach; the Primary School's pastoral framework is reported to include character education, behaviour management, safeguarding and health. The school runs Anti‑Bullying Week and Social‑Emotional Learning lessons and uses character‑education initiatives (including school mascots and student representatives) to promote values such as compassion, integrity and balance. The school has described a “positive discipline” approach and a designated Positive Discipline Facilitator to support teacher practice. Parent-facing events and curriculum briefings have included presentations about pastoral care and mental‑health counselling.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) SSIS describes Academic Learning Support within its Student Services provision, stating it offers personalised learning plans, differentiated instruction, small-group interventions, one-to-one mentoring and assistive technology to support students with diagnosed learning needs. The school's public pages list dedicated Learning Support staff and a Director of Student Services with qualifications and experience in Special Education, indicating an in‑school specialist team. SSIS also states that accommodations and modifications are available for assessments. The school's website does not enumerate specific diagnostic categories supported (for example dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder or ADHD) on its publicly available pages. SSIS is presented as a mainstream international school with in‑school learning support rather than as a specialist SEN institution.	Special educational needs (SEN) YK Pao School's published materials state that special education and inclusive activities form part of its pastoral work; the school has partnered with local special‑education schools and hosted inclusive events such as Special Olympics programmes with external SPED partners. News items note student volunteering with Special Olympics athletes and school involvement in inclusive community projects. The school has previously described counselling and special‑education experience within its counselling team (for example, a counsellor who previously worked in special education). The website does not provide a definitive list of specific categories of special educational needs the school can support, nor does it present itself as a specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language SSIS publishes an English Language Acquisition (ELA) programme for Grade 1–6 and a Cambridge English programme, and describes ELA specialists who collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate language support across the curriculum. The school's tuition page lists a fee for the English Language Acquisition (ELA) Programme for Grades 1–6, confirming a formal, fee‑based ELA offering. The faculty directory also names an ELA Coordinator and ELA teachers, indicating staffed provision. These materials show SSIS publicly discloses active EAL/ELA support rather than no provision.	English as an additional language YK Pao School operates an explicit Chinese–English immersion bilingual model and states that lessons and specialist subjects are delivered in both languages. The school publicises a Department of Language Development and a Writing Centre; visiting fellows and language‑support staff have been reported providing small‑group English classes and one‑to‑one writing support. Admissions documentation refers to students' ability to use Chinese or English as a second language, and transfer support (reading packets and preparatory courses) is mentioned for newcomers. The school does not publish a standalone “EAL policy” labelled as such on its public site, but shows multiple published programmes and staff activities for language development.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing SSIS provides individual and group counselling through its Student Services Team and names counsellors assigned to different divisions on its site. The school states counsellors offer crisis intervention, pastoral care lessons, and work with teachers to embed wellbeing into the curriculum. SSIS newsletters and staff profiles describe parent workshops on topics such as executive functioning, supporting teenagers and home wellness tools. The Director of Student Services is presented as having responsibilities for wellbeing and inclusive practice. These counselling and wellbeing supports are described on the SSIS website.	Mental wellbeing The school's public materials describe a counselling programme and mental‑health provision as part of its pastoral care; the Primary School has presented its mental‑health counselling programme to parents and named a lead counsellor in published articles. YK Pao runs parent events (Counsellor‑Parent Coffee Mornings) and reports regular pastoral support and counselling progress reporting to parents. Job listings and public notices also reference roles for social‑emotional health counselling, indicating dedicated staff capacity. The school's community and events coverage (e.g., transition support and boarding pastoral routines) further reference ongoing pastoral and wellbeing activities.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding SSIS states it has a Child Protection Policy, a Campus Safety Committee, and a zero‑tolerance position on bullying, neglect or any form of abuse. The school's public pages describe practical safeguarding measures including staff safety training (first aid/CPR/AED), visitor ID procedures, segregated toilets, and strict student‑release processes. Pastoral Care lessons are identified as part of students' education about personal boundaries and safety. SSIS indicates these child protection procedures are communicated to staff and parents and provides contact points on its website for enquiries. For the full policy text and procedural detail the school directs readers to its Child Protection Policy and school contacts.	Safeguarding YK Pao School's published recruitment and school‑information pages state the school is committed to safeguarding and child welfare and that all posts are subject to appropriate background checks in line with international child‑protection recommendations. Safeguarding and child‑protection are listed as components of the school's pastoral care framework, and the school reports staff training and student/parent communications on child‑protection practice. Anti‑bullying programmes and behavioural policies (for example, positive discipline) are described in public materials as part of the school's approach to a safe environment. The school does not publish a single downloadable, detailed child‑protection policy page in the visible sections referenced here; specific policy documents or statutory child‑protection policy texts are not clearly linked from the publicly available pages cited.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview SSIS operates a bespoke Minhang campus with on-site spaces for academics, arts, sports, and student life. Facilities include an Amphitheatre and an Auditorium, multiple cafeterias, and an Early Year Library, plus a Performing Arts Centre, Dance Room, and Music Studio. The campus houses STEM and learning spaces, including Physics, Chemistry, and Biology laboratories, an iMac Lab, STEAM fabrication and Maker spaces, and a Knowledge Hub. On the sports side, SSIS provides an Indoor Gymnasium, a Fitness Centre, a Swimming Pool, a Gymnastics Room, a natural-grass football pitch, and an outdoor track; a Golf Learning Centre and a Golf Driving Range support its golf programme. The campus also features a Farm to School space and a Chinese Culture Room. A Virtual Campus Tour showcases these spaces.	Facilities overview YK Pao School operates three campuses in Shanghai: Primary School Campus in the city centre, Middle School Campus on Hongqiao Road, and High School Campus in Songjiang District. The Primary School is a day school, while the Middle School and High School offer boarding education in addition to day programmes. The school provides a Year 1-12 education that integrates elements of the Chinese National Curriculum with international curricula, culminating in IGCSE and IB Diploma programmes. The Chinese-English immersion bilingual programme supports the development of the whole person and aims to prepare students as engaged global citizens. The school has around 1,600 students from China and overseas.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities SSIS provides on-campus sports facilities including an Indoor Aquatic Centre, a fully equipped fitness room, a natural-grass football pitch, an outdoor track, a gymnastics room, an indoor gymnasium, and multi-purpose spaces for a range of sports. The SSIS Go Swim Programme provides swimming instruction from an early age. The Golf Learning Centre and Golf Driving Range support the golf programme on campus, with on-course practice at Sun Island Kunshan Golf Club (a 27-hole championship course).	Sports facilities The High School Campus includes a running track, all-weather pitch, indoor gymnasium, fencing area, underground sports arena and an indoor swimming pool. It also houses arts facilities such as a Black Box Theatre, an outdoor amphitheatre and an auditorium. The campus comprises four buildings dedicated to academics, athletics, performances and residential life. The Residential Centre contains dormitories, music practice rooms, activity rooms, kitchens, game rooms, TV lounges and the Day Student Centre.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Academic spaces include Physics Lab, Chemistry Lab, and Biology Lab to support hands-on science learning. The iMac Lab supports digital and creative work, while STEAM spaces encompass Fabrication Space, Maker Space, Robotics facilities, and related Creative/Engineering activities. The Knowledge Hub serves as a central learning commons for research and collaboration, and the Early Year Library supports literacy development in the youngest cohort.	Academic facilities The Primary School Campus is 7,108 square metres and features art classrooms and a ceramics studio with a kiln; the Music Department includes upright pianos, four piano practice rooms, a percussion room and a multi-purpose ensemble room, with world instruments available for teaching. The Primary School Library contains nearly 20,000 Chinese, English and bilingual books, and provides internet access, an interactive white board and visualisers for teaching. The Primary School auditorium can host concerts for up to 600 people, and there is a rooftop garden and a playground area for student activities. The Middle School Campus spans 10,000 square metres and offers art classrooms and a ceramics studio with a kiln; the master plan anticipates a library, STEM centre, performing arts centre and indoor stadium in the future. The High School Campus (57,000 square metres) comprises four buildings for academics, athletics, performances and residential life; the Yang Chen Ning Learning Centre houses three libraries (Great Room, Reading Room, Learning Commons) and eight laboratories, plus a Senior Study Centre and a Student Centre; the Residential Centre contains dormitories and related facilities. The Oxygen Bar (self-study and refreshments) is part of the Senior Study Centre, and a running track, indoor pool and other facilities support a broad range of learning and co-curricular activities.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities SSIS offers a broad range of extracurricular opportunities through its Activities Overview, including sports, aesthetics, and clubs via the Co-Curricular Programme and After School Programme. The school is a Duke of Edinburgh International Award Centre, offering Bronze, Silver or Gold awards with mentor support for Senior School students aged 13+. Learning Outdoors provides field trips, excursions and camps, including the Farm to School project and organized outdoor experiences. The Weekend Programme offers paid activities from external vendors to deepen skills beyond the classroom, and a House System supports student leadership and belonging through various clubs and activities.	Extra curricular facilities The Co-Curricular Programme is a compulsory part of the school day for all students and is divided into four sections: Chinese cultural activities, sports, performing & visual arts and enrichment activities. In Middle School, students explore new interests across four seasons, may switch activities each season, and must take at least one sport per season. In High School, students can specialise in specific areas while completing CAS requirements for the IB Diploma Programme.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Shanghai Singapore International School (SSIS) was founded in 1996, opening its first year with 18 students and nine teachers. Over the next two decades the school expanded campuses (relocating to Hua Cao Town in 2001 and adding a second campus in 2003), grew its secondary provision, and obtained authorisations for international programmes in stages (including IB MYP in 2003 and the IB Diploma Programme in 2005). The school continued physical and programme development through the 2010s and into the 2020s—adding facilities such as an aquatic centre and staff residence, integrating campus locations in 2019, completing a major expansion in 2020, and earning WASC accreditation in 2025. These milestones and programme authorisations are documented on the school's history page.	History YK Pao School was founded in 2007 by Anna Sohmen Pao, Madam Tan Fuyun and Philip Pao Sohmen as a non‑profit private school established in memory of Sir Yue‑Kong Pao. Early years saw a primary programme opened in a temporary building, followed by the permanent Wuding Primary campus (2010) and the inauguration of the Songjiang secondary campus (2011). The YK Pao School Foundation was created in 2010 to support the school's long‑term development, and over the following decade the school added a Hongqiao middle campus, a residential high school programme and formal accreditation from bodies including Cambridge, CIS and the IB/WASC processes. This historical outline is drawn from the school's published timeline and about pages.
Community	Community SSIS describes its community as a partnership of a diverse teaching faculty, parents and students; the teaching staff come from more than 20 countries and the school highlights active parent engagement and alumni connections. The school regularly runs community-facing events and projects—examples in recent years include school fairs, seasonal celebrations, family activity days and school-hosted public events such as TEDx and the International Family Bazaar. SSIS also promotes community involvement through outreach and volunteer projects that connect students and families with broader service activities.	Community Pao School describes a mixed community of students and families from mainland China and overseas, with over 1,600 students across three campuses. Regular school events and programmes that engage families include counsellor‑parent coffee mornings, seasonal concerts and the school's Global Education Forum, and the school publishes reports of partnerships and outreach such as a connection with Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden for high‑school science work. Parent‑led groups and volunteer activities—including story teams, character parent groups and sports teams—are an active part of campus life.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association At SSIS the parent body is organised as the Parent Support Group (PSG); its stated mission is to enrich student life and the wider SSIS community through involvement in educational, social and charity events. The PSG operates as a volunteering platform and is led by an Exco Committee that plans and runs events each year; parent volunteers contribute skills and time across activities. Regular PSG-organised activities named on the site include Book Week, Santa's Workshop, Chinese New Year celebrations, International Friendship Day, the Teacher Appreciation lunch and the International Family Bazaar. Parents who wish to volunteer are invited to contact the PSG Exco Committee at psg@ssis.asia. In addition, SSIS runs a Parent Education Programme of workshops for caregivers and families (delivered by staff, parent volunteers and external providers) to support lifelong learning for parents; enquiries for that programme can be sent to community@ssis.asia.	Parent teacher association All parents, educators and staff are general members of the Pao School PTA, which states objectives to bridge families and the school, provide feedback on teaching and help develop festival and special programmes. The PTA operates through volunteer‑led committees (each with a chairperson), grade‑year meetings and monthly general meetings (generally held on the second Monday of each month); the Executive Committee includes the PTA officers, school principals and a grade representative from each year. Communication is managed through the PTA email (pta@ykpaoschool.cn) and committee chairs are the normal channel for committee business. Parent‑run clubs that operate under the school's parent involvement framework include the Run‑A‑Way hiking and cycling club (founded 2009 and reported to have several hundred members) and Football Dads (founded 2014), both of which run regular activities and participate in school events. The PTA page on the school website sets out the formal meeting structure, roles and contact details for parents wanting to join committees or volunteer.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual SSIS offers a Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) Programme with term-based options that promote leadership and social skills. CCA offerings include sports (Floor Hockey, Gymnastics, Softball, Soccer, Basketball), aesthetics (Dance, Creative Drama, Gu Zheng, Singing and Performing, Xylophone and Orchestra), and special-interest clubs (STEAM Club, Lego Building Club, Origami, Scrapbooking). The After School Programme (ASP) runs three 8-week sessions and includes activities organized by teachers and external vendors.	Academic & intellectual YK Pao School is a private non-profit international Chinese school founded in 2007. It serves around 1,600 students from China and overseas and offers a Year 1–12 educational programme that integrates elements of the Chinese National Curriculum with international curricula, culminating in IGCSE and IB Diploma programmes. The school runs a Chinese-English immersion bilingual programme designed to nurture the whole person and develop engaged, globally-minded citizens. The school comprises Primary, Middle, and High School divisions.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative SSIS provides an Aesthetics Programme with opportunities in art, dance, drama and music. Co-Curricular activities include Dance, Creative Drama, Gu Zheng, Singing and Performing, Xylophone and Orchestra. The programme helps students build self-confidence, broaden horizons, and nurture an appreciation of the arts.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language SSIS offers a Chinese Language Programme that combines national Chinese and Singaporean curriculums. From Grade 1, students are banded into Advanced Chinese, Standard Chinese and Foundation Chinese. From Grade 9, students may study Chinese as Language and Literature or start Chinese as a new language during IGCSE and IB Diploma programmes; immersion is supported through Chinese Culture activities such as Chinese Culture Week and the Footprint anthology, and the school participates in the International Schools Chinese Debating Competition.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies SSIS offers a broad range of clubs and after-school activities across sports, arts and special interests. CCA offerings take place during school hours and sign-ups are managed via the SchoolsBuddy app. These activities foster social development and personal interests.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service Community service clubs are part of the Co-Curricular Programme and the After School Programme. Students participate in volunteering and social responsibility initiatives as part of holistic education. These activities connect students with the wider community and reinforce a culture of service.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional CCA and ASP programmes develop leadership qualities and professional skills. SSIS references its Future Global Leader's Attributes and provides opportunities for student leadership and project management. ASP runs three 8-week sessions with activities organized by teachers and external vendors.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing SSIS emphasizes health and wellness through sport and physical education. SSIS participates in inter-school associations such as CISSA, SISAC, ACAMIS and the Shanghai Swim League, and offers Golf and Go Swim programmes. Facilities include an indoor Aquatic Centre, a fitness room, a grass football pitch, an outdoor track, a gymnastics room, an indoor gymnasium and multi-purpose spaces.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Primary School uses a Singapore-based curriculum, including Singapore Math and Science, and Cambridge Primary English. The Preschool programme includes English Language and Literacy and Chinese Language and Culture as learning areas. From Grade 1 onwards, Chinese language instruction is differentiated into three competencies: Advanced Chinese, Standard Chinese, and Foundation Chinese. In Senior School, Chinese language learning is integrated within the CLSP, IGCSE, and IBDP pathways, with Chinese offered as a Language and Literature option or as an additional language in IGCSE/IBDP.	Language provision The languages taught are Chinese and English. The curriculum blends the Chinese National Curriculum with international curricula in Primary and Middle School, and in High School offers IGCSE and the IB Diploma Programme alongside CNC core courses. The program emphasizes a bilingual and bicultural perspective in its approach.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching Preschool is a bilingual learning environment with one English-speaking and one Chinese-speaking teacher per class. From Grade 1 onwards, Chinese language instruction is organized into three competencies: Advanced Chinese, Standard Chinese, and Foundation Chinese. The Chinese Language and Culture Programme aggregates both the national Chinese and Singaporean curriculums and emphasises bilingualism and multilingualism. Senior School follows three stages—Grades 7-8 CLSP, Grades 9-10 IGCSE, and Grades 11-12 IBDP—and includes integrated Chinese language study.	Bilingual teaching The school offers a Chinese-English immersion bilingual programme for Year 1 through Year 12, with instruction delivered in both Chinese and English. The programme fosters bilingual and bicultural competence across core and specialist subjects. English is integrated across the curriculum, with five hours of English instruction per week in the primary years. The school serves around 1,600 students.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Preschool offers an immersive bilingual curriculum with dual-language teaching in English and Chinese culture. The Chinese Language and Culture Programme provides immersive Chinese learning with daily Advanced Chinese, Standard Chinese, and Foundation Chinese classes. The programme features platforms for language immersion such as the International Schools Chinese Debating Competition and the Footprint anthology. The class model uses an interdisciplinary approach to apply vocabulary learned in Chinese language lessons and extends learning beyond the classroom.	Immersion programs The dual-language learning environment features lessons delivered in Chinese and English. Students are immersed in both languages in core subjects and in specialist subjects such as Art, Music, Physical Education and ICT. This immersion supports bilingual literacy and intercultural collaboration.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards I searched the school's website and found the following awards (2021–2025) that are described as being awarded to the school or its teams (not individual students). Each item below is taken from the school website and dated on that site: • Virtuoso Music Teaching Centre Award (New Talent Festival) — YK Pao School was awarded the Virtuoso Music Teaching Centre Award by the New Talent Festival (reported in the school's 13 Oct 2023 highlights); this recognises the school as a centre for music teaching in that festival's awards. • Shanghai International Schools Sports Association (SSSA) swimming league — Pao School reported winning the overall SSSA swimming championship (combined team score) in the SSSA event reported on 21 July 2023; this is a school-level team championship. • Shanghai Sports League Championship — the school's Girls Basketball Varsity team is reported as having won the Shanghai Sports League Championship (reported in Pao Highlights, 2023); this is a team trophy won by the school's team. • Girls U15 Shanghai Schools Sports Association Volleyball League — Pao Middle School's Girls U15 team won the U15 championship (reported 20 Jan 2025); this is recorded on the school website as the team (school) bringing home the trophy. Notes and limitations: - I only used information that appears on YK Pao School's public website (as you requested). The site primarily lists student and team results; many items are student awards (which you asked me to exclude). The four items above are the school- or school-team-level awards I could identify on the school site between Jan 1, 2021 and Dec 31, 2025. If you'd like, I can (a) search external sources for other institutional awards or rankings mentioned elsewhere, or (b) expand the time window to include earlier institutional recognitions listed on the school site (e.g., CIS/WASC authorisations in 2017, Cambridge in 2013, IB in 2015) — though those are already covered under accreditations.
Accreditations	Accreditations • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) — SSIS earned initial accreditation from WASC (Accrediting Commission for Schools), a US-based regional accrediting body that evaluates whole-school quality in areas such as curriculum, leadership and student wellbeing. • Council of International Schools (CIS) — SSIS holds CIS international accreditation (including a successful re-accreditation exercise reported by the school); CIS accreditation signals alignment with internationally-recognised standards for governance, teaching, student support and continuous improvement. • International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) authorisations — SSIS is authorised to deliver IB programmes: Middle Years Programme (MYP, authorised 2003), Diploma Programme (IBDP, authorised 2005) and Career-related Programme (IBCP, authorised 2014). These authorisations indicate the school meets the IBO's programme and implementation requirements. • Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) authorisation — SSIS was authorised to offer Cambridge IGCSE (authorisation recorded in the school history), meaning it meets Cambridge's requirements to deliver that examination curriculum. • National Centre for School Curriculum and Textbook Development (NCCT) — SSIS received full accreditation from NCCT (a PRC body) in 2010, which reflects compliance with relevant national regulations and standards for schools serving expatriate children. • Swim England Learn-to-Swim programme provider accreditation — SSIS is an approved Swim England Learn-to-Swim programme provider (noted as one of the only approved providers in Shanghai/China on the school site); this is a programme accreditation for the school's swim curriculum and teacher training pathway.	Accreditations • Cambridge International (IGCSE authorisation) — YK Pao School is authorised to offer Cambridge IGCSE qualifications; this authorisation indicates the school meets Cambridge International's requirements to deliver their secondary curriculum and examinations. • International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma Programme authorisation) — the school is authorised as an IB World School to offer the IB Diploma Programme (DP); IB authorisation confirms the school has met the IB Organisation's standards for curriculum, assessment and school support for the Diploma. • Council of International Schools (CIS) accreditation/membership — YK Pao School completed CIS accreditation (and is recorded as a CIS member); CIS accreditation is an external school-evaluation process that reviews governance, teaching, student support and continuous improvement against internationally agreed standards. • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC / ACS WASC) accreditation — the school holds accreditation from WASC; WASC accreditation recognises that an institution has the policies, resources and practices to support student learning and continuous school improvement, and it can facilitate recognition of the school's secondary diploma internationally.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Create an OpenApply account. SSIS requires every applicant to register an OpenApply account before submitting an application or signing up for an Open Morning; this account is how the school sends all application notifications. Parents should register on SSIS's OpenApply link and keep the account login details and email address current because the admissions team uses it for test schedules, invoices and final offers. 2. Complete and submit required documents via OpenApply. The school lists specific document sets depending on the applicant's family status (for example: expatriate families, Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan citizens, children born in foreign countries to Chinese citizens, and families with SHMEC approvals), and documents must be translated into English or Chinese by an authorised translation company. Bring original documents to the Admissions Office for verification on the day of the Admissions Assessment; common items include the SSIS Registration Kit, Code of Conduct (G1+), Confidential Recommendation (G1+), birth certificate, vaccination record, latest school report and parent residency/employment paperwork. Review the document checklist carefully because omissions will delay processing. 3. Pay the application fee (and note its timing and refund rule). After you submit documents you will receive a proforma invoice from SSIS Finance; the application fee must be paid at least five working days before the scheduled Admissions Assessment. The SSIS tuition-and-fees page lists the Application Fee for AY2025/2026 as 2,500 (amounts published by the school) and states the fee is non‑refundable and valid only for the applying school year — plan to submit payment promptly using the accepted methods (bank transfer or on‑site by card/cash). Keep the bank receipt or card payment confirmation; the admissions office will require proof on occasion. 4. Attend the Admissions Assessment. All applicants must complete an Admissions Assessment; once SSIS has a complete application they will contact you with the assessment date and details. Register for a test date through the Admissions Test page (the form asks for applicant name, passport, DOB, grade applied and preferred test date); parents should arrive on campus prepared to show originals and arrive early so the child can settle — the school provides test dates and registration instructions via OpenApply or the Admissions Test form. If your child requires language support or special arrangements, contact admissions in advance to discuss accommodations. 5. Receive outcome and pay the matriculation (registration) fee. Successful applicants receive an SSIS Admissions Notification; once you receive the notification you must pay the Matriculation Fee within five working days to confirm the place. For AY2025/2026 the Matriculation Fee is shown as 20,000 on the SSIS fees page and is described as non‑refundable and not applicable against tuition — budget for this payment and retain the confirmation for school records. 6. Complete enrolment payments and service selections. After place confirmation you will be invoiced for tuition and any optional services (examples published for AY2025/2026: annual tuition by grade, the ELA programme, and school bus fees). Tuition amounts published by SSIS for AY2025/2026 are shown on the school site by grade band (examples: Pre‑N to K2 ≈ 200,000; Grade 1–6 ≈ 260,000; Grade 11–12 ≈ 300,000) and the ELA programme (Grade 1–6) and bus fees are listed as separate charges — check the Registration Pack download for payment deadlines, instalment options and refund/withdrawal policies. Confirm preferred services (bus route, ELA enrolment) before the school start date because some services require full pre‑payment. 7. Practical notes and contact details. Keep copies of all submissions and receipts, and check OpenApply frequently for messages from SSIS during the process.	Admissions 1. Learn about the school and create an account. Start by reading the admissions pages and attending one of the school's information sessions or open-house events so you understand the bilingual curriculum and campus differences (Primary, Middle, High). Create an online account on the school portal — you must do this to schedule visits and to submit an application — and watch for the confirmation email and subsequent instructions. 2. Check eligibility and required documents. YK Pao follows Shanghai Municipal Education Commission categories (Shanghai hukou, non-Shanghai hukou, Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan residents, and international passport holders); you must select the correct category and upload the matching identity and residency documents. Prepare school reports (current year and two previous full years where applicable), passport/visa or residence permits, recent photos, and any standardised test scores or recommendation letters required for mainland applicants. The Admissions Checklist on the school site lists which documents are required by year group — follow it exactly to avoid delays. 3. Submit the online application and upload materials. After creating an account, complete the online application form and upload the documents listed for your child's year group; the school will send an email confirmation when the application is received. There is no application/registration fee, but note that if admitted you will be asked to pay enrolment-related fees (meals, uniform and later tuition) as outlined by the school. Keep copies of every uploaded file and check your email (including spam) because the school uses email to notify you of the next steps. 4. Academic assessment (tests and records review). The school evaluates applicants' English, Chinese and Mathematics ability using its own assessment criteria and by reviewing report cards and other evidence of achievement; for some year groups standardised test scores are requested. Be prepared for written assessments (especially for entry into middle and high school) and for the school to use grades and work samples to judge readiness for a bilingual programme. If your child's school reports or test results require translation or explanation, provide clear translations and context in the application. 5. Interview / family meeting and selection. Depending on the year level, shortlisted applicants and their parents may be invited for an interview or family meeting (the High School admissions process explicitly includes written exams and interviews). The school will assess fit with the bilingual, boarding (where relevant) and community expectations, so be ready to discuss your family's plans for at least a two-year stay and support for the school's programmes. After assessment and interviews the school will notify families by email about pre-acceptance, conditional offers, or next steps. 6. Offers, acceptance and enrolment steps. If you receive an offer, the email will include instructions for acceptance, payment deadlines, and any forms to complete; follow these precisely to secure the place. Note that the school states there is no separate application registration fee, but tuition and other fees are charged for enrolment and are set per semester/academic year. Keep your admissions correspondence and receipts; if you need clarification about timing or payment methods contact the admissions office directly. 7. Boarding option and specifics (high school). Boarding is available for Years 9–12; when you apply you may indicate boarding or day school but final boarding placement is confirmed by the school. The tuition page lists 5‑day boarding fees (the 2024/25 per‑semester boarding fees shown on the site are RMB 9,800 and RMB 13,800 depending on year/campus); note that 7‑day boarding is not available to students who live in Shanghai or its suburbs unless specially approved. Factor boarding fees, weekly bus arrangements (high school provides weekly buses), and the school's residential rules into your planning. 8. Orientation and first-term requirements. The school runs a new‑student orientation so you and your child can learn about uniforms, schedules, co-curricular programmes and campus life before classes start. In addition to tuition you should budget for meals, uniforms and any optional extension/enrichment programme fees; these are listed or described in the school's admissions/FAQ pages.
Scholarships	Scholarships Historic scholarship programmes and current status: SSIS has run scholarship programmes in the past and published details in a school news update (posted April 23, 2020) that described three scholarship types — IBDP scholarships (two tiers: an ‘Excellence' award covering 100% of tuition and a ‘Merit' award covering 50% tuition for the two‑year IB Diploma intake) and Aesthetics and Athletics awards (each described as covering 50% tuition with annual renewal conditions). The 2020 news post also described an application process that included submission of papers, interview by a scholarship committee, specific eligibility by grade band and published deadlines for that year. Because the SSIS Scholarships page currently shows a placeholder message (“Stay tuned for more info on scholarships”), these published 2019/2020 details should be treated as historical and subject to change. For current scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, application forms and deadlines contact scholarships@ssis.asia or the Admissions Office — they can confirm whether the IBDP, Aesthetics or Athletics scholarships (or any other financial assistance) are being offered for the intake year you are applying to. Additionally, SSIS lists a School Services Request form that references a Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS); if you need need‑based support or formal financial‑assistance information, request the school's FAS documentation directly.	Scholarships YK Pao operates a formal scholarship programme (the Pao School Scholarship Programme) run through the YK Pao School Foundation; the programme was launched with founder support and aims to support students with outstanding achievement and those with financial need. The official scholarship pages describe several named awards, the nomination timing and the scholarship benefit amounts (many awards are specified as an amount equivalent to 10% of tuition for the stated duration). The school reports that the programme has supported over 90 students. Key scholarship types and mechanics (what parents should know): - Chinese Immersion Scholarship: Intended for international students whose parents' native language is not Chinese; awarded on the basis of strong overall academic performance and commitment to Chinese learning. The site states winners receive an amount equivalent to 10% of tuition, and the award covers multiple years (the page describes an award spanning Years 6–12). Nomination and determination occur in Year 5 for this award. - Junior Secondary Boys Scholarship: Aimed at recognising all‑round excellence; recipients are nominated/determined in Year 5 and the award is described as the equivalent to 10% of tuition over three academic years (Year 6–8). Selection criteria include academics, character, extracurricular achievement and contribution to the school/community. - Senior Secondary Grade II and Grade I Scholarships: These target high‑school‑age students and are awarded on nomination in Year 8 (Grade II) and Year 10 (Grade I). The Grade II award covers multiple academic years (Year 9–12 depending on entry) and the Grade I award covers two academic years (Year 11–12); both are described on the site as reducing tuition by an amount equivalent to 10% over the stated period. Grade I is open to Year 11 students (including internal and new students). How scholarships are awarded and next steps. Scholarships are awarded by nomination (the school and foundation appear to manage nominations internally) and based on academic performance, character, extracurricular achievement and contribution to the school community, with some awards explicitly supporting non‑native Chinese speakers. The school's scholarship page gives the broad structure and eligibility; for application/nomination timelines, the exact award value in a given year and whether partial or larger awards are available you should contact the school's admissions or foundation office directly. If you would like, I can draft an email to admissions asking about waitlist procedure, current scholarship deadlines and the precise boarding fee that would apply to your child's intended year group.
Waitlist	Waitlist SSIS does not publish a public waitlist or central ‘pool' policy on its website pages for admissions; the admissions pages and the online admissions sections do not describe an open waiting-list procedure. Because many international schools manage places internally (for example holding offers, running year‑level capacity checks, or placing applicants ‘on hold' when classes are full) the most reliable way to learn current availability or whether you would be placed on a waitlist is to contact the Admissions Office directly (admission@ssis.asia, +86 21 6221 9288 or the enquiry form on the SSIS site). If you need a formal waitlist status for planning (work visas, housing, or timing) ask the admissions officer to confirm in writing whether a place is available or if your application will be held on a waiting list and what position or expected timeframe applies.	Waitlist Official YK Pao admissions pages do not publish a formal description of a waitlist or “pool” process on the admissions, checklist or FAQ pages. The school's publicly posted admissions materials focus on the online application, document checklist, assessments and interviews but do not explain how the school manages applicants when a year group is full. That said, third‑party school directories and local listings note that primary entry (Year 1) at YK Pao — like many popular Shanghai schools — can be highly competitive and that waiting lists are commonly used by schools in the city; those external listings report that Y1 waiting lists do occur. Because the official site is silent on a formal waitlist process, if you want to know whether your child will be placed on a waiting list, how long waiting lists typically run, or whether the school holds places in a “pool” for certain categories (e.g., local hukou, international students, siblings), contact admissions directly and ask whether they keep a waitlist for the target year and how they communicate waitlist status. Applying early, creating an account and attending information sessions are the best practical steps to make sure you are registered and informed.
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