Hangzhou International School

What Hangzhou International School does

Hangzhou International School (HIS) is a non-profit international day school founded in 2002 by the International Schools Foundation (ISF) and the first international school established in Hangzhou. It serves children of expatriates legally residing in China — as well as residents of Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, Taiwan Region, and Chinese citizens with foreign permanent residency — spanning ages 2-18 from Early Years through Grade 12. The school enrolls over 1,020 students drawn from more than 50 nationalities and is the only WASC-accredited international school in Hangzhou and the only full IB continuum school in Zhejiang Province, delivering the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme with 100% IB-trained faculty.

HIS operates on a tuition-based subscription revenue model with an RMB 3,000 non-refundable application fee; tuition amounts are not publicly disclosed. Revenue is reinvested into programs under the school's non-profit governance structure overseen by an appointed Board of Directors. The school is led by Superintendent Jeffry R. Stubbs (with over 18 years of involvement), supported by a Deputy Superintendent, division principals, and functional directors covering admissions, technology, finance, business, athletics, and university counseling. Marketing and admissions run primarily through a direct-to-consumer OpenApply platform, a 360-degree virtual tour, and community-led referrals via the Parents and Friends Association (PAFA).

The school's technology stack includes a 1:1 Apple MacBook program for Grades 5-12, Microsoft Office 365, JamF device management, and AI-assisted tools (Toddle, ManageBac, BridgeU, NWEA MAP, WIDA). Facilities span a purpose-built 50,000+ square meter campus in Binjiang District (relocated 2022) with two main buildings, three indoor gyms, a FIFA-rated pitch, a swimming pool, and a Performing Arts Theatre. Co-curricular scope includes 42 athletic teams across 12 sports, a year-round competitive swim team, performing arts, and over 100 CCAs.

Name

Hangzhou International School

Legal name

Hangzhou International School

Website

https://his-china.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Hangzhou International School is a non-profit IB World School founded in 2002 in Hangzhou, China, serving over 1,020 expatriate children from 50+ nationalities with the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) from Early Years through Grade 12.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

International K-12 Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (611110), Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Educational Services (61)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industries

International Curriculum Early Learning Academies (e.g., IB Early Years) (EDACADAK), Bilingual & Language-Immersion Early Learning Academies (EDACADAG)

Keywords

• International education
• IB curriculum programs
• K-12 schooling
• University counseling services
• Student learning support

Headquarters

HQ city

Hangzhou

HQ country

China

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: Tuition-based revenue from international families. Application fee of RMB 3,000 (non-refundable). Learning Support Program fees assessed according to level of support provided.
2. Non-Profit Educational Services: As a non-profit school under the International Schools Foundation, revenue is reinvested into educational programs, facilities, and staff development rather than distributed as profits.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Hangzhou International School delivers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum — Primary Years (PYP), Middle Years (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP) — for students aged 2 through 18. Instruction is organized into Early Childhood Education, Lower School, and Upper School divisions, supplemented by athletics, aquatics, performing arts, co-curricular activities (CCA), and dedicated university and guidance counseling.

Product overview

Hangzhou International School is a non-profit IB World School offering a full IB Continuum of programs (PYP, MYP, DP) for students ages 2-18 from Early Childhood through Grade 12. The school operates with a core educational framework supplemented by specialized programs including the Mac School Laptop Program (1-to-1 Apple MacBooks for Grades 5-12), Mandarin Learning Program, Library Services via Oliver Portal, and E-learning capabilities. Beyond academics, the school provides extensive co-curricular offerings through Athletics (42 teams in 12 sports), Aquatics (competitive swim team), Performing Arts (theatre, music, film), and over 100 CCAs including Model UN and Robotics. Student Support Services including ESOL, counseling, and learning support are integrated throughout the program.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• International Baccalaureate Programmes
• Early Childhood Education (ECE)
• Lower School Programme
• Upper School Programme
• Athletics Programme
• Aquatics Programme
• Performing Arts Programme
• Co-Curricular Activities (CCA)
• University and Guidance Counseling

Quantifiable outcome

• 34 average IB Diploma score (vs. global average of 30)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core, major and minor.

• Hangzhou Yanglingzi School (Special Olympics Unified Schools)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2025Special Olympics Unified Schools partnership agreement signed on International Children's Day. Promotes inclusive education with shared experiences and collaboration between HIS and Yanglingzi School.
• International Baccalaureate OrganizationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFull authorization to deliver IB programs across the continuum: PYP for Early Years-Grade 5, MYP for Grades 6-10, and DP for Grades 11-12. The IB organization provides curriculum frameworks, assessment standards, and professional development.
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFull accreditation by WASC, the only internationally accredited school in Hangzhou. Commits to schoolwide self-study and external evaluation of ongoing school improvement processes.
• ACAMIS (Association of Chinese and Mongolian International Schools)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMembership in ACAMIS provides learning opportunities in sports competitions and arts/culture. Advances professional development of staff. Facilitates communication and cooperation among member schools.
• EARCOS (East Asia Regional Council of Overseas Schools)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner165 member schools in East Asia with over 138,212 pre-K to 12th grade students. Organization inspires adult and student learning through leadership and service, fostering intercultural understanding and global citizenship.
• SISAC (Shanghai International Schools Activities Conference)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor14 international schools competing in SISAC. Concludes each sports season with 'City Championship.' Provides competitive athletic opportunities for student-athletes.
• CISSA (Chinese International Schools Sports Association)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor19 international schools in Shanghai region for Middle School athletic events. Built on participatory philosophy giving every interested student opportunity to play on school sport teams.
• HISAC (Hangzhou International Schools Athletics Conference)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational schools in Hangzhou competing in athletics events and tournaments throughout the year.
• SSL (Shanghai Swim League)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSwim league for international schools hosting meets throughout the year for competitive swimming development.
• HISA (Hangzhou International Schools Association)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEstablished 2018 with eight member schools. Mission to promote sharing of information among schools and parents, define professional standards, promote inter-school activities for students and staff.
• Parents and Friends Association (PAFA)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommunity-building group connecting all parents, guardians, faculty, staff, and administration. Builds solid foundation uniting diversity and fostering positive, cohesive community.
• West Lake Model United NationsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegionally acclaimed MUN conference hosted each fall. Provides students with opportunities to develop diplomacy, public speaking, and global awareness skills.
• Yougo Sports International AcademyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExtra-curricular sports program provider offering coaching in football, soccer, rugby, basketball, and baseball since 2015.
• Library ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerService learning partnership providing library resources to underfunded schools in rural China and Vietnam.
• International School Services (ISS)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNon-profit leader in international education connecting educators and schools to international teaching jobs. Sources essential school supplies and conducts accounting functions.
• Search AssociatesmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational teacher recruitment firm assisting schools in finding exceptional candidates for over 28 years.
• Global Recruitment CollaborativemajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDatabase of educators of highest caliber field tested at best international schools with passion for international education.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Yew Chung International School of Shanghai: Long-established international school in Shanghai serving expatriate families with bilingual IB-aligned programme. Comparable as a competing premium international school in the same market with similar admissions model and expatriate family focus, though operating as a private school chain.
• Wellington College International Shanghai: Premium British-curriculum international school in Shanghai operated by Wellington College. Comparable as a competing premium brand serving expatriate families in the same Chinese market corridor with strong facilities and brand reputation, though operating under for-profit management.
• Nord Anglia Chinese International School (Shanghai): For-profit premium international school group operating multiple campuses across China including Shanghai and Ningbo. Comparable as a competing premium operator in the same market with strong facilities, global brand, and university placement focus, though operating as a corporate chain rather than non-profit.
• Dulwich College Shanghai: Premium British-curriculum international school in Shanghai operated by Dulwich College International. Comparable as a competing premium international school in the same Yangtze River Delta region serving expatriate families, though for-profit and focused on British IGCSE/A-Levels rather than IB.

Direct peers

• Shanghai American School: Largest non-profit international school in China serving expatriate families in Shanghai with a full K-12 program. Directly comparable as a non-profit, WASC-accredited school serving U.S. and international families with rigorous college-prep curriculum and similar admissions profile to HIS.
• Western Academy of Beijing: Non-profit international school in Beijing serving 1,000+ expatriate students from Early Years through Grade 12 with IB programmes. Highly comparable as a WASC/IB accredited non-profit catering to multinational families in a major Chinese tech hub.
• Concordia International School Shanghai: Non-profit international school in Shanghai offering American curriculum with IB components. Comparable as a faith-affiliated, non-profit peer serving expatriate families with college-prep focus and similar admissions structure in the broader Shanghai-Hangzhou corridor.
• Suzhou International School: Non-profit international school in Suzhou offering IB programmes to expatriate children in the Yangtze River Delta. Comparable in scale, mission, and customer profile as a regional peer serving the same expatriate corridor between Shanghai and Hangzhou.
• Nanjing International School: Non-profit international school serving expatriate families in Nanjing with full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP). Comparable as a fellow IB World School serving the Yangtze River Delta expatriate community with similar tuition model and admissions process.
• Wuxi International School: International school in Wuxi serving expatriate families in the Yangtze River Delta with IB programmes. Comparable as a smaller-scale regional peer offering similar IB curriculum and serving the same expatriate demographic in nearby Jiangsu cities.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/hangzhou-international-school

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 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 Hangzhou International School