International Schools in Shenzhen

Ages 4-18 · British · Longhua · Not disclosed students

Merchiston is the only full British boarding school in Shenzhen and the right choice for families who specifically want that tradition - IGCSE, A-Levels, boarding houses, and the heritage of Merchiston Castle School. Be clear-eyed about the Longhua location and ask pointed questions about management and staff stability before you sign.

Ages 2-18 · British · Qianhai, Nanshan · ~800 students

Harrow Shenzhen is the most prestigious British-curriculum option in the city - Forbes-ranked top 10 in China, boarding available, and a track record building fast. At CNY 291K to CNY 360K it is expensive even by Shenzhen standards, and the Qianhai location is a real consideration for families based in Shekou or Futian.

Ages 2-18 · IB · Shekou, Nanshan · ~850 students

SIS is the default choice for families landing in the Shekou bubble, and for good reason - 35-plus years of track record, genuine IB delivery, and a community that knows how to receive new arrivals. Ask about current enrolment trends and the new leadership team before signing.

Ages 3-18 · American · Nanshan · ~1,500 students

BASIS Shenzhen is the standout American curriculum school in the city - academically serious, well resourced and operating from a purpose-built campus since 2023. Families drawn to the AP pathway will find little to argue with here, as long as the fees fit.

Ages 1.5-18 · International, Bilingual · Xili, Nanshan · Not disclosed students

Avenues is the most distinctive curriculum option in Shenzhen - genuinely bilingual, NEASC and WASC accredited, and connected to a global network with serious university outcomes. It is not cheap and fees are not published, so you will need to contact the school directly. Worth the conversation if a bilingual environment matters to your family.

Ages 3-18 · British, Bilingual · Qianhai, Nanshan · ~500 students

The first overseas campus of King's Canterbury (founded 597 AD), opened in Qianhai in 2019. British curriculum from Pre-Prep through Sixth Form with bilingual English-Chinese instruction, IGCSE, A-Levels and boarding. Still building toward full capacity across its two campuses.

Ages 14-18 · British · Futian · ~1,800 students

If your child is heading to a UK or top US university and is academically serious, SCIE is the strongest option in Shenzhen - and by some measures in all of southern China. It is a high school only, so factor in where your child is doing their earlier years.

Ages 3-18 · IB, Canadian · Nanshan · ~800 students

If strong IB results matter to your family and your child holds a foreign passport, ISNS is the sharpest academic choice in Shenzhen right now. The Xili location is inconvenient from Shekou and Futian, so sort out the commute before you decide.

Ages 3-18 · American · Shekou, Nanshan · ~300 students

A Cognia-accredited American school in Shekou, established in 2005, serving foreign nationals and students from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan from Pre-K through Grade 12. Known for project-based learning and access to Sihai Park as an outdoor classroom. AP and IB pathways available at secondary.

Ages 2-18 · American, IB · Shekou, Nanshan · ~455 students

QSI is the most accessible and welcoming option in Shekou for families arriving mid-year or with younger children - small, responsive, and genuinely easy to join. At 455 students it lacks the breadth of the larger schools, and the facilities are functional rather than impressive.

Ages 4-18 · IB · Nanshan · ~1,080 students

SWIS is the straightforward IB choice for families settling in Nanshan who want the full continuum from Pre-K to Diploma, CIS and WASC accreditation, and a school with genuine facilities. The student body skews heavily toward Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan passport holders, so if a truly diverse international community matters, factor that in.

Ages 4-16 · British · Shekou, Nanshan · ~78 students

A very small British-curriculum school in the Shekou villa district, founded in 2009 with a maximum enrolment of 78 and class sizes capped at 10. National Curriculum of England from Reception to Year 11. Flat fee of CNY 141,000 per year regardless of year group.