Shanghai American School
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$34K - US$46K
Curriculum: American · IB
Age Range: 3-18
Students: ~2,700
Location: Puxi (Minhang) & Pudong, Shanghai
Updated April 2026
In Brief
If your family holds foreign passports and your children are already in the American system, SAS is the default choice in Shanghai - strong academics, two well-resourced campuses, and a non-profit structure that keeps reinvesting in facilities.
SAS sits at the top of the Shanghai American-curriculum market, and has for a long time. Founded in 1912, it operates as a genuine non-profit governed by a parent-elected board - no owner extracting profit. That structure shows: the campuses are well maintained and fees are competitive given what you get. The school draws heavily from North American passport holders, with a strong Korean and broader Asian community, particularly at Pudong.
Academic results are consistently strong. In 2024, around one-fifth of the senior cohort sat the IB Diploma with a 35-point average and a 95 per cent pass rate; AP scores averaged above 4, with 94 per cent scoring 3 and above. University placement skews toward US colleges (85 per cent of 2024 graduates), with Ivy League outcomes each year. Eight counsellors per campus work through college applications individually with students.
The one consistent friction point is logistics. Both campuses sit outside the city centre - Puxi in Minhang (Huacao), Pudong in the east near the airport corridor. If you live in Jing An or the French Concession, you're looking at a significant daily commute each way. SAS does not accept Chinese passport holders, which limits the community to foreign passport families only.
What parents value
- –Non-profit structure with parent-elected governance - fees fund the school, not external shareholders. Facilities investment shows consistently in campus upkeep and resources.
- –Dual AP and IB offering at high school lets students choose their pathway. AP pass rate of 94% scoring 3+ and IB average of 35 are strong signals of teaching quality.
- –Established community with genuine depth - alumni network spanning decades, parents who stay multiple years, and counsellors who know the US university system well.
Points of consideration
- –Both campuses are far from central Shanghai residential areas. Minhang and Pudong commutes add 30-60 minutes each way for families living in Puxi's core districts - factor transport into your decision.
- –Admission is restricted to students holding foreign passports. Families with Chinese passport holders cannot apply, which shapes both the applicant pool and the community.
- –Fees are significant even before one-time charges. The RMB 28,000-33,000 entry fee and RMB 32,000 annual enrolment fee add meaningfully to the headline tuition figure.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-K (Pre-K3 & Pre-K4) | 3 | NaN |
| Elementary School (Kindergarten to Grade 5) | 5 | NaN |
| Middle School (Grade 6 to Grade 8) | 11 | NaN |
| High School (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 |
| Entry Fee - Elementary | NaN |
| Entry Fee - Middle & High School | NaN |
| Enrolment Fee (annual, non-refundable) | NaN |
Photos
Academic Results
| IB Average | 35 (2024) |
| AP Pass Rate | 94% scored 3+ |
Key results: IB Average 35 (2024), AP Pass Rate 94% scored 3+.
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
James Nelligan
Bachelor's and master's degrees from the Universities of Hawaii and Illinois. Previously spent nine years as head of The Baldwin School of Puerto Rico.