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Nanjing International School

China, Nanjing

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees RMB 191,500 - 286,100
Ages 3 - 17 years
Pupil numbers 620
Type Co-educational
Opened 1992
Bus Service Yes
Availability Not shared by this school
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE
Taught languages English, Mandarin, Spanish, French, German, Korean
Typical class size 20
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Nanjing International School (NIS) is a non-profit Pre-K to 12 IB World School located in Xianlin University City in Nanjing's Qixia District. The campus covers about 80,620 square meters and features facilities for the Primary and Secondary sections, the community Centre, and the HUB addition. The school serves international families from Pre-K through Grade 12 and delivers the full International Baccalaureate continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) with English as the language of instruction and additional language programmes integrated into the IB framework. The school offers extensive co-curricular opportunities in athletics, the arts, and service learning, including a 540-seat theatre and a wide activities programme.

8 Xueheng Rd, Qixia District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China, 210046

The Essentials

Nanjing International School has 620 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location
Nanjing International School is located at Xue Heng Lu 8, Xian Lin University City, in the Qi Xia District of Nanjing, PRC 210023. The campus sits in Xianlin University City, across from international restaurants and nearby residential areas. The school occupies a large, purpose-built site of about 80,620 square metres and holds LEED Silver certification.

Stages
NIS offers Pre-K to 12 education within an IB Continuum. The Primary School covers Pre-K to Grade 5 and the Secondary School covers Grades 6 to 12.

Type
NIS is co-educational and operates as a fully inclusive, non-profit international school. It is an IB World School offering the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP).

Additional learning support
The Learning Support Services (LSS) team comprises four specialists who work with classroom teachers to provide targeted interventions, accommodations, and individualized learning plans. English Language Support and Counselling are also available to support learners with diverse needs.

Country affiliation
There is no formal country affiliation.

Religious affiliation
NIS has no religious affiliation.

School day structure
Early Years follow a full-day schedule with a start at 8:00 a.m. and a finish at 3:00 p.m. Primary School schedules are issued by the homeroom teacher, and Secondary timetables are managed by the school leadership as part of the IB continuum.

Bus service
Bus transport is provided through HomeCaught to cover routes serving most international compounds in Nanjing. Buses are supervised, GPS-tracked, and driven by trained staff; parents pay the bus fees and coordinate with a dedicated buses manager for pickups and drop-offs.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Students in Grades 1-12 have options from Western Grill, Asian Station, Salad Bar, and Sandwich Bar, with Vegetarian and Daily Special choices. Snacks are served at the Deli, with seating on the ground floor and mezzanine. All dining options are provided and managed by AdenEdge, a branch of Aden Group, and NIS is a nut-free and single-use plastics-free campus.

House System
The school has a house system with three houses: Taiping, WuTaiShan, and XuanWu. Members include students, parents, and staff; inter-house competitions are held throughout the year, and the house with the most points is awarded the house shield.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a not-for-profit, independent institution owned 100% by its parent community. It is governed by a volunteer board of elected trustees drawn from parents, staff and the NIS community, which sets policy and oversees strategic direction and financial stability. The Association of NIS includes all parents and board members; an Annual General Meeting is held each September to review the year and approve plans and budget.
Fees

Annual tuition at Nanjing International School ranges from RMB 191,500 to RMB 286,100 for 2026/27.

Application / New‑student fees
- New‑student fee: RMB 18,000 (this amount is included in the published tuition figures for new students).
- Enrolment deposit: an enrolment deposit is required upon acceptance; it must be paid before the student's first day and within 14 days of the invoice. The deposit is non‑refundable but is applied to the student's first semester tuition.

Tuition fees (per semester and annual) — New students (2025–2026 published schedule)
- Pre‑K (arriving Semester 1, full day, age 3–4): Semester 1 RMB 113,750; Semester 2 RMB 95,750; Annual RMB 209,500.
- Kindergarten (K1/K2) – Grade 5 (arriving Semester 1): Semester 1 RMB 149,500; Semester 2 RMB 131,500; Annual RMB 281,000.
- Grade 6 – Grade 8 (arriving Semester 1): Semester 1 RMB 152,050; Semester 2 RMB 134,050; Annual RMB 286,100.
- Grade 9 – Grade 12 (arriving Semester 1): Semester 1 RMB 178,860; Semester 2 RMB 107,240; Annual RMB 286,100.

Tuition fees (per semester and annual) — Returning students (2025–2026 published schedule)
- Pre‑K (full day): Semester 1 RMB 95,750; Semester 2 RMB 95,750; Annual RMB 191,500.
- Kindergarten (K1/K2) – Grade 5: Semester 1 RMB 131,500; Semester 2 RMB 131,500; Annual RMB 263,000.
- Grade 6 – Grade 8: Semester 1 RMB 134,050; Semester 2 RMB 134,050; Annual RMB 268,100.
- Grade 9 – Grade 12: Semester 1 RMB 160,860; Semester 2 RMB 107,240; Annual RMB 268,100.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition is presented and billed by semester; annual totals are provided as the sum of semester charges.
- The enrolment deposit must be paid before the enrolment day and within 14 days of receipt of invoice; the deposit is non‑refundable and is applied to the first semester's tuition.
- For returning students, total school fees must be paid by the published due date (the published schedule indicates May 31 as a noted payment deadline for returning‑student fees).
- Cash payments are handled through the school cashier office; the school maintains secure cash handling and cashier procedures for on‑site collections.

Boarding fees
- Nanjing International School is a day school; no full‑time boarding fees are listed in the published fee schedule for the school.

Optional and other fees
- Bus / transportation service (optional): monthly bus fees vary by distance; published range for 2025–26 is RMB 925 – RMB 2,350 per month. The bus service is coordinated with an external contractor.
- Device / technology requirements and related costs: students in Grade 2–4 are required to own an iPad; students in Grade 5–12 are required to own an Apple laptop; calculators are required from Grade 6 upward. Devices may be purchased through the school or independently. Parents of Grade 12 students are responsible for IB examination fees.
- ID card / printing credit: student ID cards are charged each semester for printing; families may need to add funds at the cashier if the card balance is exhausted.
- Extra‑curricular activities, school trips (Discover China) and specific course materials: these may incur additional charges where applicable; the published tuition covers core instructional provision but some trips/exam fees or optional programme fees (for example IB exam fees) are charged separately.
- Any specific uniforms, uniform costs, or school‑shop purchases are handled through the school's parent and resource channels; itemised uniform pricing is not listed in the published tuition schedule.

Refund information and early‑withdrawal rules
- No refund of school fees is paid for students who are withdrawn during their first two full semesters of attendance (a full semester is defined as being enrolled before the 30th day of a semester).
- For students enrolled at NIS for more than one year who leave during the first half of a semester, a refund of 25% of that semester's fee is payable; students leaving in the second half of a semester are not entitled to a refund.
- Refunds are not provided in cases of temporary closure through force majeure; in such circumstances the school will endeavour to provide continued education but fees are not refundable.

Fee payment options
- Bank transfer: the school publishes bank transfer instructions for international remittance and accepts payments by bank transfer.
- On‑site / cashier payments: the school operates a cashier office for collection of cash and on‑site payments; cash handling and secure storage procedures are documented in the school's finance procedure materials.
Academics

Nanjing International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE for students aged 3 to 17.

Curriculum
Nanjing International School (NIS) is an IB World School offering an IB Continuum Pre-K to 12 curriculum. The IB programmes at NIS are PYP for Pre-K to Grade 5, MYP for Grades 6–10, and DP for Grades 11–12. The PYP focuses on the development of the whole child through transdisciplinary inquiry, while the MYP includes service learning as a core element. The Diploma Programme lasts two years (Grades 11–12) and comprises six subject groups plus the DP Core (Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay); the school also recognises a Global Citizen Diploma for activities beyond academics. English is the language of instruction; language offerings include a German Mother Tongue programme and IB-integrated language courses. NIS emphasises inquiry-based, student-centred learning with inclusive practices and provides university counselling to support DP students.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Nanjing International School supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a proactive, school‑wide Counselling programme that addresses both academic and social‑emotional development from Pre‑K to Grade 12. The University Counselling Programme focuses on overall personal development and wellness as part of student wellbeing. The Learning Support Services team provides targeted support to students and collaborates with families on individualized learning plans. The English Language Learning (ELL) team provides targeted language support across the school, and in Primary, ELL teachers are integrated into classrooms to support English acquisition within the regular learning environment. The JEDI initiative—Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion—underpins everyday practices and aims to build a sense of belonging and remove barriers to learning.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Nanjing International School describes itself as an inclusive learning community and states it accepts students with mild to moderate support needs. A Learning Support Services team comprises specialists who work across the school to provide targeted support to students and to develop individualized learning plans. English Language Support (ELL) is provided by a dedicated team of specialists who support English language learners across the school; in Primary, ELL teachers are embedded in classrooms. Counselling supports the whole child's academic and social‑emotional development, complementing other supports for learners with additional needs. The school emphasizes removing barriers to access as part of its inclusion approach.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English Language Support (ELL) is provided by a team of specialists who work across the school to provide targeted support for English language learners. In Primary, ELL teachers are integrated into classrooms, supporting English acquisition within the context of the regular learning environment. This arrangement reflects the school's inclusive approach to language development within mainstream classes. The ELL provision is part of the broader inclusion framework described on the Inclusion pages.

Mental Wellbeing
The Counselling programme is proactive and focuses on the academic and social‑emotional development of the whole child from Pre‑K to Grade 12, and the University Counselling Programme emphasizes overall personal development and wellness. Counselling services are designed to support students' mental wellbeing as part of their holistic education. The inclusion framework and JEDI ethos reinforce a supportive sense of belonging and relationships as foundational to wellbeing. These provisions operate in concert with Learning Support and ELL to support diverse learners.

Safeguarding
Nanjing International School prioritises Child Protection, with procedures based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Safeguarding provision is organized into Prevention, Operational, and Strategic components, including police checks for all employees, contractors, and volunteers; a Code of Conduct (English and Chinese) signed by staff; and clear reporting pathways for abuse or neglect. Visitors sign in and wear identification badges, and the Visitor's Code Conduct is enforced. A designated Child Protection Officer, Child Protection Team, and Child Response Team coordinate safeguarding across the school. The NIS Child Protection Policy and Procedures are available in English, Chinese, and Korean.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1992, Nanjing International School is the oldest international school in Nanjing and the first IB Continuum School in China. It operates as an independent, non-profit IB World School and is the city's largest and most diverse international school. The school offers an IB Pre-K to 12 curriculum and emphasizes student-centered, inquiry-based learning as part of its IB program. The campus is purpose-built to support modern, inquiry-based learning, featuring an Early Years Centre and spaces for design, the arts, and athletics.

Community
NIS forms a uniquely warm and truly diverse international community of parents, students, staff, and alumni. New families joining us are welcomed into a caring community that remains a vibrant part of life from enrolment to graduation. The Centre building provides facilities and spaces open to families during and after the school day, supporting ongoing community life. The Community Activities Programme offers a wide range of activities for parents and students throughout the school year.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) welcomes, connects and supports parents/guardians, teachers/staff and students at NIS in the spirit of promoting a collaborative and inclusive school community. The PTA is led by parent members and supported by a large circle of community volunteers, creating and maintaining an invaluable connection between families and NIS faculty and staff. Annually, the NIS PTA organises a broad number of inclusive community events to foster NIS spirit, promote cultural exchanges, and raise funds for student and community activities. Regular meetings and PTA Coffee Mornings are held in the Centre Cafe during the year to keep the parent community connected with the school. The PTA Committee includes President: Rebeca Casado; Vice Presidents: Kelly Song, Lilian Li; Treasurer: Konstanze Hartmann; PTA Secretary: Ece Pastirmaci; PTA Shop: Ray Shin, Katie; Birthday Cupcakes: Konstanze Hartmann & Dova Shi. The Centre provides spaces such as the Centre Cafe and two multipurpose rooms for PTA activities, supporting ongoing family engagement.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Nanjing International School's campus sits in Xianlin University City and spans 80,620 square meters on a purpose-built site housing the Primary and Secondary sections plus a community Centre. The campus is LEED Silver certified and designed with integrated, student-centered spaces and a state-of-the-art indoor air filtration system. The HUB, unveiled in 2024, centralises library, media and IT services in a multi-level learning space described as the 'Third Teacher' that connects learning across the campus. The athletics and arts facilities are extensive, including a FIFA-approved full-length football field and track, two gyms, and heated swimming pools, plus a 540-seat multipurpose theatre, an Early Years theatre, a Black Box Studio, and recording studios. The grounds include outdoor learning spaces and gardens, contributing to a green, campus-wide learning environment.

Sports Facilities
Sports facilities include a FIFA-approved full-length football field and track, two gyms, and heated swimming pools. The site also features outdoor learning and athletic spaces that support school teams and recreational activities.

Academic Facilities
The HUB houses Primary and Secondary libraries along with dedicated media and IT spaces, serving as central academic resources. The HUB is a central, flexible space that blends library, media and IT services to support inquiry-based learning. The campus also includes an Early Years Centre and a Design Centre as part of its purpose-built facilities, with a modern indoor air filtration system across integrated spaces. Technology resources include a Bring Your Own Mac (BYOM) environment, a one-to-one Mac laptop program for Grades 5–12, iPads for Grades 2–4, supported by an on-site IT team.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The school offers an extensive activities programme with more than 150 options and 10+ competitive sports, along with dozens of student clubs and service opportunities. The Arts are supported by a 540-seat multipurpose theatre, an Early Years theatre, a Black Box Studio, specialised classrooms and recording studios.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
NIS offers a broad range of student activities for Pre-K to Grade 5 in the Primary School and for secondary students through clubs, performing arts, and service. Primary activities run on 7-week cycles and Secondary activities typically run all year or part of the year in preparation for performances or events. Examples include Primary: Art Club, Bead Art, Gardening Club, Homework Club, Kickball, Lego Building, Magic: The Gathering, Math Club, and Model United Nations; Secondary: Orchestra, Piñata, Puppet Making, STEAM, Student-Led Baseball, Student-Led Gunpla, Video Review, Zumba, and more. The NIS Student Activities Committee (NISSAC) for Grades 9-12 helps organize events such as Sports Celebration Evenings and ACAMIS Competitions and promotes student voice and leadership.

Arts & Creative
The Arts at NIS encompass drama, music, and visual arts beyond the classroom. Drama opportunities include Secondary Production, Accidental Theatre Company, and Service Drama Club, with roles such as Stage Manager, Theatre Crew, Front of House, and set, prop and costume design and making. Music options include Choir, Concert Band, Advanced Orchestra, and Rock Bands, and performances support the year-end Music Evening. Visual arts provide opportunities to create, display work at school, and have pieces published in school publications.

Cultural & Language
Model United Nations is among the cultural and language activities available to students. The Global Citizen Diploma reinforces international-mindedness and global citizenship. The Arts in the Community program allows students to perform at local venues and engage with the community. A Community Activities Programme supports engagement for both parents and students.

Social & Hobbies
A range of social and hobby groups operate beyond academics, including Bead Art, Gardening Club, Lego Building, Magic: The Gathering, Puppet Making, Video Review, and Zumba. Kickball is available as a recreational activity through after-school programs. Clubs and activities vary from year to year depending on student interest and staff expertise.

Community & Service
Service learning is an established part of the IB curriculum for all grade levels. Grade 6 to 10 have a bespoke Service class focused on projects linked to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Service groups include Animal Welfare and Dog Walking, Community Gardeners, Crafting for Charity, e-Waste, Green Cities, Pfrang Association, Precious Plastics, The Art Collective, The Lion's Honey, and We Walk with You. There are school charities and opportunities to engage in local and international service as part of the broader program.

Leadership & Professional
NISSAC is a group of students in Grade 9-12 who actively participate in the Activities Programme and help organize events. Under the supervision of the Activities team, NISSAC coordinates events such as Sports Celebration Evenings and ACAMIS Competitions hosted at NIS. NISSAC embodies the school strategy goals of Student Voice and Student Choice. Participation in service groups and clubs further develops leadership, mentoring, and professional skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The athletics program includes ten inclusive, competitive sports: Basketball, Football, Volleyball, Badminton, Swimming, Track and Field, Cross Country, Table Tennis, Golf, and Softball. Swimming and aquatic activities form an integral part of teaching and learning, athletic competition, and community life. Campus facilities include a FIFA-approved full-length football field, two gyms, and heated swimming pools, plus a 540-seat theatre for arts performances. Wellbeing is supported by facilities such as a Fitness Room and an Aerobic/Dance Studio, with wellness initiatives for the school community.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction, with an English Language Learning (ELL) team supporting non-native English speakers in the classroom. Curricular languages taught within the IB framework include English A, German A, Mandarin A, and Korean A from Grade 6 onward (MYP), with opportunities for bilingual IB diplomas in these languages as part of the DP. The German Mother Tongue Programme serves German-speaking students across Primary (integrated sessions in PYP plus after-school German classes) and Secondary (Grades 6-10 in MYP; Grades 11-12 in DP). Non-curricular language options include Self-Taught IB Language A for students whose home language is not taught on campus, available in Grade 10 MYP and the Diploma Programme; additional language classes may be offered by the parent community outside regular hours.

Bilingual Teaching
English is the language of instruction at NIS. The school does not run a campus-wide bilingual program; instead, German is offered through a German Mother Tongue Programme for German-speaking students, with German mother tongue sessions integrated into the Primary Years Programme and additional after-school classes. In the IB framework, German A, English A, Mandarin A, and Korean A begin in the Middle Years Programme (Grade 6), and bilingual IB diplomas are available in these languages as part of the Diploma Programme. An English Language Learning (ELL) team provides targeted support for English language learners within the regular learning environment.

Immersion Programs
NIS emphasises immersion in Chinese culture and Mandarin study as part of its language programmes, with authentic Mandarin study integrated into the IB language offerings. Mandarin is taught within the comprehensive IB Language Programmes, providing language and cultural immersion throughout the school. For languages not offered in the regular day program, classes are provided by the parent community outside regular school hours. In Secondary, Discover China Week offers experiences that connect classroom learning with real-life Chinese contexts.
Reputation

Awards
- InspirED Brilliance Awards (2023 Brilliance Awards) — the redesigned NIS website earned two Gold Brilliance Awards in the Website category; the awards recognize private/independent school marketing excellence.

- Finalsite Best Websites of 2023 — the redesigned website was named one of Finalsite's best websites of 2023.
- Forbes China 2024 China Foreign Passport School Annual Selection — NIS ranked 21st among top international schools in China, and was the highest-ranked international school in Nanjing.

- Education Advisers Top IB School recognitions (2025) — NIS was named a Top 10 IB School in China and a Top 100 IB School globally.

Accreditations
- International Baccalaureate (IB) — NIS is an IB World School and an IB Continuum School, delivering the full IB programme across Pre-K to 12.

- Council of International Schools (CIS) — NIS is accredited by CIS, and is the only independent, fully accredited non-profit international school in Nanjing to hold CIS, WASC, and IB accreditation.

- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) — NIS is WASC-accredited; the school was re-accredited in 2022, and WASC accreditation supports US university recognition of the diploma when combined with IB.

- NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) — NEASC accreditation was held by NIS for over 15 years in the past.
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1: Enquiry and/or school tour. Begin by making an enquiry or arranging a tour to learn about NIS and determine if the school fits your child's needs. Tours can be booked through the Book Tour option in the Admissions area, or you can contact the admissions team for more information. This step helps families decide whether to proceed with the online application. If you decide to move forward, you proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Online application. The OpenApply online form is how your family introduces themselves to NIS. All applications are completed online, and each child requires a separate application. The system allows you to return to the application later, and all necessary supporting documents are uploaded during this process. Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance.

Step 3: Admissions interview. After the online application and documents are received, the Admissions Team will schedule an interview to determine if NIS is a good fit for your family and your child's learning needs. The interview includes an in‑person session with your child, and they can ask questions about the school. Students in Grade 3 and above will be assessed on reading, writing, maths, and language during or after the interview, and initial online interviews may be conducted for families outside Nanjing; a second interview may be arranged if more information is needed.

Step 4: Assessment. Admissions testing is diagnostic and does not affect eligibility. All applicants for Grade 3 and above will take a MAP assessment to gauge maths and literacy against grade‑level standards. If English is not the home language, Grade 9 and above will take the WIDA English language test to determine if English Language Learning (ELL) support is needed.

Step 5: Interview with Principal. The Primary or Secondary Principal will meet with the family, and they may be accompanied by a Learning Support specialist if relevant. In Primary, the Deputy Primary Principal is also present. This interview provides a final opportunity to discuss learning needs and fit.

Step 6: Final decision. Following the Principal Interview, the Admissions Committee reviews the application package and interview results and makes a recommendation to the School Director, who makes all admissions decisions. Families are notified of the admissions decision through an OpenApply email generally within one week of the Principal Interview. Grades are then placed according to the school's guidelines: Primary (Early Years to Grade 5) and Secondary (Grade 6 to Grade 12) with age guidelines by August 31.

Scholarships
No discounts or scholarships are offered.

Waitlist
If a grade level reaches capacity, students are placed in a waiting pool (waitlist). The school operates a diversity policy, and the maximum number of any one nationality group at any grade level is 30%.
School Events
The school has not added events
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