Concordia International School Shanghai

Concordia's academic program spans four school divisions: early childhood, elementary school, middle school, and high school.

Concordia's early childhood program for children aged 3 to 5 is divided into Preschool-3 for children who are age 3 by September 1 and Preschool-4 for those who are age 4 by September 1. The curriculum is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which emphasizes child-led learning, creativity, and exploration through hands-on, inquiry-based experiences.

The elementary school at Concordia, covering grades 1 to 5, aims to build foundational skills in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. The curriculum encourages students to develop self-awareness and leadership skills. It integrates Mandarin language study, fine arts, physical education, and digital literacy.

The middle school, for grades 6 to 8, addresses the transitional needs of students between 10 and 14 years old. The program fosters independence, responsibility, and leadership within a supportive environment. A 1-to-1 individual MacBook program is introduced in grade 6 to enhance technological skills and learning autonomy.

The high school curriculum, spanning grades 9 to 12, offers a diverse range of subjects, including Advanced Placement and Applied Learning courses. Concordia's high school program adheres to American curriculum standards, allowing students to tailor their studies to their academic and personal interests.

Concordia International School Shanghai is situated on a 10-acre (4.0 ha) campus, specifically designed to enhance student learning and development. The campus includes purpose-built facilities that cater to the diverse needs of its student body, ranging from academic spaces to creative and athletic areas. These facilities are strategically developed to support a comprehensive educational experience.

The Lower Building (formerly the elementary school building) opened in 2007 and caters to younger students with specialized spaces for music, art, and physical activities. The Intermediate Building (formerly the Middle School building) opened in 2005 and is utilized by various grade levels and includes homerooms, a choir room, and administrative offices. The Upper Building (formerly the High School building), the newest on campus, was designed by American architecture firm Perkins Eastman and opened in 2009. The spaces houses classrooms, science labs, and the fitness center, as well as the Welcome Center, High School offices, and other administrative areas.

The Phoenix Center, established in 2003, serves as a versatile space with maker labs, a drama room, gym and Café. It hosts various activities and events, including school assemblies and community gatherings. The previous Rittmann Center for the Fine Arts, named after former head of school Dr. David Rittmann, was completed in December 2007 and included a 350-seat theater, rehearsal rooms, studios for 2D/3D graphics and photography, and a gallery area. It served as a hub for creative and cultural activities, now under construction, and will soon include a full-sized professional swimming pool and a larger theater.

In 1997, the idea for Concordia International School Shanghai was conceived following suggestions from multinational corporations, American expatriates, U.S. foreign-service personnel, and the People's Republic of China.

A team of educators from HKIS arrived in Pudong in 1998 to establish the school. They selected the Jinqiao Export Processing Zone for its proximity to residential areas, beginning the school's development in this location.

The first academic year started in 1998 with 22 students and 14 staff members, led by founding Head of School, Allan Schmidt.

In 2019, Concordia International School Shanghai paid a US$4 million dividend to the LCMS to help pay off the LCMS's debt.^[3]