"Yew Chung International School of Shanghai is a private international school serving students from the preschool level through secondary school, offering families in Shanghai a continuous educational pathway from a child's earliest years all the way through to university preparation."
Affiliated with the well-established Yew Chung International School in Hong Kong, the school brings with it a legacy of international education rooted in a commitment to nurturing globally minded, well-rounded young people. Founded in 1993, YCIS Shanghai has built decades of experience supporting the children of expatriate families and internationally mobile professionals navigating life in one of the world's most dynamic cities. That history gives the school a depth of institutional knowledge that newer international schools in the region simply cannot match, and it has allowed YCIS Shanghai to develop a strong, cohesive community across its campuses. The school operates across two campuses — one in Puxi and one in Pudong — reflecting the geographic spread of Shanghai's international community on both sides of the Huangpu River. This dual-campus presence means that families settling in different parts of the city can still access the same educational program and school culture, a practical consideration for relocating professionals whose housing choices are often shaped by where they work. Academically, YCIS Shanghai offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at the secondary level, providing older students with a globally recognized qualification that is respected by universities across the world. The IB Diploma is a rigorous two-year program that emphasizes critical thinking, independent research, and international-mindedness, making it a strong fit for students who may continue their education in multiple countries. The school's curriculum spans preschool through secondary, meaning that families who arrive when their children are young can benefit from genuine continuity of education without the disruption of switching schools or programs as their children grow. One of the defining characteristics of YCIS Shanghai is its connection to the broader Yew Chung educational family, which traces its roots to Hong Kong. This affiliation shapes the school's philosophy and gives it a distinctly bicultural character — an approach to education that values both Eastern and Western perspectives and seeks to bridge the two rather than simply transplanting a Western curriculum into a Chinese setting. For families raising children in China who want them to develop an authentic appreciation of the culture and context around them, this orientation can be a meaningful differentiator. YCIS Shanghai draws a diverse international student body, as would be expected of a school that has served Shanghai's expatriate community for more than thirty years. The school is well placed for families who are new to the city and looking for an established, reputable institution with a track record of supporting children through transitions — academically, socially, and emotionally. For parents evaluating international schools in Shanghai, YCIS offers the reassurance of longevity, the credibility of IB accreditation, and the practical advantage of campuses on both sides of the city.