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 Chengdu International School!
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Chengdu International School community. Founded in 1997, Chengdu International School is the oldest international school in Chengdu and all western China. Our vision is to see world-class servant leaders raised up in every vocation.
At Chengdu International School, we believe that education is more than the pursuit of knowledge; it is the shaping of character and the nurturing of thoughtful, responsible global citizens. We are truly an international school with teachers and students from many different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. We believe that this diversity is one of our strengths. Students at our school will be exposed to cultures, customs, and thought processes from around the world and will learn to understand the world from an international perspective. Our diverse community of staff and students creates a vibrant environment where connection, courage, curiosity, compassion, service, persistence, discernment, humility, and purpose are lived values, not just words on a wall.
We take pride in fostering a culture of critical thinking. Our curriculum emphasizes inquiry and the ability to apply knowledge across disciplines. Students are encouraged to analyze complex ideas, evaluate evidence, and articulate reasoned perspectives, skills that prepare them for success in advanced coursework and in a rapidly changing world. Through project-based learning and authentic assessments, our learners engage deeply with essential questions, develop intellectual curiosity, and gain the confidence to think independently and ethically about real-world issues.
Equally important is our commitment to caring for every student. Each learner is known, valued, and supported. Our teachers and staff work in partnership with families to ensure that each learner feels safe, inspired, and empowered to reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally. As an international school, we understand that transition is difficult for students. Therefore, we provide training for our teachers and space for our students to process transitions and grow as they navigate the challenges they are facing. Students and staff will speak English throughout the day other than foreign language classes so that students from all language groups will be able to communicate and grow as a community.
As you explore our website, I invite you to discover the many ways the Chengdu International School community lives out its mission to enable transformation in every learner’s life.
Sincerely,
Grace Hale
Head of School
Our values
Conviction
Our school is most successful when we all work as a team! Our collaborative approach to education intentionally gives parents, staff, and students a voice in the education process. Our 2024 theme, You Belong, is here to remind each member of the Chengdu International School community that they are welcomed and valued—not only in the school building but in each other’s lives.
Service
Students at Chengdu International School use their learning to serve others in impactful ways. Whether it’s helping out around campus, participating in local service projects, or volunteering at local organizations, our students apply their knowledge and skills to real-world challenges. All of our people—students and staff alike–develop a sense of purpose and responsibility and learn to make a positive difference in their communities.
Transformation
There’s more to learning than gaining knowledge. Learning stretches who we are, challenges us, and offers us a fuller life. At Chengdu, we center our focus on nurturing students’ overall development through a holistic approach to education. We help students grow not just academically, but also socially, emotionally, and physically, by providing opportunities for them to explore their interests, develop their talents, and build their self-confidence.
Impact
Learning gives us the knowledge and skills to get out of our comfort zone and contribute something of worth. Each of our students has their own distinctive talents and skills they can use to impact the world around them. Our courses develop and celebrate leadership qualities in our students through critical and creative thinking, while highlighting the traits that make each student unique. Our program prepares students to be global citizens; with many of them going on to world-class universities and successful careers around the world.
A brief history
Small beginnings
The very first international school in Chengdu, we started in 1997 with just 18 students and four full-time teachers. Within three years we’d grown to 72 students and had expanded our secondary program to include Grades 7–10.
Moving with the times
Our growth continued, and we moved to the Jinguan Xincheng School. This was our first opportunity to offer Pre K-12 programs. Three years later, we were on the move again, relocating to the Zhonghai International Community campus.
Recognized for excellence
We became the first international school in western China to receive
accreditation by the US-based Western Association of Schools and Colleges. We were also the first school to be certified to teach foreign students by the Ministry of Education, and shortly after were accredited by China’s National Center for School Curriculum and Textbook Development.
Rooted in the city
We outgrew our facilities yet again, and relocated to Tonggui Road in Jinjiang district for five years. In 2018 we moved closer to the bustling heart of the city of Chengdu, settling into our current campus located on Shuinianhe Nanlu.
Your next step
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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 was built to enhance learning. Every detail is intended to foster growth while maintaining a safe and secure learning environment.
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.
A special encounter
Book a personalized tour of Chengdu International School and experience this life-changing community for yourself.