Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
556 |
| Most common nationality |
Chinese |
| Native English and Chinese speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English and Chinese |
Chinese and English Academic Language Support |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
None |
| Max. number of students per class |
25 |
| Average number of students per class |
16 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
IPads, Chromebooks, SMART boards, educational software (Dreambox etc) |
| 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 |
| External examinations or assessments available |
ERB (5th grade and 7th grade only) |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Reading and math practice for Lower School students, very light homework for Middle School |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes |
| Learning support offered |
English and Chinese learning specialists, three school counselors |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
Small class sizes, Student Services Team, School Counselors |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Admissions Assessment |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
Application deadline is January 16, 2026 |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes, depending on class need and availability |
| School start time |
8:30am |
| School finish time |
3:30pm |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Yes. CAIS has a variety of programs including after school study hall (3:00-4:00 p.m.), extended day (3:00-6:00 p.m.) and numerous enrichment programs which take place after school at an additional fee. Complimentary morning care begins at 7:30 a.m. |
| School bus service available |
Yes |
| School provided lunches |
Yes, from an outside vendor at an additional cost |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes, through the outside vendor |
| Uniform required |
No |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball and more |
| Sports activities included |
PE |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes |
| Facilities at the school |
Library, theater, design lab, tinker studio, art studio, coding etc. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Gym, U8 Soccer pitch, multiple playgrounds, blacktop |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Founded 1981, Chinese American International School is a Preschool to 8th grade Mandarin Chinese English dual language immersion independent school. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
What sets CAIS apart from other schools is its Chinese English dual language immersion program. Students spend alternating full days in English and in Chinese and they learn through both languages. In language arts, math, science and music in both languages, students are stimulated, challenged and educated to be the best that they can be, intellectually, morally, physically and emotionally. CAIS believes it is important to tend to both the head and the heart; to nurture and support a child emotionally while at the same time challenging them intellectually. Students learn critical thinking and problem solving skills while laughing, playing, having fun, and feeling supported while learning. |