About
Why WISS
An IB Continuum World School in Shanghai, the Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) inspires curious, courageous, and internationally minded learners from age 2.5 through Grade 12.
About Us
The whole child at the centre of education.
Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) is an internationally accredited IB World School in Shanghai, founded in 2006. As the first international school in Shanghai authorised for all four IB programmes — PYP, MYP, DP and CP — we serve over 1,100 students from 65+ nationalities on an expansive 28-acre campus.
Since our founding, WISS has been dedicated to placing the whole child at the centre of education — combining academic rigour with the warmth of a close-knit community, and preparing students not just for university, but for life.
- Full IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, DP, CP)
- 65+ nationalities on campus
- 1:8 average teacher-to-student ratio
- Purpose-built 18-acre campus
Mission and Vision
Challenging and empowering every student.
The Western International School of Shanghai challenges and empowers students through an unparalleled IB education.
We will achieve this vision for our diverse community through innovative, high-quality, inquiry-based learning and teaching, with individualised student learning pathways.
Our Values
What we stand for.
Five guiding values shape every classroom, every conversation, and every WISS graduate.
Curiosity
We ask, wonder, and inquire — turning questions into discovery.
Community
We belong to a globally diverse, deeply caring community of learners.
Excellence
We pursue mastery with persistence and intellectual courage.
Wellbeing
Healthy minds, healthy bodies — balance is at the centre of WISS life.
Service
We act with integrity to make a positive difference, locally and globally.
International-Mindedness
We learn through multiple perspectives, languages, and cultures.
Inquiry & Innovation
Inquiry is in our DNA. Innovation is in our classrooms.
Principled Action
We hold ourselves and one another to the highest ethical standards.
Our History
Almost two decades of inspiring minds.
Founded in 2006, WISS opened its doors in Xujing as one of the first schools in mainland China authorised to deliver the IB Primary Years Programme. From those early years, our community has grown into a thriving, three-school continuum on an 18-acre purpose-built campus.
We earned authorisation across all four IB programmes — PYP, MYP, DP, and CP — making WISS the only IB Continuum World School in mainland China. Today, our alumni attend the world's leading universities while staying connected to the values shaped at WISS.
- 2006 — School founded in Xujing
- 2008 — IB PYP authorisation
- 2011 — IB MYP authorisation
- 2013 — IB DP authorisation
- 2018 — IB CP authorisation (full continuum)
- Today — 65+ nationalities, 18-acre campus
School Brochure
Take WISS home with you.
Download our main brochure for a complete overview of our programmes, campus, community and outcomes.
Begin your child's WISS journey today.
Enquire with our admissions team — places are filling for 2026–2027.