American provision in Shanghai
The American curriculum cluster in Shanghai is small in school count but very large in student population. Around 8 schools deliver a US-pattern Elementary, Middle and High School Diploma, but two of them, Shanghai American School (SAS) and Concordia, are among the largest international schools anywhere in Asia. SAS alone enrols close to 3,000 students across its Pudong and Puxi campuses, making it the largest American school in mainland China. Concordia in Jinqiao adds another 1,300 students through to Grade 12. The depth of the US-pattern offer reflects the long history of American corporate presence in Shanghai and the city's appeal as a base for North American media, finance and manufacturing employers.
Beyond SAS and Concordia, the US-style cluster includes Shanghai Community International School (SCIS), Livingston American School and a handful of smaller specialist programmes. Most US-style schools in Shanghai run the AP programme through to Grade 12 and many add the IB Diploma as a parallel sixth form pathway. Families choosing between American and British schools in Shanghai typically weigh university destinations, classroom style and the calendar; the US-pattern August to June year and shorter holidays differ noticeably from the UK term structure.
AP and the High School Diploma
The High School Diploma is the universal exit qualification at US-style Shanghai schools. SAS and Concordia both award their own Diploma based on credit hours across English, mathematics, sciences, social studies, world language, arts and physical education. The Advanced Placement programme sits on top of the Diploma; students typically take three to six AP courses across Grades 11 and 12, with exam fees of about USD 100 per exam. AP courses earn credit at most US universities and are recognised by UK, Canadian, Dutch and Asian universities. SAS regularly reports more than 90 percent of AP exam scores at three or above, and Concordia reports similar numbers.
Comparing American schools in Shanghai?
Our compare tool puts up to three Shanghai schools side by side with fees, AP results, sports programmes and waiting list status.
Fees and what they cover
American school fees in Shanghai are concentrated in the upper bracket. SAS and Concordia both charge CNY 270,000 to CNY 380,000 per year, with high school fees at the top of that range. SCIS sits slightly below at CNY 230,000 to CNY 310,000. Capital levies of CNY 30,000 to 50,000 are charged at registration and often refundable on departure. AP exam fees of roughly USD 100 per exam fall in May of Grades 11 and 12. The standard school bus across Pudong adds CNY 18,000 to 24,000 per year. For a fuller fee picture see our Shanghai fees guide.
Illustrative example schools
The four schools below illustrate the Shanghai American curriculum landscape. They are not ranked.
Shanghai American School runs Pudong and Puxi campuses and is the longest established international school in Shanghai, dating to 1912. The High School Diploma sits alongside both AP and the IB Diploma. Class of 2025 destinations included Yale, Stanford, MIT, UCLA and Northwestern in the US, with strong UK and Asian outcomes too.
Concordia International School Shanghai is an all-through Lutheran school in Jinqiao. The Diploma plus AP pathway is the default; the IB Diploma is a smaller parallel cohort. The school is known for athletics in the ACAMIS conference and a strong music programme.
Shanghai Community International School, with campuses in Pudong and Hongqiao, runs an IB Primary and Middle Years programme leading into a Diploma sixth form. It is technically a US-founded school but increasingly identifies as an IB World School.
Livingston American School in Pudong is a smaller US-style school with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation, offering the AP programme and a Diploma. Class sizes are smaller and fees sit below SAS.
Where US families live
US expat families in Shanghai cluster in three zones. Jinqiao in Pudong is the historic American family district, with Concordia, SAS Pudong and the Kerry Parkside corporate housing all within a short drive. Lujiazui and Century Park for families who want shorter commutes for the working parent. Hongqiao and the Gubei area in Puxi for families anchored to SAS Puxi or to multinational offices in the consular district. Shanghai's school bus network is dense and most US families rely on the bus rather than driving, so a 30 to 45 minute one way commute is normal across all three zones.
Admissions calendar
Shanghai American schools follow the US-pattern August to June calendar. The main application window opens in October for the following August. Reception, Grade 6 and Grade 9 are the most competitive entry points. SAS and Concordia both require an assessment day, an English language screener for non-native speakers and a teacher reference. Mid-year transfers are possible because the US curriculum maps directly from school to school. Families coming from international schools running January to December calendars (Australia, parts of South America) should plan for a half-year transition. See our cross-curriculum Shanghai schools hub for the wider picture.
University outcomes from Shanghai US schools
University destinations from Shanghai American schools skew, predictably, US-heavy. About 55 to 65 percent of leavers head to US universities, with the Ivies, Stanford, MIT, the University of California system and the top liberal arts colleges featuring annually. Around 15 percent head to UK universities, with Oxbridge, UCL and Imperial dominating. Canada (McGill, Toronto, UBC) takes another 10 to 15 percent. The remainder splits between Hong Kong, Singapore, the Netherlands and a small but growing number to Australia. Comparing across curricula and outcomes is easier with our comparison tool.
Frequently asked questions
How many American curriculum schools are there in Shanghai?
Shanghai has around 8 schools delivering a US-pattern High School Diploma with AP courses, anchored by Shanghai American School (Pudong and Puxi campuses) and Concordia International School Shanghai. Several add IB Diploma as a parallel pathway.
How much do American schools cost in Shanghai?
Annual American school fees in Shanghai run from about CNY 270,000 in middle school to CNY 380,000 in high school at SAS and Concordia. AP exam fees of around USD 100 per exam are charged in the spring of Grade 11 and Grade 12. Capital levies of CNY 30,000 to 50,000 apply at the larger schools.
Are American schools in Shanghai accredited?
Yes. Shanghai American School and Concordia are accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), and the High School Diploma issued is fully recognised by US universities. Both schools also offer the AP programme and run extensive College Board examination centres on site.
Do I need a US passport for an American school in Shanghai?
No. American schools in Shanghai accept any foreign passport, in line with Shanghai Municipal Education Commission rules. SAS and Concordia have student populations from over 40 countries. Chinese national families are excluded from the mainstream international schools and use bilingual alternatives.
When do US school applications open in Shanghai?
The main application window opens in October for the following August intake. Grade 9 entry into SAS and Concordia is competitive and tends to close by January. Mid-year transfers from US schools are possible, and the school year follows the standard August to June US pattern.
