Shanghai French School
International School in Shanghai
Quick answer
Shanghai French School offers a multi-track American and French programme, with a highly diverse student body of 60 nationalities. Tuition of $16,841–$25,186/year is in line with Shanghai averages. Graduates leave with IGCSE and French Baccalaureate.
Key facts
- Curriculum: American, French leaving qualifications include IGCSE and French Baccalaureate.
- Tuition: $16,841–$25,186/yr published annual range.
- Avg class size: 22 (max 20) Shanghai international school · 1,530 students total.
- 60 nationalities top: French, Chinese, UK.
- Ages: Ages 2 to 18 school day starts at 8:00.
- Accreditations: AEFE verified.
1,530
60 (French, Chinese, UK, Canadian, Italian, Spanish)
22 avg / 20 max
Rolling
AEFE
IGCSE and French Baccalaureate
About Shanghai French School
Our school is popular among families from different cultural background seeking a well-rounded education for their children while living abroad. This popularity can be attributed to several features that are the specificities of the French education abroad: its emphasis on plurilingualism, critical thinking, creativity, cultural immersion, and academic rigour. The French education system has a strong commitment to academic excellence, which has earned it a reputation for offering a unique and holistic approach to learning. This is well recognized by top world universities and higher education institutions that fully recognize the value of the French education system and its rigorous final exam, the French Baccalaureate. As an association of parents and non for profit organization, we offer state of the art facilities and learning environment for one of the most affordable curriculum among international schools in Shanghai. We organize montly Open Houses during which families can visit
Learning & language support (SEN / EAL)
This school states meaningful learning-support provision — still confirm it fits your child's specific need.
Why this matters
Special-needs provision at international schools varies widely and is rarely guaranteed by the school itself — and local legal duties differ by country. Confirm what this school provides, in writing, before you commit.
- Learning support: moderate
- In-house specialist staff listed
- EAL/ESL support listed
Not published
- —Educational-psychologist availability not stated
Questions to ask the school
- Is an educational psychologist on staff or available by referral?
- Can you support a child with my child's specific need (e.g. dyslexia, ADHD, autism), and have you done so this year? Ask for concrete examples.
- Is there an additional fee for learning support or EAL — and how much per year?
- Is learning support guaranteed for the full enrolment, or can it be withdrawn later?
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual tuition (USD) | $16,841 – $25,186 |
| Annual tuition (local) | 元122100-元182600 |
| Fee year | 2025-2026 |
| Est. all-in cost (modeled)how we calculate | $24,534(+17%) |
| Est. first-year total (modeled) | $26,534 |
| Cost position in Shanghai | 43th percentile(mid-range) |
American, French
IGCSE and French Baccalaureate
At Shanghai French School, we proudly and exclusively offer the French Baccalaureate, a world-renowned qualification that opens the same doors to top universities and careers across Europe, North America, and Asia as any other type of Baccalaureate. Recognized for its academic depth and rigor, it’s one of the most respected diplomas worldwide. At Shanghai French School, we proudly offer the French Baccalaureate, which is as internationally recognized (by American, European, Asian universities) for its rigorous academic standards and in-depth theoretical knowledge as other baccalaureates such as the IB, A-levels, or AP.
100% Baccalaureate success Vs. 95% in France. 100% Distinctions Vs. 68% in France. 44% with Highest Honours Vs. 8% in France
Mandatory Languages from Kindergarten: French, Chinese, English Additional Languages from Grade 7 : German, Spanish Languages available in extra curricular activities at the school : Italian
Personalized support is integrated into the student schedule. It takes place over 72 hours per year, or 2 hours per week on average. This is teaching time separate from the time for class. Personalized support must therefore allow students to develop their basic skills and strengthen their working methods. To help students achieve their full potential, we put in place action plans to help special needs students. Four main types exist: – PPRE: Programme Personnalisé de Réussite Educative. In a nutshell, it is an action plan on a limited period 5 to 7 weeks that targets a specific area or skill (writing, oral skills, behavior, focus). – PAP: Plan d’Accompagnement Personnalisé. Mostly for students suffering from dyslexia, dyspraxia. Special arrangements can be made such as alleviating the homework, allowing extra time for tasks, increasing the font size and so on… – PAI: Projet d’Accueil Individualisé. For students suffering from a chronical disease or allergy. – PPS: Projet Personnalisé de Scolarisation. For students suffering from a handicap.
Yes
The French as Language of Instruction (FLSco) program allows students who begin in French to fit in the French education system. Courses target children from K3 on. A lot of non-French speaking students currently enrolled at shanghai French School went through the FLSco program. This curriculum, which generally takes two years, allows students to gain access to the basic learning required at school. FLSco: Support for Non-French Speakers — a comprehensive 2-year program with 20+ teachers, supporting 300+ supervised students aged 4 to 18, offering small learning groups, up to 12 hours per week of personalized support, and full immersion in French language and culture.
8:00 – 12:00, 15:00 or 17:00, depending on the level. Extracurricular activities are provided on time slots during which students have no class.
Yes, we have a canteen with dedicated lunch lines (salad bar, Chinese food, noodles, European food, sandwiches, set menues... Kindergarten children have their own separated space.
Yes
Imported from a directory listing and not independently verified — confirm fees and details with the school.
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At a Glance
Fee Position in Shanghai
Mid-rangeSchool Profile
Class Size
Student Diversity
Very diverse
Common: French, Chinese, UK, Canadian, Italian, Spanish
Estimated Real Cost
Tuition + registration, transport, uniform, exams
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