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American Curriculum International Schools in Shenzhen, China

Edited by · B2C Marketing Manager

About international schools in Shenzhen, China

American-curriculum international schools in Shenzhen typically follow a U.S.-style programme (elementary standards through to an American high-school diploma) and are concentrated in expat hubs such as Nanshan/Shekou and parts of Futian and Qianhai. Instruction is primarily in English with Mandarin taught as a second language; some providers combine American pathways with international options such as Advanced Placement (AP) courses or the IB diploma. Published annual tuition for these schools varies widely - roughly CNY 138,000 to CNY 298,000 per year - and the all-in cost is usually higher once you add transport, meals, activity fees and one-off levies. Most schools admit children holding foreign passports (with separate rules for Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan residents and for Sino-foreign bilingual schools), and families should expect a spring priority-application season for August intake alongside some rolling admissions where space allows.

Compare 7 American Curriculum international schools in Shenzhen, China. Filter by curriculum, fees (average RMB 220,244), location, and more to find the right international school now.

At a glance 7 schools · avg fee RMB 220,244
Schools listed
7
Curricula
11
Average annual fee
RMB 220,244
Fee range
RMB 107,600 – 326,760
Most common curriculum
Advanced Placement (AP) (6 schools)
Average school size
850 pupils
Largest by enrolment
Shenzhen College of International Education
Oldest
QSI International School of Shenzhen (2001)
With boarding
3

Read our parent's guide to the American Curriculum →

The curved facade and main entrance of Shenzhen American International School.
Shenzhen American International School logo

Shenzhen American International School

IB (PYP), IB (DP) · Ages 3 to 18

RMB 138,000 - 298,000
Ages 3 to 18 years
IB (PYP), IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge A Levels, Montessori Curriculum
Instructs in English
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An aerial view of the modern rooftop gardens and campus at SCIE.
Shenzhen College of International Education logo

Shenzhen College of International Education

Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels · Ages 14 to 18

RMB 273,000 - 303,000
Ages 14 to 18 years
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Advanced Placement (AP)
Instructs in English
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Main signage of Shenzhen International Foundation College
Shenzhen International Foundation College logo

Shenzhen International Foundation College

Advanced Placement (AP), British Curriculum · Ages 14 to 18

RMB 268,000 - 308,000
Ages 14 to 18 years
Advanced Placement (AP), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, American Curriculum
Instructs in English, English and English
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BASIS International School Shenzhen — international school in Shenzhen, China
BASIS International School Shenzhen logo

BASIS International School Shenzhen

American Curriculum · Ages 3 to 18

RMB 264,160 - 326,760
Ages 3 to 18 years
American Curriculum
Language not listed
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A view of the main entrance gate leading to the main campus building.
Korea International School Shenzhen logo

Korea International School Shenzhen

Advanced Placement (AP) · Ages 4 to 18

RMB 107,600 - 145,800
Ages 4 to 18 years
Advanced Placement (AP)
Instructs in English
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Streetview of QSI International School of Shenzhen main campus building and entrance.
QSI International School of Shenzhen logo

QSI International School of Shenzhen

American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) · Ages 2 to 18

RMB 138,300 - 226,800
Ages 2 to 18 years
American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), IB (DP)
Instructs in English
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The modern architectural facade of Merchiston International School under a clear blue sky.
Merchiston International School Shenzhen logo

Merchiston International School Shenzhen

EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum · Ages 4 to 18

RMB 138,000 - 148,000
Ages 4 to 18 years
EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Advanced Placement (AP)
Instructs in English
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FAQs for China

What does “American curriculum” mean in Shenzhen schools?
It generally means a U.S.-style programme using American learning standards in primary and secondary grades, often culminating in an American high-school diploma. High-school students may be able to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses or sit other internationally recognised assessments; some schools also offer dual pathways or the IB diploma alongside the American programme.
What age ranges and stages do these schools cover?
American-curriculum schools in Shenzhen commonly run from early years/preschool through to Grade 12, though some providers stop at middle school. Check each school’s published grade span and how they place children coming from different academic calendars, because placement policies for students transferring mid-year can vary.
How much should we budget for fees and extra costs?
Published annual tuition for American-curriculum schools in Shenzhen typically falls between about CNY 138,000 and CNY 298,000, with many schools clustering around CNY 180,000 - 300,000 once extras are included. Expect additional charges for application/enrolment deposits, school bus, meals, uniforms, extracurricular activities and, in some cases, a capital or building levy that can make the true first-year cost noticeably higher than the headline fee.
Can children with only a mainland Chinese passport attend these international schools?
Most foreign-owned international schools in Shenzhen are legally restricted to children holding foreign passports and will admit residents of Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan under specific conditions. There are Sino-foreign bilingual schools and government-affiliated international divisions that may accept mainland passport holders; always confirm eligibility directly with the school before applying.
When should we apply and what is the admissions rhythm?
Schools commonly run a priority application cycle in late winter to spring (often March - May) ahead of August intake, and many hold open houses or assessment days in that period. Several schools also operate rolling admissions or waiting lists for mid-year places, but popular grades can fill early, so start enquiries and paperwork several months before your planned move.