Shanghai Singapore International School
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$29K - US$43K
Curriculum: IB · British
Age Range: 2-18
Students: ~1,400
Location: Minhang, Shanghai
Updated April 2026
In Brief
SSIS is a well-established school with a distinctive dual-pathway offer - Singapore Math and IGCSE through to IB Diploma - at fees that sit below the premium British schools. If you're self-funding or on a mid-tier package and want a genuinely international, academically serious school in Minhang, it's worth a visit.
SSIS has been in Shanghai since 1996 - one of the longest-standing international schools in the city - and reached its 30th year in 2026. With around 1,400 students, it is a substantial school operating two pathways: an IGCSE route followed by the IB Diploma, and a parallel Cambridge pathway. The Singapore Mathematics curriculum from primary through secondary is a genuine differentiator; families who value rigorous early maths - common among Singapore-educated and Asian families - find it a compelling choice. CIS and WASC accreditation, and ranking 8th in China's IB league table in 2024, signal a school operating well above average.
Fees are the strongest relative case for SSIS. At RMB 210,000 in Early Years rising to RMB 315,000 at IB level, the school sits RMB 50,000-70,000 per year below the premium British schools at comparable stages. For self-funding families or those on packages that don't reach the top tier, that gap is real. The community is more culturally diverse than the British schools - Southeast Asian, Korean, Taiwanese, and Western European families alongside Singapore-passport holders - and the school's long history means there are families who have been there 10-13 years. A Forbes China international school selection in 2024 adds recent external validation.
The location and post-COVID period are the honest considerations. Zhu Jian Road in Minhang is suburban Shanghai - near the Hongqiao transport hub side of Minhang, but still 40-50 minutes from Pudong or central Puxi at school-run times. The school had financial difficulties in 2022-2023, which caused anxiety in the parent community; it has since stabilised and received re-accreditation from CIS and WASC, but families should ask directly about governance and financial health before committing. The school's 2026/2027 fee schedule (posted ahead of the academic year) suggests forward planning and operational confidence.
What parents value
- –8th in China's IB league table (2024) and CIS/WASC accredited. IB Diploma averages consistently above the worldwide mean. Two decades of operational history means the academic systems and staff have genuine depth.
- –Fees from RMB 210,000 to RMB 315,000 are materially lower than the premium British schools at equivalent levels. For self-funding families, the saving over four years of secondary can exceed RMB 300,000.
- –Singapore Mathematics from primary through secondary, plus a dedicated golf programme and dual IGCSE/Cambridge pathways, give the school a distinctive profile. Strong appeal for families with Singapore, Malaysian, or East Asian educational backgrounds.
Points of consideration
- –Minhang location is suburban - 40-50 minutes from Pudong or central Puxi in school-run traffic. Families living near Hongqiao or western Minhang are better placed; for others, assess the daily commute honestly.
- –Financial difficulties in 2022-2023 are now resolved, but worth asking about governance and financial reserves. The school has CIS and WASC re-accreditation and a published forward fee schedule; ask for the latest confirmation of financial stability.
- –The community is diverse in nationality and educational background, which is a strength for some families and a less familiar environment for others. If you want a predominantly British or American school culture, SSIS has a different texture.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Family Class to K2 (Early Years) | 2 | NaN |
| Grades 1-2 | 6 | NaN |
| Grades 3-6 | 8 | NaN |
| Grades 7-8 | 12 | NaN |
| Grades 9-10 (IGCSE) | 14 | NaN |
| Grades 11-12 (IB Diploma) | 16 | 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 |
| Matriculation Fee (non-refundable) | NaN |
Photos
Academic Results
| IB League Table Rank | 8th in China (2024) |
Key results: IB League Table Rank 8th in China (2024).
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 leadership details. SSIS was founded in 1996 and celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2026.