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.
Our Mission
Inspiring minds to shape the future.
WISS is an IB Continuum World School authorised to deliver all four IB programmes — the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, Diploma Programme, and Career-related Programme. We are the only school in mainland China to offer the full continuum on a single campus.
Through inquiry-led learning, an internationally diverse community, and exceptional teachers from around the world, we develop knowledgeable, principled, and reflective young people ready to thrive in any university and any future.
- Full IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, DP, CP)
- 65+ nationalities on campus
- 1:8 average teacher-to-student ratio
- Purpose-built 18-acre campus
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.