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Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction
International School of Qingdao (ISQ) is a private international day school in Qingdao, China, offering Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 education in English. The school follows an American curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses and is Cognia-accredited, reflecting a standards-based approach to college preparation. ISQ is part of LifePlus and emphasizes character formation, leadership, and service through programs such as Model United Nations, fine arts, and service learning. The campus sits at 26 Tianshui Road in the Licang District, near the Qingdao Horticultural Expo Garden, with facilities that include science and computer laboratories, an extensive library, and athletics facilities. Average class size is 14 students, and the student body draws from a diverse, multinational community. English-language support is provided for non-native speakers. The head of school is Gabe Lee.
International School of Qingdao has 2,300 pupils, typical class sizes of 14, instruction in English.
Location
ISQ is in Qingdao, Shandong Province, at 26 Tianshui Road, Licang District (266041). The campus sits in a residential Bijia community area near the Qingdao Horticultural Expo, with convenient road access and local transport options.
Stages
ISQ provides Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 (Early Childhood to High School) education in English. The school supports a full K-12 pathway taught in English.
Type
ISQ operates as a co-educational private international day school. It is a tuition-based international school without publicly listed boarding facilities.
Additional learning support
The school runs an English Language Support (ELS) program for non-native English speakers across Elementary and Middle School, using bi-annual WIDA testing and MAP data to tailor learning paths. A team of eight ELS staff provides push-in, pull-out and intensive support, complemented by counseling services for well-being.
Country affiliation
There is no formal country affiliation; ISQ participates in the LifePlus international network and holds Cognia accreditation (USA-based).
Religious affiliation
ISQ has no publicly noted religious affiliation.
School day structure
School days run 8:00–16:00 from Monday to Thursday and 8:00–15:30 on Fridays.
Bus service
ISQ offers a school bus service with an annual fee of 8,600 RMB. Routes and providers are coordinated through the Admissions office.
Fees
Annual tuition at International School of Qingdao ranges from RMB 139,400 to RMB 225,000 for 2026/27.
Application and assessment fees - Registration fee for new students: RMB 10,000. - Re‑enrollment (returning families) fee: RMB 3,000. - Admissions/assessment fee for new students: RMB 600.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Early‑bird (discounted) and full annual payments are due on the dates set in the school's billing notices; the school uses a payment schedule that includes annual, semester and quarterly deadlines. Semester and quarterly payment due dates are indicated in the school billing notices. - Specific payment timing noted in school materials: re‑enrollment and early‑bird deadlines occur in mid‑May; other tuition payment plans and fees are due in mid‑July; quarterly payments fall on the 15th of July, September, December and March. - Registration fee and tuition must be paid to reserve enrollment according to the billing notice. Payments more than five school days past the due date are subject to a late fee of RMB 50 per school day; students may be excluded from classes if payment is more than ten business days past due. - Late enrollment: annual tuition for late new‑student enrollment is prorated by the enrollment quarter; other payment plan arrangements for late enrollment are made with the Finance Office.
Boarding/Residence - Boarding is not offered by this school (the school operates as a day school); there are no boarding fees.
Other costs and typical additional fees - Transportation (bus) fee: RMB 8,600 per year. This is charged for the entire year and is payable regardless of the tuition payment plan selected. - Lunch: ECC–Grade 1 meals RMB 28 per meal (annual example noted RMB 5,040); Grades 2–12 meals RMB 33 per meal (annual example noted RMB 5,940). Lunch deposits are managed through the school's PowerSchool account; unused lunch balances are refundable. - Academic special needs support (if required): variable; up to RMB 75,000 depending on the level of additional services. - Devices/technology for secondary students: family‑provided (secondary device policy applies for Grades 6–12). - Uniforms and other personal items: variable cost (typical uniform estimates are indicated in school communications; families are responsible for uniform purchases). - Optional trips and extra‑curricular event costs: variable. School covers 50% of some school‑sponsored activities (for example certain tournaments); non‑sponsored event costs are 100% parent responsibility.
Refund information and finance policies - Assessment fee and registration fee are non‑refundable. - Tuition and transportation fees are refundable for remaining full quarters not attended if a student withdraws; unused lunch account balances are refundable. - No portion of tuition is refundable for students dismissed for disciplinary reasons or expelled. - Grade‑12 students who graduate in December are required to pay 60% of the annual tuition for that year.
Fee payment options and instructions - Primary methods for tuition payments: bank transfer (domestic RMB account and a US USD account are available). When making a bank transfer, include the student's full name and grade and email proof of payment to the Finance Office to ensure correct crediting. All bank charges for transfers are to be borne by the remitter. - Registration fee and transportation fee: payable by bank transfer or WeChat. - Lunch deposit/top‑up: managed through PowerSchool and can be paid using WeChat Pay as instructed in the school's lunch payment process. Unused lunch balances are refundable. - Finance Office contact for payment confirmation and receipts: finance@isqchina.com (use this contact to send payment proof and to request family‑specific invoices or confirm US account details).
Academics
International School of Qingdao teaches American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
ISQ offers Pre-K through 12 education in English with an American college-preparatory program and AP coursework, and is Cognia-accredited. In High School, students take Advanced Placement courses across disciplines, with electives and clubs, and receive university and career planning support, including PSAT/SAT/ACT testing and options for dual enrollment with partners such as Grand Canyon University and LifePlus Online Academy. Middle School emphasizes character development and leadership as part of the LifePlus framework, with a balanced curriculum that integrates arts, Chinese language and culture, and technology through Canvas and Apple-based digital learning. Elementary builds on character development and leadership, with arts and Chinese language and culture as core components, and a focus on social-emotional growth alongside academic learning. ISQ's campus operates as a Cognia-accredited LifePlus international school, emphasizing character, leadership and global citizenship across all levels.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
ISQ supports social and emotional learning through a holistic wellbeing program and dedicated student wellbeing initiatives; the school has its own counselling team and wellbeing‑focused programs, including Model United Nations and fine arts, and it emphasizes that every child is loved, valued, and capable.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school has a Learning Support Coordinator (Melody Lee) for 2025–2026 who will work part‑time to support students with learning needs across all grades, and she is certified in special education; ISQ does not publicly disclose whether it is a specialist SEN institution or the full list of SEN categories.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The English Language Support (ELS) department provides additional support to non‑native English speaking students across elementary and middle school to enable participation in the full curriculum.
Mental Wellbeing
Counselling services support a range of personal, academic, and social issues in group and individual settings, focusing on healthy relationships, resilience, mental health, and emotional well‑being.
Safeguarding
Child safety is prioritized through a Director of Child Safety, two designated Child Safety Specialists at each school, and policies including a Code of Conduct and LifePlus Safety and Security Code; regular staff and student training and confidential reporting mechanisms are in place.
Admissions
Admissions
Step 1: Submission. ISQ Qingdao maintains rolling admissions and accepts applications for new students throughout the year. First, you should complete the online application form provided on the admissions page. After you submit, the admissions team will acknowledge your inquiry and begin reviewing your materials. This step sets the stage for the rest of the process and signals that your family is in the queue for consideration.
Step 2: Paperwork. The school reviews supporting documents for both the applicant and the child. Typical documents include copies of the applicant's passport and visa or residence permit, the child's immunization record, and previous school records or transcripts. Preparing these documents promptly helps keep the process moving. If additional documents are needed, the admissions team will request them.
Step 3: Assessment. An interview with a Teaching + Learning Principal is conducted to get to know the student. If the child's native language is not English, an age-appropriate admissions assessment is also conducted to evaluate language and aptitudes. The admissions office will arrange any tests as needed and share next steps once testing is complete.
Step 4: Decision. After completing the application and assessments, ISQ Qingdao will notify you within one week about whether your child is accepted, declined, or placed in the waiting pool. If accepted, you will be asked to pay the enrollment deposit and prepare for the start of the school year. If there is no immediate place, the child may be placed in the waiting pool for a future opening.
Scholarships
ISQ Qingdao does not publish a scholarship program within its admissions materials.
Waitlist
ISQ Qingdao uses a rolling admissions approach, meaning applications are reviewed as they come in throughout the year. If there isn't an available place when a file is reviewed, the child's name may be placed in the waiting pool.
FAQs
What curriculum does International School of Qingdao follow?
ISQ offers Pre-K through 12 education in English with an American college-preparatory program and AP coursework, and is Cognia-accredited.
What age range does International School of Qingdao serve?
The school serves students from age 3 to 18.
What are the tuition fees?
Annual fees range from RMB 139,400 to RMB 225,000. Contact the school for the full fee schedule and any additional charges.
Is the school co-educational?
The school is described as co-educational.
How many students attend International School of Qingdao?
The school has approximately 2,300 students.
Where is International School of Qingdao located?
ISQ is in Qingdao, Shandong Province, at 26 Tianshui Road, Licang District (266041). The campus sits in a residential Bijia community area near the Qingdao Horticultural Expo, with convenient road access and local transport options.
When was International School of Qingdao established?
The school was established in 1996.
Who leads International School of Qingdao?
The school is led by Gabe Lee.
Does the school provide learning support for students with special educational needs?
The school has a Learning Support Coordinator (Melody Lee) for 2025–2026 who will work part‑time to support students with learning needs across all grades, and she is certified in special education; I
What languages are used for instruction?
ISQ provides PreK–12 education in English and follows an American curriculum. Chinese language and culture is offered at multiple levels (beginner to native) with small class sizes to differentiate instruction.
How do I apply to International School of Qingdao?
Step 1: Submission. ISQ Qingdao maintains rolling admissions and accepts applications for new students throughout the year. First, you should complete the online application form provided on the admissions page.
What extracurricular activities are available?
Visual arts, music and drama are central to ISQ's arts program across middle and high school. Students have opportunities to perform on campus during Drama events and Fine Art Galas, and may participate in the annual Fine Arts Festival in Tianjin.
What accreditations does International School of Qingdao hold?
Cognia accreditation (2021–present).
Is there a school bus service?
ISQ offers a school bus service with an annual fee of 8,600 RMB. Routes and providers are coordinated through the Admissions office.
