About us

male students waiting for the bus at the best international school in qingdao

We inspire and challenge our students every day. Not just to memorize books, but to live them; not just to study science, but to experiment with it.

A warm welcome from our Head of School

chris peek head of school international school of qingdao

Welcome to the International School of Qingdao! We are proud to be a part of LifePlus, where we develop servant leaders who learn, love and lead. Guided by our purpose and our globally recognized Cognia® accreditation, we strive for excellence. We provide our international students with the highest-quality education, delivered by world-class teachers, in a school designed to support each student’s needs and aspirations.

At all LifePlus international schools, we prioritize character formation and the application of learning—both inside and outside the classroom—to set our students apart for universities of their choice and prepare them for a life of purpose. Because of this, we teach and engage our students with our LifePlus 9 Qualities and unify the community around our commitments to learn, love, and lead. Our holistic wellbeing program, extra-curricular activities, and strong partnerships with parents provide extra layers of support and opportunities for growth. Together, these elements equip every student with the stepping stones needed to face the challenges of our world, discover their purpose, and drive positive change.

Emphasizing character and robust, best-in-class educational and well-being programs make the International School of Qingdao a great community of growth and learning. Since our humble years as the first international school in Qingdao and Shandong to today with almost 500 alumni and counting, we have remained deeply committed to providing world-class education as the best international school in Qingdao.

I look forward to welcoming you to our school.

Warmly,
Chris Peek
Head of School

Our values

male art student drawing at isq
Discerning then acting as one

Conviction

Our school is most successful when we’re all working as a team! Whether it’s a class project, Christmas party or our International Day, we learn and grow together.

High School students at MUN
Serving our communities and cultures

Service

Students at International School of Qingdao dedicate much of their time, skills and energy to others. From Model United Nations simulations, to fundraising for charities; from supporting schools for neuro-diverse students, to helping build up rural communities; we show and teach our students how to make a positive difference.

male student at international school of qingdao having fun during class
Inspiring change to realize greater potential

Transformation

There’s more to learning than gaining knowledge. Learning stretches who we are, challenges us, and offers us a fuller life. We also make sure every child in the school knows they are loved, valued, and capable. In fact, our dedicated programs for student wellbeing, Model United Nations and fine arts (to name a few) were the first of their kind in Qingdao.

Making a positive difference in the lives of others

Impact

Learning gives us the knowledge and skills to get out of our comfort zone and contribute something of worth. Our courses develop and celebrate leadership qualities in our students through critical and creative thinking; with many of them going on to world-class universities and successful careers.

A brief history

1996

Small beginnings
The very first international school in Qingdao and Shandong province, International School of Qingdao, formerly QMIS, was born on September 23, 1996, with only eight foreign students.

2005

A year of many firsts
We earn the first accreditation from Western Association of Schools and Colleges in Qingdao and Shandong, graduate our first class of six students, and become a founding member school of the Association of China and Mongolia International Schools.

2017

Moving with the times
Our school continues to grow and evolve, and moves to the Licang district. Our new campus allows us to have our very own, dedicated Early Childhood Center (ECC) founded on play, exploration and latest research.

2021

Birthday celebrations
At the end of our 25th anniversary, our school exceeds 400 high school graduates, and to date has embraced over 400 teachers and staff, over 2,300 students, and seen many more lives transformed. We also transfer our accreditation to Cognia, the largest education improvement organization in the world.

Average class size
12
Student nationalities
17
Teacher:Student
1:5
Average SAT® score
1,368
College destinations
200
Staff nationalities
14
illustration of curious students studying nature at international school of qingdao

In this section

From the inside out

Our qualities

There’s more to learning than gaining knowledge. To bring transformation from the inside out, we stay true to our values and invite everyone to join in.

World-class people

Staff

Receive the highest-quality education from world-class teachers using the latest and leading standards, practices and innovations.

Built for purpose

Campus

Our campus provides a nurturing environment for learning, a safe space for curiosity, and a close-knit community for growth.

Putting students first

Safety + well-being

We’re proud to be a safe and caring community with our own counselling team, support specialists, and on-site health office.

Recognized for excellence

Cognia logo

International School of Qingdao is accredited by Cognia, the largest education improvement organization in the world—demonstrating our commitment to learners, teachers, leaders and communities.

A special encounter

Book a personalized tour of International School of Qingdao and experience this life-changing community for yourself.

Visit us today…