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Welcome to admissions
At WISS, we are passionate about welcoming new families as part of the Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) Community. We’re delighted that you are interested in learning more about our school.
WISS is a top-tier international school for children between the ages of 2.5 and 18+ and welcomes students and parents interested in joining our Lower Elementary, Elementary, and Secondary Programmes.
WISS offers a rolling admissions policy, which allows us to accept applications for new students at any time throughout the school year. This is one of the ways that we add a level of value and convenience to our prospective families as we consider the needs of families who may relocate to Shanghai throughout the school year. As part of our Admissions Process, WISS upholds a non-discriminatory admissions policy and enrolls students who want to experience a WISS Education regardless of race, religion, cultural orientation, or country of origin.
Founded in 2006, WISS offers students and parents a wealth of experience in high-quality international education. In addition to our rigorous academic programmes, the vast array of After-School Activities, and carefully selected partnerships that form our Distinguishing Programmes, we strive to send compassionate, brave, ethically-minded global citizens into the world.
We also know that every family, and every child, is unique, and you may have questions that extend beyond what is available on our website. Therefore, I invite you to get in touch with our experienced international admissions team, which is available to you for any questions, to guide you through every step of the admissions process and assist you with that vital aspect of finding the best-fit school for your child.
Reach out to the Admissions Team today to start your journey at the Western International School of Shanghai.
Families guided through the admissions process
Campus Tours
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New student buddies assigned
Open days and info sessions hosted
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At WISS, we are dedicated to our child-focused approach to education, and our teachers are committed to nurturing each student to reach their full potential. We are proud to be the first and only full continuum IB World 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).
Parents and students benefit from the many distinguishing programs offered as part of our balanced approach to education. We are home to the Global Alliance for Innovative Learning (GAIL), and ISTA Academy Shanghai, at WISS. Our enrichment programs also include the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and our Explore China programme.
We understand that moving to a new country or city comes with challenges and that choosing the best school for your child is one of the most important decisions you face. WISS is a caring and diverse community, and we look forward to welcoming the whole family. Families joining WISS quickly find a sense of belonging at their “home away from home”.
During this period of transition, we want to make certain that you have all the information you need to feel comfortable and confident in your decision-making process. Our admissions process, including a list of required documents, is explained on this site. However, if you have any questions or need additional assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help guide you through all aspects of the application process. If you will be visiting Shanghai, we would love to welcome you for a personal tour of our campus so you can see first-hand what makes WISS so special.
Welcome to Admissions
We’re delighted that you are interested in learning more about our school.
At the Western International School of Shanghai (WISS), we are passionate about welcoming new families to our Community. WISS is a top-tier international school for children between the ages of 2.5 and 17+, and welcomes students and parents interested in joining our Lower Elementary, Middle and Upper Elementary School, and Secondary School Programmes.
WISS offers a rolling admissions policy, which allows us to accept applications for new students at any time throughout the school year. This is one of the ways that we support our prospective families as we consider the needs of families who may relocate to Shanghai throughout the school year. As part of our Admissions Process, WISS upholds a non-discriminatory admissions policy and enrolls eligible students who would like to experience a WISS Education regardless of race, religion, cultural orientation, or country of origin.
Founded in 2006, WISS offers students and parents a wealth of experience in high-quality international education. In addition to our rigorous academic programmes, the vast array of After-School Activities, and carefully selected partnerships that form our Distinguishing Programmes, we strive to cultivate lifelong learning within each of our students and prepare them to be successful beyond WISS.
We also know that every family, and every child, is unique, and you may have questions that extend beyond what is available on our website. Therefore, I invite you to get in touch with our experienced international admissions team, which is available for any questions, to guide you through every step of the admissions process, and assist you with that vital aspect of finding the best-fit school for your child.
Reach out to the Admissions Team today to start your journey at the Western International School of Shanghai.
Peter. J. Bezuidenhout
Director of Admissions and Marketing
Families guided through the admissions process
Campus Tours
Conducted
New student buddies assigned
Open days and info sessions hosted
100
56
12
8
Why Families Choose WISS
At WISS, we are dedicated to our child-focused approach to education, and our teachers are committed to nurturing each student to reach their full potential. We are proud to be the first and only full continuum IB World 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).
Parents and students benefit from the many distinguishing programs offered as part of our balanced approach to education. We are home to the Global Alliance for Innovative Learning (GAIL), and ISTA Academy Shanghai. Our enrichment programs also include the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and our Explore China program.
We understand that moving to a new country or city comes with challenges and that choosing the best school for your child is one of the most important decisions you face. WISS is a caring and diverse community, and we look forward to welcoming the whole family. Families joining WISS quickly find a sense of belonging at their “home away from home”.
During this period of transition, we want to make certain that you have all the information you need to feel comfortable and confident in your decision-making process. Our admissions process, including a list of required documents, is explained on this site. However, if you have any questions or need additional assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help guide you through all aspects of the application process. If you will be visiting Shanghai, we would love to welcome you for a personal tour of our campus so you can see first-hand what makes WISS so special.
Admissions Criteria
Application Documents
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WESTERN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SHANGHAI
555 Lian Min Road, Xujing Town, Qing Pu District,
Shanghai, PRC, 201702
Admissions 1
Admissions 2
OFFICIAL WECHAT
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Complete a WISS Online Application Form. You can "Apply Now" here.
Submit all required application documents and information. Parents would need to submit:
Speak to your dedicated Admissions Advisor to arrange a conveneint time for an Admissions Placement Assessment, Academic Interview, and Campus Tour.
Submit payment of the application fee to activate your application for review.
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Eligibility
Admission is open to all foreign citizenship holders. WISS admits students without reference to race, religion, cultural orientation, or country of origin.
PRC Regulations
In compliance with Chinese government regulations, WISS can accept applications from foreign passport holders, foreign permanent residents, or residents from Hong Kong (SAR), Macau (SAR), and Taiwan (PRC). 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).
English Fluency
Students applying to WISS will be evaluated for English speaking, reading, and writing ability. Students applying to Secondary School must, as a minimum, be at an English level from which they can access the curriculum.
Age Placement
DOWNLOAD the WISS Age Placement Guide here!
A child must be:
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 originates, 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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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 abilities. 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 the self-taught study of their mother tongue language.
Age Placement
A child must be:
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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Applications are completed through Open Apply, and all requested documents are uploaded to the system.
Personal Documents
Academic Records
School reports for the current and previous academic years (Certified translations into English are required for reports in other languages.)
Supporting Documents
Applications are completed through Open Apply, and all requested documents are uploaded to the platform.
Personal Documents
Academic Records
School reports for the current and previous academic years (Certified translations into English are required for reports in other languages.)
Supporting Documents
WESTERN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SHANGHAI
555 Lian Min Road, Xujing Town, Qing Pu District,
Shanghai, PRC, 201702
OFFICIAL WECHAT
CONTACT US
Visit us on campus.
Admissions 1
Admissions 2
Explore what’s happening at WISS, news on student achievements, Academics, Sports, Arts, and Community Service.
Download the 23-24 WISS Family Calendar here
WORLD OF WISS
Upcoming Events, Parent Workshops, Open House, and other school events.
Explore a variety of photos from events and activities at WISS.
Videos of activities, events, , parent workshops, and info session recordings at WISS.
ADMISSIONS
Introduction message from the Director of Admissions & Marketing.
Learn why parents choose WISS for the education of their children.
A Step-by-Step Guide to applying for admission to WISS.
Document requirements for Admissions.
See what is included in the WISS Tuition Fees, Payment Information and Refund Policy.
Explore the Academic merit-based scholarship programme for high-achieving students.
Explore the WISS Campus, our classrooms and facilities through photos, video and Virtual Tour options.
CAMPUS LIFE
Read about excursions and the WISS exclusive Explore Shanghai, Explore China, and Global Citizen Trips
Discover the wide-variety of activities, sports, music, and arts options available to students at WISS.
Learn more about the Services offered at WISS:
A Pre-Nursery through Kindergarten Education for Children aged 2.5 - 5 Years Old
Primary Education for Children aged 6 - 12 Years Old (Grades 1 - 5)
Secondary Education for Children Aged 13 - 18+ Years Old (Grades 6 - 12)
ACADEMICS
Support, Guidance, and Student Pathways to University and Beyond.
Programs unique to WISS that truly enhance the student learning experience.
A look at the IB Programmes and how it’s rigorous academic programmes benefit student learning at WISS.
A roadmap from 2006 to now. 15+ Years as a leader in international education in Shanghai.
Learn the qualities we nurture within our students every day.
From Dance Studio’s to Forest School, WISS offer top-quality facilities that enhance and support the student learning experience.
Get to know the highly-qualified and experienced faculty at the Western International School of Shanghai.
WHY WISS
The inspiration behind the founding of WISS.
Interactive Campus Map to help parents and students discover what has to offer.
Develop your career as an educator and explore available positions at the Western International School of Shanghai.
WELCOME
WISS Academic Programmes and approaches to teaching and learning.
Learn about Our Vision & Mission, Quality Education , and Global Citizenship
17+ Years of Excellence in Education. See how WISS has grown and developed since 2006.
WISS Academic Programmes and approaches to teaching and learning.
Explore the High-Quality, World-Class Education available at WISS.
Discover how WISS enhances student learning experiences through exclusive partnerships.
Learn more about where WISS Graduates attend University.
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)