Yew Chung International School of Shanghai
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$34K - US$50K
Curriculum: British · IB · Bilingual
Age Range: 2-18
Students: ~2,200
Location: Puxi & Pudong (multiple campuses), Shanghai
Updated April 2026
In Brief
YCIS is the default choice for families who want genuine English-Chinese bilingualism built into the curriculum from day one, with the IGCSE and IB pathway at the end - but if bilingualism is not your priority, its results and fees put you in the same territory as Dulwich or Wellington for less distinctive outcomes.
YCIS is structurally different from every other school on this list. Its co-teaching model - an international and a Chinese teacher in the same classroom - is not a token add-on; it defines how the school operates from nursery through secondary. Students become functionally bilingual in English and Chinese over time, which makes YCIS the natural choice for families who want their children rooted in both languages, whether they're heading back to an English-speaking country or planning to stay in Greater China. With over 50 nationalities across more than 2,200 students on five campuses, the community is genuinely diverse and stable.
The academic pathway follows the English National Curriculum into IGCSE and then the IB Diploma. The 2025 IB average was 34 points - solid but below the numbers at NAIS Pudong or Dulwich Pudong. Class sizes average 21 with a maximum of 25, which is larger than NAIS Pudong but typical for the market. The multi-campus model has a practical upside: families can find a campus closer to their home, with options in Jinqiao (Pudong), Century Park (Pudong), Hongqiao (Puxi), and Gubei (Puxi). Five campuses also means siblings can attend the same school network even as they age up between sites.
The honest consideration is value for money at the top of the fee range. At RMB 362,700 for Year 12, you're paying Dulwich-adjacent fees. For that you get the bilingualism and the community depth - but not Dulwich's IB results or Wellington's campus facilities. Families choosing YCIS are typically those for whom the bilingual model is the point, not a nice-to-have.
What parents value
- –Genuine English-Chinese co-teaching from nursery through secondary. The school is the only international school in Shanghai where becoming bilingual in both languages is the stated goal, with native-speaking teachers in every classroom pairing to deliver it.
- –Five campuses across both sides of the city means YCIS is more accessible than most schools for families spread across Pudong and Puxi. Siblings can stay within the same school network across campuses as they move through year groups.
- –Over 2,200 students from 50-plus nationalities makes for a genuinely international community with real depth. The school has been in Shanghai for decades and has strong alumni networks for families returning to Hong Kong, the US, Canada, or the UK.
Points of consideration
- –IB average of 34 (2025) is below Dulwich Pudong (38.1) and NAIS Pudong (37). For families focused primarily on IB outcomes, there are stronger options in Shanghai at a similar fee level.
- –The multi-campus model means your child's community changes as they move between sites for different age groups. Some families find this works well; others want continuity on one campus from age 2 to 18.
- –Fees at the top end (RMB 362,700 for Year 12) put YCIS in Dulwich territory without Dulwich's IB results. The value proposition rests on the bilingual model; if that is not central to your decision, run the comparison carefully.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Nursery 2 | 2 | NaN |
| Kindergarten 1 & 2 | 3 | NaN |
| Kindergarten 3 | 5 | NaN |
| Grade 1 to Grade 5 | 6 | NaN |
| Grade 4 to Grade 5 | 9 | NaN |
| Grade 6 to Grade 8 | 11 | NaN |
| Grade 9 to Grade 10 | 14 | NaN |
| Grade 11 to Grade 12 (IB) | 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 |
| Deposit (refundable) | NaN |
Academic Results
| IB Average | 34 (Class of 2025) |
Key results: IB Average 34 (Class of 2025).
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
Over 2,200 students from 50-plus nationalities across five campuses. The majority come from Hong Kong, the US, Canada, and the UK, with strong Korean, Australian, and South African communities. All enrolled students are on international passports.
Leadership
School Leadership
YCIS Shanghai operates under the Yew Chung Education Foundation. Each campus is led by two Co-Principals - one international and one Chinese - reflecting the school's bilingual mission.