Concordia International School, Shanghai
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$34K - US$46K
Curriculum: American · AP
Age Range: 3-18
Students: ~1,200
Location: Pudong (Jinqiao), Shanghai
Updated April 2026
In Brief
Concordia is the right pick for American-curriculum families in Pudong who want a genuinely Christian school community and a campus in the middle of the Jinqiao residential cluster - though check carefully whether the AP-only pathway (no IB option) fits your child's university ambitions.
Concordia sits squarely in the mid-tier of the Shanghai American-curriculum market. It's smaller than SAS (around 1,200 students) and notably more values-driven - founded in 1998 with Lutheran LCMS roots, the school operates with WASC and NLSA accreditation and a stated Christian mission. That ethos is visible: chapel is part of school life, and the community tends to attract families who want that culture. Non-Christian families do enrol, but it's worth being clear-eyed about the environment before you apply.
The Jinqiao location is Concordia's strongest practical asset. It sits at the centre of Pudong's main expat residential hub, which means families in the Biyun, Jinqiao, and Green City compounds are often a 5-10 minute drive away. For Pudong-based American families, particularly those on corporate packages who want to stay within one enclave, Concordia offers real convenience. The AP programme, ELL support, and applied learning strand (robotics, GOA) meet the expectations of families coming from US or American-style systems abroad.
The trade-off is facilities and breadth. One parent summed it up plainly: one small synthetic turf field, no pool (a swimming pool is under construction as part of the Rittmann Centre redevelopment announced in 2025), and a co-curricular menu that is narrower than SAS. For families comparing the two American schools in Pudong, SAS has the scale advantage on both facilities and community depth. Concordia's sweet spot is a smaller, more intentional school where teachers know your child individually and the Christian mission matters to your family.
What parents value
- –Central Jinqiao location puts the campus within easy reach of the main Pudong expat housing clusters. No suburban commute if you live in Biyun or Green City.
- –Smaller school size means genuine individual attention. Teachers and counsellors know students by name, and the college counselling team has a strong track record of US university placements.
- –ELL and Learning Support programmes built into the curriculum. Families moving from other American schools report a smooth transition, with strong systems for students who need academic scaffolding.
Points of consideration
- –The school's Christian mission is central, not incidental. Chapel and values-based programming are part of daily school life. Families who are not comfortable with that context should factor it in before applying.
- –No IB pathway. Students follow the AP route to university. For families heading to UK or European universities, this is worth thinking through - AP is well-regarded but not as universally familiar as IB.
- –Facilities are more modest than SAS or the British schools. The pool is under construction (target completion unknown at time of writing); confirm directly with the school before enrolment if this matters.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool & Pre-Kindergarten | 3 | NaN |
| Kindergarten to Grade 5 | 5 | NaN |
| Grade 6 to Grade 8 | 11 | NaN |
| Grade 9 to Grade 12 | 14 | NaN |
Fees converted from CNY. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (non-refundable) | NaN |
| Capital Levy (new students) | NaN |
Academic Results
| AP Offered | Yes (multiple subjects) |
Key results: AP Offered Yes (multiple subjects).
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's interests.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Shanghai's international schools attract families from across Asia, North America, and Europe. Contact the school for current enrolment and nationality breakdown.
Leadership
School Leadership
Contact the school for current head of school details. Concordia was founded in 1998 and is governed by a board with Lutheran LCMS affiliation.