Leading with a
Mindful Heart
Leading with a Mindful Heart
Discover why families across Shibei District choose our international school. We offer a top-tier US curriculum, 20+ AP courses, and proven pathways to the world’s best universities all just a short commute away.
Lower School
Bilingual American curriculum building confidence and excellence in Shibei.
Middle School
Cultivating global leadership and perspective for advanced academic readiness.
High School
20+ AP courses, SAT prep, and proven university pathways from Shibei to global campuses.
Why Families Choose QISS
Everything your family in Shibei District needs from world-class academics to a vibrant community all within easy reach.
Proven Academic Excellence
WASC-accredited US curriculum, 100% university acceptance, avg SAT 1300 — every graduate gains admission to top institutions.
Prime Location
232 Songling Road — 15 min from Shilaoren, 12 min from High-Tech Zone, 30 min from Liuting Airport.
Whole-Child Development
Leader in Me SEL program, comprehensive counseling, and 8 co-curricular pillars nurturing every dimension of growth.
Full Expat & Relocation Support
Bilingual staff (EN / ZH / KO), ELL specialists, buddy programs, and orientation — from first inquiry to first day.
"A QISS education enriches the whole person. Our US-based curriculum nourishes academic, social, emotional, and physical well-being — inspiring lifelong learners through Compassion, Integrity, Inclusivity, and Creativity."
OUR VALUES
A World-Class Education Empowering Shibei's Next Generation
QISS serves Shibei families with holistic education, fostering academic excellence, wellness, and values to inspire lifelong learners.
- WASC-accredited US Common Core curriculum since 1998
- Certified international teachers with advanced degrees
- Leader in Me Social Emotional Learning integrated school-wide
- Small class sizes ensuring personalized attention
- Bilingual support (English, Mandarin, Korean)
Curricular & Programs
Authentic US education combined with global perspectives, designed for 21st-century success.
US Education for Families in Shibei District
Bringing authentic American education within reach of Central Qingdao. We offer a rigorous Common Core framework for families living in the Shibei CBD and historic districts.
- Full US Common Core standards taught by expatriate faculty
- Inquiry-based learning distinct from local Shibei public systems
- World-class STEM labs accessible via short commute from downtown
- Social Studies blending Global perspectives with Qingdao history
- Daily Mandarin instruction for heritage and non-heritage speakers
- Holistic development focusing on critical thinking and creativity

The Premier AP Center for Central Qingdao
Students from Shibei District achieve Ivy League acceptance through our authorized AP program. We provide the most comprehensive testing center convenient to the city center.
- Top-tier AP courses for ambitious Shibei high schoolers
- Consistent 4.0+ average scores outpacing global benchmarks
- Authorized SAT Test Center—no travel to other cities required
- Direct university credits accepted in the US, UK, and Europe
- Expert guidance for students transitioning from local curricula
- AP Capstone Diploma availability for advanced scholars

English Immersion for the Downtown Community
Serving the diverse international community of the Commercial District. We specialize in rapidly bridging the gap for non-native speakers moving to Qingdao's urban center.
- Specialized support for families relocating to Shibei
- Intensive pull-out sessions for rapid language acquisition
- Push-in support for mainstream subject integration
- Customized plans for students from non-English backgrounds
- Social-emotional support for adjusting to life in Qingdao
- Proven pathway to fluency for university preparedness

Convenient Access from Shibei & CBD
We make the daily journey seamless. QISS operates dedicated bus lines covering major residential compounds in Shibei, ensuring a safe and reliable commute for your child.
- Extensive bus routes covering Shibei District & CBD
- Door-to-door or central pickup options available
- College counseling specifically for urban Qingdao families
- High acceptance rates to Top 50 Global Universities
- Scholarship guidance for families in the commercial sector
- A close-knit community just minutes from the city center
Your Enrollment Pathway
A seamless transition from initial interest to your first day providing personalized guidance for families moving to Shibei.
Discover & Visit
Book a guided walkthrough in Shibei District. Explore modern spaces, engage with faculty, and see values in practice.
Apply via OpenApply
Upload academic transcripts and details via our secure portal. Our admissions team assists throughout the submission process.
Student Evaluation
Participate in grade-level readiness testing (¥2,500), then consult advisors to review results and ensure the perfect fit.
Join the Community
Register for ¥10,000, attend orientation, and access full resources to help you settle into life in Shibei District.
Visit Our Shibei Campus
Located in the vibrant Shibei Central Business District (CBD), our campus offers a dynamic learning environment surrounded by the city's historic architecture and bustling energy at No. 11 Shandong Road.
- WASC-accredited US Common Core curriculum since 1998
- Certified international teachers with advanced degrees
- Leader in Me Social Emotional Learning integrated school-wide
- Small class sizes ensuring personalized attention
- Bilingual support (English, Mandarin, Korean)
30 min to Airport
Qingdao Liuting International
Living in Shibei District
Shibei is Qingdao's premier family-friendly district coastal views, mountain trails, modern housing, and a growing international community.
Most QISS families reside within 10–20 minutes in Shilaoren, Jinjialing, or the High-Tech Zone, surrounded by international supermarkets, English-speaking healthcare, and family dining.
- Mount Shibei scenic area, beaches & hiking trails
- MixC, Ole, Jusco — international retail & dining
- Excellent air quality vs urban Qingdao
- Close to High-Tech Zone corporate offices
- 30 min to Qingdao Liuting International Airport
Living in Shibei District
Shibei is Qingdao's vibrant urban heart, offering a unique blend of historic charm and modern convenience. It is the city's central hub, featuring bustling commercial districts, and a rich architectural heritage that captures the true spirit of the city.
Many residents choose to live near the thriving Central Business District (CBD) or the energetic Taidong area, enjoying immediate access to premier shopping centers, authentic local dining, and some of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks.
- Historic Tsingtao Brewery Museum and the lively Beer Street nightlife
- Wanda Plaza, Joy City, and Taidong Pedestrian Street — prime retail & entertainment
- Excellent public transport connectivity with major Metro line intersections
- Central urban location providing quick commutes to all major city districts
- Direct highway and metro links to Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport
30 min to Airport
Qingdao Liuting International
Getting to QISS
Multiple safe, convenient options from anywhere in Shibei District.
School Bus Service
Comprehensive routes covering Shilaoren, Jinjialing, High-Tech Zone and more. ¥9,000/year with trained drivers and attendants. Typical 15–30 min commutes.
Private Vehicle
Easy access off major roads. Ample parking and designated drop-off zones. Shilaoren 15 min · High-Tech Zone 12 min · Airport 30 min.
Public Transit
Metro Line 11 and multiple bus routes serve the Shibei area with connecting services throughout Qingdao.
Strategic Location
Suburban tranquility meets urban accessibility. Close to tech parks, business centers, and residential communities across Shibei.
Student Life
Beyond academics — rich co-curricular programs developing well-rounded global citizens.
Athletics
Soccer, basketball, swimming, track — competitive & recreational teams
Visual Arts
Painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics in dedicated studios
Performing Arts
Band, choir, orchestra, theater — year-round productions
STEM & Robotics
Coding, robotics competitions, maker space innovations
Leadership
Student Council, QISSMUN, community service projects
Cultural Clubs
Language clubs, festivals, cultural exchange programs
Academic Enrichment
Math league, debate, NHS, intellectual competitions
Wellness
Mindfulness, yoga, counseling, peer support — Leader in Me
From Shibei to
Leading Universities
Four-year college counseling from Grade 9 — application strategy, essay workshops, SAT prep, interview coaching, and scholarship guidance. Class of 2023 earned over $2M in offers.
















QISS graduates attend universities across the US (UC system, NYU, Boston University, Northeastern), UK, Canada, Australia, Europe, and Asia (Seoul National, Ewha, Hongik). Our counselors' deep expertise ensures students present competitive applications to selective institutions that recognize QISS's academic rigor.
Strong relationships with admissions offices worldwide, combined with our on-campus SAT testing, rigorous AP program, and personalized guidance, mean every QISS student is positioned for success — from Shibei to the world's top campuses.
Support for Relocating Families
Moving to Shibei? We guide you from first inquiry through smooth integration — pre-arrival to ongoing.
Pre-Arrival
Transition & Integration
Ongoing Family Support
Academic Transition
Stories from QISS Families
Hear from parents, students, and graduates about the QISS experience.
When we relocated from Singapore, QISS made the transition seamless. The teachers welcomed our daughter warmly despite mid-year enrollment, and within weeks she was thriving. The academic rigor and international community exceeded our expectations.
The AP program challenged our son academically, and the college counseling helped him craft compelling applications. He was admitted to UC Berkeley — his dream school. Small class sizes meant teachers truly knew him as an individual.
The Leader in Me program taught me habits I still use at university. The counseling prepared me for American campus life. QISS feels like a family — I'm proud to be a graduate from Shibei.
Alumni Success
QISS graduates thriving at top universities worldwide — carrying our values forward.
David Park
"The AP courses and research skills I built in Shibei gave me a strong foundation for Berkeley's computer science program."
Sophie Chen
"College counseling at QISS was instrumental in my NYU Stern admission. Student Council and Model UN helped me stand out."
James Kim
"Growing up at QISS gave me the best of both worlds — rigorous American education and connection to Asian culture."
Little Sharks Early Childhood
A mommy-and-me playgroup for babies and toddlers (6 months–3 years) introducing young Shibei families to the QISS community. Sensory play, music, early literacy, and social interaction in a safe environment — led by experienced QISS early childhood educators. Many families seamlessly transition into Pre-K.
30 min to Airport
Qingdao Liuting International
Summer Camp
Summer Learning & Adventure at QISS
Enrichment programs combining English development, arts, swimming, STEM, and field trips — open to current students and prospective families alike.
- Full-day and half-day flexible scheduling
- Age-appropriate groupings with themed weeks
- Certified QISS teachers & trained counselors
- Great way for prospective families to experience QISS
Community & Partnerships
QISS collaborates with Shibei High-Tech Zone companies for STEM mentorship, environmental groups for coastal conservation, and civic institutions for education. Students engage in beach cleanups at Shilaoren, charity fundraisers, and cultural exchanges with Qingdao schools.
Our annual QISSMUN conference attracts delegates from across China, positioning QISS as a regional educational leader. These partnerships create real-world learning while strengthening our role as a positive community contributor.
Tuition & Value
QISS tuition reflects comprehensive, world-class education — transparent pricing with most educational components included. Competitive with Qingdao's leading international schools while delivering superior outcomes.
2025–26 Fee Overview
Transparent breakdown — no hidden charges
Discounts & Payment Options
Resources & Downloads
Everything you need to support your enrollment decision and Shibei move.
Admissions Brochure
Complete guide to QISS programs, facilities, values, and the admissions process.
Download PDFAcademic Calendar 2025–26
School year dates, holidays, breaks, and important events for planning.
View CalendarShibei Living Guide
Housing, healthcare, services, and community info for relocating families.
Get GuideTuition & Fee Schedule
Full cost breakdown, payment options, discounts, and refund policy.
View FeesApplication Forms
Required documents and forms to begin your admissions journey via OpenApply.
Access FormsFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions from Shibei families and those relocating to Qingdao.
26+ years of WASC accreditation, 100% university acceptance, average SAT 1300, 20+ AP courses with avg score 4.0, small class sizes (11 avg in AP), certified international faculty, 48,000 sqm campus at 232 Songling Road, comprehensive ELL and expat support, and Leader in Me SEL — an unmatched environment in Shibei District.
School bus service (¥9,000/year) covers Shilaoren (15 min), Jinjialing (18 min), High-Tech Zone (12 min), and Maidao (10 min). Private car access is convenient from all neighborhoods with ample parking. Metro Line 11 and bus routes are also available. Qingdao CBD is 25 min away; Liuting Airport 30 min.
Pre-arrival virtual tours, comprehensive Shibei guides (housing, healthcare, banking), family connections, bilingual staff (EN/ZH/KO), orientation programs, student buddy system, ELL support, and monthly PEP talks. We help navigate everything from finding a home to building community connections.
2025-26 tuition ranges from ¥84,872 (part-time Nursery) to ¥221,718 (Grades 9–12). Tuition includes full curriculum, 20+ AP courses, counseling, ASAP activities, facility access, and Leader in Me SEL. Optional: bus ¥9,000/yr, lunch ¥6,300/yr. Registration ¥10,000 one-time (waived for accredited school transfers). Early payment discounts, sibling discounts (5–15%), and flexible payment plans available.
Yes — dedicated ELL-certified specialists provide scaffolded instruction, pull-out intensive sessions, push-in classroom support, and individualized learning plans. We serve all proficiency levels from beginning to advanced, with the goal of full academic English independence. Many ELL graduates go on to top English-medium universities.
Four-year counseling from Grade 9: university research, application strategy, essay workshops, SAT/ACT/TOEFL prep (on-campus SAT center), interview coaching, recommendation coordination, and scholarship exploration. 100% acceptance rate, 85% top-choice admissions, strong relationships with admissions offices globally, and $2M+ in annual scholarship offers.
Little Sharks is a mommy-and-me playgroup for babies and toddlers (6 months–3 years). It offers sensory play, music, early literacy, and social interaction on campus, plus parenting support and community building for parents new to Shibei. Many families transition directly into Pre-K. Contact admissions for schedule and registration.
Yes — Summer Camp combines English enrichment, arts, swimming, sports, STEM, and cultural activities. Open to current and prospective students, it’s a great way for new families to experience QISS. Full-day and half-day options, age groups, and flexible scheduling. Contact QISS for current dates, themes, and registration.
Contact QISS
Schedule a campus visit or connect with our admissions team — we're here to help.
Campus Address
Qingdao
Shandong Province, China
Phone
+86-532-6889-8888
admissions@qiss.org.cn
Office Hours
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday by appointment
Languages
English · Mandarin Chinese · Korean