Choosing the right international school in China feels like winning half the battle. The best international school in China has a globally recognized curriculum, taught by compassionate and learned faculty. Qingdao No. 1 International School of Shandong Province (QISS) stands out as a clear choice for parents as it opens the doors to dream universities in the US, the UK, and abroad for many students. Here are the other Top 10 reasons why families confidently choose QISS as the best international school in China.
1. Proven Pathway to Global Universities
Choosing QISS is a strategic move for families planning for future study abroad; QISS serves as a steady bridge, preparing children to enter a brighter future with global awareness, confidence, and a strong sense of identity.
QISS delivers results that matter.
- 100% of graduates are admitted to colleges and universities worldwide
- Strong outcomes in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and Asia
- Dedicated, highly experienced College Admissions Counseling Center
2. Fully Accredited American Curriculum
QISS offers a US-based curriculum from Pre-K to Grade 12, fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). QISS holds WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) accreditation, which serves as a reliable shortcut for parents evaluating school quality. This status is not just a certificate; it is proof that credentialed teachers are in the classroom of the QISS and that student learning is actually happening. Also, because accreditation is renewed every few years, QISS continuously maintains these high standards.
WASC ensures:
- International acceptance of transcripts and diplomas
- Easy admission procedure to overseas universities
- High academic standards that are aligned with top US schools
3. Rigorous U.S. Common Core and AP Pathways
QISS is an official AP and SAT testing center, offering a wide range of AP subjects.
- Average AP score: 4.0
- Average SAT score: 1300
For high school students, the school offers a wide mix of Advanced Placement courses. This targeted, college-level curriculum allows students to achieve subject-specific mastery and earn university credit recognized across the globe. For families focused on academic rigor and competitiveness, QISS provides a clear advantage.
4. Holistic Education - Not Just Test Scores
At QISS, success means more than grades. Guided by the motto “Leading with a Mindful Heart,” students develop habits like compassion, honesty, and openness. This holistic approach entitles every student not just academic growth, but also to be socially engaged and happy. For QISS, this is the best state for learning. Our globally recognized Leader in Me program ensures students grow as strong individuals, empowered with;
- Leadership skills
- Emotional intelligence
- Confidence and independence
5. Safe, Caring, and Supportive Environment
Parents’ top priority is safety and well-being. Recognizing the “mental weight” that international relocation can place on students, QISS employs a fully certified educational psychologist. This on-site expert provides dedicated support for the social, emotional, and academic needs of every student, ensuring a smooth transition into their new environment. Children feel secure, valued, and respected every day.
QISS delivers:
- Strict safeguarding and child protection policies
- Trained counselors and well-being support
- A nurturing campus culture built on compassion, integrity, inclusivity, and creativity
6. QISS Has a Truly International Community
QISS is home to students from 20+ nationalities, creating a genuinely global learning environment. For students who are not yet fluent in English, QISS offers a specialized ELL (English Language Learner) program. Support ranges from small-group instruction to in-class assistance, helping new arrivals get up to speed so they can participate fully in the school community as quickly as possible.
- English-language instruction
- Strong Chinese language and culture programs
- Daily exposure to diverse perspectives
This prepares students to thrive anywhere in the world.
7. Small Class Sizes, Personal Attention
With an exceptional 3:1 student–teacher ratio, every child is known, supported, and challenged. Teachers at QISS are fully certified, highly experienced, and typically hold degrees and teaching licenses from their home countries. Furthermore, QISS avoids the “red flag” of high teacher turnover; low turnover rates at the school ensure a stable learning environment, which research correlates with better student outcomes and higher parent satisfaction. Parents see real growth because no child gets lost. Teachers at QISS help students with:
- Personalize learning
- Identify strengths early
- Provide targeted academic and emotional support
8. World-Class Campus & Facilities
At QISS, a World-Class Campus and Facilities are viewed as essential tools for academic success and student well-being, rather than just aesthetic features. According to the sources, these facilities are part of the school’s WASC-accredited standards, meaning external experts have verified that the school has the adequate resources and support systems necessary for high-level learning.
The QISS campus is located in Qingdao’s Laoshan District and is designed with students in mind.
- Classrooms, science labs, and tech rooms are practical and well set up, giving students the space they need to try things out through STEM projects, ask questions, and learn through hands-on work.
- There are dedicated fine art rooms where students can draw, paint, design, and explore their creativity without pressure.
- The school libraries and media areas are quiet, comfortable places where students can read, do research, or work on their own assignments.
- QISS also pays attention to the small things that matter every day. Classrooms have plenty of natural light, spaces are kept clean, and noise is well managed so students can focus and feel comfortable during the school day.
- Staying active is part of daily life at QISS. The campus has a swimming pool, a fitness room, and outdoor courts for basketball, football, volleyball, and running. Students go outside regularly and are encouraged to move, not sit at desks all day. For students who are serious about football, the GFU Football Academy offers structured training in a more competitive setting.
- Meals are handled with care. The school cafeteria offers four lunch choices each day, including two Chinese-style meals with meat and vegetables, an international option, and freshly made hand-pulled noodles. All food is prepared on campus using ingredients from trusted local suppliers, and strict food safety rules are followed so parents can feel at ease.
- One of the first things families appreciate about QISS is how safe the campus feels. The school keeps a close watch on who comes in and out, and students are always supervised when they are outside or moving around campus.
- The buildings are well cared for and set up with safety in mind, so the school is prepared if anything unexpected happens. Clear safety rules are followed every day, helping students feel comfortable and secure while they learn. It’s a modern campus where children can focus on school and enjoy their time without worry.
- QISS offers a strong international education without the very high fees charged by many other international schools in China. Parents get quality teaching, good facilities, and solid results at a more reasonable cost.
Students learn and grow in a modern, inspiring environment.
9. Outstanding Value Among International Schools
QISS offers high-quality international education at a more accessible tuition level compared with many international schools across China. As the designated international school for foreign residents in Shandong, QISS strives to remain accessible to qualified families. Consequently, tuition fees at QISS are considerably lower than those of most other international schools across China. This provides a high-value investment in your child’s future while maintaining affordability. Korean families, Chinese families, and other expat families benefit from:
- Excellent outcomes
- Premium facilities
- Long-term educational value
It’s a wise investment in your child’s future.
10. A School That Feels Like Family
Above all, parents choose QISS for its community.
- Strong parent-school partnership
- Welcoming atmosphere for new families
- A culture where students feel they belong
Many families say the same thing: “QISS feels like home.”
The QISS Promise
A Future Built on Balance. Selecting QISS is about more than just finding a classroom; it is about choosing a community that helps your child grow beyond boundaries and think beyond limitations. Choosing QISS is like selecting a well-tested global GPS for your child’s education: while the regulatory landscape in China can be complex and difficult to navigate, the school’s WASC accreditation and expat-only status provide a clear, pre-verified route to success at the world’s top universities.
QISS doesn’t just prepare students for exams; QISS’s value is in preparing students for life, leadership, and the world ahead. If you are a parent in China seeking a trusted international school that balances academic excellence, character development, and global opportunity, QISS is the school your child deserves.
Visit the campus. Talk to our admissions team. Experience the QISS difference.
