The Shenzhen school landscape
The flagship is Shekou International School (SIS), founded in 1988 and the heritage US-curriculum school for Shenzhen's expat tech and corporate community. QSI International School of Shenzhen serves the broader US-curriculum market. Harrow International School Shenzhen Qianhai is the BSO-accredited British IB flagship. BASIS International School Park Lane, The International School of Nansha, and Shen Wai International School (SWIS) round out the international tier.
Shenzhen schools have benefitted from the Greater Bay Area initiative and a steady stream of tech expat families relocating from Hong Kong since 2020. Fees are 10-20% below equivalent Beijing or Shanghai schools.
Greater Bay Area: Shenzhen, Hong Kong or Guangzhou?
Many tech families now consider all three cities for relocation. Our guide compares schools, fees and Greater Bay Area logistics across the trio.
Most popular neighbourhoods for families
Shekou is the heart of expat family Shenzhen, home to SIS and several other international schools. Nanshan hosts the tech corridor and SWIS. Futian is the central business district near Harrow Shenzhen. Qianhai is the modern Greater Bay Area development zone with new BASIS and Harrow campuses. Yantian is the eastern coastal family zone.
