WISS | Welcome To Admissions

Welcome to admissions

At WISS, we are passionate about welcoming new families as part of the Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) Community. We’re delighted that you are interested in learning more about our school.

WISS is a top-tier international school for children between the ages of 2.5 and 18+ and welcomes students and parents interested in joining our Early Years, Primary, and Secondary Programmes.

WISS offers a rolling admissions policy, which allows us to accept applications for new students at any time throughout the school year. This is one of the ways that we add a level of value and convenience to our prospective families as we consider the needs of families who may relocate to Shanghai throughout the school year. As part of our Admissions Process, WISS upholds a non-discriminatory admissions policy and enrolls students who want to experience a WISS Education regardless of race, religion, cultural orientation, or country of origin.

Founded in 2006, WISS offers students and parents a wealth of experience in high-quality international education. In addition to our rigorous academic programmes, the vast array of After-School Activities, and carefully selected partnerships that form our Distinguishing Programmes, we strive to send compassionate, brave, ethically-minded global citizens into the world.

We also know that every family, and every child, is unique, and you may have questions that extend beyond what is available on our website. Therefore, I invite you to get in touch with our experienced international admissions team, which is available to you for any questions, to guide you through every step of the admissions process and assist you with that vital aspect of finding the best-fit school for your child.

Reach out to the Admissions Team today to start your journey at the Western International School of Shanghai.

Welcome to admissions

We’re delighted that you are interested in learning more about our school.

At the Western International School of Shanghai (WISS), we are passionate about welcoming new families to our Community.

WISS is a top-tier international school for children between the ages of 2.5 and 17+, and welcomes students and parents interested in joining our Early Years, Primary School, and Secondary School Programmes.

WISS offers a rolling admissions policy, which allows us to accept applications for new students at any time throughout the school year. This is one of the ways that we support our prospective families as we consider the needs of families who may relocate to Shanghai throughout the school year. As part of our Admissions Process, WISS upholds a non-discriminatory admissions policy and enrolls eligible students who would like to experience a WISS Education regardless of race, religion, cultural orientation, or country of origin.

Founded in 2006, WISS offers students and parents a wealth of experience in high-quality international education. In addition to our rigorous academic programmes, the vast array of After-School Activities, and carefully selected partnerships that form our Distinguishing Programmes, we strive to cultivate lifelong learning within each of our students and prepare them to be successful beyond WISS.

We also know that every family, and every child, is unique, and you may have questions that extend beyond what is available on our website. Therefore, I invite you to get in touch with our experienced international admissions team, which is available for any questions, to guide you through every step of the admissions process, and assist you with that vital aspect of finding the best-fit school for your child.

Reach out to the Admissions Team today to start your journey at the Western International School of Shanghai.

Admissions criteria

Eligibility

Admission is open to all foreign passport holders with no preference given to any one nationality. Preference will be given to families with siblings already attending WISS.

PRC Regulations

In compliance with Chinese government regulations, WISS can accept applications from foreign passport holders or residents from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Applications can also be received by any Chinese passport holder who has one or both parents holding a foreign passport, or those who qualify to apply under the regulations of the Shanghai Education Committee.

Guardianship

Local government requirements in regard to proper guardianship of students mean that WISS may accept students who are a: a) resident with at least one parent, or b) resident with an approved guardian (with power of attorney). Students are not permitted, under local regulations, to be under the supervision of non-resident guardians. Students who are not living with at least one parent or authorized guardian cannot be enrolled at WISS.

English Fluency

Students applying to WISS will be evaluated for English speaking, reading, and writing ability. As the school wishes to maintain an environment where English is the primary language of academic instruction, preference is given to those students who are most functional or have the greatest potential to be functional at their grade level in English. All entering Secondary students not having English as their native language must, as a minimum, be at a level from which they can work to complete the IB Subsidiary English B program by graduation, along with self-taught study of their mother tongue language.

Age Placement

A child must be:

• toilet trained and 2.5 years old by February 1st of the year entering Pre-Nursery

• toilet trained and three years old by September 1st of the year entering Nursery

• four years old by September 1st of the year entering Pre-Kindergarten

• five years old by September 1st of the year entering Kindergarten

• six years old by September 1st of the year entering Grade 1

During the admissions process, the Admissions Team and Application Review Committee will take into account a student’s country of origin, the educational system from which the student comes, and the student’s past performance to determine suitable grade placement. Students who have not completed a full year in the previous grade may be required to repeat the grade.

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Families guided through the admissions process

Campus Tours

Conducted

New student buddies assigned

Open days and info sessions hosted

100

Families guided through the admissions process

Campus Tours

Conducted

New student buddies assigned

Open days and info sessions hosted

100

WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE WISS

At WISS, we are dedicated to our child-focused approach to education, and our teachers are committed to nurturing each student to reach their full potential. We are proud to be the first and only full continuum IB World School in mainland China offering the four programmes of the International Baccalaureate (IB): the Primary Years Programme (IBPYP), the Middle Years Programme (IBMYP), the Diploma Programme (IBDP), and the Career-related Programme (IBCP).

Parents and students benefit from the many distinguishing programs offered as part of our balanced approach to education. We are home to the Global Alliance for Innovative Learning (GAIL), ISTA Academy Shanghai, and the Stoke FC Academy at WISS. Our enrichment programs also include the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and our Explore China program.

We understand that moving to a new country or city comes with challenges and that choosing the best school for your child is one of the most important decisions you face. WISS is a caring and diverse community, and we look forward to welcoming the whole family. Families joining WISS quickly find a sense of belonging at their “home away from home”.

During this period of transition, we want to make certain that you have all the information you need to feel comfortable and confident in your decision-making process. Our admissions process, including a list of required documents, is explained on this site. However, if you have any questions or need additional assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help guide you through all aspects of the application process. If you will be visiting Shanghai, we would love to welcome you for a personal tour of our campus so you can see first-hand what makes WISS so special.

WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE WISS

Parents and students benefit from the many distinguishing programs offered as part of our balanced approach to education. We are home to the Global Alliance for Innovative Learning (GAIL), and ISTA Academy Shanghai. Our enrichment programs also include the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and our Explore China program.

A snapshot of the Western International School of Shanghai demographics.

ADMISSIONS PROCESS

Complete a WISS Online Application Form. You can "Apply Now" here.

Submit all required application documents and information. Parents would need to submit:

School Reports (for the most recent 2 years, if applicable)
Teacher Recommendation Form
Passport Copies (Parents and applicant)
Medical Information

Speak to your dedicated Admissions Advisor to arrange a conveneint time for an Admissions Placement Assessment, Academic Interview, and Campus Tour.

Submit payment of the application fee to activate your application for review.

Resources

DOWNLOAD

Admissions Brochure

DOWNLOAD

Tuition Fees & Refund Policy

DOWNLOAD

Age Placement Guide

DOWNLOAD

Calendar & Events

Resources

DOWNLOAD

Admissions Brochure

DOWNLOAD

Tuition Fees & Refund Policy

DOWNLOAD

Age Placement Guide

Finding the Best Fit School

DOWNLOAD

WISS Scholarship Pack

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA

Eligibility

Admission is open to all foreign citizenship holders. WISS admits students without reference to race, religion, cultural orientation, or country of origin.

PRC Regulations

In compliance with Chinese government regulations, WISS can accept applications from foreign passport holders, foreign permanent residents, or residents from Hong Kong (SAR), Macau (SAR), and Taiwan (PRC). Applications can also be received by any Chinese passport holder who has one or both parents holding a foreign passport or those who qualify to apply under the regulations of the Shanghai Education Committee.

Guardianship

English Fluency

Students applying to WISS will be evaluated for English speaking, reading, and writing ability. Students applying to Secondary School must, as a minimum, be at an English level from which they can access the curriculum.

Age Placement

DOWNLOAD the WISS Age Placement Guide here !

A child must be:

toilet trained and 2.5 years old by February 1st of the year entering Pre-Nursery
toilet trained and three years old by September 1st of the year entering Nursery
four years old by September 1st of the year entering Pre-Kindergarten
five years old by September 1st of the year, entering Kindergarten
six years old by September 1st of the year entering Grade 1

During the admissions process, the Admissions Team and Application Review Committee will take into account a student’s country of origin, the educational system from which the student originates, and the student’s past performance to determine suitable grade placement. Students who have not completed a full year in the previous grade may be required to repeat the grade.

Eligibility

Admission is open to all foreign passport holders, with no preference given to any one nationality. Preference will be given to families with siblings already attending WISS.

PRC Regulations

In compliance with Chinese government regulations, WISS can accept applications from foreign passport holders or residents from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Applications can also be received by any Chinese passport holder who has one or both parents holding a foreign passport or those who qualify to apply under the regulations of the Shanghai Education Committee.

Guardianship

Local government requirements in regard to proper guardianship of students mean that WISS may accept students who are a: a) resident with at least one parent or b) resident with an approved guardian (with power of attorney). Students are not permitted, under local regulations, to be under the supervision of non-resident guardians. Students who are not living with at least one parent or authorized guardian cannot be enrolled at WISS.

English Fluency

Students applying to WISS will be evaluated for English speaking, reading, and writing abilities. All entering Secondary students not having English as their native language must, as a minimum, be at a level from which they can work to complete the IB Subsidiary English B program by graduation, along with the self-taught study of their mother tongue language.

Age Placement

A child must be:

toilet trained and 2.5 years old by February 1st of the year entering Pre-Nursery
toilet trained and three years old by September 1st of the year entering Nursery
four years old by September 1st of the year entering Pre-Kindergarten
five years old by September 1st of the year, entering Kindergarten
six years old by September 1st of the year entering Grade 1

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

Applications are completed through Open Apply, and all requested documents are uploaded to the system.

Personal Documents

Completed application
Copy of student birth certificate
Copy of student and parent passports
Copy of student and parent Shanghai residence permit, diplomatic visa, or letter from your employer affirming that a visa will be procured
ID Photos (Head & Shoulder Passport Style photos) for each member of the family.
Completed Medical Form and Immunization Records

Academic Records

School reports for the current and previous academic years (Certified translations into English are required for reports in other languages.)

For PK- Kindergarten: school reports from the current year
For Grades 1 – 8: school reports from the current and previous year
For Grades 9 – 10: school reports from the current and previous 2 years
For Grades 11 – 12: all school reports beginning from G9, including the current year

Supporting Documents

Early Years Parent Questionnaire
Confidential Principal/Teacher Recommendation Form
Standardized test scores (if available)
Relevant educational or medical evaluations, IEPs, or other reports about learning needs (if applicable)
Completed Transportation Request Form (if applicable)

Applications are completed through Open Apply, and all requested documents are uploaded to the platform.

Personal Documents

Completed application
Copy of student birth certificate
Copy of student and parent passports
Copy of student and parent Shanghai residence permit, diplomatic visa, or letter from your employer affirming that a visa will be procured
ID Photos (Head & Shoulder Passport Style photos) for each member of the family.
Completed Medical Form and Immunization Records

Academic Records

School reports for the current and previous academic years (Certified translations into English are required for reports in other languages.)

For PK- Kindergarten: school reports from the current year
For Grades 1 – 8: school reports from the current and previous year
For Grades 9 – 10: school reports from the current and previous 2 years
For Grades 11 – 12: all school reports beginning from G9, including the current year

Supporting Documents

Early Years Parent Questionnaire
Confidential Principal/Teacher Recommendation Form
Standardized test scores (if available)
Relevant educational or medical evaluations, IEPs, or other reports about learning needs (if applicable)
Completed Transportation Request Form (if applicable)