Western International School of Shanghai

What Western International School of Shanghai does

Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) is a privately held international school founded in 2006 in Shanghai, China, operating an 18-acre purpose-built campus in Qing Pu District designed by Weimar Architects of Bauhaus University. The school delivers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum—PYP, MYP, IBDP, and IBCP—making it the first and only institution in mainland China authorized to offer all four IB programmes, supplemented by triple-crown accreditations from the IBO, CIS, and WASC. Its approximately 700 students represent more than 50 nationalities and nearly 40 languages, served by a faculty from over 26 countries where 100% hold Bachelor's degrees, more than 80% hold advanced degrees, and the average teaching experience exceeds 12 years. WISS also operates a differentiated ecosystem of exclusive partnership programmes including Embry-Riddle Aeronautics, SCAD Art & Design, SUMAS Business & Sustainability, Stoke City FC Academy, GAIL (global school alliance), ISTA Performing Arts Academy, and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.

WISS generates revenue primarily through recurring annual tuition, ranging from 161,975 RMB (Pre-Nursery, early-bird) to 267,332 RMB (DP/CP, standard), with payment options for annual, semester, or pro-rata monthly billing and a 2,500 RMB non-refundable application fee. Ancillary revenue streams include school bus transportation (a fleet of 30+ AQI-monitored buses), WISS Academy weekend and holiday camps, after-school activities, uniform sales, and a merit-based scholarship programme that includes a 1 million RMB De-Zhi-Ti Overall Achievement Scholarship. Distribution is direct-to-consumer via a rolling admissions process managed through the OpenApply digital platform, supported by campus tours, open houses, webinars, and an active social presence across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and WeChat. Eligibility is constrained by PRC regulations to foreign passport holders, residents from Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan, and Chinese nationals with foreign parents, targeting Shanghai's expatriate family segment seeking globally transferable credentials.

The school's competitive position is anchored by its unique regulatory status as the only full-continuum IB World School in mainland China, a 100% IB Diploma pass rate, and 100% graduate acceptance into world-leading universities including MIT, Cambridge, Harvard, and Stanford. WISS is independently owned by its founders with no parent company, no disclosed funding rounds, and no public listing; revenue figures are not publicly disclosed. The institution is privately governed, with leadership structured around an Early Years Principal, Primary Principal, Secondary Principal, and a dedicated University Counselling office, reflecting a vertically segmented operating model across the Pre-Nursery to Grade 12 continuum.

Name

Western International School of Shanghai

Legal name

Western International School of Shanghai

Website

https://wiss.cn

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Western International School of Shanghai is a privately held international school offering the only full IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, IBDP, IBCP) in mainland China to approximately 700 expatriate students from 50+ nationalities on an 18-acre purpose-built campus in Shanghai.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

International K-12 Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Elementary and Secondary Schools (611110)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

International/Global Curriculum Schools (IB, Cambridge, etc.) (EDAJABAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Subject-Specific Short Courses & Academies (e.g., STEM, Business, Arts) (EDAIAIAC), Secondary School Exchange Programs (Academic Year/Semester) (EDAIAHAB), IB Program Tutoring (PYP/MYP/DP; HL/SL) (EDANAKAB)

Keywords

• K-12 international education
• IB curriculum programs
• University admissions counseling
• Early childhood learning
• Student support services

Headquarters

HQ city

Shanghai

HQ country

China

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: Annual tuition fees charged to enrolled students across multiple grade levels. Fees vary by program level from Early Years through Secondary. Payment options include annual, semester, or monthly (pro-rata for mid-year) arrangements. Fees include snacks, lunch, textbooks, materials, EAL support, Student Support Services, examination fees, activities, uniforms, and technology access.
2. Application and Placement Fees: Non-refundable application fee of 2,500 RMB for processing admissions applications. Placement fee used to secure placement for re-enrolling students.
3. Transportation Services: School bus transportation fees covering morning and afternoon pick-up and drop-off services across Shanghai's major residential areas.
4. Uniform and Merchandise Sales: School uniforms and WISS merchandise sold through the WISS Shop. Annual uniform subsidy of RMB 2000 included in tuition fees.
5. After School Activities and Camps: Revenue from WISS Academy offering weekend academic, sports, and arts activities plus summer, winter, and holiday camps.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Western International School of Shanghai is a private international school that delivers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum from Pre-Nursery through Grade 12 across four IB programmes: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (IBDP), and Career-related Programme (IBCP). The school supplements its core academic offerings with After School Activities, Athletics, WISS Academy weekend and holiday camps, University Guidance, and support services including transportation, meals, and student/health services.

Product overview

Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) is a full IB Continuum World School offering a unified educational programme spanning Lower Elementary (Pre-Nursery, ages 2.5-5), Elementary (Grades 1-5), and Secondary (Grades 6-12). The core academic offerings are built on the four International Baccalaureate programmes: IBPYP, IBMYP, IBDP, and IBCP. These are complemented by a portfolio of enrichment and support services including WISS Academy (weekend/holiday camps), After School Activities, Athletics Programme, and comprehensive student services (transportation, meals, health services, university guidance). The school also features distinctive partnership programmes including Stoke City FC Academy, Global Alliance for Innovative Learning (GAIL), ISTA Academy, Duke of Edinburgh's Award, and three specialized IBCP pathways (SCAD, SUMAS, Embry-Riddle), as well as Explore China and Global Citizenship trip programmes.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• WISS Academy: Weekend Academic, Sports, and Arts activities. Summer, Winter and Holiday Camps.

Products and services

• IB Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) Curriculum framework for young learners aged 3-12 (Pre-Nursery to Grade 5) based on inquiry-based learning with transdisciplinary units of inquiry across six global themes, fostering the whole child and a lifelong love of learning.
• IB Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) Programme for students aged 11-16 (Grades 6-10) that builds upon the PYP foundation, focusing on key concepts, interdisciplinary links, and global contexts to develop deeper disciplinary understanding.
• IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) Rigorous, internationally recognized two-year curriculum for Grades 11-12 offering breadth and depth of knowledge across disciplines through the DP Core: Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and CAS.
• IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) Programme for Grades 11-12 students with defined career paths that combines IBDP courses with career-related study, a Reflective Project, Personal and Professional Skills, and Service Learning, including specialized pathways in Aeronautics, Business & Sustainability, and Art & Design with university credit opportunities.
• WISS Academy Weekend academic, sports, and arts activities programme along with Summer, Winter, and Holiday Camps offered for extended learning beyond regular school hours.
• After School Activities (ASA) and Athletics Programme Diverse student-driven clubs, sports teams, arts, and music activities after regular school hours, including competitive swimming, basketball, volleyball, soccer, badminton, softball, and cross country with participation in local and international conferences.
• School Bus Transportation Service Fleet of 30+ school buses with AQI monitoring, air conditioning, three-point seatbelts, security cameras, and professional drivers serving pickup and drop-off locations across Shanghai's major residential areas, with separate fees and after-school activity bus options.
• University Guidance Office Comprehensive university counselling including group sessions, individual meetings, university fairs (in-person and virtual), application support, essay/personal statement guidance, and scholarship exploration for Grade 11-12 students.
• Stoke City FC Academy Football academy partnership with Stoke City FC providing WISS students with development pathways in athletics and football/soccer.
• Global Alliance for Innovative Learning (GAIL) Partnership with 8 geographically dispersed schools across 6 continents offering annual conferences, student exchanges, collaborative classroom activities, and faculty research fellowships.
• ISTA Academy Shanghai Performing arts academy at WISS offering student-led productions, workshops, and festivals for students aged 11-18, fostering creativity and cultural exchange through theatre; the first of two ISTA Performing Arts Academies worldwide.
• Duke of Edinburgh's International Award World's leading youth achievement award with three levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold) requiring completion of Service, Physical Recreation, Skills, and Adventurous Journey components for young people aged 14-24.
• IBCP-SCAD Art & Design Pathway IB-approved collaboration offering university-level Art & Design courses via SCAD eLearning, with nine tracks including Graphic Design, Photography, Fashion, Animation, and Interactive Design; students earn college credits and may transition to SCAD undergraduate programmes.
• IBCP-SUMAS Business & Sustainability Pathway Career-related pathway with Switzerland's Sustainability Management School focusing on responsible management, sustainability leadership, and developing responsible young leaders; delivered via SUMAS eLearning with 12 college credits earned upon graduation.
• IBCP-Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Pathway Aeronautics pathway with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offering eight courses in Aviation, Aviation Business Administration, and Engineering, with 24 university credits earned by Grade 12 and eligibility to join ERAU as sophomores; the only IBCP school in China and 4th worldwide with this pathway.
• Scholarship Programme Merit-based scholarships recognizing achievements in Academic Excellence, Sports, Arts, Community Service, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation, including the De-Zhi-Ti Overall Achievement Scholarship worth 1 million RMB over 4 years.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% IB Diploma pass rate, exceeding global average scores
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Global Alliance for Innovative Learning (GAIL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGAIL is a confederation of 8 geographically dispersed independent, not-for-profit, co-educational schools on six continents. WISS is the only international school in Shanghai offering GAIL opportunities. Provides annual conferences, student exchanges, collaborative classroom activities, and faculty research fellowships across member schools in USA, New Zealand, India, and Australia.
• Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIB-approved collaboration offering university-level Art & Design courses via eLearning. WISS IBCP-SCAD pathway allows students to earn college credits and transition to SCAD undergraduate programmes. Students can take summer courses at SCAD campuses in Hong Kong, Atlanta, and Savannah. Nine different tracks available including Graphic Design, Photography, Animation, and Sequential Art.
• Stoke City Football Club AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStoke City FC Academy provides WISS students with unparalleled opportunities in athletics and football. Partnership offers development pathways for student-athletes interested in football/soccer.
• Sustainability Management School Switzerland (SUMAS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFourth IBCP school in the world to offer SUMAS Business & Sustainability pathway. Students earn 12 college credits along with IBCP Certificate and WISS High School Diploma. Focus on responsible management, sustainability leadership, and developing responsible young leaders. Delivered via eLearning by SUMAS faculty.
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWISS is the only IBCP school in China and 4th IBCP school worldwide to offer ERAU Aeronautics pathway. Students earn 24 university credits by end of Grade 12 through eight ERAU courses in Aeronautics (BSA), Aviation Business Administration, and Engineering (BSE). Students can join ERAU as sophomores.
• The Duke of Edinburgh's International AwardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld's leading youth achievement award, voluntary and non-competitive. WISS offers the Award to young people aged 14-24 with Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels covering Service, Physical Recreation, Skills, and Adventurous Journey. Over 8 million participants in 140+ countries since 1956.
• International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerISTA Performing Arts Academy Shanghai-based at WISS is ISTA's first of two Performing Arts Academies worldwide. Founded in 1978, ISTA runs 200+ annual performing arts events globally. Academy brings together students aged 11-18 from across Shanghai for theatre workshops and festivals with no auditions required.
• ACAMIS (Association of China and Mongolia International Schools)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAthletics conference partnership for competitive sports participation within China and Mongolia region.
• SSSA (Shanghai Schools Sports Association)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAthletics conference partnership for Shanghai-based competitive sports.
• CISSA (China International School Sports Association)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAthletics conference partnership for international schools in China.
• SISAC (Shanghai International Schools Activities Conference)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAthletics and activities conference for Shanghai international schools.
• JointRD SecurityminorOthersLicensed outsource security company providing 24-hour on-site professional security services. Serves various high-end commercial, healthcare, and education organizations.
• First Point USAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for student opportunities in athletics and sports development.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Concordia International School Shanghai: Non-profit, faith-based international school in Shanghai serving expatriate families with American curriculum. Directly comparable in target customer (Shanghai expat families), premium positioning, and K-12 college-prep focus.
• Shanghai American School: One of the largest and oldest international schools in Shanghai, serving primarily expatriate families with an American-style college-preparatory curriculum. Highly comparable as a competing premium international school targeting the same Shanghai expatriate market.
• Nord Anglia International School Shanghai: Part of the Nord Anglia global network of premium international schools serving expatriate families in Shanghai. Comparable in premium fee tier, IB/national curriculum offerings, and global partnership model.
• Wellington College International Shanghai: Premium British-curriculum international school in Shanghai affiliated with Wellington College UK. Comparable in fee tier, expatriate target market, and K-12 premium positioning.
• British International School Shanghai: Premium international school in Shanghai (now part of Nord Anglia) offering British curriculum with IB pathways. Comparable as a premium-fee international school competing for the same Shanghai expatriate families.
• Dulwich College Shanghai: Premium British-curriculum international school in Shanghai with multiple campuses, part of the Dulwich College International network. Comparable as a high-fee international school competing for the same expatriate families in Shanghai.
• Shanghai Community International School (SCIS): Non-profit international school in Shanghai with multiple campuses serving expatriate families with IB and American curricula. Directly comparable in target customer, premium positioning, and IB Continuum offerings.
• Shanghai Singapore International School: International school in Shanghai serving expatriate families with IB and Singapore curricula. Comparable as an IB-offering international school competing for the same premium Shanghai expatriate market.
• YK Pao School: Non-profit private school in Shanghai offering IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP) with bilingual emphasis. Comparable as a premium IB international school targeting Shanghai families seeking globally-recognized curriculum.
• Yew Chung International School of Shanghai: Long-established Shanghai international school offering IB and IGCSE pathways with a bilingual (English-Chinese) emphasis. Comparable as an IB-offering international school competing for the same Shanghai expatriate families.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/wisscommunity
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/WesternInternationalSchoolofShanghaiWISS
• Facebookfacebook.com/western-international-school-of-shanghai-wiss-262543463869534
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/wiss---the-western-international-school-of-shanghai
• Instagraminstagram.com/wissshanghai

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Western International School of Shanghai