Shanghai Community International School

SCIS is an IB Continuum World School delivering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) in Early Childhood and Lower School, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Upper School, and the Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 11–12. The school serves students from nursery through Grade 12 across three Shanghai campuses. School-wide Learner Outcomes guide student development, including Innovative Thinkers, within the IB framework. SCIS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of ACAMIS and EARCOS; the community is diverse, with students from more than 65 countries and more than 45 languages spoken.

The arts program is robust and well-rounded, with teachers who are passionate about their subjects. It includes Performing Arts (Theatre and Music) and Visual Arts, including Film, where students learn the full creative process from observation through presentation. Theatre education emphasizes collaboration and autonomy as students engage as creators, designers, directors, and performers, while the music program exposes students to diverse musical styles. After-school arts activities are available to extend creative exploration.

The language of instruction is English, and Mandarin is a core part of the curriculum; mother-tongue instruction is supported through multiple programs. SCIS is a truly international school representing 60+ nationalities and supports mother-tongue language through Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Spanish, and Swedish programs. Language & Literature courses are offered in English, Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, and Spanish. Language Acquisition is offered in English, Mandarin, French, and Spanish, with extra-curricular language acquisition programs including Finnish, Swedish, Danish, German, Italian, and Hindi.

SCIS offers more than 80 sports, clubs, and arts options in its expansive after-school program. Starting in Kindergarten, students may choose from academic, artistic, athletic, and leisure activities, with examples including robotics and coding, art labs, orchestra, theatre, football, basketball, chess, cooking, and Mahjong. The program emphasizes teamwork and leadership through after-school activities, supported by faculty and external providers. After-school programs are available across Early Childhood, Lower School, and Upper School.

Global Citizenship is a focus, with opportunities to participate in community service projects and school trips to China. Service Learning is an active component of SCIS's program. China Culture is part of the student-life suite. School-wide initiatives include wellbeing, sustainability, and reducing barriers, with ongoing opportunities for community engagement.

University Counseling provides individualized guidance to help students plan their university pathways, beginning as early as Grade 9. Counselors offer workshops on essay writing, interview preparation, and admissions strategies, and BridgeU is used as the main online college and career guidance tool. Students participate in university fairs, campus visits, and admissions events to broaden their horizons.

SCIS fosters a healthy emotional environment with a supportive school culture. World-class facilities across three campuses include 6-lane 25-meter pools, large multi-use auditoriums, a 10,000 square foot Black Box theatre, an art gallery, rock climbing walls, indoor basketball courts, and strength and conditioning spaces, along with a full health clinic staffed by professional nurses. Wellbeing is a focus through school-wide initiatives and community engagement programs.