Preparing global leaders

In an era of rapid globalization, international education is more than just academic excellence—it’s about preparing students to thrive in an interconnected world. Families seeking the best for their children understand that true success requires more than high test scores. It demands a foundation of strong character, resilience and the ability to navigate diverse cultural and intellectual landscapes. 

At the International School of Qingdao, we embrace this challenge through a well-rounded, future-focused approach. Our commitment to academic rigor, English language mastery and character development ensures that students graduate not just ready for university, but ready for life. 

Bridging language barriers for global success 

Mastering English is one of the most valuable skills in today’s world, yet for non-native speakers, it can be a challenge. At our school, proud to have the best English program in Qingdao, our English Language Support (ELS) program provides individualized instruction through push-in and pull-out support.  This past year, students in Elementary, Middle and High School saw an impressive increase in WIDA scores, demonstrating their rapid progress. One parent shared, “Looking at our children knowing only a few sentences in English when we arrived five years ago, and now seeing them fluent thanks to ISQ’s education and caring environment, is a joy for us.” 

Academic excellence: AP & SAT performance 

For families considering international schools, academic performance matters. Our Advanced Placement (AP) program provides students with university-level courses, allowing them to gain college credit before graduation. Our students consistently outperform global and China-wide averages, with AP Calculus BC and Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism students achieving a perfect 5.0. Additionally, our average SAT score of 1389 ranks among the top scores in China, reflecting our strong emphasis on critical thinking and university preparation. 

Character Education: more than just grades 

But education is about more than just grades—it’s about who students become. Our school-wide character development program, built around the LifePlus 9 Qualities for life, instills values such as persistence, humility, and service. These qualities are not just ideals but lived experiences, as students engage in leadership roles, service-learning trips and a supportive house system that fosters teamwork and belonging. 

At International School of Qingdao, we believe in education that transforms lives. We don’t just prepare students for exams—we prepare them to Learn, Love and Lead in a world that needs compassionate, capable leaders.