NAVIGATION MENU
This virtual open house portal is designed with you in mind: it’s up to you to choose how you want to learn about the
Western International School of Shanghai and whether you can see your children and family as part of our community. We offer parents the flexibility to choose what they would like to discover about WISS. Select a video to watch on your own time or participate in a virtual tour through campus, or perhaps you browse through the student testimonial section or decide to have coffee over Zoom with our Principals – your path to the adventure that is WISS is up to you.
Now, let’s get started…
VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE
This virtual open house portal is designed with you in mind: it’s up to you to choose how you want to learn about the
Western International School of Shanghai and whether you can see your children and family as part of our community. We offer parents the flexibility to choose what they would like to discover about WISS. Select a video to watch on your own time or participate in a virtual tour through campus, or perhaps you browse through the student testimonial section or decide to have coffee over Zoom with our Principals – your path to the adventure that is WISS is up to you.
Now, let’s get started…
ACADEMICS OVERVIEW
The Western International School of Shanghai is a leading international school in Shanghai and the first and only full continuum World IB School in Mainland China, offering the four programmes of the International Baccalaureate (IB): The Primary Years Programme (IBPYP), the Middle Years Programme (IBMYP), the Diploma Programme (IBDP), and the Career-related Programme (IBCP).
Our small student-teacher ratio allows our students a personalized and flexible learning experience. WISS emphasizes student-centered learning, both inside and outside the classroom walls. As part of our balanced curriculum, our students can choose from a wide variety of creative arts courses and athletic offerings.
WISS believes that every student is unique and deserves to be recognized as an individual. The school takes pride in encouraging students to develop the motivation and skills to reach their full potential, challenge themselves, and strive for excellence in all they do.
WISS offer Subject Specific Scholarships to new students applying to Grades 6 to 12 who display exceptional talent in, and
a commitment to:
Art and Design
Music & Performing Arts
Sports
Mathematics
Science
LEARN MORE
In addition to the Subject Specific Scholarships, and as part of WISS’s commitment to providing highly motivated and talented students with an exceptional educational experience, WISS offers a full IB Diploma Academic Scholarships to students who are proficient in English, demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, and show promise of excelling in the IB Diploma Programme. The scholarship is open to recently admitted students entering Grades 11 or 12.
The recipients of this scholarship will study at WISS tuition-free for the duration of the IB Diploma Programme, which lasts for two years (Grades 11 and Grade 12). A scholarship acceptance, specifying the conditions and duration of the scholarship, will need to be signed by the school and the parents of the selected students.
LEARN MORE
The Western International School of Shanghai is a leading international school in Shanghai and the first and only full continuum World IB School in Mainland China, offering the four programmes of the International Baccalaureate (IB): The Primary Years Programme (IBPYP), the Middle Years Programme (IBMYP), the Diploma Programme (IBDP), and the Career-related Programme (IBCP).
Our small student-teacher ratio allows our students a personalized and flexible learning experience. WISS emphasizes student-centered learning, both inside and outside the classroom walls. As part of our balanced curriculum, our students can choose from a wide variety of creative arts courses and athletic offerings.
At the Western International School of Shanghai, we offer a globalized international education to students ages 2.5-17+. Our academics place a strong focus on student-centered learning throughout these age groups. We combine academic rigor with a focus on creative arts through our visual arts, music, and performing arts programs.
As an international school in Shanghai, China, we believe our student’s learning experience should reflect the globally-minded, diverse, and technological world we live in. We nurture our students to inquire, think independently, and drive their own learning following the IB philosophy.
At the Western International School of Shanghai, we offer a globalized international education to students ages 2.5-17+. Our academics place a strong focus on student-centered learning throughout these age groups. We combine academic rigor with a focus on creative arts through our visual arts, music, and performing arts programs.
As an international school in Shanghai, China, we believe our student’s learning experience should reflect the globally-minded, diverse, and technological world we live in. We nurture our students to inquire, think independently, and drive their own learning following the IB philosophy.
Hear about being a WISS Tiger from the source – our students and parents!
The student and parent panels below were recorded as part of our Virtual Open House.
DISCUSSION PANELS
Hear about being a WISS Tiger from the source – our students and parents!
The student and parent panels below were recorded as part of our Virtual Open House.
FILM & MEDIA
students
FILM & MEDIA
students
Watch this panel discussion with our Film & Media Students & Alumni as they share their experience of the program and curriculum offered at WISS.
Watch this panel discussion with our Film & Media Students & Alumni as they share their experience of the program and curriculum offered at WISS.
Click PLAY to Watch
APPLICATION DOCUMENTATION
Applications are completed through Open Apply and all requested documents are uploaded to the system.
Personal Documents
• Completed application
• Copy of student birth certificate
• Copy of student and parent passports
• Copy of student and parent Shanghai residence permit, diplomatic visa, or letter from your employer affirming that a visa will be procured
• ID Photos (Head & Shoulder Passport Style photos) for each member of the family.
• Completed Medical Form and Immunization Records
Academic Records
School reports for the current and previous academic years (Certified translations into English are required for reports in other languages.)
• For PK- Kindergarten: school reports from the current year
• For Grades 1 – 8: school reports from the current and previous year
• For Grades 9 – 10: school reports from the current and previous 2 years
• For Grades 11 – 12: all school reports beginning from G9 including the current year
Supporting Documents
• Early Years Parent Questionnaire
• Confidential Principal/Teacher Recommendation Form
• Standardized test scores (if available)
• Relevant educational or medical evaluations, IEPs, or other reports about learning needs (if applicable)
• Completed Transportation Request Form (if applicable)
WISS PARENT
TESTIMONIALS
Hear from our long-term and new WISS parents about why they chose WISS for their children's education. They share more about life in Shanghai and their experiences living abroad and at WISS thus far.
WISS PARENT
TESTIMONIALS
Hear from our long-term and new WISS parents about why they chose WISS for their children's education. They share more about life in Shanghai and their experiences living abroad and at WISS thus far.
Click PLAY to Watch
STUDENTS IN
SCIENCE
Watch this great discussion with our students in science, their opportunities, and why they enjoy the program.
High-Quality Learning & Teaching
DOWNLOADS
Click PLAY to Watch
STUDENTS IN
SCIENCE
Watch this great discussion with our students in science, their opportunities, and why they enjoy the program.
As a community of learners, WISS supports a pedagogy based on current research in education. Understanding the conditions necessary for high-quality learning leads to high-quality teaching that transcends traditional learning environments.
To inspire lifelong learning, WISS challenges and empowers students through a commitment to evolve beyond the attainment of knowledge and skills, developing rich understandings that can be applied in real-life contexts by agentic, thoughtful, and reflective learners who:
• Actively engage in their learning through choice and initiative;
• Question, inquire, and reflect upon their learning process;
• Share ideas and make thinking visible;
• Set goals for continued growth.
This is achieved by:
• Nurturing meaningful relationships and learning partnerships within the community;
• Creating an environment for growth;
• Fostering innovation and creativity;
• Valuing agency and voice;
• Cultivating curiosity and igniting passions.
Click PLAY to Watch
ADMISSIONS
Q&A
The Admissions Team at WISS goes over some Frequently Asked Questions from prospective parents. Learn more about the Chinese Language Program, Transdisciplinary Learning, Homework, and University Acceptances at the Western International School of Shanghai.
WISS
Brochure
University Pathways
Age Placement Guide
Tuition Fees & Refund Policy
Click PLAY to Watch
UNIVERSITY
GUIDANCE
An insightful session with the WISS University Guidance Counselor on choosing the right university for you, what to expect from the university application process, and how a WISS Education prepares students for success.
WISS VIRTUAL TOURS
Explore the WISS Campus with our state-of-the-art 360 Degree Virtual Tour. WISS offers a sizeable 18-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities designed by Weimar Architects of the Bauhaus University, Germany.
Discover our purpose-built campus that offers Core Facilities essential in supporting our holistic approach to education, such as;
Explore the WISS Campus with our state-of-the-art 360 Degree Virtual Tour. WISS offers a sizeable 18-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities designed by Weimar Architects of the Bauhaus University, Germany.
Discover our purpose-built campus that offers Core Facilities essential in supporting our holistic approach to education, such as;
Click PLAY to Watch
MATHEMATICS
AT WISS
An insightful session with the WISS University Guidance Counselor on choosing the right university for you, what to expect from the university application process, and how a WISS Education prepares students for success.
High-Quality Learning & Teaching
As a community of learners, WISS supports a pedagogy based on current research in education. Understanding the conditions necessary for high-quality learning leads to high-quality teaching that transcends traditional learning environments.
To inspire lifelong learning, WISS challenges and empowers students through a commitment to evolve beyond the attainment of knowledge and skills, developing rich understandings that can be applied in real-life contexts by agentic, thoughtful, and reflective learners who:
• Actively engage in their learning through choice and initiative;
• Question, inquire, and reflect upon their learning process;
• Share ideas and make thinking visible;
• Set goals for continued growth.
This is achieved by:
• Nurturing meaningful relationships and learning partnerships within the community;
• Creating an environment for growth;
• Fostering innovation and creativity;
• Valuing agency and voice;
• Cultivating curiosity and igniting passions.
You can then take your time to move through our unique and modern learning spaces in our Early Years, Primary and Secondary buildings. Our learning spaces consist of bright, spacious classrooms—flexible multi-purpose spaces represented by Tiger Hall and the Da Vinci Innovation Space.
DOWNLOADS
WISS Brochure
UNIVERSITY GUIDANCE
Age Placement Guide
You can then take your time to move through our unique and modern learning spaces in our Early Years, Primary and Secondary buildings. Our learning spaces consist of bright, spacious classrooms—flexible multi-purpose spaces represented by Tiger Hall and the Da Vinci Innovation Space.
TUITION FEES POLICY
ADMISSIONS
Q&A
The Admissions Team at WISS goes over some Frequently Asked Questions from prospective parents. Learn more about the Chinese Language Program, Transdisciplinary Learning, Homework, and University Acceptances at the Western International School of Shanghai.
WHY STUDENTS THRIVE AT WISS
Students thrive when they better understand who they are and what it takes to experience personal success. At WISS, our focus on the development of the whole child ensures that students are cognizant of their strengths, interests, and personal areas of growth. This knowledge of self enables students to make better choices about their learning and how they will prepare for the demands of future academics and the 21st Century workplace.
Teachers at WISS play a key role in ensuring this happens. Taking a personal investment in every child's learning, teachers find time to work with students individually when needed, as well as regularly provide feedback in class. They inspire and encourage student interests and passions, enabling them to explore and develop these further. Teachers are also keenly aware of student challenges socially, emotionally, and academically. With their guidance, students can navigate the internal obstacles of this transformative period in life.
The overwhelming belief in community is another reason students flourish at WISS. A sense of belonging and kinship is vital to building relationships with peers and teachers. The confidence that comes from being accepted as a valued community member empowers our young learners to be the best they can be as students and future Global Citizens.
UNIVERSITY
GUIDANCE
An insightful session with the WISS University Guidance Counselor on choosing the right university for you, what to expect from the university application process, and how a WISS Education prepares students for success.
MATHEMATICS
AT WISS
WISS FEATURED NEWS
Upcoming events
An insightful session with the WISS University Guidance Counselor on choosing the right university for you, what to expect from the university application process, and how a WISS Education prepares students for success.
Upcoming events
WESTERN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SHANGHAI
555 Lian Min Road, Xujing Town, Qing Pu District,
Shanghai, PRC, 201702
Admissions 1
Admissions 2
OFFICIAL WECHAT
WESTERN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SHANGHAI
555 Lian Min Road, Xujing Town, Qing Pu District,
Shanghai, PRC, 201702
Admissions
OFFICIAL WECHAT
application PROCESS
1
Create an account and submit the WISS Online Application Form, which can be found by clicking our "Apply Now" button.
Complete, upload, and submit all WISS-required application documents. The list of grade-specific required documents and their downloads can be found below and on the pages within our "Apply Now" button.
Request Confidential School Recommendation Forms from your child’s educators. Admissions will share a secure link to an online form for convenience.
Speak to your dedicated Admissions Officer to arrange a time for an Admissions Assessment, Academic Interview, and a Family Introduction Meeting.
*Step 5 must be completed before the Language Proficiency Test takes place.
Submit payment of the application fee. Once the Step 2 online application is received, you will receive an invoice for payment. This non-refundable fee is 2,500 RMB and applies only for the academic year of application.
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Enquire
Apply Now
Book a tour
Contact us
Admissions criteria
1
Eligibility
Admission is open to all foreign passport holders with no preference given to any one nationality. Preference will be given to families with siblings already attending WISS.
PRC Regulations
In compliance with Chinese government regulations, WISS can accept applications from foreign passport holders or residents from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Applications can also be received by any Chinese passport holder who has one or both parents holding a foreign passport, or those who qualify to apply under the regulations of the Shanghai Education Committee.
Guardianship
Local government requirements in regard to proper guardianship of students mean that WISS may accept students who are a: a) resident with at least one parent, or b) resident with an approved guardian (with power of attorney). Students are not permitted, under local regulations, to be under the supervision of non-resident guardians. Students who are not living with at least one parent or authorized guardian cannot be enrolled at WISS.
English Fluency
Students applying to WISS will be evaluated for English speaking, reading, and writing ability. As the school wishes to maintain an environment where English is the primary language of academic instruction, preference is given to those students who are most functional or have the greatest potential to be functional at their grade level in English. All entering Secondary students not having English as their native language must, as a minimum, be at a level from which they can work to complete the IB Subsidiary English B program by graduation, along with self-taught study of their mother tongue language.
Age Placement
A child must be:
• toilet trained and 2.5 years old by February 1st of the year entering Pre-Nursery
• toilet trained and three years old by September 1st of the year entering Nursery
• four years old by September 1st of the year entering Pre-Kindergarten
• five years old by September 1st of the year entering Kindergarten
• six years old by September 1st of the year entering Grade 1
During the admissions process, the Admissions Team and Application Review Committee will take into account a student’s country of origin, the educational system from which the student comes, and the student’s past performance to determine suitable grade placement. Students who have not completed a full year in the previous grade may be required to repeat the grade.
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Enquire
Apply Now
Book a tour
Contact us
CONTACT US
Admissions 1
Admissions 2
WISS OFFICIAL WECHAT
Visit us on campus.
WORLD OF WISS
Explore what happening at WISS, news on student achievements, sports and cultural events.
Videos of activities, events, , parent workshops, and info session recordings at WISS.
Programs unique to WISS that truly enhance the student learning experience.
Upcoming Events and Past Events
Photos of events and activities at WISS.
Download the 23-24 WISS Family Calendar here
ADMISSIONS
Introduction message from the Director of Admissions & Marketing.
Learn why parents choose WISS for the education of their children.
Explore the Academic merit-based scholarship programme for high-achieving students.
A Step-by-Step Guide to applying for admission to WISS.
See what is included in the WISS Tuition Fees, Payment Information and Refund Policy.
Eligibility and student placement information.
Discover the benefits of a WISS Education directly from our students and parents.
Document requirements for Admissions.
CAMPUS LIFE
CAMPUS LIFE
Explore the WISS Campus, our classrooms and facilities through photos, video and Virtual Tour options.
Discover the wide-variety of activities, sports, music, and arts options available to students at WISS.
Learn more about the School Bus Service, School Uniform, Meals, and Health & Safety available to students at WISS.
Read about excursions and the WISS exclusive Explore Shanghai, Explore China, and Global Citizen Trips
ACADEMICS
A Pre-Nursery through Kindergarten Education for Children aged 2.5 - 5 Years Old
A look at the IB Programmes and how it’s rigorous academic programmes benefit student learning at WISS.
Primary Education for Children aged 6 - 12 Years Old
Support, Guidance, and Student Pathways to University.
Secondary Education for Children Aged 13 - 18+ Years Old
IB Diploma Programme
IB Career-Related Programme
Programs unique to WISS that truly enhance the student learning experience.
WHY WISS
A roadmap from 2006 to now. 15+ Years as a leader in international education in Shanghai.
From Dance Studio’s to Forest School, WISS offer top-quality facilities that enhance and support the student learning experience.
The inspiration behind the founding of WISS.
Learn the qualities we nurture within our students every day.
Get to know the highly-qualified and experienced faculty at the Western International School of Shanghai.
Develop your career as an educator and explore available positions at the Western International School of Shanghai.
Interactive Campus Map to help parents and students discover what has to offer.
WELCOME
WISS Academic Programmes and approached to teaching and learning.
WISS Academic Programmes and approaches to teaching and learning.
Learn more about where WISS Graduates attend University.
Our Vision & Mission, Quality Education , and Global Citizenship
High-Quality, World-Class Education available at WISS.
15+ Years of Excellence in Education. See how WISS has grown and developed since 2006.
Discover how WISS enhances student learning experiences through exclusive partnerships.
