School Spotlight: Concordia International School Shanghai

We’re proud to represent some of the very best international schools from around the world. In our School and Group Spotlight series, we’ll take an in-depth look at these schools, detailing their history, ethos, location and of course, benefits, to help you choose the school that best suits you.

Snapshot: Concordia International School Shanghai

Year founded: 1998
Day or boarding: Day
Segregation type: Co-Educational
Curriculum: United States of America, Advanced Placement, Common Core
Instructional language: English
Alternate instructional language: N/A
Start grade: Nursery
End grade: 12

About: Concordia International School Shanghai

Founded in 1998, Concordia International School Shanghai is a leading American-style, co-educational day school serving students from Preschool through High School. Located in the leafy, family-friendly neighborhood of Jinqiao in Pudong, Concordia is a mission-driven, not-for-profit institution that views every student as a unique gift from God. With an enrollment of nearly 1,200 students and a reputation for academic excellence, Concordia offers a holistic education that nurtures intellectual, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual growth.

Accredited by WASC and NLSA, and supported by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, Concordia provides a rigorous curriculum enriched by strong programs in the arts, athletics, service, and applied learning. The school’s purpose-built campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including the Phoenix Center, FIFA-certified soccer pitch, and the newly reimagined Rittmann Center for the Arts and Activities.

Educators at Concordia join a reflective, creative, and student-focused team committed to cultivating the gifts of every learner. With a strong sense of community and a deep commitment to Christian stewardship, Concordia offers a fulfilling and impactful teaching experience in one of Asia’s most dynamic cities.

Ethos: Concordia International School Shanghai

Concordia’s ethos is grounded in its mission to educate students holistically in a nurturing environment. The school’s core values, Pursue Excellence, Holistic Development, Spirit-Guided, Community-Centric, and Service-Minded, shape every aspect of the learning journey. At Concordia, students are empowered to ignite, grow, give, and channel their gifts toward a bright future.

High-quality teaching and learning are defined by personalised attention, collaborative inquiry, and a commitment to character development. Students are encouraged to explore their passions, challenge themselves academically, and engage meaningfully with the world around them. Emotional intelligence, self-mastery, and spiritual growth are woven into the curriculum, ensuring that learners are prepared not only for university but for life.

Teachers at Concordia are passionate Christian educators who model faith, integrity, and compassion. The school’s culture of relationships and connection fosters a sense of belonging, purpose, and joy – making Concordia a place where educators can truly live out their calling.

Facilities: Concordia International School Shanghai

Concordia’s campus in Jinqiao is purpose-built to support holistic development and environmental sustainability. Facilities include:

• Phoenix Centre: Maker labs, drama room, gym, and community spaces.
• Rittmann Centre for the Arts and Activities: 300-seat theater, music rehearsal rooms, art studios, and gallery.
• FIFA-certified soccer pitch: International-standard venue for training and matches.
• Outdoor learning spaces: Designed for play-based education and nature exploration.
• Green campus: Geothermal heating/cooling, rooftop horticultural education area, and energy-efficient systems.

The campus is organised to support all age groups, with dedicated buildings for Early Years, Elementary, Middle, and High School students. The redevelopment of the Rittmann Center in 2025 will add a swimming pool and modern creative spaces, further enhancing the school’s commitment to innovation and student expression.

Location: Concordia International School Shanghai

Concordia is located in Jinqiao, a green and modern neighborhood in Pudong, Shanghai. Known as “Green City,” Jinqiao offers tree-lined streets, international restaurants, supermarkets, and easy access to metro lines and ride-hailing services. Many teachers live within walking or biking distance of the school, enjoying a relaxed lifestyle in a vibrant expat community.

Shanghai itself is a city of contrasts. Pudong represents the sleek, modern face of China’s economic rise, while Puxi offers historic charm, cultural richness, and world-class dining in areas like the French Concession. Whether you prefer the suburban comfort of Jinqiao or the urban energy of downtown, Shanghai offers something for everyone.

Teachers at Concordia benefit from a supportive relocation experience, a strong community culture, and access to one of Asia’s most exciting cities. From concerts and galleries to parks and international cuisine, life in Shanghai is dynamic, rewarding, and full of opportunity.

Benefits: Concordia International School Shanghai

Number of Contract Days: Contracts are for a maximum of 192 working days. Typically between early August and mid-June with with weeklong holidays in the fall, spring and for Chinese New Year. Two to three weeks of holiday are typical for the Christmas holiday.

Starting Salary Range: Starting salary will be between BA+2years: 443,300 Chinese RMB. Advancing on salary scale due to an additional degree: Masters – 25,025 RMB & Doctorate – 39,325 RMB.

Taxes: School pays tax in China. Taxes from home country are the teacher’s responsibility.

Savings Potential: Dependent on life style but typical savings is approximately 50%.

Accommodation: Housing is provided by the school, typically within close proximity to the school. The school guarantees an unfurnished apt but in some cases the apartment may include some or all furnishings. A person may also take a housing stipend and find their own housing.

Flights/Transport: Each returning overseas hired expat employee and their contract listed dependents (up to three per family) are entitled to the equivalent of 100% of the cost of the lowest class economy round trip airfare between Shanghai and Chicago, IL, USA for the employee each summer.

Relocation Allowance: $5000 USD per employee; $2500 USD per dependent (up to 3).

Settle-In Allowance: Single: $2,000 USD; Teaching Couple: $2,500 USD; Each dependent: $250 USD (Up to 2).

Dependent Opportunities: Tuition is provided for up to two dependents for a single contract and three dependents for couples. Work opportunities for dependent spouses are limited, particularly if they do not have a degree.

Medical: Full world-wide medical is provided for salaried overseas employees, dependent spouse and children, if insurance is not available through another source. Full-time undergraduate dependents are eligible for medical insurance through the school for the first four years following high school graduation.

Dental: Dental insurance is provided as part of the medical insurance plan.

Disability: In the event of an extended absence due to a disability, Concordia provides disability coverage that begins after fourteen (14) consecutive days of a documented disability/illness and pays 70% of the base salary. Within the limits of the policy, short-term disability is available for 2 years. At that time application based upon the policy would need to be made to move into the school’s long-term disability program.

Other: Concordia will provide a term life insurance policy that will pay 12 months net salary upon the death of the covered employee. In certain circumstances, an employee may need to provide a medical questionnaire and the results of a recent physical to obtain the coverage. If an employee does not provide the requested information to the insurance company, they will be ineligible for this term life insurance benefit.

Retirement: 10% of salary paid in cash.

View vacancies at Concordia International School Shanghai and apply now.