About us
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
Welcome to the International School of Qingdao! Being the first international school in this beautiful city and province of Shandong, we are proud to continue being a school where we develop servant leaders who learn, love and lead. We remain committed to teaching and providing many opportunities as we raise up leaders in every vocation of life. As part of LifePlus, we are globally recognized by Cognia® accreditation. In all we do–we strive for excellence and provide all 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 core values: LifePlus 9 Qualities. Our holistic well-being program, extensive extra-curricular activities, and strong partnerships with parents and families 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.
The International School of Qingdao will continue to serve and provide world-class education in this wonderful city. Our name and brand is known to the community as the best and most supportive international school in Qingdao. We look forward with anticipation of your arrival to our school.
Most sincerely,
Gabe Lee
Head of School
Our values
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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In this section
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.
Staff
Receive the highest-quality education from world-class teachers using the latest and leading standards, practices and innovations.
Campus
Our campus provides a nurturing environment for learning, a safe space for curiosity, and a close-knit community for growth.
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
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.