Shanghai Livingston American School, often shortened to SLAS, is an American international school in Shanghai. It teaches a California aligned, Common Core curriculum with Advanced Placement courses in the upper grades, and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The school runs from nursery to Grade 12 and sits in the city's mid fee band, which makes it a more affordable American route than the two largest campuses.
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Curriculum and exam boards | California aligned Common Core curriculum with College Board Advanced Placement |
| Stages | Nursery and kindergarten through elementary, middle and high school to Grade 12 |
| Founded | Not published; confirm with the school |
| Accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) |
| Fee band | Mid for Shanghai, below the largest American campuses |
| Campus area | Changning district, west Shanghai, near Gubei |
Curriculum and academics
Livingston teaches an American curriculum modelled on the California school system and aligned to Common Core, with most teachers licensed in the United States. In the high school, students take College Board Advanced Placement courses, the standard route to selective American and international universities, alongside a US high school diploma. Languages on offer include English, Mandarin, Japanese and Spanish, reflecting the school's mixed community.
The school positions itself as a smaller, community focused American option rather than a large campus, which appeals to families who want closer attention. To see how it sits against the other US programmes in the city, read our Shanghai fees guide and ask the school directly for its recent AP results and university destinations.
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Livingston American School fees
Livingston sits in the mid part of the Shanghai market, below the largest American campuses. Our Shanghai international school fees guide maps the city's tiers, from a budget band around RMB 130,000 to 220,000 up to the premium band of RMB 280,000 to 360,000, and SLAS generally falls under the top tier rather than within it. The school does not publish a single fixed figure here, so confirm the current schedule directly.
Beyond tuition, budget for an application or registration fee, a deposit, and optional bus and meals, and check whether fees are quoted per semester or per year. Model the full annual cost with our fee calculator and shortlist alternatives with our school finder if budget is the deciding factor.
Admissions
The American school year starts in August, and Livingston runs a main August intake with rolling admissions through the year where places allow. Families apply with prior school reports and records, and entry to the upper grades may include an assessment of English and mathematics to confirm placement. As a school for children of foreign nationals, eligibility follows Chinese regulations.
Because it is a smaller campus, some year groups fill quickly, so apply early if you are relocating mid year. Confirm the documents required, including passport and academic transcripts, ahead of your move.
Location and who goes there
The school is in the Changning district on the western side of Shanghai, close to the Gubei area that has long been a hub for expatriate families. This puts it within reach of the residential compounds of west Shanghai and the international community that clusters there, and away from the cross river commute that Pudong schools involve.
The community is internationally mixed, with American, East Asian and other expatriate families drawn to a US curriculum at a mid range fee. To weigh Livingston against the other American and international schools in the city, including fees and neighbourhoods, start with the Shanghai city hub.
Livingston American School reviews
We do not yet hold any verified parent reviews for Shanghai Livingston American School. GlobalSchoolGuide is an independent guide and no school pays to be listed, so we publish a rating only once we have collected enough verified first hand accounts to be fair to both the school and to families reading them. We would rather show nothing than show an invented score.
If your family has attended Livingston we would value your account of admissions, teaching, pastoral care and value for money. Share it through our school reviews hub and we will add verified contributions to this page.
Frequently asked questions
How much are Livingston American School fees?
Livingston sits in the mid part of the Shanghai market, below the premium band of roughly RMB 280,000 to 360,000 paid at the largest American campuses. The school does not publish one fixed figure here, so confirm the current schedule and budget for registration, a deposit and optional bus and meals.
What curriculum does Livingston American School follow?
Livingston teaches a California aligned, Common Core American curriculum with College Board Advanced Placement courses in the high school, leading to a US high school diploma. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
When do Livingston American School applications open?
The main intake aligns with the August start of the US school year, with rolling admissions through the year where places allow. Apply early for popular year groups, as it is a smaller campus.
Who can enrol at Livingston American School?
As a school for children of foreign nationals, Livingston admits students in line with Chinese regulations, so check eligibility first. Entry to the upper grades may include an assessment of English and mathematics.
Is Livingston American School a good school?
Livingston is a WASC accredited American school with AP and a smaller, community focused campus. We publish ratings only from verified reviews, so weigh recent AP results, curriculum fit and a campus visit.
