ISNS was founded in 2002 through the foresight and partnership among the Government of Canada, the Province of New Brunswick, and Canada AKD International Education Inc. We are the first school in Shenzhen to offer a Full-Continuum IB Program. ISNS currently has nearly 800 students. It is one of the best schools among international schools purely for foreign students in Shenzhen.

The International School of Nanshan Shenzhen is also an IB World School offering Primary Years Programme (PYP) / Middle Years Programme (MYP) / Diploma Programme (DP). ISNS is accredited by the New Brunswick Department of Education in Canada, offering to its students an internationally recognized Canadian diploma. ISNS is also accredited as a Candidate School by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is a member of the Council of International Schools (CIS). As well as being accredited, ISNS is also affiliated with the ACAMIS (Association of China and Mongolia International Schools) and EARCOS (The East Asia Council of Schools) organizations. Additionally, ISNS is an examining site for SAT and Cambridge English Suite.

ISNS is the caring and innovative, IB Continuum school for internationally-minded families. Through our holistic approach to learning, we use a balance of warmth and rigor as we cultivate our students’ curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence. Our students succeed and thrive in top universities and become well-rounded global citizens. This is concisely embodied into our seven brand attributes: • Progressive IB Continuum • Hands-on Holistic Learning • Caring Attention • Balance of warmth and rigor • Dedicated faculty and staff • Cultivating Confidence • Well-Rounded Global Citizens

Students can proceed directly to the next grade level in the following school year after passing their overall assessments.

The inquiry approach to teaching and learning at ISNS stimulates students' participation and curiosity. Students learn in a cooperative manner. They build valuable skills as they play various roles in groups, resolve conflicts, and actively listen to the views of others. Teaching at ISNS focuses on cultivating skills and gives students the power to lead their own learning. Teachers differentiate instruction for students in accordance with their aptitude and to meet the individual needs of students. The goal of the ISNS academic program is to cultivate global citizens who are caring and contribute to the world.

The IB Programme is not based on the teaching and learning framework of any one country in the world but is a system of its own. It is based on solid educational research and utilizes the strengths of many contemporary mainstream education practices found in developed countries. The IB framework is compatible with mainstream education curricular systems in countries around the world, but also has its own uniqueness in that it goes further by developing life skills in addition to academic skills. It has been verified, according to who? that the International Baccalaureate is superior to other frameworks and curricular systems in preparing students for university and life beyond.

ISNS utilizes the internationally recognized IB Programmes and Canadian curriculum standards. Graduates can get an International Baccalaureate Diploma and a Canadian High School Diploma. ISNS is a Full-Continuum IB School offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). Within the framework of the IB Programmes, the school offers language acquisition and literature, hummanities, mathematics, sciences, arts, and other subjects that are delivered as is appropriate to the different ages of the students. The Mandarin program includes the syllabus requirements of the Chinese national curriculum delivered through four Mandarin lessons per week.

The class of 2021 achieved a 100% pass rate and an amazing average of 39.38, well above the global average of 33.02. The class of 2021 achieved a top score of 44 out of a maximum 45 possible points. Three of our graduates scored an incredible 43 or higher. ISNS students beat the world average in 27 out of 29 subjects. We also had four students receive an A for their Extended Essay, along with four students receiving an A for their Theory of Knowledge (TOK) subject. Our graduates have been accepted to top universities around the world. Over the years, Canada has been a popular destination for our graduates, followed by the United States, the UK and Hong Kong. Some of the university acceptances include top design institutes such as Rhode Island School of Design and Parsons School of Design. ISNS student have also been accepted to G5 universities such as University College London and The London School of Economics and Political Science in the UK.

The school has more than 200 faculty and staff. The foreign teachers are mainly from Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. The school aims to have a diverse faculty from around the world. The teacher-student ratio is approximately 1:7. The teaching team all have a bachelor's degree or above as well as teaching certificates in their fields and have undergone IB training. More than 58% of them have a master's degree. Mr. David Swanson is the Head of School at ISNS, overseeing all academic programs. Mr. Swanson is originally from the United States and has worked in the education industry for more than 20 years, eleven of which have been as a school leader or administrator. He has a bachelor's degree in chemistry, a master's degree in theology, a master's degree in curriculum and teaching, and a postgraduate certificate in international school leadership. He also is a certified science teacher and principal. Before ISNS, David has worked in international schools in Egypt, Thailand, South Korea, Jordan, and Vietnam.

Yes, ISNS provides an optional bus service to major locations in Nanshan, Futian, Bao'an and Luohu. We currently offer thirteen school bus routes. You may visit our website for more Bus Route information.

ISNS does not provide accommodation for student on campus.

ISNS consists of a main teaching building, a separate kindergarten building and faculty residence building. Our school campus has an auditorium that can accommodate 300 people, a VR lab, Design workshops, multiple science laboratories, indoor and outdoor sports fields, and two independent libraries, as well as theater, performance and chorus rehearsal rooms, visual art classrooms, a photography darkroom, and an art gallery for showing students’ works. All classrooms have wireless internet connection and are equipped with interactive technology resources. ISNS strives to ensure that our students have cutting-edge technologies to support learning on campus. Students in K3 to Grade 3 have iPads for use in the classroom. Students in Grades 4 and 5 have one-to-one access to Macbooks in the classroom. Each student in Grade 6 and 7 will be proved with an Apple laptop to use during school and at home.

ISNS moved to its new campus on the south side of Tanglang Mountain in 2016. Our address is 11, Longyuan Road, Taoyuan Sub- District, Nanshan District, Shenzhen. Its land was allocated by the government but the buildings were constructed by ISNS. It covers an area of 15,000 square meters and has a very advantageous geographical location. It is currently the only international school purely for foreign students in the Xili area.

For new students for the 2022-2023 academic year: Application fee (non-refundable): RMB 2500 Registration fee: RMB 50,000 • K3-K5: RMB 209,000 per year • G1-G5: RMB 219,000 per year • G6-G10: RMB 239,000 per year • G11-G12: RMB 249,000 per year We offer an early bird discount and sibling discount for our new students. For terms and conditions, please contact the ISNS Admissions team.

ISNS has different qualifications and key skillset requirements for different grades. If you were not successfully with your application, you can re-apply after six months.

Early Years K3-G1: face-to-face interview and group screening. Primary Years G2-G5: math test, reading test, writing sample. Middle and High School Years: math test, reading test, language application test, writing sample.

Enrollment slots are limited for some grade levels. You will need to contact Admissions Office for more information. Enrollment is available throughout the year but students who enter at the start of the academic year will find the transition to be a smoother one.

There are no more than 18 student in K3, K4 and K5 classes (for three to five year olds). The limit is 20 students in Grade 1 classes and 24 students in each class from Grade 2 into the upper grades.

Enrollment is offered to students from three years old through high school.

Applicants need to hold foreign passports or an ID from Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan.

An online application submitted via OpenApply accessible through the school website must be received before the enrollment process starts. ISNS requires the applicant to provide academic transcripts, recommendation letters,foreign or Hong Kong/Macao/Taiwan identity-related documentation. The Admissions team will contact the applicant’s parents once the application is received and approved. We require interviews for all grade levels of applicants and assessments from Grade 2 and above.

Parents can visit and learn about the school through the school’s open day events. We will release the dates and information regarding upcoming open days through our WeChat account and the official website of ISNS (www.isnsz.com). Parents can also make an appointment for a one-on-one visit to campus. You are welcome to call the ISNS Admissions Office at (0755) 2666 1000.

Different grades have different requirements. The school will equip students with electronic devices for learning in the classroom in K3 through Grade 7. Students in Grade 8 and above are required to bring their own Apple MacBook for use in the classroom. All devices are to be used for the purpose of learning only. The use of electronic equipment will be controlled and monitored. ISNS works to help students develop self-management skills while using their devices.

ISNS offers a lunch program each day at ISNS. Our lunches are healthy and nutritious. Sodexo is the school's catering company and provides all food services on campus. In order to purchase lunch, students are required to top-up their 'smart' ID cards with funds at the Aspretto Café or through the online bank transfer system. Please contact the Admissions Office for more details. Lunches cost approximately 39 CNY per meal. Students are also welcome to bring their lunch from home each morning.

The school has set up a scholarship system, which is divided into two categories. The first category is for current students. Students can apply for regular scholarships and full-ride scholarships according to the requirements of different grades. The second category is for newly applying students, who can apply for full scholarships with their admissions application. Prospective students entering Grade 9 or above can apply for these full-ride scholarships. The detailed application information and application materials to be submitted for scholarships will be announced at the end of the first semester of each academic year. Please pay attention to ISNS WeChat official accounts and the school official website for more information.

ISNS offers more than 50 after-school activities every semester. The after-school activities program covers various hobbies, social services, financial and business courses, English debate, science, programming, drones, chorus, band, Chinese ensemble, art club, yearbook club, football, volleyball, rugby, basketball, yoga for children, etc.