Compare Premium International Schools in Hangzhou, China

Located in Hangzhou's Qianjiang New Town / 钱江新城 (school address commonly listed as No. 9 Yulin Road / 御临路9号), close to the Qiantang River and modern commercial areas. The campus is roughly a 10–20 minute drive to downtown and is near high‑speed rail connections that provide fast links to Shanghai.

BIHZ is reported to offer a continuous Pre‑K / Early Years through Grade 12 programme (PreK–12); recent admissions notices indicate intake focused on PreK–G9 with senior grades expanding/filled from current students. The school is organised into early years, primary (elementary), middle and upper/secondary divisions.

BASIS International School Hangzhou is an English‑language international day school for foreign passport holders (外籍人员子女学校) and is operated as part of the BASIS International Schools network. It is co‑educational (accepts both boys and girls); public listings and network pages describe it as a purpose‑built international day campus. Parents should confirm any recent changes to boarding or residential options directly with admissions.

Public listings for the school indicate there is a learning‑support / additional‑needs provision with dedicated staff and case‑by‑case interventions; external specialist assessments (e.g., educational psychologists) can be arranged through partners in some cases. Provision appears to be limited and often described as tailored support rather than a full special‑needs programme, so families with specific, significant requirements should contact the school to discuss suitability and available services.

The school is part of the BASIS International Schools group (an overseas/US‑origin network) and does not have an affiliation to a national government or embassy as its curriculum provider; it operates as an international (foreign‑passport) school in China.

There is no stated religious affiliation; the school is run as a secular international school.

Public information indicates a standard international‑school day: classes generally begin around 08:00 and finish mid‑afternoon (around 15:00–15:30), with a midday lunch break; exact start/finish times and daily timetables vary by age group and cohort. For precise daily schedules by year group (and any Monday/assembly variations), contact the admissions office or consult the current parent handbook.

Local sources and school listings state the school operates a paid school‑bus service covering major residential areas around Hangzhou (routes and coverage may include districts such as Binjiang and Xiaoshan). Routes, stops, fees and seat availability are operated/managed on an annual basis and are subject to change—parents should request the current route map, fees and pick‑up/drop‑off policies from admissions.

BASIS International School Hangzhou delivers the BASIS Curriculum across Early Years, Primary, Middle and Upper School and serves students from Pre‑K through Grade 12. Early Years and Primary emphasise foundational literacy, mathematics, science, Chinese language, arts, music and physical education through a mix of homeroom and subject‑specialist teaching. The Middle School uses subject‑specialist instruction with an escalating academic schedule to prepare students for accelerated Upper School study. Upper School (Grades 9–12) follows a U.S. college‑preparatory programme offering Advanced Placement (AP) courses; the campus is an AP, PSAT and SAT test centre and is Cognia‑accredited. As a result, formal qualifications include progression through BASIS grade‑level assessments and, at the Upper School stage, externally graded AP examinations and standard U.S. college‑admissions tests (PSAT/SAT).

BASIS International School Hangzhou publicly describes a house system used to build community, mix students across year groups, and reward positive behaviour (house competitions and points are cited examples). The school's founding-year communications and network blog posts describe events such as a World Fair and house competitions used to foster cross‑age relationships and school belonging. Beyond these community activities, the school's public materials do not provide a separate, detailed SEL curriculum or a published list of dedicated SEL staff for the Hangzhou campus.

BASIS International & Bilingual Schools in China describe a co‑teaching model that includes Learning Enhancement Teachers (LETs) who work with Subject Expert Teachers (SETs) to support diverse learners. These network descriptions indicate structures for in‑class differentiation and targeted support, but BASIS International School Hangzhou does not publicly publish specific details about which types of Special Educational Needs it can support or whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution. Therefore, the school does not publicly disclose detailed SEN eligibility or specialist‑service information for the Hangzhou campus.

The BASIS network states that each school provides English language support through designated ELL/ELL teams using strategies such as push‑in and pull‑out sessions and targeted small‑group instruction, plus student hours for extra help. Network blog posts describe ELL chairs and dedicated ELL staff at several BASIS China schools and outline data‑driven monitoring (e.g., MAP assessments) and co‑teaching to support language learners. BASIS Hangzhou's publicly available materials do not, however, list a named EAL team or a detailed Hangzhou‑specific EAL programme on the school website.

Publicly available BASIS materials for Hangzhou highlight community‑building activities (house system, events) and general student support practices that can contribute to wellbeing. BASIS‑network content also references student hours, mentoring and pastoral practices used across its China schools, which are described as supports for students' academic and social needs. BASIS International School Hangzhou does not publicly disclose a dedicated counselling team structure or a published mental‑health programme specific to the Hangzhou campus on its website.

The school's publicly available Hangzhou pages and the BASIS network blog posts consulted do not show a published child‑protection or safeguarding policy specific to BASIS International School Hangzhou. Therefore, the school does not publicly disclose information regarding safeguarding and child protection for the Hangzhou campus on the pages reviewed.

1. Initial inquiry and campus tour / information. Contact the school's Admissions Office (online inquiry form, email or phone) to check current grade availability and to request an application pack; parents should note that spaces are limited in entry years and that open seats change frequently. If you can, arrange a campus tour or an online information session so your child and your family can see facilities and meet an admissions officer — this often clarifies age/grade placement and required documents.

2. Create an application account and submit the online application form. BASIS China campuses generally require applicants to create an account in the school's application portal and complete an online form that collects basic family, residency and previous-school information; this starts the admissions record for the student. Before or during this step you will normally be asked to pay a non‑refundable application fee (common practice across BASIS China listings is around RMB 2,000–3,000 per child) — keep the payment receipt because it is required to complete the submission. Parents should confirm the exact fee and accepted payment methods with Admissions (amounts reported by third‑party school directories and portals vary).

3. Submit required documents. Typical documents requested include: the child's passport (or ID for local students), recent passport photo, birth certificate, most recent school reports/transcripts (usually two years where available), any standardized test scores, and immunization/health records. If English is not the child's first language, schools commonly request evidence of English proficiency or recent-school reports showing English instruction; parents should prepare original documents and notarized translations where required. Confirming which documents must be original versus copies ahead of submission avoids delays at offer/registration.

4. Age-appropriate assessments and interview. For early years and elementary applicants the school typically uses short literacy and numeracy assessments or sample tasks; older applicants often take subject assessments (English and mathematics) and, for secondary, may be asked to provide standardized-test scores or a school portfolio. Schools also conduct an interview with the student (and usually a short parent interview or information call) — interviews may be held on campus or online. Parents should prepare their child for a roughly 30–60 minute session and make sure past-schoolwork and certificates are ready to share if requested.

5. Admissions decision and conditional offer. After assessments and document review, Admissions will issue one of: an offer of placement, a conditional offer (e.g., subject to receipt of final transcripts or visa documents), or a refusal; timing varies with grade and demand. If an offer is made, it will specify the deadline for acceptance and any enrollment deposit required to hold the place — read those deadlines closely because places are only held once the deposit and required paperwork are received. Parents should check whether the offer letter lists any additional fees (capital/building fees, material fees, meal and transport charges) so they can budget the total first‑year cost.

6. Pay deposit and complete registration. To secure the place most campuses require an enrollment deposit or first‑term/first‑year tuition payment; the offer letter will state the amount, due date and refund/transfer policy. You will also be asked to complete registration forms (emergency contacts, medical consent, photo release, etc.), select services (school bus, meals) and provide original documents for verification. Keep copies of all bank receipts and registration confirmation emails — these are commonly needed for family records and, in some cases, local administrative formalities.

7. Visa, residence and local administrative steps (for non‑local students). If your child is a foreign passport holder or will be resident on a student visa, ask Admissions early about the specific letters or enrollment confirmations they provide to support any local visa or residence permit application; procedures for K‑12 international students differ from university JW forms and vary by city. Some schools supply an official enrollment confirmation or other documentation to help with local Public Security or school‑entry requirements — confirm which documents the school issues and whether they will provide assistance with the municipal process. Parents should begin visa and medical-check steps early because local processing times can add weeks. (Because official details on the school's public pages were not available at the time of my check, confirm these steps directly with the school's Admissions Office.)

8. Orientation and first day logistics. After registration you will receive orientation information (start date, daily schedule, uniform requirements, pick‑up/drop‑off, and supply lists). Make final arrangements for bus routes, meal accounts and any medical needs; secondary students sometimes need to select elective/AP options before the term starts. Attend the parent orientation so you understand academic expectations, assessment reporting schedules and how to communicate with teachers.

9. Follow-up: keep copies and confirm yearly re-enrolment rules. Many international schools require re‑enrolment each year and have payment/refund deadlines; keep all offer and contract documents and note the school's published payment/refund policy. If your family's address, guardianship or contact details change, notify Admissions promptly because these are required for student records and emergency procedures. If you need anything clarified (fees, policies or the current seat availability) contact the Admissions Office in writing and request an itemized fee schedule and the current enrollment status.

BASIS China runs a multi‑campus scholarship program called the Global Excellence Student Scholarship (often translated in Chinese as “全球卓越学生奖学金”) that has been offered across several BASIS campuses in China, including Hangzhou. Public announcements and school communications for BASIS campuses (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing among others) describe a merit‑based selection process with an initial materials round (standardized test evidence, transcripts, recommendation letters, portfolio/video) followed by interviews and assessments; successful candidates at the high‑school level have in some years been awarded multi‑year tuition scholarships (examples of four‑year upper‑school scholarships are publicized for several campuses). Parents should note three practical points: (1) scholarship application windows and requirements are set by the program and change year to year, so you must download the current scholarship application pack or request it from Admissions; (2) scholarship awards usually cover tuition only — additional fees (meals, transport, uniforms, extracurricular fees and any boarding charges) are typically the family's responsibility unless otherwise specified; and (3) the scholarship selection process commonly requires high standardized‑test scores and a portfolio, and shortlisted candidates attend an interview/assessment round. If you are considering a scholarship application, ask Admissions for the latest scholarship prospectus, the deadline for submission, and any campus‑specific conditions — the program details reported in public sources show consistent availability but can differ by campus and year.

CIS Hangzhou runs from a mini‑campus on the Greentown Yuhua School (GYS) campus in western Hangzhou (Jiangcun/Xihu District). The partner campus address is listed as No. 532 Wenyi West Road; the site is on a large private school campus in the west of the city. Public transport serves the area (Hangzhou Metro Line 5 has stations serving the Xihu/Jiangcun area), and the campus is within the wider West Hangzhou university/education zone—parents should check local maps for exact travel times from your accommodation.

CIS Hangzhou is a tailored, single year‑level programme built for Year 10 students (a one‑year residential Year 10 intake). The learning experience is autonomous from the partner school and focused on that single year group.

The programme is co‑educational and residential: CIS operates the Year 10 mini‑campus and boarding facilities on the GYS site, with on‑campus dormitories, house system and 24‑hour pastoral supervision. It is part of Chinese International School (Hong Kong)'s curriculum offer rather than a separate day school.

CIS maintains Student Support services at its Hong Kong campus (learning enhancement, language support and counselling teams) and the Hangzhou programme emphasises personal attention, pastoral care and social‑emotional counselling within the residential setting. Because Hangzhou is a small, single‑year residential programme with limited boarding capacity, families with specific or complex Additional Learning Needs (SEN) should discuss individual provision with CIS Admissions to confirm suitability and available accommodations.

CIS Hangzhou is a mainland China residential programme run by the Chinese International School (Hong Kong) in partnership with Greentown Yuhua School; it is an extension of the Hong Kong school rather than an independent national school.

Chinese International School is listed with no religious affiliation; CIS/Hangzhou is not a faith school.

The programme combines on‑campus academic lessons, experiential/field learning in Hangzhou, and residential life routines; the residence is staffed 24 hours a day with Coach Mentors and Heads of House for pastoral care. Detailed daily timetables (class times, study periods and house activities) are set by the programme each year—contact Admissions for the current term timetable.

There is no published regular day‑student bus route on the Hangzhou programme pages; because students live on campus the programme focuses on on‑site accommodation and organised excursions. Parents visiting the campus typically use local transport (the Jiangcun/Xihu area is served by Hangzhou Metro Line 5 and local roads to Wenyi West Road). For organised transfers (airport pickups, parent visits or off‑campus trips) ask CIS Admissions or the Hangzhou programme team for the latest arrangements and any provider details.

Residential facilities are housed in two custom-built halls on the Greentown Yuhua School campus, a partner school, and are designed to be in line with those of top boarding schools.

CIS Hangzhou delivers a bilingual (English and Chinese) curriculum that uses the city as a classroom and is organised around four interconnected focuses: Autonomy, Better Being, Collaboration and Disciplines. Primary (Reception–Year 6) is a collaborative dual‑language programme with co‑teaching by native Chinese (Mandarin) and English teachers and differentiated Chinese Language Arts for Years 4–6 taught at three proficiency levels. Secondary Years 7–9 follow the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) as foundational years. Years 10–11 follow a CIS‑developed curriculum and assessment model—Year 10 is delivered through the CIS Hangzhou residential programme with personalised, project‑based and interdisciplinary learning, and Year 11 returns to the Hong Kong campus to bridge MYP and DP expectations. Years 12–13 prepare students for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP); across the Hangzhou programme core subjects include Chinese (Mandarin) and English, mathematics at different levels, humanities, sciences, visual and performing arts, product design, physical education, and optional French or Spanish.

CIS Hangzhou delivers a taught programme called Better Being that aims to develop students' self-understanding, strengths, mindfulness practices and coping strategies; it includes scheduled “Home Time”, “Family Time”, project work (Inner Dragon, Footprints, Shifu Yoda and Engine) and house-based group work led by Heads of Houses and Coach Mentors. The Hangzhou page states that Better Being is part of an overall Student Life & Well‑being approach and that both physical and mental health are emphasised. The wider CIS school also describes a Visible Well‑Being/SEARCH approach (developed with Professor Lea Waters) that informs whole‑school SEL practice. These descriptions are published on the CIS Hangzhou and CIS Visible Well‑Being pages.

The CIS Hangzhou pages describe pastoral and one‑to‑one support delivered by Coach Mentors, Heads of House and the school counsellor as part of student life and well‑being, but they do not detail a dedicated Learning Enhancement (SEN) team or the specific categories of special educational needs supported at Hangzhou. CIS' broader site describes Learning Enhancement and Learning Enhancement teachers at the Hong Kong campus and small‑group/in‑class support in secondary years, but the Hangzhou pages do not specify equivalent Learning Enhancement provision for Year 10. The school does not publicly disclose which specific kinds of SEN it can support at the Hangzhou programme or whether CIS Hangzhou is a specialist SEN institution.

CIS Hangzhou's curriculum is described as bilingual: teaching is delivered in English and Chinese to enhance students' Chinese language proficiency while continuing education in English. The Hangzhou pages explain the bilingual nature of the programme but do not provide a published EAL (English as an Additional Language) programme or details of specialist EAL staffing for the Hangzhou year. Therefore, the school does not publicly disclose detailed EAL provision specific to CIS Hangzhou.

CIS Hangzhou places mental wellbeing at the centre of its Better Being curriculum, which includes mindfulness practice, regular Home/Family/One‑to‑One times, and taught projects intended to build resilience and self‑awareness. The Hangzhou programme explicitly names student life and well‑being staff, Coach Mentors and Heads of House as the adults responsible for delivering these elements in the boarding context. At the wider school level, CIS also operates a Counselling Department that offers self‑referral and referrals by staff or parents, presentations in curriculum and ongoing counselling sessions. These provisions are described on the Hangzhou Student Life & Well‑being and CIS counselling pages.

CIS runs a school‑wide Child Protection Programme with a published Child Protection Policy, designated Child Protection Officers, a Code of Conduct for staff and visitors, mandatory training, reporting protocols and a Child Protection Reporting Form; the programme explicitly includes materials and appendices that reference Hangzhou (e.g. visitor and self‑harm protocols for HK & HZ). The Child Protection page states the school adopts a strict zero‑tolerance policy towards mistreatment of children and that governance oversight includes two designated Board members. For enquiries the school lists a Child Protection contact (cpo@cis.edu.hk) and links to its Child Protection handbook and reporting procedures. These safeguarding policies are published on the CIS Child Protection Programme pages.

1. Confirm programme and eligibility
Decide whether you are applying to the CIS Year 10 Hangzhou programme (a year-long, residential Year 10 placement on the Greentown Yuhua School campus) or to a Year 7–13 place at CIS in Hong Kong that includes the required Year 10 Hangzhou year. Parents should note that the Hangzhou placement is an integral part of CIS Year 10 and that for students applying only for the one‑year Hangzhou programme the application route and timing differ — contact the Admissions Office for one‑year placements. Check language expectations: secondary applicants must have a solid command of English; Chinese (Mandarin) is a required subject offered at different proficiency levels.

2. Start the online application (timing and fees)
Open the online application (CIS accepts secondary applications from 1 September) and upload required documents (identity documents, photos, recent school reports). For Year 7–13 applicants CIS recommends submitting ideally by late October because assessments begin in November; late applications are accepted but places and course choices may already be limited. Be prepared to pay the non‑refundable application fee (HK$2,000) and the non‑refundable assessment fee (HK$2,500) at the time you submit.

3. Attend an Information Session and (optional) tour
Information Sessions (strongly encouraged for Years 7–13) explain CIS's mission, curriculum and practical details for families and usually run during the academic year immediately before entry (November–December). If you apply, you will receive registration details by email; attending helps you understand expectations for Year 10 Hangzhou (residential, experiential learning) and clarifies logistics such as travel, medical and visa matters. Virtual or in‑person campus tours are available — if you cannot visit in person use the virtual tour link the school provides.

4. Entrance assessment and interviews
All Year 7–13 applicants are required to sit an entrance assessment (November–May window). The written assessment typically includes English, Chinese (Mandarin), Mathematics and logic and lasts about three hours; oral interviews (English and/or Mandarin where applicable) are about 15 minutes. Parents should arrange any necessary translation of school reports and prepare to share prior-school records; results and teacher references are used in a holistic admissions decision.

5. Placement offers and conditional/visa considerations
Decisions are usually communicated 3–4 weeks after assessment sessions. Some offers may be conditional (for example, pending receipt of a valid visa for overseas students); if space is unavailable after a successful assessment you may be placed on the school's internal reserve pool (see below). If you need a conditional offer for visas, notify Admissions early so they can advise on timing.

6. Accepting an offer and paying the reservation deposit
To accept a place the family confirms and pays the non‑refundable reservation deposit immediately (CIS currently requests a reservation deposit of HK$150,000) — the deposit is credited toward the Annual Capital Levy and tuition. Note that the Annual Capital Levy amount was adjusted for the 2025–26 academic year on the CIS fees page, so confirm how the deposit will be allocated for your child's entry year with the Business Office before finalising payment. Parents should also be ready for additional charges (annual fees, capital levy, materials, meals, bus, and — for Hangzhou Year 10 residents — residential and meal charges).

7. If applying for financial assistance
If you require financial assistance, indicate interest during the online application so the Admissions Office can provide the financial aid application steps. Financial Aid at CIS is targeted at new students entering Year 8 and above (students should be aged 12+ at enrolment); the process is competitive and involves submission of financial documentation and a holistic review of merit and need. For the 2026 cycle the financial aid application deadline listed by the school is 1 March with notifications in May or June — check the Financial Aid page for current deadlines and join the school's information session (usually held in January/February).

8. Practical follow‑up (documentation and communication)
After acceptance, complete required administrative steps promptly: submit final transcripts, identity documents, health/medical forms, and any visa paperwork; failure to provide paperwork promptly can delay enrolment or boarding arrangements for Hangzhou. If you have specific questions about the one‑year Hangzhou-only application path, contact the Admissions Office directly for the separate guidance they provide.

CIS does not use the term "scholarship" on its public pages in the way some schools do; instead it operates a Financial Aid programme (means‑tested support) for new students entering Year 8 and above. The Financial Aid programme requires applicants to be aged 12+ at enrolment and is awarded after a holistic review of merit and family need (factors include academic and co‑curricular achievements, household income, number of dependents, assets/liabilities and expenses). Families indicate interest during the online application and submit supporting financial documentation; the school states there is no fixed salary cutoff and each application is assessed individually. Financial Aid may help cover tuition and families should raise any anticipated non‑tuition expenses (for example residential or meal charges for Hangzhou, materials, or transport) early in the process so those needs can be considered. The Financial Aid page also lists an application deadline (for the 2026 cycle the deadline shown is 1 March with notifications in May/June) and recommends attending the school's financial aid information session (usually held in January or February). For students already enrolled who encounter financial difficulty, the school asks families to contact the Director of Finance and Business Administration confidentially. If you need an exact, current schedule of deadlines, ranges of award amounts or application forms, request that information directly from Admissions/Business Office since award availability and deadlines can change year to year.

CIS uses a small "reserve list" (a pool) for some year groups rather than a strictly ordered public waitlist. According to the school FAQ, a small number of candidates for each year group may be placed on a reserve list; that reserve list is not ranked — it functions as a pool from which the candidate who best complements an available space will be chosen. For Year 1–6 and Reception the site explains that applications not invited to assessment are kept open and families are contacted later to confirm continued interest; for Secondary, places are offered on a rolling basis after each assessment session, and applicants who have been assessed but not admitted may be asked to reapply for a later year. Parents should therefore: keep their application file complete and up to date, respond to Admissions' periodic emails when asked if you remain interested, and be prepared to reapply if necessary for a different academic year. If you want a clearer reading of your child's position, contact the Admissions Office directly — the school does not publish an ordered waitlist position.

Hangzhou International School is at 2190 Xiangbin Road in Binjiang District, Hangzhou; the school moved to a new purpose-built campus (two buildings: The Cocoon and The Lantern) in 2022. Binjiang is Hangzhou's high‑tech district and the city has extensive rail and air connections (Shanghai is under an hour by high‑speed train) — useful to consider when relocating.

HIS is a full IB‑continuum school serving Early Years (age 2) through Grade 12. Lower School covers Early Years/Pre‑K/Kindergarten and Grades 1–5; Upper School covers Grades 6–8 (MYP) and Grades 9–12 (IB Diploma Programme and a WASC‑accredited high school diploma).

HIS is a co‑educational, non‑profit, independent day school and an IB World School. The school offers IB programmes and a WASC‑accredited high‑school diploma; it is described as a day school (no boarding provision is indicated).

Student Support Services provides inclusive, individualized support for students with mild learning or sensory differences, with learning‑support specialists in both Lower and Upper School. Formal services are documented in an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) when indicated; Learning Support Program (LSP) fees are charged according to the level of support.

HIS is an international school located in China and does not have an affiliation to a particular foreign country; it serves children of foreign nationals from many nationalities.

The school is non‑religious — described as an inclusive, non‑profit IB World School with no stated religious affiliation.

Classroom instruction at HIS begins at 08:00 and the school day ends at 15:00 for all grades. Arrival guidance notes students in Grades 1–12 should be at the Main Campus gate by 07:55; parents may escort ECE (EY–K) children to the ECE gate between 07:45–08:15.

HIS offers a school bus service available to all students upon request; routes and pick‑up/drop‑off points are organized for areas close to students' homes. Each bus has a Chinese bus monitor and is fitted with seat belts and a mobile phone; the school posts the current bus routes/schedule on its site. For transport questions the school lists a Transportation Secretary contact (Tracy Zhu).

The school is a day school.

Lower School students (ECE - Grade 5) wear a light blue HIS polo shirt with navy (dark blue) trousers/ shorts/ skirt or a navy HIS dress. A navy fleece or HIS hoodie sweatshirt can be worn in the cooler weather. All students must wear laced shoes.

Middle School students wear tan shorts, trousers, or skirts and a navy blue polo shirt (short or long sleeved) with the HIS book logo. A navy fleece or HIS hoodie sweatshirt can be worn in the cooler weather. All students must wear laced shoes.

High School students (Grades 9 through 12) wear tan shorts or trousers, or plaid skirts (girls only) and a light blue Oxford cloth button down short or long sleeved short with the HIS book logo. A navy fleece or HIS hoodie sweatshirt or other approved outerwear such as the HIS Letterman's Jacket can be worn in the cooler weather. All students must wear laced shoes.

The school is an independent, non-profit day school. It is part of the International Schools Foundation (ISF), which operates HIS and other international schools. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and authorized to deliver the IB Diploma Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Primary Years Programme.

Hangzhou International School is a full International Baccalaureate continuum school: Grades Early Years–5 follow the PYP, Grades 6–10 follow the MYP, and Grades 11–12 are authorized to deliver the IB Diploma Programme; the school also awards a WASC‑accredited High School Diploma. The Early Years program combines IB PYP approaches with Australian early‑childhood standards (Being, Belonging, Becoming) to support holistic development. Lower School (Grades 1–5) uses a transdisciplinary PYP model integrating mathematics, literacy, social studies, science, the arts and design/computer technology, supported by specialists in PE, arts, Mandarin, EAL, learning support, STEAM and library. The MYP (Grades 6–10) offers an eight‑subject framework that emphasizes academic challenge, personal development and culminates in a Personal Project submitted for external assessment. In Grades 11–12 students follow the DP (six subjects at Higher/Standard Level, Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and CAS) while completing HIS graduation requirements (minimum 26 credits and specified core courses) to earn the HIS High School Diploma.

HIS runs a schoolwide Counseling and Wellness Program that uses the CASEL framework and ISCA student standards to teach social‑emotional skills across divisions. Lessons and seminars cover topics such as self‑awareness, social awareness, personal safety, transitions and academic/career readiness, and are delivered by school counselors, classroom teachers, advisors and homeroom teachers. The program is described as proactive and preventative and is integrated into classroom units in the Lower School, advisory periods in Middle School, and whole‑grade seminars in the Upper School. The Middle Years Programme also includes an advisory/pastoral class to support student pastoral development and leadership skills. These provisions and the Wellness Program are described on the school website and the Dragon Tales wellness article.

HIS states it provides individualized inclusive support for students with mild learning or sensory differences and employs learning support specialists for both Lower and Upper School. The Learning Support team works with students, teachers and parents to identify needs, and formal services are documented in an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) after internal or external assessment. The school notes that some support is delivered in‑class (classroom strategies and push‑in) and some in small groups or mini‑lessons; after‑school tutoring is offered in the Upper School. Learning Support Program (LSP) fees are charged according to the level of support provided. The school describes this provision as inclusive support for mild needs rather than as a specialist SEN institution.

HIS publishes an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program that welcomes students for whom English is an additional language and aims to develop communicative and academic English proficiency. The school provides both push‑in and pull‑out ESOL services for Grades 1–8 and reports student progress in reading, writing, listening and speaking; ESOL teachers co‑plan with classroom teachers to support language across content areas. High School students are expected to be proficient enough to access the curriculum; all students are placed in grade‑level classrooms regardless of ESOL level. The ESOL pages describe expected timelines for language development and how teachers collaborate to support multilingual learners.

HIS's Counseling Program promotes personal, interpersonal, emotional and academic development through individual services, small groups and whole‑class/seminar lessons as part of a proactive, preventative approach. Students receive lessons on topics including transitions, personal health and safety, conflict resolution and life beyond school; the counseling team also provides seminars and lectures for parents. Counselors are described as qualified to administer a range of psychological evaluation tools to identify needs and inform interventions. The school publishes information about the Wellness Program and counseling services on its website and in school news posts.

HIS publishes a detailed Child Protection Guidelines document (updated January 2024) that sets out the school's child protection belief statement, reporting procedures, safe recruitment protocols, code of conduct and curriculum responsibilities. The guidelines specify a Child Protection Response Team that includes all school counselors, administrators from each division and the school nurse, and name the Designated Child Protection Officer (Upper School Psychologist Dr Ryan Beddows) and other response contacts. Procedures cover steps for reporting suspected abuse or neglect, confidentiality, training and follow‑up, and the school states its policy aligns with WHO, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and Chinese law. The Child Protection Guidelines and the School Policies page are published on the HIS website.

Hangzhou International School (HIS) was founded in 2002 by the International Schools Foundation (ISF) as a non‑profit, independent day school serving the international community. ISF is a U.S.‑based non‑profit (501(c)(3)) organization governed by an appointed Board of Governors and operating a small network of international schools. HIS holds international accreditation and IB authorizations and in 2022 moved to a purpose‑built campus designed with two main buildings, The Cocoon (Early Childhood) and The Lantern (Main Campus).

HIS describes a diverse student and family community with more than 50 nationalities represented and a broad program of school and community events. Regular, school‑wide gatherings and traditions include an annual International Day (Parade of Nations, traditional performances and food), an annual Dragon Run community charity event, and recurring activities such as a Friday Artisan Food Market; there are also music and choir opportunities that involve parents and community members. Newsletters and school posts document family groups, community band initiatives, and other cultural and service activities that bring parents, students and staff together.

The Parents and Friends Association (PAFA) at HIS coordinates parent and community involvement outside the formal curriculum, working closely with school leadership to support campus life and school culture. PAFA runs recurring programs and fundraising activities and organizes events such as luncheons, International Day booths, bake sales for lower and upper school, lower‑school dances and movie nights, talent shows, school decorations for festivities, family picnics and grade‑level hikes/day trips, and Teacher Appreciation Day. The PAFA page lists these typical activities and invites parents to join and volunteer; the association also publishes and promotes specific events (for example, PAFA Welcome Lunches and culture‑specific parent lunches). Parents can contact the PAFA events team directly for involvement or questions (pafaevents@hisdragons.org.cn).

The campus covers over 50,000 square meters and consists of two buildings: The Cocoon (ECE Campus) and The Lantern (Main Campus). It includes a Performing Arts Theatre and a Black Box Theatre, The Wave swimming pool, three indoor gyms, outdoor courts, and a FIFA-rated football/soccer pitch. The Wave is a 25-meter swimming facility, and there are additional spaces for learning and leisure across the campus.

The HIS campus has 2 double-court gymnasia with spectator bleachers, a 25-meter, 6-lane swimming pool capable of hosting competitions, and a full-size artificial turf soccer field with floodlights. It also features a fully-equipped fitness centre, an ECE gymnasium, three multipurpose studios, and a 20-meter indoor bouldering wall. An outdoor multi-purpose court supports tennis and basketball, and the campus is surrounded by off-road running trails.

The HIS library system provides print and online resources for the entire community, with physical access and digital resources through the Oliver Portal. There are three HIS community libraries: the ECE Library (ECE Building, 2nd floor), the Lower School Library (Main Building, SW Wing, 1st Floor), and the Upper School Library (Main Building, NW Wing, 1st Floor), with the Upper School Library sharing space with a gift shop and café. All HIS libraries are open from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. The school operates a MacBook-based laptop program for Grades 6–12, with Grade 5 using a school-owned laptop during the school day; parents provide a recent MacBook, and The Tech Shack (2F NE 211) supports technology use and learning. A Laptop Requirement Letter formalizes these expectations, and a Technology Responsible Use Agreement governs use of devices.

HIS offers extensive co-curricular activities, with 29 teams across 12 sports and a high level of student participation (over 65% of middle and high school students on sports teams, and more than 50% on multiple teams). The school is a member of HISAC, ACAMIS, SISAC, and CISSA, enabling competition in Hangzhou, Shanghai, and across China. Aquatics offerings include the HIS Dragons Swim Team for Grades 3–12 and the The Wave pool facilities for meets and training. Other CCAs include West Lake MUN, Jade Dragons, and The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.

Hangzhou International School is an inclusive non-profit IB World School in Hangzhou, China. It offers the full IB curriculum for Early Years through Grade 12 (ages 2–18) and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The school was founded in 2002 by the International Schools Foundation (ISF).

The school provides co-curricular and performing arts opportunities through its campus facilities and programs, including a Performing Arts Theatre and related arts activities within its extend/Co-curricular Activities offerings.

Mandarin is a dedicated program for K–12 learners, with a Mandarin Learning Pathway and related co-curricular activities such as Chinese Chess, Chinese Reading Clubs, Debate, and Chinese Calligraphy.

Co-curricular Activities (CCAs) cover a wide range of interests, enabling students to engage in language, culture, and recreational clubs beyond classroom learning.

The school emphasizes global-mindedness and community involvement, with university counseling and a broad range of student support services.

University Counseling is available to support students with post-secondary planning and university destinations around the world.

The campus provides extensive facilities for student life, including theatres, a large swimming pool, indoor gyms, outdoor courts, and a FIFA-rated pitch, supporting both wellness and physical education.

The curriculum is delivered in English. Mandarin is taught through a dedicated Mandarin Learning Program for K-12 learners, including Mandarin learning pathways and Mandarin-related CCAs. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) supports English language learners, with push-in and pull-out services in Grades 1-8, while high school students (Grades 9-12) are expected to be proficient in English to access the curriculum.

Only awards explicitly recorded on the HIS website in the past five years (institutional or school-level recognitions) are listed below.

• Forbes China — "Best International High School in Hangzhou" (Forbes China International School Annual Selection, 2025): Forbes China's 2025 selection ranked HIS the top international high school in Hangzhou (22nd nationally, 10th outside Shanghai/Beijing); the school's site presents this as a third‑party ranking of the institution.

• ACAMIS Jim Koerchen Award for Innovation (noted on HIS site, May 2024): HIS reports that its Global Issues Network (GIN) project won the ACAMIS Jim Koerchen Award for Innovation and that HIS was one of two ACAMIS member schools to receive the award and accompanying prize, as recorded in the school newsletter. (The school's news post frames this as an award to the school community through the GIN project.)

• RoboHangzhou awards (hosted event; HIS reported institutional awards, November): HIS hosted the first RoboHangzhou VEX IQ competition and reports that Hangzhou International School teams received the Collaboration Award and the Skills Champion Runner‑Up award at that event; the school's news item records these awards as recognitions won by HIS teams.

Notes and scope limits:
- I included only awards or recognitions that are documented on the HIS website and that refer to the school (or school teams/projects) rather than individual student prizes. Newsletters and Dragon Tales posts may report team- or club-level awards that represent the school community; where a post described an award to a student team or club but explicitly framed it as an award to the school community, I included it (see ACAMIS Jim Koerchen entry).
- If you'd like, I can (a) check the full Dragon Tales / News archive for any additional institutional recognitions in 2021–2026, or (b) extract the exact publication dates and direct links for each item above.

• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC / ACS WASC) — WASC is a U.S.-based regional accrediting body that evaluates K–12 schools against international standards; HIS states it is accredited by WASC, which provides external validation of the school's governance, program quality and student learning processes.

• International Baccalaureate (IB) authorization — HIS is an IB World School authorized to deliver the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP); IB authorization means the school has met the IB Organization's requirements to teach those curricula and is part of the IB global network.

doris recommends that you start by speaking to admissions. This connects you directly to the school's admissions team who can respond with answers, more information, and next steps.

1. Initial enquiry and visit. Contact the Admissions Office (admissions@hisdragons.org.cn or +86 571 8669 0045) to request information or schedule a campus visit; the school asks for at least 24 hours' notice for tours. A formal enquiry can also be submitted via the HIS website; this is the usual first step so the admissions team can confirm the documents and timing you'll need.

2. Start the online application (OpenApply). HIS uses OpenApply for applications; parents create an account, complete the online application and submit required attachments through that portal. The application must be submitted and the non-refundable application fee paid to trigger formal consideration.

3. Pay the application fee and note timing. The published application fee is RMB 3,000 and is non‑refundable; the fee is valid for up to one academic year from the application date. Make sure you submit the fee when you complete the online form so your file is processed; keep receipts and email payment confirmations to admissions/payment contacts if requested.

4. Provide required documentation and evidence of eligibility. Be prepared to upload/bring a copy of the student's passport, proof of legal residency/visa status, recent school reports/transcripts, and health/immunisation records (the OpenApply form and admissions team will confirm the exact checklist for your child). HIS admits children of foreign nationals (and specified categories such as residents of Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Chinese citizens permanently living abroad) but generally does not admit children of Chinese citizens permanently residing in China; confirm your child's eligibility with admissions before applying.

5. Assessment and placement. HIS uses a holistic admissions approach; for placement the school considers academic records, language proficiency and classroom fit. Incoming students—especially Grades 1–10—may be assessed for English level and placed into appropriate support or class groups; students referred for English support are charged an ESOL fee and the school administers assessments such as NWEA/WIDA as part of language/placement decisions. Expect the admissions team or school to arrange any necessary interviews, assessments, or campus visits as part of placement.

6. Offer, seat guarantee deposit and fees on acceptance. If offered a place, you must accept in writing and pay the seat guarantee deposit (published at RMB 20,000) to hold the place until the tuition payment deadline. New students also pay a one‑time non‑refundable capital fee on admission (RMB 30,000) and other compulsory fees as listed in the Tuition & Fees schedule—confirm the invoice and payment deadlines when you receive the offer.

7. Tuition payment schedule, methods and refund windows. HIS publishes specific due dates (for example, annual and Semester 1 payments due June 1, Semester 2 due December 1 in the 2025–26 schedule) and accepts bank transfers, checks in RMB or USD, and RMB cash (wire transfer charges are the payer's responsibility). The Tuition & Fees page also lists the school's refund policy and withdrawal deadlines (for example, re‑enrollment/withdrawal notice dates are specified in the schedule); review those refund deadlines carefully before making payments.

8. Final steps before attendance. After fees are settled and registration is complete, the school will confirm start dates, bus arrangements (if used) and any device or uniform requirements (Upper School students must bring a recent Apple laptop; one “startup” uniform set is included in fees). If you have questions at any point, contact the Director of Admissions and Community Relations (Andrea Stubbs) using the contact details on the admissions/OpenApply pages.

HIS does not publish any routine tuition scholarships or need‑based financial aid programs on its public Tuition & Fees or Admissions pages; the school's published fees and discounts (for example, a 5% sibling discount for families with three or more enrolled children) are the items explicitly described. For postgraduate or university‑level scholarships, HIS reports that graduating students have received external university scholarships and offers (the Class of 2025 was reported to have received more than US$775,000 in scholarship offers and individual students have secured university athletic scholarships). If you need help with fee assistance or specific scholarship opportunities, contact the Admissions Office directly—they can confirm whether any discretionary bursaries, staff discounts or special arrangements might be available in exceptional cases.

HIS operates a wait pool (sometimes called a waitlist) when classes are full and no additional sections can be added. Placement into the wait pool and subsequent offers from it are determined by multiple factors taken together: priority is often given to children of faculty who cannot attend local schools, children of foreign nationals who cannot attend local schools, and siblings of those students, and then other considerations such as the student's best language, English level, intended start date and the demographics of the grade/class. The school states that all relevant factors are considered together when assessing admission from the wait pool; parents placed in the wait pool should remain in regular contact with Admissions for updates and must observe the school's payment/deposit deadlines if offered a seat.