Early Childhood Education (ECE) – Kindergarten 2 (K2) – Kindergarten 4 (K4)

The Kindergarten Section of YCIS provides a nurturing environment for children of nursery and preschool age. Children are at the heart of the early childhood program, experiencing the joy of learning. It is the needs of children that determine the learning, and their interests that steer the learning experiences YCIS offers. In addition, two Co-Teachers, one English speaking Western teacher and one native-Chinese Mandarin speaking teacher, work together to provide bilingual teaching for the children.

Primary Program - Years 1-6

The YCIS Primary curriculum provides students with not only a strong academic program, but also a well-rounded education – from cross-cultural experiences and international education with an emphasis also on learning about Chinese culture, to extensive music, arts, and sports activities, to experiences designed to help children develop their own moral compass.

International Curriculum – The international Primary school curriculum is based on the framework of the National Curriculum for England with the added benefit of an extensive Chinese Language and Culture Program.

Co-Teaching – Within each classroom, two fully qualified Co-Teachers, one Western and one Chinese, work together to teach and share all responsibilities over the care and education of students in their class. They plan and work together to provide students with a variety of learning experiences, and help students develop English and Chinese communication skills in a bi-cultural and bilingual environment.

A Well Rounded and Balanced Education – YCIS Shanghai’s international Primary school includes a wealth of different subjects, including English and Chinese Language, Mathematics, History, Geography, Science, Physical Education, Music, Art and Design, Design & Technology, and Information and Communication Technology.

Secondary Program

The YCIS Secondary Program enables all students to reach for and fulfill their highest academic potential, as well as their optimal spiritual, social, moral, cultural, physical, and creative development. The aim of the YCIS curriculum is to ensure that all students are afforded opportunities to become successful learners, confident individuals, responsible global citizens, and caring contributors.

Lower Secondary Program – Years 7-9

International Curriculum: The curriculum in Lower Secondary (ages 11-14) is based on the framework of the National Curriculum for England, with an extended focus on Chinese language, global citizenship, international-mindedness, character education, and the arts.

Character Education: In keeping with the YCIS Philosophy & Objectives, character education, positive moral values and principles, and educating the whole child are an integral part of the Lower Secondary Program.

Experiencing China Program: For cultural appreciation, a series of excursions are planned every year for students to visit different regions in China, such as Guilin, Qingdao, and Inner Mongolia.

World Classroom Program:  World Classroom provides students with opportunities to visit a wealth of countries around the world, such as Sri Lanka, Spain, the US, and Tanzania.

Cultural Enrichment Program: During the final weeks of the school year, students focus on specific themes of study in alternative settings, drawing on the wide range of skills they have developed, including research, information technology, presentations, and communication.

A Well Rounded and Balanced Education: YCIS Shanghai’s international Secondary school includes a wealth of different subjects, including English, Chinese, Mathematics, Science, Information and Communication Technology, Geography, History,  Music, Drama, Design & Technology, Art & Design, Physical Education, and Personal, Social & Health Education.

IGCSE Program – Years 10-11

International curriculum: The academically challenging curriculum for Years 10-11 culminate in the International General Certificate for Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations.

Focus on global citizenship: In addition to English, Mathematics, and Science, students study Chinese as an Additional Language and Global Perspectives as required core subjects.

Wide array of elective courses: Among the electives available are Art and Design, Additional Mathematics, Business Studies, Design and Technology, Drama, Economics, Enterprise, Geography, Global Perspectives, History, Computer Science, Music, Physical Education Studies, and more.

International recognition: YCIS is the only international school in China to have received the Cambridge Award for Excellence in Education from Cambridge International Examinations.

Reputation of excellence: Year-after-year, YCIS students have earned “Top in the World” and “Top in China” IGCSE results in a variety of subjects, including Chinese language.

Community service opportunities: YCIS students are integrally involved in participating in community service endeavors locally, within China, and internationally.

IB Diploma Program  - Years 12-13

The IB Diploma Program at YCIS Shanghai offers an exemplary international education that equips students to make informed choices and contributions as caring global citizens of the world. YCIS graduates earning the IB Diploma receive offers from leading universities around the world. Recent university acceptances include Stanford University, Brown University, University of Oxford, Imperial College London, Hong Kong University, and Yale-NUS.

Chinese Program 

Students at YCIS learn to read, write, and speak in Mandarin Chinese through curricula tailored for both non-native and native speakers. The Chinese Language and Culture Program runs from Kindergarten all the way through graduation, and helps students attain a strong command of the Chinese language after two-to-three years.