"Shanghai Community International School's Hongqiao Campus is a private international school serving students from Nursery through Grade 12 in Shanghai, China."
As part of the broader SCIS network, the Hongqiao Campus has built a reputation as a welcoming and academically rigorous environment, particularly well-suited to the expatriate and internationally mobile families who make up much of Shanghai's diverse professional community. Founded in 1996, SCIS has established itself as one of Shanghai's more established international schooling options, offering families continuity and a proven track record in a city that has long served as a hub for global business and cross-cultural exchange. The school's longevity reflects both the sustained demand for quality international education in Shanghai and the institution's ability to grow and adapt alongside the city itself. Academically, SCIS Hongqiao is fully authorized to deliver all three core International Baccalaureate programmes: the Primary Years Programme for younger learners, the Middle Years Programme for students in the intermediate grades, and the Diploma Programme for those in the final years of secondary school. This seamless IB continuum means that a child can join the school community in the early years and follow a coherent, internationally recognized academic pathway all the way through to university preparation, without the disruption of transitioning between different curriculum frameworks. The IB philosophy emphasizes inquiry-based learning, international-mindedness, and the development of the whole child — values that tend to resonate strongly with globally mobile families who prioritize both academic excellence and broader personal development. Instruction is conducted in English, which makes the school particularly accessible to families arriving from English-speaking countries or from international professional backgrounds where English is the working language. The IB framework itself also encourages multilingualism, and families should explore with the school what additional language support or second-language learning options are available to suit their children's individual needs. The Hongqiao Campus is situated in the Hongqiao area of Shanghai, a well-established residential and commercial district in the city's western reaches that has long been popular with expatriate families. The neighborhood's relative accessibility, its proximity to the Hongqiao transportation hub, and its abundance of international amenities make it a practical and comfortable base for families new to the city. What distinguishes SCIS Hongqiao is the combination of its long-standing presence in Shanghai, its full IB continuum from Nursery through Grade 12, and its position within a school community that has, over nearly three decades, developed deep roots in one of Asia's most dynamic cities. For relocating professionals and expatriate families seeking a school that offers both academic credibility and a genuinely international community, SCIS Hongqiao represents a well-established and thoughtfully structured option in Shanghai's competitive international school landscape. Families considering enrollment are encouraged to visit the school's website at scis-china. org and to arrange a campus visit to get a firsthand sense of the community and facilities.