WASC Accredited Since 1998 — Shibei District, Qingdao

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.

100% University Acceptance
Avg SAT 1300
3:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
100% University Acceptance Rate
20+ AP Courses Offered
Average AP Score 4.0
232 Songling Road, Shibei District
3:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
WASC Accredited 26+ Years
$2M+ Annual Scholarships
100% University Acceptance Rate
20+ AP Courses Offered
Average AP Score 4.0
232 Songling Road, Shibei District
3:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
WASC Accredited 26+ Years
$2M+ Annual Scholarships
3:1
Student–Teacher Ratio
11
Avg AP Class Size
100%
University Acceptance
1300
Average SAT Score
Ages 2–5

Early Childhood

Shibei's Reggio-inspired Pre-K/K nurtures creativity through play.

Grades 1–5

Lower School

Bilingual American curriculum building confidence and excellence in Shibei.

Grades 6–8

Middle School

Cultivating global leadership and perspective for advanced academic readiness.

Grades 9–12

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."
Dr. Brian Brumsickle School Director, QISS Shibei Campus

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)
Explore Our Curriculum

Curricular & Programs

Authentic US education combined with global perspectives, designed for 21st-century success.

Curriculum

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
View Full Curriculum Details
Classroom instruction at QISS
Advanced Placement

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
Browse All AP Courses
AP testing at QISS Shibei
English Language Learners

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
Learn About ELL Services
ELL support at QISS
College Counseling

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
View University Outcomes
QISS graduation ceremony
20+
AP Courses
4.0
Avg AP Score
100+
Exams / Year
95%
Pass Rate (3+)

Your Enrollment Pathway

A seamless transition from initial interest to your first day providing personalized guidance for families moving to Shibei.

1

Discover & Visit

Book a guided walkthrough in Shibei District. Explore modern spaces, engage with faculty, and see values in practice.

2

Apply via OpenApply

Upload academic transcripts and details via our secure portal. Our admissions team assists throughout the submission process.

3

Student Evaluation

Participate in grade-level readiness testing (¥2,500), then consult advisors to review results and ensure the perfect fit.

4

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.

Science Labs
Pool & Gym
10K+ Books
Theater
Tech Labs
Gardens
  • 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)
Schedule Campus Tour
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

Learn more about our School's innovative Social Emotional Learning Program, Leader in Me. We believe that everyone can be a leader. QISS gives students those tools.
Inquiry based education is at the heart of QISS academics. QISS students use critical thinking and put their minds and hearts into learning from Pre-K to High School. Our experienced teachers foster a love of learning in every student. Read more about our approach here.
At QISS, we understand that wellness is a pre-requisite to successful learning. QISS students learn to take good care of themselves and build meaningful relationships with their peers, teachers, and community members. Learn more about our approach to wellness here.
Everyone Has Genius At QISS
Educators Empower Students at QISS
Develop Whole Person at QISS
Leading with a mindful heart at QISS
Change starts with me at QISS
Everyone can be a leader at QISS

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.

100%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Top Choice
$2M+
Scholarships
UC Berkeley NYU Boston University UC San Diego Northeastern UC Davis Seoul National University Ewha Womans University Parsons SCAD UC Berkeley NYU Boston University UC San Diego Northeastern UC Davis Seoul National University Ewha Womans University Parsons SCAD

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

Virtual campus tours & video consultations
Shibei housing, healthcare & banking guides
Connection to current QISS families in similar situations
Enrollment guidance & visa/passport documentation support

Transition & Integration

New family orientation & welcome events
Peer buddy system for social integration
ELL support from certified specialists
Bilingual communication (English, Mandarin, Korean)

Ongoing Family Support

Bilingual admin & counseling staff daily
Monthly PEP talks on parenting & student topics
School-family events & community activities
Shibei expat network connections & resources

Academic Transition

Individualized plans for UK, IB & local system students
Credit transfer evaluation & course placement
Academic tutoring & support during adjustment
Flexible mid-year enrollment without disruption

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.

SC
Sarah Chen
Parent, Grade 7 · Shilaoren
"
★★★★★

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.

MZ
Michael Zhang
Parent, 2024 Graduate · UC Berkeley

"
★★★★★

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.

AK
Alex Kim
Alumnus 2023 · Currently at NYU


Alumni Success

QISS graduates thriving at top universities worldwide — carrying our values forward.

David Park

UC Berkeley

"The AP courses and research skills I built in Shibei gave me a strong foundation for Berkeley's computer science program."

Sophie Chen

NYU Stern

"College counseling at QISS was instrumental in my NYU Stern admission. Student Council and Model UN helped me stand out."

James Kim

Seoul National University

"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.

Learn More
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
View Summer Camp Details

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.

Explore Our Curriculum

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.

WASC-accredited US curriculum with certified international teachers
State-of-the-art 48,000 sqm Shibei campus facilities
20+ AP courses with certified instructors
Co-curricular activities through ASAP included
College counseling & university placement services
Leader in Me Social Emotional Learning program
ELL support & comprehensive counseling
Request Fee Schedule

2025–26 Fee Overview

Transparent breakdown — no hidden charges

Nursery (Part-time)¥84,872
Pre-K / Kindergarten¥110,000–¥140,000
Grades 1–5¥140,000–¥170,000
Grades 6–8¥170,000–¥195,000
Grades 9–12¥221,718
Discounts & Payment Options
Early payment: ¥10,000 off returning · ¥6,000 off new (by May 24)
Sibling discount: 5% 2nd child · 10% 3rd · 15% 4th
Transfer students from accredited schools: registration fee waived
Flexible plans: annual · semester · quarterly payments
Optional: Bus ¥9,000/yr · Lunch ¥6,300/yr

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 PDF

Academic Calendar 2025–26

School year dates, holidays, breaks, and important events for planning.

View Calendar

Curriculum Guide

Detailed course and pathway overview from Pre-K through Grade 12.

Download Guide

Shibei Living Guide

Housing, healthcare, services, and community info for relocating families.

Get Guide

Tuition & Fee Schedule

Full cost breakdown, payment options, discounts, and refund policy.

View Fees

Application Forms

Required documents and forms to begin your admissions journey via OpenApply.

Access Forms

Frequently 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

Email

admissions@qiss.org.cn

Office Hours

Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday by appointment

Languages

English · Mandarin Chinese · Korean








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