James Nelligan
Head of School
Shanghai American School (SAS), established in 1912, is the oldest international school in mainland China and a leader in education across Asia. Serving over 3,000 students from Pre-K to Grade 12 across two campuses in Shanghai, SAS fosters a diverse and inclusive community representing more than 40 nationalities. As a non-profit school, SAS reinvests all its resources into enhancing facilities, programs, and teaching to ensure students receive a world-class education.
At SAS, learning goes far beyond academics. The school emphasizes critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and global citizenship, equipping students with the skills to thrive in an ever-changing world. Students can choose from Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs to shape their academic paths based on their strengths and aspirations. To guide students in their journey after high school, SAS provides nine dedicated college counselors who work closely with families to navigate the university application process. β
Beyond the classroom, SAS offers over 140 student-led clubs, a robust athletics program with 13different sports, and diverse extracurricular activities, from performing arts to STEM initiatives. With a vibrant community and a mission to develop ethical global citizens, SAS inspires students topursue their passions and make meaningful contributions to the world.
We have organised the information available for this school into 10 sections and 36 questions. Click or tap on the name of each section to read more.
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Number of students
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3000
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Number of nationalities represented in the school
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44
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Most common nationality
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US or Canadian
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Ratio of local students to international students
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100% international
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Native English speaking teachers
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Yes
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Language support for students not fluent in English
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English as an Additional Language
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Additional language classes offered by the school
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Mandarin, French, Spanish. SAS also has supported students studying literature in Arabic, Norwegian, Dutch and Korean, to name a few.
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Max. number of students per class
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Pre-Kindergarten: 14 students
Kindergarten: 15 students
Grade 1: 16 students
Grade 2: 17 students
Grades 3 to 12: 18 students
Pre-K to Grade 1 β Every classroom has a teacher assistant to assist the class teacher at all times.
Grade 2 to Grade 5 β Teachers share one or more teacher assistants between each grade level.
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Average number of students per class
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18
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Does the school employ teaching assistants?
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Yes
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Use of technology in the classroom
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At SAS, we embed tech into our stories, our math, our arts, sciences, and languages, and, of course, our robots. Technology is integrated into teaching and learning in age-appropriate ways across every grade level and subject.
SAS follows ISTE Standards, an internationally recognized framework designed to prepare students for success in a connected, digital world. In addition to foundational technology skills. ISTE standards, which are incorporated into the SAS Learning Goals, foster creativity, communication, collaboration, innovation, and computational thinking.
SAS is pioneering the integration of cutting-edge technology into education, and our approach to generative AI is a shining example. Our students get hands-on experience with AI, exploring its potential in fun and creative ways. They don't just learn the technical aspects but also dive into the ethical considerations, ensuring they understand the broader impact of AI on society. We promote Digital Citizenship in all divisions and infuse it into the culture of SAS.
Students from elementary to high school participate in a wide variety of design and technology experiences that foster hands-on learning of robotics, coding engineering and other technologies that are incorporated into core curriculum units. Additional opportunities are also available during recess times and after-school activities.
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External examinations or assessments available
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IB Diploma, Advanced Placement, SAT, ACT
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Results in these examinations
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The most recent academic profiles for SAS can be found at https://www.saschina.org/academics/high-school.
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Do teachers assign homework to their students?
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Yes
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Approximate hours of homework given
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The amount of homework varies by grade levels and gradually increases to the heavier academic load of the school's college preparatory program.
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The school supports gifted, able and talented students
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SAS does not have a gifted program. However, it is a school of high expectations and provides individual focus on student learning. If your child is advanced in some areas, the teachers will teach them according to their level.
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Student access to education psychologist
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Our two-part counseling approach engages an experienced team devoted to School Counseling in each division, PreK-12, nurturing and scaffolding all stages of social-emotional development and learning. Youβll also find that taking the long view toward life beyond SAS presents a host of different needs. Thus, a professional College Counselor is added for each student during high school, in order to apply the time and expertise necessary to help your child succeed in their next chapter.
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Entry evaluation for students
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At Shanghai American School, admissions is selective. Decisions are based on a holistic review of each candidate's demonstrated academic potential, their developmental, social, and behavioral background, as well as their English language proficiency. Parents should note that admissions decisions also consider family alignment with the schoolβs mission, values and goals.
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Brief description of entry evaluation required
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-Applications are initially reviewed for potential qualification.
-Selected applicants will be invited for an interview and assessments.
-Applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee for qualification.
-Qualified applicants are placed into the wait pool.
-Applications that do not align with SAS requirements will be closed and will not proceed to the next stage.
-Qualified applications are considered alongside other wait pool applications in rounds.
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Waiting list
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Some divisions are at capacity. SAS does not have a wait list but instead maintains a wait pool for highly qualified students. A student can be placed in the wait pool only after his/her application has been reviewed and recommended by the Admissions Committee. In times of limited space, priority consideration (not automatic placement) is given to returning students, overseas applicants, US passport holders, those with siblings currently attending SAS, and those with stronger academic English proficiency. The wait pool is maintained for the applying school year (August β June) only. Applicants interested in the next school year will be asked to reapply.
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Deadline for registration (new academic year)
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At SAS, we have a rolling admissions process, so there is no deadline.
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Students can join after academic year begins
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Yes.
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School start time
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8:00
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School finish time
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3:00
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Supervised care before/after school
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We offer a wide range of After School Activities for students to participate in.
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School bus service available
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SAS operates a fleet of over 113 buses, with most of them being electric. Each student bus is accompanied by a bus monitor to ensure the safety of the children on the road. Additionally, all buses are equipped with GPS, allowing parents to track the live location of their child(ren) while they are in transit.
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School provided lunches
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At the cafeterias of SAS, selection is the prevailing theme. For Middle and High School, students are greeted with Asian and Western choices including salads, sandwiches, noodles, pasta, pizza, and vegetarian dishes. Pre-K and Grade 1 studentsβ set menus include proteins, vegetables, fruit or dessert, and a drink. Grade 2-5 studentsβ options include international food selections, salads, sandwiches, fruit or dessert, and a drink.
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Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc)
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Yes
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Uniform required
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No
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Facilities at the school
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Every space at SAS has been designed intentionally to enhance learning and support our students. We believe that when a space is designed and used well, it actually becomes another instructor. At SAS, you will find students writing on moveable walls in their interdisciplinary courses and that their chairs and tables have wheels on them to support collaboration. You will find sophisticated Performing Arts Centers, and construction projects underway by students of every age in our fully equipped maker spaces and design studios. As a non-profit school, SAS reinvests its resources each year to continually enhance its facilities and enrich the student experience.
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Sports facilities at the school
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SAS has unmatched facilities, many of which are at university level. Student athletes may take advantage of multiple gym and fitness rooms, courts, fields, and tracks.
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Qualities and characteristics best defining the school
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Established in 1912, Shanghai American School is Shanghaiβs most storied international school. Visitors to SAS tend to come away with the same conclusion: βI wish I wouldβve gone to school here when I was a kid.β Itβs an understandable observation. Because the educational experience of SAS excels in many ways. Looking for a rigorous academic environment that can prepare your child for some of the worldβs most laudable colleges, universities and fine arts programs? You can find that here. Seeking a philosophy that will nurture your child both inside and outside the classroom? Let us tell you about our dozens of clubs, service learning opportunities, and sports teams that range from participatory up to a varsity-level program that has earned over 100 APAC championships. Searching for top facilities? Ours are unmatched in Shanghai, and our non-profit status means all revenue that goes into the school stays in the school, continually making the SAS experience even better. All of which has caused more than a few alumni to return to campus, look around, and say, βI wish I was still in school here.β
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Teaching approach of the school
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Whether students are at SAS for a year or from Pre-K through graduation, their time here is spent on a well-mapped journey of academic excellence. This journey β built on the foundation of our Mission and Learner Outcomes β includes a conceptual approach to math that allows each grade to seamlessly build upon the previous one. It includes putting learning into practice, like when science classes create chemical reactions that send thousands of ping pong balls soaring into the sky. It includes multiple language offerings and a Chinese program that deepens studentsβ appreciation of β and ability to thrive in β our host country, as well connections through arts and technology that expand learning in all other areas. It includes the support of a robust MLL (multilingual learner) program to help Elementary, Middle, and High School students achieve academic success. And it includes the choice of the AP and IB programs, or even a combination of both. Putting it all together, these offerings reflect our individualized approach to learning, helping the post-SAS years be, well, whatever our students want them to be.
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Early Childhood | Ages 3 to 4
Your childβs experience in these years at SAS will orbit around building essential skills in pre-literacy, curiosity, discovery, and cooperation. Our early childhood program is typically for students 3 to 4 years old.
With the Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, students are supported socially, emotionally, and academically as they explore their self and their world. All our students ar seen as unique individuals with incredible potential, and we journey alongside them each day in this era of monumental growth. You will see that the programs, learning spaces, and our passions are fully geared to nurture in each child a deep love of learning, and all the tools necessary for thriving in the elementary years ahead.
Elementary School | Ages 5 to 11
At Shanghai American School, learning is so much fun that even weekends can't keep our elementary students away. With engaging lessons, exciting activities, and a nurturing environment, we inspire a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. Our elementary students typically range from 5 to 11 years old.
From Kindergarten to Grade 5, our students build a core foundation for the years ahead. At the heart of this is literacy, which is infused throughout all subject areas, as well as a deep, conceptual approach to math.
Middle School | Ages 12 to 14
We expertly navigate all sorts of changes middle schoolers go through, whether it be cognitive, social, physical or emotional. At the same time, we help foster intellectual curiosity and a sense of responsibility through a strong academic environment. Our middle school students typically range from 12 to 14 years old.
In our middle school program, students will encounter learning experiences that are intellectually rigorous, relevant to daily life, and differentiated to meet their individual needs. And most importantly, fun. Every. Single. Day.
High School | Ages 15 to 18
SAS unlocks a world of possibilities for students. With an education that equips them for success anywhere, they leave our gates bound for universities not only in the US but across the globe, from Canada and Korea to the UK. Shanghai American School is one of the only international schools in Shanghai to offer students both IB and AP programs. We also have personalized college counseling services, so students are prepared to thrive wherever their ambitions take them. Our high school students typically range from 15 to 18 years old.
When our students tackle challenges, they all go all in - whether they're inside or outside the classroom. Our dedicated teachers re there every step of the way, creating real-world learning experiences that cater to every stage of growth and wellbeing.
Our Campuses
We couldn't possibly contain all of the greatness that is Shanghai American School into just one campus. Our two expansive locations are custom-built with university-level facilities that make SAS a popular host for conferences, tournaments, sports leagues, and events. Each of our beautiful campuses feature an aquatic center, performing arts center, green screen rooms, recording studio, baseball field, pool, softball field, track, playing fields, black box theaters, a teaching kitchen, training facilities, design studios/maker spaces, playgrounds, multiple libraries, cafeterias, lecture spaces, classrooms, and lots of other spaces for dreams to come to life.
Check out the facilities in this interactive virtual tour.
