Shenzhen, a vibrant city in the Guangdong Province of China, is renowned for its rapid economic growth and cultural diversity. As an international hub, it boasts a plethora of international schools, offering a wide variety of curricula to cater to the diverse needs of expatriate families. In this blog, we will delve into the top 10 international schools in Shenzhen, providing insights into their curriculum, facilities, and unique selling points.
1. Shekou International School (SIS)
Overview
Established in 1988, Shekou International School (SIS) is one of the oldest international schools in Shenzhen. It offers an American curriculum, with an emphasis on fostering creativity and critical thinking skills.
Facilities
SIS boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a design centre, a performing arts theatre, and a sports complex. The school’s campus is designed to inspire learning and promote a sense of community.
Unique Selling Points
One of the unique aspects of SIS is its commitment to community service. Students are encouraged to participate in various community service projects, fostering a sense of social responsibility. In comparison to other schools, SIS places a greater emphasis on experiential learning, with numerous field trips and hands-on activities.
2. Shenzhen American International School (SAIS)
Overview
Shenzhen American International School (SAIS) offers a comprehensive American curriculum, from kindergarten to high school. The school is known for its rigorous academic programme and its commitment to holistic education.
Facilities
SAIS offers a wide range of facilities, including a library, a science lab, and a music room. The school’s campus is designed to provide a conducive learning environment for students.
Unique Selling Points
SAIS stands out for its strong emphasis on character education. The school’s curriculum is designed to instil values such as respect, responsibility, and integrity. Unlike other schools, SAIS offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and clubs.
3. QSI International School of Shenzhen
Overview
QSI International School of Shenzhen is a non-profit institution that offers an American-based curriculum. The school is known for its small class sizes and personalised learning approach.
Facilities
QSI boasts a modern campus with a variety of facilities, including a library, a computer lab, and a playground. The school’s campus is designed to facilitate learning and promote a sense of belonging.
Unique Selling Points
QSI distinguishes itself with its mastery learning approach, where students are allowed to progress at their own pace. This is in contrast to other schools, where students are often required to keep up with the pace of the class. Furthermore, QSI offers a wide range of after-school activities, providing students with opportunities to explore their interests and talents.
4. International School of Nanshan Shenzhen (ISNS)
Overview
International School of Nanshan Shenzhen (ISNS) is a private school that offers an international curriculum, with a strong emphasis on creativity and innovation. The school is known for its rigorous academic programme and its commitment to holistic education.
Facilities
ISNS offers a wide range of facilities, including a library, a science lab, and a music room. The school’s campus is designed to provide a conducive learning environment for students.
Unique Selling Points
ISNS stands out for its strong emphasis on character education. The school’s curriculum is designed to instil values such as respect, responsibility, and integrity. Unlike other schools, ISNS offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and clubs.
5. Shen Wai International School (SWIS)
Overview
Shen Wai International School (SWIS) is a public international school that offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. The school is known for its multicultural environment and its commitment to academic excellence.
Facilities
SWIS boasts a modern campus with a variety of facilities, including a library, a science lab, and a sports complex. The school’s campus is designed to facilitate learning and promote a sense of community.
Unique Selling Points
SWIS distinguishes itself with its strong emphasis on bilingual education. The school offers a dual-language programme, where students are taught in both English and Chinese. This is in contrast to other schools, where instruction is often solely in English. Furthermore, SWIS offers a wide range of after-school activities, providing students with opportunities to explore their interests and talents.
6. Shenzhen College of International Education (SCIE)
Overview
Shenzhen College of International Education (SCIE) is a private school that offers the British A-Level and IGCSE curriculum. The school is known for its rigorous academic programme and its commitment to academic excellence.
Facilities
SCIE offers a wide range of facilities, including a library, a science lab, and a sports complex. The school’s campus is designed to provide a conducive learning environment for students.
Unique Selling Points
SCIE stands out for its strong emphasis on academic achievement. The school’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for university studies, particularly in the UK. Unlike other schools, SCIE offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and clubs.
7. Shenzhen International Foundation College (SIFC)
Overview
Shenzhen International Foundation College (SIFC) is a private school that offers the American Advanced Placement (AP) programme. The school is known for its rigorous academic programme and its commitment to academic excellence.
Facilities
SIFC offers a wide range of facilities, including a library, a science lab, and a sports complex. The school’s campus is designed to provide a conducive learning environment for students.
Unique Selling Points
SIFC stands out for its strong emphasis on academic achievement. The school’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for university studies, particularly in the US. Unlike other schools, SIFC offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and clubs.
8. BASIS International School Shenzhen
Overview
BASIS International School Shenzhen is a private school that offers an American curriculum, with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The school is known for its rigorous academic programme and its commitment to academic excellence.
Facilities
BASIS offers a wide range of facilities, including a library, a science lab, and a sports complex. The school’s campus is designed to provide a conducive learning environment for students.
Unique Selling Points
BASIS stands out for its strong emphasis on STEM education. The school’s curriculum is designed to foster creativity and critical thinking skills. Unlike other schools, BASIS offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and clubs.
9. Shenzhen Academy of International Education (SAIE)
Overview
Shenzhen Academy of International Education (SAIE) is a private school that offers the American Advanced Placement (AP) programme. The school is known for its rigorous academic programme and its commitment to academic excellence.
Facilities
SAIE offers a wide range of facilities, including a library, a science lab, and a sports complex. The school’s campus is designed to provide a conducive learning environment for students.
Unique Selling Points
SAIE stands out for its strong emphasis on academic achievement. The school’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for university studies, particularly in the US. Unlike other schools, SAIE offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and clubs.
10. Shenzhen Concord College of Sino-Canada (SCCSC)
Overview
Shenzhen Concord College of Sino-Canada (SCCSC) is a private school that offers a Canadian curriculum. The school is known for its multicultural environment and its commitment to academic excellence.
Facilities
SCCSC boasts a modern campus with a variety of facilities, including a library, a science lab, and a sports complex. The school’s campus is designed to facilitate learning and promote a sense of community.
Unique Selling Points
SCCSC distinguishes itself with its strong emphasis on bilingual education. The school offers a dual-language programme, where students are taught in both English and Chinese. This is in contrast to other schools, where instruction is often solely in English. Furthermore, SCCSC offers a wide range of after-school activities, providing students with opportunities to explore their interests and talents.
Conclusion
Choosing the right international school in Shenzhen can be a daunting task, given the wide array of options available. However, by considering factors such as the curriculum, facilities, and unique selling points, parents can make an informed decision that best suits their child’s needs and aspirations.
Whether it’s the American curriculum of SIS and SAIS, the bilingual education of SWIS and SCCSC, or the STEM focus of BASIS, each school offers a unique approach to education that caters to different learning styles and interests. Ultimately, the best school is one that aligns with your child’s academic goals and personal development.
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