About Concordia

About

Mission Vision Core Values Educational Philosophy Schoolwide Learner Outcomes School History Accreditations and Affiliations

At Concordia Shanghai, academic excellence and holistic education belong together. We challenge students to grow as thinkers, leaders, and people of character, while caring for their intellectual, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual development.

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Mission

At Concordia, we view every student as a gift from God, entrusted to us by parents, and are committed in Christian stewardship to educate students holistically in a nurturing environment that includes comprehensive and challenging opportunities in academics, creative arts, spirituality, athletics, extra-curricular activities and service.

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Vision

Concordia Shanghai will be a preeminent international school in Asia empowered to carry out its mission.

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Core Values

Christian Stewardship
We live out our Christian faith in all we do—today, tomorrow, and forever.
Community Partnership
We partner with students and parents in a vibrant community built on trust, communication, and shared responsibility.
Holistic Education & High Expectations
We pursue academic excellence while supporting the intellectual, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual growth of every student.
Servant Leadership
We pursue academic excellence while supporting the intellectual, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual growth of every student.
Respect & Care
We treat all people with dignity, compassion, and respect.

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Educational Philosophy

At Concordia International School Shanghai we nurture and cultivate a collaborative and supportive learning environment, that empowers learners to become creative problem-solvers and compassionate global community members grounded in our commitment to holistic development and excellence.

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Schoolwide Learner Outcomes

We want our students to become:

Active Global Citizens

Individuals who value all work and life for the good of all things. We want students to care and take responsibility for the world and its resource and seek to understand and accept differing worldviews and attitude.

Principle-Centered Leaders and Team Members

People who work together to solve problems: who are flexible and honest in their work and understand the importance of integrity and shared responsibility.

Reflective Spiritual Beings

Individuals who know themselves and their own beliefs, demonstrating their values through their actions. We want students to serve others and be virtuous and respect all people, even if they express different beliefs or opinions.

Effective Communicators

Students who are capable of expressing themselves through written and spoken language, and are discerning readers and active listeners. We teach our students to be well-versed in technology but not depend on it, and we want them to use it responsibly.

Insightful Learners

The type of learners who ask questions and actively seek answers to those questions. Learners who observe, reflect and wonder, and who are not afraid to take risks, experiment and create as they learn.

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School History

In 1997, a group of forward-thinking individuals from the U.S., supported by multinational corporations, American expatriates, U.S. foreign-service personnel, and the People’s Republic of China, aimed to establish a new international school in Shanghai. They envisioned a collaborative educational environment grounded in shared values, focused on holistic development and nurturing responsible global citizens.

In 1998, educators from Hong Kong International School were sent to Pudong to realize this vision. In September of that year, Concordia International School Shanghai opened its doors, marking the start of a transformative journey for the community.

1998
2003
2007
2008
2009
2011
2015
2018
2023
2025

School Opened

Under the direction of Head of School Dr. Allan Schmidt, Concordia Shanghai opened its doors to 22 students and 14 staff members. This marked the beginning of a premier educational journey, setting a foundation for excellence in international education with a commitment to holistic development.

Phoenix Center Opened

The Phoenix Center, a versatile space with maker labs, a drama room, and a gym, opened to enhance student life. It hosts a variety of activities and events, including assemblies and community gatherings, fostering a vibrant school spirit and encouraging creative and physical development.

Rittmann Center for the Fine Arts Completed

Named after former Head of School Dr. David Rittmann, the Rittmann Center for the Fine Arts was completed in December and includes a 300-seat theater, music rehearsal rooms, studios for 2D/3D art and photography, and a gallery area. The intention of the learning space was to significantly enhance the school’s creative arts education.

Joined APAC

Concordia joined the Asia Pacific Activities Conference (APAC), expanding opportunities for student participation in regional athletic competitions and fine arts events. This membership provided a platform for students to engage in diverse activities, fostering both athletic and artistic excellence.

Hosted First National History Day China

Concordia hosted the inaugural National History Day China, promoting historical research and critical thinking. This event, brought to China by a former high school teacher, has encouraged students to explore historical topics in depth, develop research skills, and present their findings, fostering a passion for history and scholarship.

Outdoor Learning Spaces Completed

Outdoor Learning Spaces were developed to provide our elementary students with engaging environments for play-based education. These spaces support exploration and imagination, enriching the overall educational experience and encouraging students to connect with nature and one another.

FIFA-Certified Soccer Pitch Installed

A FIFA-certified soccer pitch was installed to elevate the school's athletic facilities to international standards. This pitch supports competitive sports and physical education, offering students a high-quality, safe venue for training and matches.

Celebrated Our 20th Anniversary

Concordia celebrated its 20th anniversary with a series of events and activities that reflected on two decades of excellence. This milestone, which brought in former faculty, administration, and alumni, highlighted the school's growth, achievements, and contributions to the educational community.

Celebrated Our 25th Anniversary

We celebrated its 25th anniversary in September of 2023, marking a quarter-century of excellence in education. Special events commemorated the school's history of high-quality academic programming, community building, and student achievements, celebrating a legacy of educational impact and growth.

The Rittmann Reimagined

In June 2025, Concordia began the full redevelopment of the Rittmann Center for the Arts and Activities. This exciting project will include a swimming pool, alongside modern spaces for music, art, and performance. The redevelopment honors the legacy of the original building while creating a modern, purpose-built space designed to inspire creativity, foster collaboration, and support student expression for years to come.

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Accreditations and Affiliations

EDUCATIONAL CONNECTIONS
SCHOOL BACKGROUND
WASC ACCREDITATION
NLSA ACCREDITATION

Concordia International School Shanghai proudly maintains foundational and ongoing relationships with its sister schools, Hong Kong International School and Concordia International School Hanoi. Founded in the tradition of LCMS schools, these unique partnerships foster professional collaboration and fellowship, offering unparalleled opportunities for shared growth and excellence among our schools.

Concordia International School Shanghai, established in 1998, is an international school for the children of expatriate personnel, approved by the Ministry of Education of China and the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission. It provides rigorous American education for students with foreign passports aged 3 to 18 in Shanghai. In China, Concordia International School Shanghai operates independently and has only one campus located in the Biyun neighborhood of Jinqiao, Pudong New Area, Shanghai. Our school is not affiliated with any other schools in China that go by the name "Concordia" or "Xiehe." Additionally, Concordia International School Shanghai is not a member of the "Alliance of Concordia International Schools in Asia" or the "Concordia Education Group China."

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) is the foremost accrediting agency for higher learning in the United States. WASC accreditation is a seven-year cycle; Concordia completed its third such accreditation in June 2022.

The National Lutheran School Accreditation Commission (NLSA) has been accrediting schools of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod since 1978. The NLSA encourages, assists and recognizes Christian founded schools that provide quality education and engage in continuous improvement.