We Learn, We Love, We Lead

Since 1996, the International School of Qingdao has been a home for students from around the world, inspiring our students to go and make a life-changing difference for the common good. From welcoming our first eight students to becoming Qingdao’s first WASC-accredited school,  our school has continually evolved to meet the needs of a growing international community. Over the years, we have pioneered early childhood education, introduced a unified campus, all while maintaining the highest educational standards. Today, we are Cognia-accredited, ensuring a globally recognized, future-ready education. More than a place of study, International School of Qingdao is where students Learn, Love and Lead—preparing them for success in university and beyond. 

We Learn: A commitment to academic growth 

At International School of Qingdao, learning is an active, lifelong pursuit. Students are encouraged to think critically, ask questions and explore beyond textbooks. Our commitment to academic excellence is evident in these areas: 

From our youngest learners to high school students, MAP Growth scores consistently soar above the curve, showcasing the academic excellence we nurture at every stage. 

High school Advanced Placement (AP) program, where our students consistently outperform global and China-wide averages. Last year, students in AP Calculus BC, Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism, and Chinese Language & Culture achieved a perfect 5.0 average, reflecting the school’s dedication to high academic standards. 

For students mastering English, our English Language Support (ELS) program ensures that language is never a barrier to success. Over the past year, students in Elementary, Middle and High School saw an impressive increase in WIDA scores, far above global averages, proving the effectiveness of our structured language development program.  

We Love: A culture of compassion and connection 

Learning flourishes in a caring, inclusive environment. We foster a strong sense of belonging through its House System, service-learning projects, and student leadership roles. Whether through organizing the Global 6K for Water, mentoring younger students, or competing in Model United Nations (MUN), our students develop empathy, resilience and teamwork. 

We Lead: Developing future leaders 

Education is not just about receiving knowledge—it’s about using it to make a difference. Our mission extends beyond the classroom, preparing students to serve their communities and lead with integrity. Graduates have gone on to prestigious universities such as UC Berkeley, NYU, Cornell, University of Toronto, Seoul National University and more. Through a commitment to humility, persistence, and service, we equip students to be ethical leaders in an ever-changing world. 

As the International School of Qingdao continues to grow, so does our commitment to inspiring students to learn with curiosity, love with compassion and lead with courage. This is more than a motto—it is the foundation of everything we do.