As parents, the choices we make regarding the education of our children is among the most important decisions we make in our adult lives. We recognize that the choices we make are not just about today but about the future, the life our children will lead as adults.
Because these decisions carry so much weight, we do not take it lightly. We do not allow education to just happen. No, we start applying for prestigious preschools when our children are in utero, we fill up their toddler years with play dates, piano lessons and French classes. We want our children to go farther, push harder and achieve greater successes than we have.
With education being such an important element to a life–in-the-making, relocating to Shanghai shouldn’t jeopardize what you’ve worked so hard for your children to achieve in their early years. This article is directed at those of you with preschool and kindergarten-aged children looking to get your junior achievers enrolled in Shanghai. And, with more and more expat families moving into Shanghai day by day, spacing can be limited so you’ll want to investigate your choices and make your plans early.
Most of the international schools include preschool, and many larger expat housing compounds have their own pre-school facilities which I will list within this article.
All schools offer extracurricular activities so that children can often find so much to do after school that Shanghai really can be as thoroughly enjoyable for the children as it is to the parents. And, of course, all children, regardless of age, will be taught Mandarin regardless of placement. Perhaps sharpening up your Chinese as a family each night will help everyone adapt to the new lifestyle and stay connected.
Not all schools are created equal. When investigating your child’s educational needs in Shanghai keep in mind where you will be returning to. Study and structure may lean towards American curriculum standards, British standards, Japanese, Australia and New Zealand. Shanghai really does have the education you’re looking for.
Fortune Kindergarten
Fortune Kindergarten offers an international curriculum which is geared towards children 2 to 6 years of age. Language arts activities are taught in both Chinese and English. Fortune Kindergartens educational philosophy is to encourage children to be autonomous, creative individuals. Classes are available year-round with Friday afternoons being reserved for activities such as sports, games, dance, videos and birthday parties. The teaching staff is comprised of Chinese nationals as well as expatriates and offers an on-site doctor.
www.fkis.com.cn
Email : fortunek@online.sh.cn
Fortune Kindergarten – Pudong Main Campus
1361 Dongfang Lu, Pudong
Shanghai, China
Tel: (8621) 5875 1212
Fortune Kindergarten – Pudong Longyang Campus
201 Huanlong Dong Lu, Pudong
Shanghai, China
Tel: (8621) 5039-8797
Fortune Kindergarten – Puxi Campus
2151 Lianhua Lu, Hongqiao
Shanghai, China
Tel: (8621) 5458-0508
Longbai Apartments Kindergarten
The Longbai Apartments offer two classes a day, one in the morning from 9:00 to noon, the other from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The teaching is based on the Montessori method.
Longbai Apartments Kindergarten
Attn: Longbai Service Department
2461 Hongqiao Lu, Hongqiao
Shanghai, China
Tel: (8621) 6268-8320
Montessori Children’s Academy
Newly opened (November 2005), the Montessori Children’s Academy offers classes for children 3-6 years of age. Language studies include Mandarin, English, and German.
Montessori Children’s Academy
56 Linshan Lu, Lane 2000, Pudong
Shanghai, China 200136
Tel: (8621) 5075-5473
Fax: (8621) 5075-5473
Montessori Children’s House
The Montessori Children’s House offers education to children from 2 to 6 years of age; they also offer a summer program.
Montessori Children’s House
418 Yunjian Lu, Green Hills, Pudong
Shanghai, China 200135
Tel: 5030 3681
Fax: 5030 5312
Rainbow Bridge International School
Rainbow Bridge is for children aged 2-6. They do offer a summer program as well.
Rainbow Bridge International School
2381 Hongqiao Lu, Hongqiao
Shanghai, China
Tel: (8621) 6268-9773
Shanghai Centre Preschool
Shanghai Centre Preschool offers classes 5 days a week with their qualified expat teachers in morning or afternoon sessions. Shanghai Centre residents aged 2 ½ to 5 years of age are given priority enrollment; however, if spaces are available non residents may also attend.
Shanghai Centre Preschool
1/F West Tower, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu,
Shanghai, China
Tel: (8621) 6279-8600 ext. 6752
Soong Ching Ling Kindergarten
Classes are available at Soong Ching Ling Kindergarten for children aged 3 to 5 years of age. Every class has two teachers, one English speaking and the other Mandarin. Parents may choose between Montessori programs or traditional Western-style formats. With approximately 21 children per class and two teachers, your children will receive direct hands-on help as needed. A large outdoor playground is also available to students.
Soong Ching Ling Kindergarten
601 Hongmei Lu,
Shanghai, China
Tel: (8621) 6242-9851
Tiny Tots Preschool
Tiny Tots Preschool offers full and half-day programs for children aged 2 ½ to 6 years of age. Tiny Tots first opened their doors to students in September of 1997. Subjects taught include music, ballet, gymnastics, computers, art, social development and Chinese. There is a music room and a library as well as indoor and outdoor playrooms. Children under 2 ½ are welcome to join playtimes with the accompaniment of a nanny or parent.
Tiny Tots Preschool
43 Fuxing Xi Lu
Shanghai, China
Tel: (8621) 6431-3788
For a comprehensive list of International Schools please see,