Shanghai China
Shanghai American SchoolDescription
Shanghai American School (SAS), established in 1912, is the oldest international school in China and a leader in education across Asia. Serving almost 3,000 students from Pre-K to Grade 12 across two campuses in Shanghai, SAS fosters a diverse and inclusive community representing more than 40 nationalities. As a non-profit school, SAS reinvests all its resources into enhancing facilities, programs, and teaching to ensure students receive a world-class education.
At SAS, learning goes far beyond academics. The school emphasizes critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and global citizenship, equipping students with the skills to thrive in an ever-changing world. Students can choose from Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs to shape their academic paths based on their strengths and aspirations. To guide students in their journey after high school, SAS provides nine dedicated college counselors who work closely with families to navigate the university application process.
Beyond the classroom, SAS offers over 140 student-led clubs, a robust athletics program with 13 different sports, and diverse extracurricular activities, from performing arts to STEM initiatives. With a vibrant community and a mission to develop ethical global citizens, SAS inspires students to pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions to the world.
- Day school tuition No Information
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Grades for day school
Pre-K/Reception -
12th Grade/Year 13 - Scholarships Available No
- Number of Students 2900
- Year founded 1912
- Boarding school tuition No Information
- Curricula Advanced Placement, IB Diploma, AP Capstone, Reggio Emilia Approach
- Type Co-ed
Accreditations
WASC and IBDP
Tuition
2024-2025 academic year tuition fees:
PreK 3 & 4 - 272,300 RMB
Kindergarten-Grade 5 - 305,300 RMB
Grade 6-8 - 265,000 RMB
Grade 9-12 - 277,000 RMB
Curricula
SAS follows an American Curriculum and offers both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and Advanced Placement (AP).
Admissions Information
Entry Requirements
Families wishing to apply to Shanghai American School must meet the eligibility requirements set out by the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission (SHMEC) for schools for children of foreign nationals. Eligibility to apply to SAS is dependent on the family’s passport, work and residence in Shanghai and meeting one of the four categories listed below:
Category 1: Child of foreign citizen
Category 2: Child born overseas to PRC citizens
Category 3: Child of Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan residents
Category 4: Child who is holding a SHMEC waiver letter
- Students can join after the academic year begins Yes
- Waiting List Yes
Academics
- Assigns homework Yes
- Use of technology in the classroom Yes
- Language of instruction English
- ELL support Yes
- Teacher/Student ratio 1:6
- Native English teachers Yes
- Languages taught Chinese, English, French, Spanish
- Examinations available
Teacher Qualifications
SAS prides itself on its world-class educators; with the largest expat faculty in China, holding passports from over 35 countries. 72% hold a master’s degrees or PhDs. 80% have more than 10 years of experience. SAS experiences very low faculty attrition with faculty staying on average three times their original contract length and receiving hundreds of applicants for every open position.
School Life
- Bus service Yes
- Sports teams available Yes
- Max class size 18
- School provides lunch Yes
- Uniform required No
- Student nationalities 40
Schools Facilities
SAS campuses feature exceptional, university-level facilities such as two aquatic centers, two performing arts centers, four black box theaters, nine dynamic design-maker spaces, fully equipped gyms, and Olympic-style tracks and playing fields.
University Relations
- University counseling Yes
University Counseling
To further support students' journey after high school, SAS provides nine dedicated college counselors who work closely with families, guiding them through each step of the university application process.