Quick summary of key school information
All the details about this school in their own words
| Number of students |
250 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
10+ |
| Most common nationality |
American / Australian / British |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
All international - only foreign passports accepted |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
English as an Additional Language (EAL), and other after school classes |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Mandarin |
| Max. number of students per class |
20 |
| Average number of students per class |
18 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
At WIS we are future-focused and ensure we go beyond typical STEAM education toward 21st-century learning skills. 21st-century learning provides all students with the skills of collaboration, digital literacy, critical thinking, coding, and problem-solving. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No - we do not discourage individual practices, but we do not promote any one religion. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
NWEA MAP (Reading, Language, Math), STAR (Reading and math) |
| Results in these examinations |
In mathematics our students demonstrate excellent results as compared to both Chinese and other International students. In reading & literacy, our students perform better on average than native English speakers who participate in the same assessment in other international schools. |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes - Nightly Reading and Writing along with other relevant homework assignments |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
Depends on grade level, but typically 1-2 hours maximum |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
All students progress toward higher education. |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes, we have a full-time student counselor and a visiting psychologist. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
Yes, we offer both intervention support and enrichment for gifted and more ably talented students. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes, when necessary. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Interviews and initial MAP assessment for instructional placement |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Parents and students meet with the Executive Principal for initial interview. Students may participate in a trial class session and MAP tests are provided when families choose to enroll. MAP assessments are for instructional leveling only, not determinate on admission. |
| Waiting list |
Depends on the grade level |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
Open Enrollment |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
| School start time |
8:00 a.m. |
| School finish time |
3:40 p.m. |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Yes, after school we have after school activities that students may join that are teacher facilitated. |
| School bus service available |
Not at this time. |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes, we have regular vegetarian days and ample options for students with special diets. |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
WIS offers over 50 after-school activities tailored for students’ interests, such as debating, drama, sports, fencing, rowing, academic competition training, programming, Japanese, French, Yue opera and model UN. |
| Sports activities included |
Soccer, Handball, Basketball, Swimming, Archery, and much more. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes. We have a newly formed team for soccer and basketball. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Multi-purpose sports field, gym |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Wahaha International School (WIS) provides a caring and supportive learning environment with a culture that encourages students to ask questions, be innovative, and make mistakes, while respectfully accepting each individual for who they are. WIS cultivates responsible, independent, lifelong learners with good character, empathy and leadership qualities. Wahaha International School (WIS) is a non-profit, English-language immersion international school located in Hangzhou, currently serving students in Kindergarten through Grade 10, with high school within the next couple years. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
At WIS authentic interdisciplinary learning opportunities are provided to help inspire and engage students. Design thinking is encouraged and opportunities for collaborating in team-based, problem-based learning are provided. Students are encouraged to seek problem-solving opportunities, find unique solutions, and apply entrepreneurial action to share their solutions with others, at home and globally. A growth mindset is nurtured while creativity and innovation, as habits of mind, are developed throughout the programs. |