Who we are
Our story goes way back to 1912, which makes us an integral part of Shanghai’s history. We’ve evolved alongside the city itself. As a non-profit international school with two campuses working together, we’re driven by enthusiasm and boundless opportunities. We’re all about creating a community where everyone feels valued, so we’re fully committed to fostering inclusivity, diversity, equity, and belonging.
Ever wonder what a day looks like?
Journey of education at SAS
Early Childhood Education
In the early years, our students unleash their inner Picasso and Einstein through our Reggio Emilia Approach. We nurture little minds to think big and dream even bigger.
Enriching environment
We create an environment where our little ones can tinker, try new things, observe nature, and figure stuff out in their own way. After all, learning happens best when it feels natural and exciting.
Pre-K Atelier
We give our students the freedom to experiment and explore right from the get-go. Each of our campuses offers an atelier that caters specifically to our pre-k learners, allowing them to foster natural curiosity and learn through hands-on experiences.
Elementary School
In the elementary years, your child is building a core foundation for the years ahead. At the heart of this is literacy, and the ways it is infused throughout all subject areas, as well as a deep, conceptual approach to math. This is also the time a student's self-awareness and communication skills come to life.
Student voice
Whether it’s hashing out ideas in class, tackling cool projects or making tough decisions, we believe student voices matter and in giving them the freedom to be active participants in their learning journey.
Problem solving
From unraveling mysteries to cracking codes, every day brings new opportunity to conquer challenges.
Middle School
We're experts when it comes to knowing how brain development happens in adolescents, so we are totally tuned in to what makes middle schoolers tick. We tailor our teaching to ensure each student grows in every way possible.
Inquiry-based approach
Through inquiry-based learning, we encourage students to roll up their sleeves, get messy and uncover knowledge by digging deep into real-world problems. It’s all about that lightbulb moment when our students realize they’re investigators on a quest for understanding.
Conceptual learning
Math isn’t just about numbers. It’s about wrapping our heads around the big ideas. We break down those tricky concepts into bite-sized pieces that actually make sense.
High School
High school is more than just preparing for college. Whether it’s crunching numbers, crafting essays or hitting the field, our students develop their passions and become the best versions of themselves to be the leaders and innovators of the future.
Individualized pathways
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Since we offer both AP and IB, our students have the opportunity to dive deep into advanced subjects or explore new interests. Either way, they have the freedom to pave their own academic path.
College prep
Whether it’s helping to build a killer application or giving the lowdown on campus life, our college counselors are pros at demystifying college. With their guidance, our seniors will feel confident taking that next big step after high school.
Alumni
Our alumni are not just former students; they’re lifelong members of a tight-knit community. Even decades down the road, they still feel that connection and are eager to swoop back in and catch up with their favorite teachers and to share words of wisdom with current students. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle!
Global citizens
Our alumni are true global citizens. While making their mark on their world, they always find themselves back on familiar turf to pay it forward by lending their time and expertise to nurture the growth of current students.
Changemakers
Shanghai American School alumni can be found sparking innovation in tech hubs or leading grassroots movements in their communities. But no matter where they are, our alumni are not afraid to shake things up. Our alumni are known to be be true changemakers.
Meet the people who know SAS best
Our community, past and present, is the heart and soul of everything we do, and they tell it the best. Spend some time getting to know the people that make Shanghai American School special.
In a rapidly evolving landscape, Shanghai American School equips students with the skills to navigate change, prioritize learning processes, and embrace innovation.
Life in & out of the classroom
Education goes beyond textbooks and tests. It’s about creating unforgettable experiences for our students. From perfecting ballet moves alongside a Paris Opera Ballet dancer to designing innovative tech solution for the hearing impaired, our students get to do some seriously cool stuff that will leave a lasting impact on them while improving various life skills.
SAS Spotlight
Amazing things happen on our campuses every day. We often hear our parents say “I wish I could have gone here as a kid”.
