About
Our History
From a pioneering IB World School in 2006 to mainland China's only IB Continuum School today.
Founded 2006
A vision for international education in Shanghai.
WISS was founded in 2006 with a clear mission: to inspire curious, principled, internationally minded learners through the International Baccalaureate. From day one, we built our school around inquiry, language acquisition, and the IB learner profile.
Year after year, WISS layered new programmes, partnerships, and distinctions — including full IB authorisations, Explore China, community Saturday School, and global collaborations. In 2017 we became the first IB Continuum World School in mainland China. Today our 28-acre, purpose-built campus — designed by Weimar Architects of the Bauhaus University — supports every facet of inquiry, athletics, creativity, and service.
Milestones
A journey marked by firsts.
- 2006 — WISS opened
- 2007 — First International Day Celebration
- 2008 — Launched Saturday School – giving back to the community
- 2010 — Authorized for IBDP and IB PYP; Explore China Program
- 2012 — WISS partners with Stoke City Football Club; authorized for IBMYP
- 2013 — WISS students speak with astronauts on the International Space Station
- 2014 — WISS is awarded ACS WASC accreditation; WISS partners with ISTA
- 2015 — WISS joins GAIL (Global Alliance for Innovative Learning)
- 2016 — WISS receives the prestigious Magnolia Award from the City of Shanghai
- 2017 — WISS authorized for IBCP and becomes the first IB Continuum World School in mainland China
- 2018 — WISS partners with SCAD and First Point USA; His Royal Highness The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex visits WISS
- 2019 — WISS is awarded CIS Membership
- 2020 — WISS partners with SUMAS