Concordia International School Shanghai: A home for holistic education

Partnering with parents in pursuing academic excellence in a happy and nurturing environment

Parents seeking a caring, growth-oriented environment for their children will find Concordia International School Shanghai to be the school of choice in Asia. In a place where academic rigor meets joy, students develop not just intellect but character in close collaboration with faculty and parents. This is why for over 25 years, Concordia International School Shanghai has been a cornerstone for expatriate families seeking a balanced, American-style education in Shanghai.

“When families move here for the first time from overseas, it’s a big relief for them to be embraced by a school with a strong and healthy community,” says Dr. Eric Semler, Interim Head of School of Concordia International School Shanghai. “We see parents as true partners in their child’s education, which sets us apart from other international schools. We know they want their child to learn a great deal, but they also aspire for a joyful place that their child can look forward to every school day.”

Concordia offers a comprehensive education, from preschool through Grade 12, tailored to meet the diverse needs of its student body, which includes over 30 nationalities. The school pairs Advanced Placement (AP) courses with college-level applied learning, offering students a well-rounded educational experience that is both challenging and enjoyable. In addition to traditional subjects, the school emphasizes STEM education, with MakerSpaces and Innovation Coaches helping students explore robotics, VR, AI and other emerging technologies.

Beyond academics, Concordia fosters a nurturing environment across all levels— early childhood, elementary, middle and high school. This holistic approach includes a robust social-emotional learning program led by experienced counselors supporting students and parents. From teaching elementary students how to be good friends to guiding high school students through college applications, Concordia’s counselors provide comprehensive support. This holistic approach is further reinforced through its character-building initiatives that develop kindness, honesty and integrity among the children.

“We are preparing students to be flexible and adaptable in a world that keeps on changing, where jobs are being created and retired as we speak,” says Dr. Semler. “We want to ensure parents they are not alone in their child’s learning journey as Concordia will be with them every step of the way.”

Learn more about Concordia International School Shanghai at concordiashanghai.org.