Shanghai High School International Division (SHSID)

Shanghai High School International Division (SHSID) is the international division of Shanghai High School, offering a full Grade 1–12 international programme on the historic Xuhui campus, with additional “wing” campuses under development across Shanghai. It has grown from an initial cohort of 18 students to more than 3,000 students from over 40–60 countries and regions and is widely regarded as one of the most academically ambitious international schools in China. SHSID is known for strong mathematics, sciences, and languages, multiple international exam pathways, and a competitive, high‑achievement culture that sends graduates to leading universities worldwide.
SHSID was founded in 1993 as the international division of Shanghai High School, which itself traces its origins to 1865.

Accreditations and affiliations
    •    International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) – IB World School authorised for the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) since 1995.
    •    College Board – authorised provider of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams since 2008; SAT and PSAT testing centre.
    •    Cambridge International Examinations – approved International AS & A‑Level School since 2014.
    •    Cognia (AdvancED) – accredited in 2018 and 2023.
    •    Council of International Schools (CIS) – CIS membership achieved in 2024.

Shanghai High School International Division (SHSID) is the international division of Shanghai High School, offering a full Grade 1–12 international programme on the historic Xuhui campus, with additional “wing” campuses under development across Shanghai. It has grown from an initial cohort of 18 students to more than 3,000 students from over 40–60 countries and regions and is widely regarded as one of the most academically ambitious international schools in China. SHSID is known for strong mathematics, sciences, and languages, multiple international exam pathways, and a competitive, high‑achievement culture that sends graduates to leading universities worldwide.
SHSID was founded in 1993 as the international division of Shanghai High School, which itself traces its origins to 1865.

Accreditations and affiliations
    •    International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) – IB World School authorised for the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) since 1995.
    •    College Board – authorised provider of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams since 2008; SAT and PSAT testing centre.
    •    Cambridge International Examinations – approved International AS & A‑Level School since 2014.
    •    Cognia (AdvancED) – accredited in 2018 and 2023.
    •    Council of International Schools (CIS) – CIS membership achieved in 2024.

SHSID states that it aims to foster lifelong development, personal growth, and international awareness through a multicultural educational experience. The school emphasises strong foundations in mathematics, science, technology, and multiple languages, alongside social skills and adaptability suited to the information age. A defining feature in its philosophy is the coexistence of the local (Chinese) and international divisions on the same campus, which SHSID describes as enabling integration of Chinese and foreign education and intellectual exchange—for example, through bilingual debates and cross‑division dialogues. Its stated vision is to be both a leading school in China and a first‑rate international school with a global outlook.

Curriculum Description

SHSID offers a multi‑pathway international curriculum. In Grades 1–8, students follow an American‑based curriculum enriched with a very wide range of subjects—more than 600 compulsory and elective courses across the school—with many courses offered at standard and honours levels to match readiness. In High School, students can pursue the IB Diploma Programme, a strong AP route (around 20 AP courses), and Cambridge AS & A‑Level options, alongside an internally developed American‑based programme. SHSID is also an authorised centre for SAT, PSAT, ACT, and TOEFL, giving students access to major international examinations on campus.

SHSID operates a selective admissions process. Applicants are evaluated on academic records, entrance tests, English proficiency where relevant, and overall suitability for the school’s demanding bilingual/international programme. Competition for places is strong, particularly in higher grades and for flagship pathways such as IB Diploma.

Application timelines can vary by grade and are managed through the school’s admissions office; some external resources indicate that places in popular grades fill quickly and waiting lists are common. Families should treat SHSID as an early‑application school, making contact well ahead of the desired entry year and checking current deadlines directly with admissions.

Interview

Publicly available summaries indicate that interviews may be used alongside written exams and records review, especially for higher grades and selective tracks, though detailed procedures are not fully published. Families should expect the school to look closely at motivation, academic readiness, and fit with the school’s high‑expectation culture during the process.

Assessment

Admissions information refers to entrance examinations and academic screening, typically including tests in core subjects and English for non‑native speakers. Exam expectations are calibrated to grade level and pathway; applicants to upper grades are generally expected to demonstrate strong performance and readiness for IB/AP/A‑Level study.

Deadline Notes

Application timelines can vary by grade and are managed through the school’s admissions office; some external resources indicate that places in popular grades fill quickly and waiting lists are common. Families should treat SHSID as an early‑application school, making contact well ahead of the desired entry year and checking current deadlines directly with admissions.