When you first arrive in China with your family, there’s usually a long list of things to figure out: housing, routines, grocery stores, transport apps. And right in the middle of all that, you also have to find an international school for your child that feels familiar, stable, and right for your child. Most expats’ parents begin this process by typing a quick search into their phone or asking friends, only to discover that every international school looks impressive at first glance.
A school search feels easier when you can speak with someone who understands international transitions. If Qingdao is on your list, QISS welcomes new families for a simple, conversational school tour.
But once you scratch the surface, comparing international schools becomes much more complicated. Different curriculum, different values, different fee structure, even different definitions of what “international” means. According to recent expat relocation studies, school choice is one of the top three stress points for families moving to China with kids. And it’s no surprise that no two international schools operate in the same way. This parent’s guide to schooling in China is here to simplify that comparison. Read it to the last to take the pressure down a notch and to show you what matters when choosing a school in a new country.
Fun Fact: China hosts nearly 1,000 accredited international schools, with total enrollment serving millions of students – making it the world’s largest international education market.
QISS often comes up as the best international school in China in conversations among families relocating to Qingdao because it offers an American-style, WASC-accredited pathway in a values-driven, multicultural environment. Parents who visit usually say they’re seeking two things: steady academics and a sense of belonging. QISS sits as a kind of bridge connecting global expectations with the grounded, day-to-day care children need when adjusting to a new country.
10 Ways To Compare International Schools in China After Relocating
When parents start comparing schools, they usually begin with websites or social media pages. That’s a good start, but it doesn’t always reveal what student life actually feels like. Now, if you step back and compare the international school on these 10 steps, you will see the real difference between international schools that appear similar on the surface. And by the 10th step, you will find the best International school in China.
1. Start With Finding the Best International Curriculum - But Don’t Stop There
Parents often treat curriculum like the deal-breaker, but in reality, it’s one part of a much larger picture. International schools in China typically follow one of these curricula:
- AP / American – flexible, subject-focused, strong for U.S. and global university pathways
- IB – inquiry-heavy, broad, structured across core and DP programs
- British (IGCSE / A-Levels) – exam-based, highly academic
- Montessori or Reggio Emilia (in early years)
Questions parents should ask while making the comparison between AP vs IB vs IGCSE to choose what’s best for their child:
Is the curriculum actually implemented well?
Two international schools may claim the same curriculum on paper, but the classroom experience can be entirely different. Even small observations, like how students discuss ideas in class, can tell you a lot about the curriculum style.
Ask:
- “What does learning look like at each age?”
- “How much student inquiry vs. teacher direction is there?”
- “How are students assessed beyond tests?”
Does the curriculum match your child’s long-term path?
For example:
- AP is strong for U.S. college admissions.
- IB is broad, skills-based, and globally recognized.
- British systems offer subject specialization earlier.
If you’re unsure of your long-term plans, choose the program that keeps doors open for your child rather than locking them into a narrow academic lane.
2. Verify IS Accreditation - This Is Your Quality Safeguard
Accreditation sounds like bureaucratic paperwork, but in China, it’s one of the most reliable markers of consistency and legitimacy.
Look for names like:
- WASC
- CIS
- IBO Authorization
- ACAMIS (membership)
Schools with WASC accreditation undergo regular external reviews, teacher qualification checks, curriculum audits, and safety evaluations. Without this, a school may look polished online but operate with little oversight.
One key question to ask while comparing the international schools: “When was the last accreditation review, and do they share it on their website?”
A school that shares this comfortably is usually confident about its standards.
Want clarity on how AP and American Common Core work for long-erm transitions?
3. Understand Who the School Serves
China has strict regulations for which students may attend which type of school. Some schools primarily enroll:
- foreign passport holders
- mixed-nationality families
- local Chinese students (bilingual or private schools)
The student population shapes your child’s social environment, language exposure, and even teaching style. If you want a truly international peer group, verify the actual demographic breakdown, not just the language used in marketing.
Parents should ask:
- “What percentage of your students are from outside China?”
- “How diverse is the teaching staff?”
- “How do you support new students who don’t speak English or Mandarin?”
4. Visit the Campus If You Can - It Reveals What Websites Can’t
A school tour tells you more in one hour than a week of online research. Pay attention to the subtle things:
- How do students behave when they don’t know adults are watching? – Are they relaxed, respectful, curious, confident?
- Do teachers seem energized or drained? – A school culture is defined as much by staff morale as by policy.
- Is the campus clean, safe, and thoughtfully designed? – Facilities don’t make a school great, but they do reflect priorities.
- How does the school handle security? – China is generally safe, but international schools still need clear safety protocols, trained security staff, secure entrances, and emergency drills.
If you can’t visit QISS in person, contact us for a live video tour
5. Compare Teacher Qualifications and Turnover Rates of Shortlisted International Schools
The best curriculum in the world means little without great teachers.
At this step, ask these questions while making the list of pros and cons of the selected international school:
- “Are the teachers fully certified in their home country?”
- “What is the average teacher tenure?”
- “What professional development do they provide yearly?”
High turnover often signals deeper issues, including leadership instability, lack of support, or poor working conditions. International schools with strong cultures usually retain teachers longer.
6. Look at University Outcomes (But Interpret Them Carefully)
When international schools talk about university placements, it’s easy to get persuaded by the logos of famous global institutions. But dig deeper.
As a thoughtful parent, you should ask:
- “What percentage of graduates go to their first-choice university?”
- “Do you have dedicated college counseling, or is it handled by homeroom teachers?”
- “How do you support students applying outside the U.S., such as Asia or Europe?”
Also, look for consistency. One stellar year means nothing if it’s followed by years of low acceptance results.
7. Understand the True Fee Structure of International School - Not Just Tuition
International schools in China can vary widely in fees, but what really matters is what those fees include.
Ask specifically about:
- books and materials cost
- school trips
- sports participation costs
- lunch program fee
- Transportation cost
- technology fees
- AP/IB exam fees
- extracurriculars
- uniforms
Don’t forget to ask about:
- payment plans
- refund policies
- discounts for siblings
- mid-year enrollment rules
QISS is transparent about international school tuition fees and breaks down what you get, which is generally more parent-friendly than one that avoids discussing numbers.
8. Evaluate the School’s Approach to Well-Being and Social-Emotional Learning
Relocating to a new country affects children academically and emotionally. The right support system determines how well they adjust, make friends, and regain confidence. New-to-China children often face:
- culture shock
- language barriers
- homesickness
- identity challenges
- transition anxiety
Strong international schools recognise this and provide:
- 1-0-1 college counseling
- peer mentoring
- advisory programs
- leadership development
- multicultural events like MUN
Teacher Training in SEL
If a school can explain both what they do and why it works, they likely take well-being seriously, not as an afterthought. Many parents find that international schools with strong SEL frameworks, such as QISS’s Leader in Me approach, help students settle faster and feel emotionally anchored.
9. Check Which International School Pays Attention to Parent Communication Culture
In a new country, communication becomes a lifeline. You want a school where you’re never left guessing.
While comparing the two international schools, look for the one that provides:
- weekly newsletters
- transparent announcements
- a responsive admissions team
- accessible leadership
- parent workshops or information sessions
- WeChat or app-based updates (standard in China)
If the school communicates clearly during admissions, they’re likely to communicate well after enrollment, too.
10. Trust the Feeling You Get From the School’s Global Community
Every school has its own “heartbeat.” Some are academically intense, some relaxed and creative, some community-driven, some highly structured. None of these are inherently better; they just suit different families.
When comparing schools, ask yourself:
- “Can I imagine my child being happy here?”
- “Do I feel welcomed as a parent?”
- “Does this environment encourage kindness, curiosity, and growth?”
- “How does the school represent students with multiple nationalities?”
- “Does the school participate in Community events like MUN?”
- “Is there any Welcoming practices for new students?”
QISS naturally integrates such a community with its Mindful Hearts culture, gentle routines, inclusive values, and support for transitions.
Unexpected Challenges Parents Face When Comparing Schools in China
Many parents are surprised by how practical and sometimes frustrating the school search becomes once they arrive in China.
- Websites often load slowly or partially because certain pages sit behind platforms blocked without a VPN, so families may need a stable VPN or a live admissions call to get accurate information.
- Details like fees, class sizes, or test results can be outdated online, making it hard to compare schools without requesting updated documents directly.
- Even booking school tours can be tricky, as campuses require advance registration and passport checks.
- Communication adds another layer of complexity: some schools rely heavily on WeChat, which newcomers may still be setting up.
To troubleshoot these hurdles, we workarounds with parents by sharing PDF versions of materials, assisting parents to join local expat groups for honest feedback, scheduling virtual tours, and confirming all information through a all ton admissions instead of relying solely on websites.
How QISS Compares to Other International Schools in Qingdao, China?
When parents visit several schools in Qingdao, they often find that QISS feels different in a very steady way. The environment is warm without being overwhelming, the academic path is clear, and the transition support is strong – especially for students adjusting to a new culture and language. Families say the campus feels purposeful rather than flashy, with spaces that genuinely encourage learning, creativity, and belonging. And because QISS balances high standards with a grounded, community-based culture, many parents describe it as a place where their child not only learns well but settles in comfortably. This combination often becomes the deciding factor when comparing it with other international schools.
International School Comparison Checklist
(A simple, practical tool for parents new to China)
Use this checklist when visiting websites, touring campuses, or speaking with admissions teams. The goal is to help you quickly see which school truly fits your child.
- Is the curriculum globally recognized (AP, IB, British)?
- Is the school accredited by a trusted external body (WASC, CIS, NEASC)?
- Are learning expectations clear across all grades?
- How does the school assess English level upon entry?
- Is there structured ESL support for new learners?
- Do teachers have experience with multilingual classrooms?
- Are teachers certified and trained for international education?
- What is the average teacher experience level?
- Does the school have stable staffing year to year?
- Does the school feel welcoming and inclusive during the visit?
- Are there clear wellbeing or SEL programs for students?
- Does the community seem supportive of newcomers?
- Is the location convenient, and is the commute reasonable?
- Are bus routes safe, organized, and age-appropriate?
- Does the daily schedule work for your family’s routine?
- Are the learning spaces (labs, library, arts, sports) well maintained?
- Does the campus feel safe and purpose-built for students?
- Are there enough areas for play, creativity, and athletics?
- Are sports, arts, clubs, and leadership options broad and varied?
- Do programs feel student-centered rather than just promotional?
- Are passport/eligibility rules clearly explained?
- Does the school accept mid-year admissions?
- Are entrance assessments straightforward and age-appropriate?
- Is the school clear about what is included in tuition?
- Are extra fees (meals, transport, trips) easy to understand?
- Are flexible payment options available?
Final Thoughts
Choosing an international school in China doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When you approach your research with clear criteria, curriculum, accreditation, culture, diversity, safety, teaching quality, communication, and community, you’ll begin to see which schools genuinely align with your family’s values.
Your child’s transition to a new country becomes much smoother when the school they attend understands both the academic and emotional journey of international life.
FAQs Parents Often Ask When Choosing an International School in China
Most families begin the search 3-6 months in advance, especially if they’re relocating for work.
Switching is possible, but smoother transitions happen when the new school recognizes the same academic standards.
In most international schools in China, meals and bus services are billed separately.
Most schools use a hybrid calendar – Western-style semesters combined with official Chinese public holidays. If your family travels frequently or maintains traditions from home, checking the school’s calendar early helps you plan around important dates.
