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About Concordia

Our mission, established at our inception in 1998, has always been deeply rooted in our core principles. As the school has grown and flourished, our vision has transformed alongside it, reflecting our ongoing commitment to innovation and educational excellence.

Our Vision

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

Our Mission

At Concordia, we view every student as a gift from God, entrusted to us by parents, and are committed in faith-based 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.

 

At Concordia, we view every student as a unique gift.
We nurture the natural gifts of every student to help them achieve lifelong success in the future. 

IGNITE your gifts with a pool of possibilities

  • Wide range of possibilities for students to explore

  • Inclusive communities that celebrate all kinds of talents

GROW your gifts through a customized education

  • Personalized attention from faculty

  • Programs designed tailored to their passion

  • Highly qualified & experienced teaching staff and outside experts

GIVE your gifts opportunities to shine

  • Opportunities to shine in academics

  • Opportunities to shine in arts

  • Opportunities to shine in sports

  • Opportunities to shine in community and society

CHANNEL your gifts to a bright future

  • Guide students to develop character and values

  • Acceptance into best-fit university to continue the pursuit of their talents

CORE VALUES

Pursue excellence

We endeavor to assist students in achieving excellence in the areas where they demonstrate natural talent and passion.

HOlistic development

We not only value their natural gift, but also encourage students to explore various aspects: intellectually, spiritually, physically, emotionally, and socially. We believe well-rounded development is integral to success—not only in school but in life. 

Spirit-guided

Our education aims to cultivate values that enable students to become better individuals.

community-centric

“It takes a village to raise a child.” Concordia prides itself on its strong community. Together with staff, students, parents, and external partners, we foster a welcoming and respectful community where every student can grow in their preferred direction.

service-minded

We believe that individual growth should enhance the well-being of the wider community. Therefore, we actively seek opportunities to support and raise awareness about local and global issues, engaging both students and the broader community in meaningful service.

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.

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.

Sister School Agreement with ECNUAS
A sister school agreement with East China Normal University Affiliated Bilingual School (ECNUAS) was established. This partnership aims to foster mutual understanding and friendship, promoting cultural and educational exchanges between the two institutions.

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.

EDUCATIONAL CONNECTIONS AND ACCREDITATIONS

  • 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.