Shanghai Hong Qiao International School

An older Changning IB primary and secondary school known locally as Rainbow Bridge, with a small-school feel that splits parent opinion sharply.

HQIS, also branded Rainbow Bridge International School, opened in 1997 on South Yili Road in Changning, walking distance from the inner Hongqiao expat areas. The school grew from a two-class preschool into a full IB continuum World School with PYP authorisation in 2012 and later MYP and DP, serving students from 18 months to 18 years.

Parent voice is unusually polarised. Supporters describe long teacher relationships, real personality and academic growth in their children, and a small community where staff know every family. Critics describe high teacher turnover, thin learning resources, and a student body that has shifted heavily Chinese as admissions broadened. Worth a careful look at current staff stability and IB Diploma outcomes before committing, especially against alternatives like SCIS Hongqiao, YCIS Puxi or BISS Puxi for similar location.

• HQIS (formerly Rainbow Bridge International School) draws sharp criticism on community discussions. One commenter said the school is "well known to be a complete shit show" with high teacher turnover, low pay, low quality of education and a bad reputation.
• It is repeatedly named alongside lower-tier international options in Shanghai, with parents pointed toward SUIS or other alternatives if budget is the constraint.