Concordia International School Shanghai

From Vision to Preeminent: Concordia Shanghai's Growth Story

The Founding (1997–1998)

Concordia's story begins in 1997 when a forward-thinking group — comprising US expatriates, multinational corporations, and Chinese government partners — came together with a shared vision: a new international school in Shanghai rooted in shared values and holistic development.

With crucial guidance from educators at Hong Kong International School (HKIS), widely regarded as a model for premium international education in Asia, the school opened its doors in Pudong's Jinqiao district in September 1998. The inaugural class comprised just 22 students and 14 staff — a remarkably intimate beginning for a school that would grow significantly over the following two decades.

Campus Milestones

Concordia's growth has been marked by purposeful investment in facilities:

• 2003 — Phoenix Center: A multi-use complex housing a gymnasium, drama and theater space, and maker/technology laboratories. This facility marked Concordia's commitment to providing a holistic educational environment beyond the classroom.
• 2008 — David Rittmann Center for Fine Arts: A landmark arts facility featuring a 300-seat professional theater, dedicated music rehearsal rooms (band, strings, choir), and purpose-built art and design studios. Named after a significant contributor to the school's development, the Rittmann Center positioned Concordia as a destination for serious arts education in Shanghai.
• ~2009 — Joining APAC: Concordia joined the Asia-Pacific Activities Conference (APAC), providing students access to competitive athletics and activities across the region and signaling the school's ambition for co-curricular excellence.
• 2022 — WASC Reaccreditation: The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) reaccredited Concordia on a 7-year cycle in June 2022, affirming the school's continued commitment to educational quality.
• Ongoing — Performing Arts & Aquatics Center: A new facility under construction will add a swimming pool, dance studios, and expanded performing arts spaces, continuing the campus evolution.

Growth and Recognition

From 22 students in 1998, Concordia has grown to approximately 1,150 students from 29 nationalities. In 2025, Hurun Education ranked Concordia among Shanghai's top 10 international schools — a testament to its 25+ years of consistent educational investment. The school's Phoenix Squadron drone program has garnered international attention, and the student-led Xiaohusai social enterprise club won the British Council International School Award from nearly 200 applicants worldwide.

Academic Rigour Through the Advanced Placement Framework

Concordia International School Shanghai operates a single-track American curriculum from Preschool through Grade 12, with Advanced Placement (AP) courses as the primary pathway for academic distinction in the high school years. Unlike many international schools in Asia that have adopted the IB Diploma Programme, Concordia has committed fully to the AP framework — and the results speak for themselves.

AP Performance (Class of 2025)

• Average AP Exam Score: 4.21 out of 5 (the global average is approximately 2.86)
• Score ≥3 Rate: ~95% of all AP exams scored 3 or higher (the threshold for potential university credit)

This performance reflects a robust AP program spanning English Language & Composition, English Literature, Art History, Calculus BC, Statistics, Psychology, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, and Spanish Language & Culture, among others.

Standardized Testing (Class of 2025)

• Average SAT Score: ~1460 (out of 1600)
• Average ACT Score: ~34 (out of 36, placing students in the ~99th percentile nationally)

These scores reflect a student population that is academically well-prepared and supported through Concordia's college counseling program.

University Outcomes

Class of 2023:

• 40% accepted to US Top 25 universities
• 67% accepted to US Top 50 universities
• Notable admits: Cornell University (2), Duke University (3), Claremont McKenna College (2)
• International destinations: King's College London (2), University of Toronto (9), HKUST (4)

Class of 2024:

• Notable US admits: Brown University (2), Cornell University (2), Duke University (3), Johns Hopkins University (2), UC Berkeley (2), UCLA (2)
• UK: University College London (4), University of Edinburgh (3), University of Manchester (3)
• Asia: HKUST (4), University of Hong Kong (2), Waseda University SIS (2)

College Counseling Philosophy

Concordia's approach to college preparation is collaborative rather than purely transactional. Counselors work with students from early in high school to identify best-fit universities worldwide — not simply the most prestigious options. The result is a graduating class with acceptances spanning the US, UK, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea, reflecting the genuinely international nature of the student body.

A Faith-Grounded, Holistic Approach to International Education

Founded in 1998 by a coalition of US expatriates, multinational corporations, and Chinese educational authorities, Concordia International School Shanghai was built on a clear philosophical foundation: every student is a gift to be nurtured through holistic education within a Christian framework.

The school's mission statement captures this succinctly: "At Concordia, we view every student as a gift from God, and are committed in Christian stewardship to educate students holistically in a nurturing environment through innovative academic programs, enriching extracurricular activities, and service."

Five Core Values in Action

Concordia's educational philosophy is anchored in five core values:

1. Christian Stewardship – Responsibility, integrity, and faith-informed decision-making
2. Community Partnership – Collaboration between students, parents, staff, and the broader community
3. Holistic Education & High Expectations – Academic rigor balanced with personal growth
4. Servant Leadership – Developing leaders who serve others
5. Respect & Care – Building a safe, inclusive environment where every student belongs

These values are not merely decorative: they manifest in the school's program design, from its robust community service requirements to its emphasis on character education across every division.

Vision for Asia's Premier International School

The school's vision is bold: "Concordia Shanghai will be a preeminent international school in Asia empowered to carry out its mission." This ambition is reflected in the school's ongoing campus development — the new Performing Arts & Aquatics Center is currently under construction — and in its consistently strong university outcomes, with 67% of the Class of 2023 gaining acceptance to US Top 50 universities.

Lutheran Heritage, Inclusive Community

While Concordia is affiliated with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) and holds National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA), the school welcomes families of all backgrounds. The Christian ethos infuses the culture and community spirit rather than serving as a barrier to enrollment. This makes Concordia a distinctive option among Shanghai's international schools: a community of shared values rather than a purely secular or academically transactional environment.

Implications for Families

For expatriate families seeking a school that goes beyond test scores, Concordia's philosophy offers a compelling proposition: a school that genuinely invests in the character and spiritual development of each child alongside rigorous academics. The school's ELL and Learning Support programs ensure that students at various English proficiency and learning needs levels can thrive within this environment.

Innovation at Altitude: The Phoenix Squadron and Concordia's STEM Culture

Among Shanghai's many international schools, Concordia stands out for several distinctive programs that go well beyond standard co-curricular offerings.

Phoenix Squadron: Student-Led Drone Innovation

The Phoenix Squadron is one of Concordia's most distinctive programs — a student-driven aerospace and drone technology initiative with multiple sub-teams:

• Swarm Team: Develops coordinated drone swarm technology, a field at the cutting edge of aerospace engineering
• Phoenix Flight Laboratory (PFL): A research and development unit where students design, test, and iterate on drone platforms
• Aeronautics Club: Broader aerospace exploration for interested students

This program exemplifies Concordia's approach to STEM education: not simply teaching concepts in isolation but enabling students to apply them in real-world, competitive, and innovative contexts. The school's Pudong location — in China's most technology-forward city — provides an ideal environment for this type of innovation culture.

Xiaohusai: Student Enterprise Earns British Council Award

The Xiaohusai Social Enterprise Club is a student-led initiative that won the prestigious British Council International School Award. Out of nearly 200 applications from schools worldwide, only 14 received the award — and Concordia was among them. This recognition speaks to the school's commitment to developing entrepreneurially-minded, globally-aware students who use their skills to address real community needs.

Breadth of Competitive Co-Curriculars

Concordia fields 60+ sports teams across 9 competitive sports through APAC, giving students genuine access to high-level competition across the region. The school's fine arts program produces performances in the 300-seat Rittmann Center theater, with concert band, choir, strings orchestra, jazz band, drama, and visual arts all represented.

Why This Matters for Families

For families seeking a school that prepares students not just for university but for the demands of a rapidly changing world, Concordia's emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and service leadership is highly distinctive. These programs also provide excellent material for university applications, as they demonstrate initiative, problem-solving, and real-world impact beyond the classroom.

Navigating Concordia Shanghai's Admissions Process

Who Can Apply?

Concordia's most fundamental admissions criterion is citizenship: the school is designated for foreign passport holders only, as required under Shanghai's regulations for international schools. At least one parent must hold a foreign passport and reside in Shanghai throughout the child's enrollment. Chinese nationals may only enroll under rare special exemptions. This policy makes Concordia one of the most clearly defined expat-focused schools in Shanghai, with an enrollment that is effectively ~100% international.

Academic Selectivity

Concordia is described as academically selective. The application process includes:

• Review of academic records from previous schools
• English proficiency assessment (WIDA screening for non-native English speakers)
• Division-specific assessment and/or interview

For Early Years/Kindergarten: a portfolio or play-based assessment and short English play-interview are typical, along with age cut-off documentation per Shanghai Municipal Education Commission (SHMEC) requirements.

For Primary (Grades 1–5): academic records review and English assessment (WIDA screening); short teacher-conducted interview.

For Middle and High School (Grades 6–12): previous school records, placement tests in English and Mathematics as needed, student interview, and demonstrated English proficiency. Students with limited English may be admitted with ELL support.

English Language Support

Concordia offers a robust English Language Learning (ELL) program for non-native English speakers, making the school accessible to a broader range of expat families. An ELL support fee of ¥20,000 per year applies for students enrolled in this program.

Application Timeline (AY 2026–2027)

• Round 1 Deadline: November 10, 2025
• Round 2 Deadline: February 28, 2026
• School Year Start: Late August 2026

Application Fee

A non-refundable application fee of ¥2,500 (CNY) is payable at the time of application submission. New students also pay a one-time capital levy of ¥25,000 upon enrollment.

Key Advice for Applicants

Given the school's consistent demand and eligibility restrictions, families are advised to apply in Round 1. The school's counseling team emphasizes that admission decisions consider the whole child — academic readiness, English proficiency, and fit with Concordia's values-based community.